Best Dog Boots of 2026

There are many reasons why dogs may need to wear boots, such as protecting their feet from sharp objects, hot pavement, rough terrain, or snow. Over the course of thru-hiking 7,500 miles with our dogs on trails like the Continental Divide Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and Idaho Centennial Trail, we have experienced firsthand how even the toughest of dogs may require boots in certain situations. This has led to a passion for finding the best dog boots.  

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on August TK, 2026, to ensure prices and product specs are accurate and to confirm we still stand behind the picks on our list.

How We Test Dog Boots

Over the years, we have tested 20 different foot care solutions for fit, durability, traction, breathability, protection, and ease of use. As mentioned above, the testing has included hiking thousands of miles on some of the country’s most popular and tough trails.

We evaluated dog boots from popular brands like Wagwear, Ruffwear, Kurgo, and Non-Stop Dogwear. And since our pups mean so much to us, we were extra thorough throughout this testing.

When heading out into the backcountry on a longer trip, a dog backpack may also come in handy for helping transport your pup’s gear. For those who are just getting started in the backcountry with your dog, check out our tips for hiking and backpacking with dogs and our guide to hiking with dogs in winter.

Quick Picks for Dog Boots

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

1. Best Dog Boots Overall: Wagwear Wagwellies Mojave (4 for $55)

2. Best Dog Boots for Foot Protection: Muttluks All Weather (4 for $76)

3. Best Hiking-Specific Dog Boot: Ruffwear Grip Trex (2 for $50)

4. Best Mushing-Style Dog Boot: Non-Stop Dogwear Protector Bootie (4 for $37)

5. Best Dog Boot for Traction: Kurgo Blaze (2 for $35)

6. Most Dew Claw-Friendly Boot: Clawgs V3 (2 for $55)

7. Best Budget Buy: Dog Booties 1000 Denier Cordura ($3.70 per bootie)

8. Best Boot for Ease of Use: Non-Stop Dogwear Long Distance Bootie (4 for $15)

9. Most Affordable Rubber Boot: Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes (4 for $25)

10. Best Small Dog-Specific Shoes: Qumy Dog Shoes for Small Dogs (4 for $23)

11. Best Alternative to Boots:  Musher’s Secret ($16)

Analysis & Results

We rank dog boots on six metrics: fit, durability, traction, breathability, protection, and ease of use. Our comparative results below outline the top performers.

Which dog boots provide the most value?

With a wide range of prices, it can be challenging to determine which pair of boots offers the best bang for the buck. However, when performance is directly compared with cost, we can evaluate which boot offers the most value.

Some standouts from our tests include the Wagwear Wagwellie Mojave and Non-Stop Dogwear Protector boots. As one of our top-performing dog boots with an average price tag, the Wagwellies bring a lot to the table. They are incredibly durable, which also means that they will last a long time before being replaced. Likewise, the Protector boots have a below-average price tag and combine many of the good qualities of rubber-soled and mushing-style boots. 

Which dog boots have the best fit?

After testing for fit, we found that the three mushing boots in our lineup provided the best fit for the most dogs. The lightweight fabric and loose fit rarely interfere with the foot or cause rubbing, which is how sled dogs can run in them for miles at a time. The exception is the dew claw, which may still experience rubbing depending on the dog. We ranked the Dog Booties 1000 Denier Cordura and Non-Stop DogWear Protector boots in first place. The Non-Stop Dogwear Long Distance boots came in second due to sizing issues. 

Other factors we strongly considered were the number of straps. For this reason, and for the better fit for dogs with dew claws, the Clawgs V3 are another top contender. There are six adjustment points to help achieve the best fit, and they are among the only boots we have never had a problem with rubbing near the dew claws. That said, it is important to buy the proper size and follow the instructions closely when putting them on to avoid sores elsewhere.

Which dog boots are the most durable?

Rubber is much more durable than fabric, so the most durable boots tend to be made of more rubber. With that in mind, the Wagwear Wagwellies Mojave and the Ruffwear Grip Trex are our top picks for durability. Because the Wagwellies are made entirely of rubber, except for the attachment strap, they have incredible durability and will last for many miles on the trail. After using these boots in Arizona, we couldn’t find any signs of wear. We have used the Grip Trex boots on several thru-hikes and have found they last around 200 to 300 miles before wearing out. The front toe, just above the rubber, is where they wear out first.

Which dog boots have the most traction?

Traction is also well correlated with the materials and style of the boot. When we placed each boot on our traction device, we found that the Ruffwear Grip Trex and Kurgo Blaze boots both had very good traction. They were able to remain still on a rock while being slowly raised to a steep angle. On the trail, our tester dogs did not have any issues slipping even on packed snow.

Which dog boots have the best breathability?

Reducing moisture is important for lowering the chances of rubbing caused by sores. With that in mind, the Wagwear Wagwellies Mojave and Clawgs V3 dry very fast due to their all-rubber designs. They both also have open designs to allow for airflow, which helps to prevent sweat from the feet from just sitting on the rubber. The Dog Booties 1000 Denier Cordura boots also dried incredibly fast, with the uppers completely dry in 10 to 20 minutes. 

Which dog boots offer the best protection?

One huge benefit of using dog boots is that they can protect the dog’s feet from sharp or harmful objects. For this reason, we compared how well each boot protects the feet from several different objects. The Muttluks All Weather boots came in at the top of our list, with the Wagwear Wagwellies Mojave not too far behind.

The Muttlucks showed no signs of damage from the key or razor and resisted all the puncture holes we tried to make. The Wagwellies had a similar performance in comparison testing. However, we knocked a few points off due to the open design. The holes on the outside mean that a dog could potentially poke their feet on a stick through one of those holes. This happened once during testing.

Which dog boots are the easiest to use?

Boots with a simpler, more minimalistic design tend to be easier to put on and take off. Mushing boots, with their tube-like shape and Velcro closure, are often the easiest to deal with. During our comparison test, the Non-Stop Dogwear Long Distance boots were the fastest to put on our tester boot, coming in at 11.44 seconds. The Dog Booties 1000 Denier Cordura boots took 12.49 seconds per boot, and the Non-Stop Dogwear Protector boots took 12.96 seconds per boot. In the field, we noticed this time difference, particularly with a wiggly puppy who is not used to wearing boots and who did not like having them put on at first. 

One big surprise for this category was the Clawgs V3. With all of the straps and adjustment points, they can be quite difficult to use at first. We expected them to rank at the bottom of the list. However, once you adjust the straps to the desired length and spend some time practicing putting them on and taking them off, they are not too difficult to use. They ended up ranking in the middle of the models we tested.

How to Choose a Dog Boot

What is a good price to spend on dog boots?

When looking at boots, it’s important to check whether the price is for one, two, four, or more boots. Some boots — usually simple designs — are sold individually. Others are sold in pairs, allowing different sizes to be purchased for the front and back feet. Many boots are sold in four-packs with one boot per foot. There are a few different models that come with extra boots. This can make it harder to compare pricing, so dividing the price by the number of boots is helpful.

Generally, more durable or innovative boots cost more, but that is not always the case.

How do I find the right fit for dog boots?

Getting the correct fit can be one of the most challenging and important parts of using a dog boot. Our dogs can’t tell us when something is rubbing or when they don’t feel comfortable, which makes this infinitely more difficult. Some factors that affect fit include the type of foot a dog has, the size of the foot, and whether the dog has dew claws. 

Greyhounds, Borzois, and Samoyeds are examples of dogs with hare feet, or a long, narrow foot shape. Cat feet are very compact and rounded. Dobermans, Akitas, and Newfoundlands are examples of dogs that have cat feet. Other dogs fall somewhere in between. How long or compact the foot is can change the fit of a boot. Dew claws also tend to get in the way of boot closures, causing rubbing.

Being aware of these features can help with finding the best fit, but sometimes it just comes down to trial and error.

What is a good weight for dog boots?

Heavier boots may be less comfortable for the dog to wear and may increase the likelihood of rubbing. The extra weight can increase resistance between the boot and places like the dew claw. This increases the risk of sores forming.

How do I find dog boots that are easy to use?

Some boots have features that make them easier to put on or take off. The size of the foot opening, the number of straps to deal with, and the tightness of the fit all impact how easy it is to put on the boot. Simple designs with larger foot openings that are tightened with a strap tend to be quicker and easier to use. Mushing boots are usually in this style, but there are others as well. Boots with zipper openings are also easier to put on because they enlarge the opening. Boots with a narrow opening and multiple adjustment points, where a tight fit is needed, typically take the longest.

What type of dog boot style is best?

Rubber-soled boots have a rubber sole that is shaped to cover the bottom of the dog’s foot, with a fabric or mesh upper. These types of boots are typically more expensive and harder to fit properly, but they offer greater durability and better protection from the ground. 

Mushing-style dog boots have a simple design and typically feature two pieces of fabric sewn together like a dog sock, with a basic Velcro closure at the top. There are other sock-style dog boots that might be a bit more complex, with different fabrics for better durability or warmth. Most mushing-style boots are inexpensive and lightweight but wear out quickly.

The majority of dog boots fall into rubber-soled or sock-style categories. But there are a handful of hybrids and other innovative designs. Some boots mesh the two other styles, with a thicker sole paired with a slip-on design. There are a handful of other boots that take a completely different design approach to address a perceived problem with more traditional dog boots.

Do I need socks and liners?

Some rubber-soled boots may be paired with dog socks or boot liners. These liners help with fit by making the boots snugger, providing a barrier between the boot fabric and the dog’s foot, and absorbing sweat. This reduces the chances of chafing or sores forming.

Do dog boots have water resistance?

There are some dog boot models that are water-resistant. Usually, these are rubber-soled boots with water-resistant fabric. These may be more helpful in winter, but we generally don’t recommend searching for them. When crossing streams or hiking in wet conditions, the boots will still get wet quickly. These conditions can lead to rubbing. We generally avoid having a dog wear boots after they become wet.

Critical Dog Boot Considerations

Does your dog need boots?

Because of the difficulty in finding the best fit, hiking barefoot is ideal in the right conditions. However, sometimes boots are necessary even for dogs with the toughest feet. Dogs that live in climates with extreme heat, especially service dogs, may need to wear boots when going outside, even for short potty breaks. Likewise, boots might be necessary in extreme cold. Small dogs especially have a hard time keeping their feet warm even when moving. 

In our experience, granite, sandstone, lava rocks, and extended road walks are all extremely tough on dog feet when backpacking. This is especially true in arid environments such as those in the Intermountain West of the United States, where feet dry out. Using a paw wax can help, but some dogs will need boots if the conditions are rugged enough. We recommend carrying boots on every backpacking trip, just in case, as they can protect a wound in an emergency.

What should I know about heat safety?

The only part of the body where dogs sweat is through their feet. On hot days, wearing boots can potentially limit a dog’s ability to stay cool. It is possible to safely wear boots for extended periods in warm weather, but it requires that the dog in question has built up their tolerance to exercising in the heat and to wearing boots beforehand.

Should dogs always wear boots in the snow?

Certain boots are better suited for snow than others because snow can often get into the boot and cause foot problems. Mushing boots are recommended for use in powder because they typically have Velcro closures that tighten much more than the straps on rubber-soled boots. This better prevents snow from sliding into the boot and forming snowballs. Some owners also use vet wrap around the top of the boot opening to prevent snow from building up there.

How can I condition my dog to wear boots?

There are several different methods that you can use to condition a dog to wear boots. Making sure they are comfortable with their feet being touched, or at least tolerate it, helps immensely. For dogs not accustomed to having their feet handled, teaching them to “shake” or using treats makes it a positive experience. You can also introduce the boots by using treats so that the dog has a positive association with them.

We generally put the boots on for the first time right before hiking with the dog. Once the boots are on, we start walking immediately. Some dogs may react to the odd feel of the boots. But in general, the dog will be more interested in hiking and less focused on them. This also helps build a positive association with the boots, so the dog connects them with hiking. It is best to start by using them for short periods to reduce the risk of chafing. The duration the dog wears them can be gradually increased to the desired time.

What if my dog has dew claws?

Many dogs with dew claws develop sores caused by rubbing. There are strategies that can reduce this occurrence, but their effectiveness will depend on the individual dog and the amount of time the boots are used. Slowly increasing the amount of time a dog wears the boots is one effective method. Likewise, pairing rubber-soled boots with a boot liner may also help.

Some owners wrap the lower leg with vet wrap to keep the dew claw from moving. Other owners opt for lighter boots, such as dog mushing boots, because they put less pressure on the dew claw. There are even some boots made specifically for dogs with dew claws. Unfortunately, for some dogs, there is no solution to this problem, and careful management is the best course of action.

What is the best way to take care of my dog’s nails?

When using dog boots, it is extremely important to keep the nails as short as possible. Long nails can affect the fit of the boot, causing rubbing or other problems in both the short and long term.

What are some tips for hiking with a dog?

Taking your dog on a hike is a great way to get them some exercise and bonding time. Make sure the experience is safe and fun for both of you by reviewing our Tips for Hiking with a Dog post.

Why Trust CleverHiker

Gear analyst Bailey Bremner has thru-hiked over 7,500 miles with her two dogs on some of the most rugged trails in the U.S. Together, they have successfully completed the Continental Divide Trail, Colorado Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and multiple original routes such as the San Luis Loop, Columbine Route, and a Canada-to-Mexico route through Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Now passed away, her dog Prima used boots extensively on all these trips, prompting extensive research and testing. Bailey backpacks monthly with her two current dogs and has been featured in several magazines and on podcasts about backpacking with dogs.

Testing Methodology

We rigorously tested each set of boots using a variety of metrics to determine which was the best. Our process looked at fit, durability, traction, breathability, protection, and ease of use. In addition to years of experience with some of these models, we spent several weeks using these boots in harsh conditions and evaluating how the tester dogs responded to them.

How do we assess fit?

There are multiple different shapes and sizes of dog feet, which make it difficult to measure the best fit. However, it is also an incredibly important metric to evaluate since a poor fit can result in sores, discomfort, or boots that will not stay on. As such, we compared fit by examining the boots’ style and the number of adjustment points. The looser, lighter style of mushing boots means that they inherently fit more foot types and generally cause less rubbing. Mushing boots automatically earned five points each.

Boots could also earn points for the number of adjustment straps, the range of sizes they accommodate (small, medium, large, extra-large), whether socks are made specifically for them, and whether they accommodate dew claws. The boots with the most points were ranked the best.

What do we look at for durability?

We measured durability by tracking the number of miles logged on each pair of boots over the course of testing and comparing it with visual signs of wear and tear. The boots were ranked by how many miles they lasted before wearing out.

How do we assess traction?

To test traction, we used a specialized traction device to measure the angle at which each boot loses contact with a rock. The device has a lever arm that attaches to the end of a rock. We filled the boots with the same number of coins to weigh them down, then placed them on the rock. We raised the lever arm until each boot slipped, then recorded the angle. The highest angle measure indicates the best traction in this test.

How to we test breathability?

To test breathability, we dunked each boot in water, then hung them to dry. We checked the boots periodically to see how long it would take them to dry. The times were recorded, and the boots with the fastest times were ranked highest.

How do we assess protection?

In this test, we scraped and poked the bottom of each boot with a set of keys, a razor, a knife, and a sewing needle. The boots received a point for each object that they successfully deflected. If the boot showed wear but not immediate signs of compromise, then we deducted half a point. The boots with the most points scored the highest.

How do we test ease of use?

To measure how difficult it is for each dog to put on a boot, we used time trials. One person placed a boot on the tester dog’s front left paw while a second person started and stopped the timer. The shorter the time, the higher the score in this test. 

Conclusion

There are few things as special as spending time with your pup, especially outdoors. We have tried our hardest to create the resource that we wish had been available to us when we first started backpacking with dogs. Hopefully, this guide will help cut out all the trial and error so that you can get after it with your dog.