Do Dogs Really Need Boots?

As you’re gearing up for that winter walk or rocky backcountry scramble, you may be wondering if your dog needs boots. Their paw pads are pretty durable, right? They are. But while paw pads provide some protection, it’s not enough to guard against varied terrain, extreme temperatures, and chemicals. 

That’s where dog boots come to the rescue. Not only do they protect paws, but they also help you and your dog go further. 

Let’s talk about why your dog needs boots, what to look for when shopping for paw wear, and how Ruffwear boots can help extend the adventure.

Why Your Dog Needs Boots

Protecting your canine companion’s paws is essential for ensuring a comfortable and safe outdoor experience for you both. Here’s why dog boots are a valuable investment year round. 

Reasons for dog boots:

• Prevent paw pad injuries: Harsh surfaces like icy sidewalks, rough trails, and sharp rocks can cause cuts, abrasions, and even cracks on your dog's paw pads. Dog boots provide a protective barrier, safeguarding their paws.
• Protect against chemicals: De-icing salts and other chemicals used on sidewalks and roads can irritate and burn your dog's paw pads. Boots create a barrier between their paws and these harmful substances.
• Provide warmth: For dogs with thin or sensitive paw pads, boots can offer additional warmth and protection against the cold ground.
• Maintain traction: In snowy or icy conditions, boots can enhance your dog's traction and prevent slips and falls.
• Keep paws clean: As much as we love our dogs, we probably don’t love having muddy paw prints all over the car or house post hike. Boots keep paws cleaner.

Boots aren’t just good for extreme weather or varied terrain, either. They can be a real game changer for everyday walks considering how much paw pads encounter on the average trip outdoors — think rocks, hot pavement, sticks, etc. Plus, all those non-boot-wearing walks add up and can wear on paws quickly. 

What to Look for in Dog Boots

When choosing the right dog boots, you’ll want to consider factors like size, fit, durability, and weather. Look for boots with good traction, adjustable straps, and comfortable padding. If your dog is particularly sensitive to the cold or you like to adventure together in cold-weather conditions, opt for insulated boots with waterproof materials. Fortunately, Ruffwear’s collection of dog boots includes all of these key features, and then some.

Size and Fit:

• Accurate measurement: Ensure a proper fit by measuring your dog's paw length and width. Pro Tip: Your dog’s rear paws tend to be smaller than their front paws. Learn more about how to measure for your dog’s boot size. 
• Snug but comfortable: Boots should fit snugly without being too tight. They should stay on securely without restricting movement.

Durability and Weatherproofing:

• Robust materials: Look for boots made from durable materials that can withstand rugged terrain and harsh weather.
• Waterproof protection: If you're facing snowy or rainy conditions, opt for boots with waterproof or water-resistant materials to keep your dog's paws dry.

Traction and Comfort:

• Non-slip soles: Grippy soles with good traction are essential for preventing slips and falls on slippery surfaces.
• Comfortable insoles: Ensure the boots offer adequate padding for comfort and protection against cold surfaces.

Additional Features:

• Adjustable straps: Look for boots with adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit for different paw shapes and sizes.
• Reflective strips: For added visibility in low-light conditions, consider boots with reflective strips.
• Insulation: If you live in a particularly cold climate, insulated boots can provide extra warmth for your dog's paws.

Ruffwear Dog Boots for Lasting Adventures

Ruffwear has a dog boot for everything, whether you’re embarking on a snowy hike or need paw protection for your morning walk.

If you’re looking for that everyday boot, the new and improved Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes are a great option. The non-marking rubber outsole provides traction and protects paws, while the hook-and-loop cinch closure creates a secure fit. Like all our boots, the Summit Trex™ have reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions.

For a lightweight and flexible option, our High & Light™ Trail Shoes are a great match. They’re constructed with an engineered knit upper for comfort and breathability, while also preventing trail debris from getting inside. The grippy rubber sole helps pups maintain traction while ensuring they have exceptional ground feel on adventures like hikes or trail runs.

If you and your canine companion are hiking, biking, running, or encountering hot and rugged surfaces, you’ll want to get your hands on our Grip Trex™ Dog Boots. These boots are designed to withstand tough terrain with a Vibram® outsole and rugged lug design. The tightly woven air mesh keeps the shoes breathable while keeping dirt and debris out.

And lastly, your go-to for cold-weather adventures like skiing, snowboarding, and walking in snow will be our Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots. They provide warmth, traction, and protection when exploring in winter conditions. The insulated softshell upper is breathable and weatherproof, and the Ruffwear-designed Vibram® Icetrek outsole provides traction on frozen surfaces.

No matter what boots you end up going with, here’s a good rule of thumb — if you’re wearing shoes, your dog probably should be, too.