Best Dog Shoes
We tested dog boots and shoes for water, heat, and cold resistance and let our favorite dog volunteers take them for a stroll
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.
Giving dogs the best of everything is big business. There are luxurious dog beds that lull them to sleep, automatic ball throwers that keep them on their toes, and even diamond-encrusted dog collars that make them look like royalty. Some pet owners spare no expense to ensure their pooches are healthy, comfortable, and fashionable. Although some have been outfitting their pups in holiday sweaters and raincoats for years, it’s not every day you spot a pooch wearing shoes—but don’t be surprised if that changes.
Your Guide to the Best Pet Products
Our Pup Volunteers
Five pups stepped up for the challenge of wearing five pairs of dog shoes and giving us their honest feedback. Dogs are bad liars and will let you know if they want shoes off their paws ASAP. Our volunteers were Seven, a 20-pound Boston terrier; Nova, a 55-pound Husky; Smudge, a 45-pound Australian shepherd; Xena, a 58-pound Goldendoodle; and Blake, a 45-pound Labradoodle. None of them had worn dog shoes before, so take this into account: It can take time to train a dog to wear shoes and enjoy the experience.
How Each Pair of Dog Shoes Fared
Four CR volunteers and their dogs put them to the test, both inside their homes and on pavement—including in the rain. We also assessed how well each pair repelled water and how well insulated the shoes and boots were against hot and cold surfaces. Here’s what we discovered about each pair of shoes.
Hands down, the PawZ Rubber Dog Boots proved the best option for repelling water and mud. After being submerged in water, they dried completely in less than one hour, and mud and dirt washed off them with little more than cold or warm water. But we’re the first to admit they aren’t like any other pair of shoes we encountered.
Ease of use: For one thing, they look and feel more like balloons. When the rubber boots first arrived in a pack of 12 reusable and/or disposable boots and I realized how small the opening holes were, I thought: How on earth am I going to get these on my dog’s paws? It was a struggle for me to stretch the boots enough for them to fit over Blake’s paws, and it took several tries. Once they were on, they were on; I didn’t have any fear about them coming loose while Blake walked and ran. Our other evaluators had similar experiences and reported there’s a learning curve in knowing how to put these on and take them off. “These take more energy to put on because they have a tight, elastic lip,” said Justin Stewart, CR’s senior test project manager and owner of Seven. “Once on, they are very comfortable.” CR’s Sam Stuber said she needed the help of another person when putting the PawZ boots on her dog Xena: “One to stretch the shoe opening and the other to guide her feet in the shoe. Once they were on, I worried they were too tight on her also.”
With that said, most of our dogs didn’t want to take the boots off. (While wearing some of the other shoes and boots, Blake would bite at them to try to remove them.) They were easier to remove than to put on. “It was easiest to tug these off from the toe, but because of the stretch, it pulled on the dog and made a snap that surprised the dog,” Theresa McDermott, CR’s business system analyst, said about her experience taking the Pawz Rubber Dog Boots off of her two dogs, Nova and Smudge.
According to PawZ, these boots can be worn on a number of surfaces, including hot pavement and ice and snow, to protect against lawn and ice-melter chemicals. We weren’t able to evaluate these in snow, and they lack traditional grip and traction grooves on their soles, but none of the evaluators had issues with their dogs slipping and sliding on surfaces. “If I wasn’t afraid that it was a choking hazard, these would be the perfect shoes to have the dogs wear in and out of the house all day,” McDermott said. “We have a dog door, so they come and go as they please, but rainy/muddy days require a lot of cleanup. These could definitely help with that. They also made squishy noises when wearing, which might annoy someone. It would be nicer if they came up higher for protection against deeper puddles or splashing. Both dogs loved these.” McDermott added that PawZ washed easily.
Hot and cold test: When we evaluated them for heat resistance by placing the booties on a 128° F skillet for 5 minutes, the temperature inside of these shoes heated all the way up to 143° F. Then when we did a similar experiment but placed the booties on ice for 5 minutes, their internal temperature registered between 49° F and 36° F. While these booties are great for repelling water and dirt or mud, they’re not the best choice if you’re searching for a pair that will keep your dog’s paws comfortable in extreme heat or cold.
Sizing: Identifying the perfect size can be challenging. For the best fit, the brand recommends measuring your dog’s paws from the bottom of the rear heel pad to the tip of the longest toe nail. If their paws are in between sizes, it’s best to size up (the boots tend to run small). They come in seven sizes and three to four color options, depending on the size you order.
Blake disliked nearly every pair of dog shoes I tried on him except for the Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots. Perhaps because they’re lengthier than the other shoes, with a soft interior and exterior, they looked—and Blake indicated that they felt—comfortable. With every other pair of shoes, he pranced around like a reindeer, but he took to these faster than the rest.
Ease of use: They come in a pack of four in a lovely zippered case, and the boot shell is made from a blend of polyester and spandex with a rubberized grip sole. That little addition of spandex makes it easier to get these on and off your dog. They feature adjustable fabric fasteners with a reflective strip on them and an additional adjustable toggle at the top that I found to be a game changer because it helped keep these boots snug and secure.
Our evaluators had mixed reactions when it came to the fit and how easy they were to clean. “The Husky loves snow and wouldn’t need these but also found them uncomfortable, and they just wouldn’t stay on her,” McDermott said. “Velcro was hard to clean; [the] red-colored pair got stained by mud. Smudge didn’t mind wearing them but they slipped off so quickly.” For cleaning, Canada Pooch recommends spot-cleaning or machine-washing the boots inside out on a gentle cycle using cold water and then hanging them to dry.
Stuber had a similar experience with fit. “I think these would be great for the snow, but they lacked as much grip on the bottom as some other shoes had,” she said. “This led to my dog’s shoe falling off in the mud when she was running. Also, the Velcro got stuck in her fur.”
Sizing: Canada Pooch offers six boot sizes, and a sizing chart. But some questions remain unanswered, such as how you properly size the boots if your dog’s front paws are smaller than their back paws. (That was my challenge with Blake, the Labradoodle, whose back paws resemble Bigfoot’s.) They come in four colors.
Water-resistance test: When I submerged the foot of the boot in water, similar to how a dog might step into a puddle, the interior of the shoe remained completely dry and felt warm and insulated. But when I submerged the full boot in water, getting the inside wet as well, we found that the interior didn’t dry completely until the next day. This could be problematic if you plan to take your dog out for multiple walks on the same day in these boots.
Heat and cold test: In our heat-resistance experiment, the inside of these boots reached temperatures between 127° F and 130° F when placed on a hot skillet. They fared much better than the PawZ Rubber Dog Boots when placed on ice, reaching interior temperatures between 72° F and 56° F. They aren’t the most insulating boots, but they also aren’t the least insulating on our list.
The first thing you’ll probably notice about Wagwear WagWellies is that they’re absurdly cute and resemble a pair of Crocs, giving you the perfect excuse to twin with your pup. (Note: These aren’t affiliated with Crocs for people.) But given their whimsical design, you might not expect them to be the best among the five we evaluated when it comes to their ability to insulate against heat and cold.
Heat and cold test: When we tested the temperature of the inside of these rubber shoes against a 128° F skillet, they heated up between 86° F and 93° F, making them the pair that stayed the coolest when placed on a very hot surface. When placed on ice, their internal temperature stayed consistent and comfortable at between 74° F and 68° F, which was on a par with every other shoe we evaluated except the PawZ Rubber Dog Boots (the worst insulators) and Canadian Pooch, which had an internal temperature that was 12° F cooler on an icy surface.
Water-resistance test: Wagwear WagWellies Mojave shoes aren’t your best choice in the rain or in mud, given the perforated holes on the top. (To be fair, the manufacturer is clear that these shoes are intended for hot and dry weather and that the holes are there to provide cooling ventilation. The good news is if you want a pair that withstands rain, they also come in a design that doesn’t have holes). When I submerged them in water, the entire shoe, including the interior, got wet because of those holes, which wasn’t a surprise. But they dried in less than one hour, and cleaning them with soapy water and a dry rag was a cinch, though McDermott said she needed to use a scrub brush to remove grass stains from her WagWellies.
Ease of use: All of our evaluators reported a mostly easy time getting these shoes on and off their dogs’ feet. But those of us with dogs who have longer, shaggier fur and hair also reported the fabric fastener getting tangled in their fur. They have one very long adjustable strap at the top, and once we figured out how to secure them properly, they stayed on. They come in nine sizes (check the company’s sizing guide) and seven mostly bright colors.
Are they the most practical shoes, though? Our evaluators had mixed feelings. “These seem good if hot pavement is the main risk. I would recommend them for that but not for rain or mud,” Stewart said. Stuber said that the shoes were fun and she got many compliments on them but that she would use them as a summertime option on hot pavement when walking Xena and not in the rain.
The CovertSafe Dog Boots are the ones that most resemble traditional sneakers, with their fabric exterior, soft fabric interior, and rubber sole, which features grips and traction. (The manufacturer says the soles are nonslip.)
Ease of use: They come in a pack with two pairs and are designed with two adjustable reflective fabric fasteners at the top to secure them to your pup’s paws. There are two reasons we’re featuring these shoes and not the similarly designed QUMY Dog Shoes: They come up a bit higher for more protection and they have slightly larger openings that make it easier to put them on and take them off while also helping the insides dry a little faster if they get wet. Otherwise, the CovertSafe and QUMY shoes are nearly identical.
Water-resistance test: When I dipped just the underside of this shoe in water, it remained completely dry on the inside of the shoe. But when I submerged it in water, the inside got soaked and it took about 24 hours for the shoe to dry completely.
Heat and cold test: After spending 5 minutes on top of a hot skillet that measured 128° F, this shoe’s interior temperature became as high as 106° F—the second highest after the PawZ Rubber Dog Boots and something to consider if you want your dog to wear these on hot pavement. They fared better on ice and maintained a consistent internal temperature of between 67° F and 68° F, which was on a par with the Wagwear WagWellies Mojave.
But what did our dogs think of these shoes?
Blake didn’t like them. In fact, he repeatedly tried to bite both these and the QUMY Dog Shoes off his paws. The shoes fell off after a few minutes. Our evaluators said it was very important to secure these tight at the top or they could fall off, especially when your dog is running. They were fairly easy to put on and take off. Stewart was our only evaluator who said he would purchase these because they would be good for hot or muddy places.
The CovertSafe Dog Boots come in eight sizes and four colors, and should only be hand-washed.
Another Dog Shoe We Evaluated
In addition to our top four dog shoe picks, we evaluated a popular shoe by the brand QUMY.
Ease of use: With their fabric exterior and interior, rubber sole with grips, and double adjustable fabric fasteners with reflective strips, the QUMY Dog Shoes are so similar to the CovertSafe Dog Shoes that it’s hard to differentiate between them. In the end, the QUMY proved slightly more difficult to get on and off (they have a slightly narrower opening) and they sat a little lower on our dogs’ legs. Their water, heat, and cold resistance were very similar to the CovertSafe, though.
Water-resistance test: When just the sole was dipped into water, the interior of the shoe stayed dry. When submerged in water, however, the interior became soaked, and it took longer than 24 hours for the exterior and interior to dry fully.
Heat and cold test: When placed on a hot skillet that measured 128° F for our temperature evaluation, the inside of these shoes reached temperatures of between 95° F and 105° F. Placed on ice, the inside of the shoe maintained a consistent 64° F, slightly less warm and insulated than the CovertSafe Dog Shoes but not as warm as the WagWellies.
These were the first shoes that Blake tried. He looked uncomfortable when he walked, though to be fair, every new product we introduce to our dogs could require a learning curve. He immediately attempted to bite them off.
Fit: These shoes, which come in a pack with two pairs, have proper left and right size fitting; the direction in which the straps close indicates which foot they belong on. But McDermott said this added to the difficulty of putting them on. “I also didn’t like having buckles to deal with and two Velcros,” she said. “Loved that it came with instructions though.” They come in eight sizes and six colors. Stewart also reported having some trouble fitting these on. “For Seven, the paw part was a good width but the wrist part was a bit wide, so getting it tight enough to be secure was challenging.” And Stuber also cautioned dog owners to make sure they tighten the straps on these shoes. “The first time using them,” she said, “I didn’t tighten them enough so they slipped off.”
Safety and Health Issues to Consider When Buying Dog Shoes
Dogs don’t need shoes to live safe, happy lives. But if you want to provide them with an extra layer of comfort and protection against the elements, it’s important to keep a few safety and health considerations in mind, according to Lisa Lippmann, DVM. When it comes to shoe sizes, make sure you measure your dog’s paws accurately to get the right fit. “Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those too loose may fall off easily,” she says. “Look for shoes made from breathable and durable materials like neoprene or rubber. They should offer protection without causing overheating.” Lippmann also recommends shoes with sturdy, nonslip soles to provide traction and protect your dog’s paws from rough terrain or hot surfaces. Choosing shoes with secure closures, such as straps or fabric fasteners, helps keep them in place during activity, and it’s good practice to consider your dog’s comfort level by choosing shoes that are lightweight and flexible, allowing natural movement.
Another factor that Lippmann says is important to consider is how well shoes repel water. A representative from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) says a primary safety concern is that some are marketed as waterproof when, in fact, water can infiltrate the shoes. When the moisture comes in contact with the dog’s paws during frigid temperatures, they pose the risk of frostbite, which requires immediate veterinary intervention.
If you’re introducing dog shoes to your pup for the first time, remember that they might not take to them right away. The CPS recommends gradually introducing dogs to the new shoes, making it a fun, positive experience and providing lots of positive reinforcement. In some cases, your dog may simply not acclimate to them, and in those instances, it’s important not to force their use or punish the animal.
How We Evaluated Dog Shoes
CR conducted four evaluations on five pairs of popular dog shoes. Four CR employees tried all of the shoes on their five dogs and evaluated how easy they were to put on and take off, how their dogs responded to the shoes (including how long they kept them on before trying to take them off), how well the shoes handled walks and where applicable, rain, mud, and grass; and how easy they were to clean. The dogs wore each shoe brand for one week before moving on to try the next. We also conducted experiments to assess each shoe’s ability to repel water and resist extremely hot and cold surfaces, similar to what dogs may encounter on scorching hot days and in snow and ice.
To evaluate how well the shoes repelled water, we dipped the sole of each shoe in a shallow bowl of water to duplicate how a dog might walk on wet streets and shallow puddles. We assessed whether the inside of the shoe became wet or stayed dry. We then submerged each shoe in water to duplicate how a dog’s paws and legs could become soaked in deeper puddles. We assessed the inside of the shoe for wetness and then recorded the time it took for each shoe’s exterior and interior surfaces to dry completely.
To evaluate the shoes’ ability to resist heat, we first placed each shoe on a tiled floor and recorded its baseline interior temperature using a thermocouple thermometer. Then we heated a skillet in an oven until it measured 128° F. This temperature was chosen based on an assessment by the American Kennel Club that when the air temperature is 86° F, the asphalt temperature registers 135° F. A slightly lower skillet temperature was chosen to better represent the average July temperature in the U.S., which was 75.7° F in 2024. The skillet was removed from the oven when it reached 128° F, placed on a heat-resistant cloth on a counter, and its temperature was again tested using a thermocouple thermometer. We placed one shoe in the hot skillet with the thermocouple inserted into it to record its temperature. We kept the shoe in the skillet for 5 minutes and recorded its lowest and highest temperatures. We then removed the shoe, placed the skillet back in the heated oven until it registered 128° F, removed the skillet from the oven, and performed the same exact assessment with each remaining shoe.
To evaluate how well-insulated each shoe remained when placed on an extremely cold surface, we filled a large bowl with crushed ice and recorded the temperature with a thermocouple thermometer (it registered 32° F). We placed each shoe, one by one, on the icy surface and inserted the thermocouple thermometer into the interior portion of the shoe. We kept the shoe on ice for 5 minutes and recorded the lowest and highest temperatures.
