Choose the right boots for your dog

🚩 How to choose the best boots for your dog

This can be a confusing prospect as there are a lot of dog boot options out there... all with different considerations including cost, quality and design. At Waggle we've been helping people get the right boots for their dogs since 2006 and we'd love to share our experience with you.

⚡ Select your dog boots based on functionality. ⚡

This seems kind of obvious but it's not always as intuitive as you'd think. If you are buying dog boots for frequent long term usage it's best to get something that's super durable and comfortable. Cheap dog shoes just aren't going to do the job! Have a serious look at the structure of the boots and of the material the soles are constructed from.

We choose to sell dog shoes which are as close in performance to human shoes as possible. We favour the Ruffwear range because they wear very well and have a lifetime warrantee against any manufacturing faults.

Ruffwear's Grip Trex boots have soles made from Vibram, the same material used in high performance sports shoes for people. These are the same dog boots worn by the Australian Army dogs on special overseas missions. We know because we supply them. Also, all Guide Dogs in NSW and WA wear Ruffwear dog boots to protect their paws from rough surfaces and hot pavement. Dogs in high places have given the Ruffwear range a double paws up.

Ruffwear offer several styles of boot. Here's a comparison of the main features. I'll run you through each boot in greater detail below.

⭐ RUFFWEAR GRIP TREX DOG BOOTS ⭐

All-terrain paw wear
Non-marking Vibram® Sole
Great for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and walking on hot or rugged surfaces

Ruffwear Grip Trex are lightweight boots with super traction and sturdy Vibram soles, the material used in the soles of high performance sports shoes and hiking boots for people. The uppers are a very breathable mesh which keeps out debris but allows your dogs' paws to stay nicely aerated. Dogs do sweat from their paws so this is an important factor if your dog will be wearing the boots over long stretches of time. Grip Trex Bark'n Boots are great for robust activities on rough grade such as trail running or bushwalking. They're also suited to high speed activities on bitumen. Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots are the same dog boots worn by Australian Army Dogs on special missions overseas. They are also worn by all Guide Dogs in NSW and WA to protect paws during long hours of work.

CHECK OUT THE GRIP TREX DOG BOOTS

⭐ RUFFWEAR SUMMIT TREX DOG BOOTS ⭐

Everyday paw wear
Non-marking rubber sole
Great for hot pavement, rough surfaces, ice, rain, snow, and snowmelt chemicals

Ruffwear Summit Trex are a water resistant boot with a flexible, lightweight rubber sole. Summit Trex are perfect for hot pavement, rough surfaces or to protect sensitive paw skin from allergens and irritants such as grass seeds and bindis. Great for senior dogs who slip on surfaces such as tile, polished wooden floorboards, boats, etc. They also suit dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis and other conditions needing added traction.
CHECK OUT THE SUMMIT TREX DOG BOOTS

⭐ RUFFWEAR HI & LIGHT TRAIL SHOES ⭐

Lightweight and flexible paw wear

Grippy rubber sole

Great for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and hot surfaces

Ruffwear Hi & Light Trail Shoes are a minimal and flexible style of paw protection with exceptional ground-feel and a soft, flexible rubber outsole. The knit upper adds comfort and breathability and limits trail debris from getting in the shoe. The construction celebrates a less-is-more mindset to minimize material stackups and maximize comfort.
CHECK OUT THE HIGH & LIGHT TRAIL SHOES

⭐ RUFFWEAR POLAR TREX DOG BOOTS ⭐

Winter traction and insulation
Non-marking Vibram® Sole
Great for skiing, snowboarding, and winter walking

Ruffwear Polar Trex Dog Boots were specially designed for wear in snowy and icy conditions. The Vibram soles provide excellent traction. These are a taller style boot than the other two and provide more paw and leg coverage. Customers are often drawn to this style because they they feel a taller dog boot will stay on better. In our experience the shorter boots stay on just as well as the longer boots so that's shouldn't be a consideration. These boots were designed for cold weather wear so it's important to keep in mind that they are warmer. Polar Trex Dog Boots are breathable but they do cover more surface area on your dog. I wouldn't recommend use of Polar Trex Boots on your dog in extreme heat conditions. If your dog has a severe allergy or requires extra protection coverage on the legs Polar Trex may be right for you.
CHECK OUT THE POLAR TREX BOOTS

🚩 After almost 20 years selling dog boots I find Grip Trex Boots work best for most situations in Australia.

Here's the reasoning. The Grip Trex have added durability as they are made from tougher materials. In this rugged country filled with bindies, the Vibram sole is a good match for our paw challenges. A super breathable upper makes a difference in hot temperatures as dogs do sweat from their paws and are more likely to get irritation or discomfort if there is not enough aeration. The sturdy mesh allows optimal air flow. Based on durability, value for money and functionality I'd go the Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots almost every time.

There are those cases where a dog requires a more flexible sole because of very sensitive paw issues. Often this can be a Greyhound with corns. That's when I'd go the Summit Trex Boots or the Hi & Light Trail Shoes

🚩 What about dogs who drag their paws?

If your dog drags his or her paw due to an injury or medical condition your best boot choice will be the Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots. Read how Grip Trex can help here.

🚩 Dog boot sizing

Sizing is crucial. To be sure you're getting the right size shoes for your dog have a look at our guide to Getting the right size boot for your dog.

Choose the right boots for your dog

🚩 How to choose the best boots for your dog