Top 5 Dog Booties to Protect Your Pup's Paws This Summer

Summer’s here and the time is right for outdoor adventures with your pup! But before you venture outside, you’ll want to outfit your beloved pooch with protective booties, especially if they’ll be walking in very hot weather. When the summer heat is on, asphalt and concrete can easily exceed 100 degrees—20 to 50 degrees hotter than the air temperature! While your pup’s paw pads are resilient, they’re also sensitive and can get burned from walking on hot pavement.

Regardless of breed or size, all dogs are at risk of getting paw pad injuries. Signs of burned paws include blisters, redness, limping, refusing to walk, and licking the affected paws. Dog booties not only provide protection from extreme temperatures, they also shield your pup’s paws from abrasive terrain and sharp objects. Best if all, investing in a good, quality pair is also pawsome for winter adventures too!

Find your furry pal’s pawfect kicks by checking out these furbulous dog boots reviews. So, without further ado, here are the best dog boots for uninterrupted summer fun!

For active pups, the QUMY Dog Boots are a grrreat option. Available in six colors (including leopard print), these booties have a tough anti-slip sole that protects your pooch from hot surfaces and gives them traction on rough ground conditions. The wide split seam opening makes them easy to put on, while the double straps ensure they stay on during all sorts of activity, as several pet parents have confirmed. Both straps are also reflective, so your dog stays visible even at night. 

The QUMY Dog Boots come in eight sizes and a set of four costs $29. Despite the wide range of sizes, some pet parents say that these shoes are not for tiny paws. For the best dog boots for small dogs, you may want to opt for the Rifruf Caesar 1S instead, which is featured in this roundup as well.

If you and your pooch practically live outdoors, then the Ruffwear Grip Trex deserves consideration. Boasting the same Vibram outsoles found on many human hiking shoes, these kicks offer puptastic traction for a variety of terrain. The breathable mesh upper keeps your hound’s paws cool while keeping pesky dirt and debris out. The wide opening makes it a cinch to slip the boots on, and the reflective hook-and-loop straps help them stay in place whether your dog is walking, running, or hiking. 

The Ruffwear Grip Trex comes in five colors and eight sizes. They’re sold in pairs of two for $40 to accommodate dogs with different size front and back paws, though some sizes are also available in sets of four. These dog boots are pretty pricey, but many pet parents agree that the high quality makes them worth buying.

With the Rifruf Caesar 1S, stylish pups don’t need to choose between fashion and function. These cute dog sneakers are made from the same materials as premium human sneakers and feature various parts that ensure your mutt’s comfort, including a padded insole, gusseted tongue, toe guard, and knitted mesh upper. Designed with the guidance of a veterinarian, these shoes are safe and suitable for all breeds, including those with dewclaws. 

Pet parents love the look and quality of the Rifruf Caesar 1S, which comes in five colorways and eight sizes. Each order comes with four shoes, and the company even offers split sizing options for dogs whose back paws are smaller than their front paws. At $75 per set, these babies aren’t cheap, but will make furrific everyday shoes for the urban canine.

For the best dog boots for large breeds, look no further than the Bark Brite Lightweight Neoprene Dog Boots. With sizes going up to XXL, these booties can fit colossal pups such as Great Danes and English Mastiffs. Made from high-quality neoprene fabric, these shoes are more like socks with rubber soles and will conform to your dog’s natural paw shape. The puncture-resistant sole provides good traction and paw protection, while the ventilation holes allow for optimum breathability, making these kicks ideal for summer adventures. 

The Bark Brite Lightweight Neoprene Dog Boots are available in light blue and five sizes. Depending on the size, a set of four costs between $27 and $33. Many pet parents like the quality of the shoes and that they are easy to put on. Reviews also recommend sizing down.

One day you and your pooch are frolicking on the beach, while the next day you’re exploring the trails. For canines who are always trying new things, the Expawlorer Waterproof Dog Boots are a good, all-around choice. Affordable yet durable, these dog boots have a large opening that make them easy to slip on. Reflective, adjustable straps ensure a secure fit and provide visibility at night, while flexible lugs and grooves on the sole give your dog traction and protection on different surfaces. 

The Expawlorer Waterproof Dog Boots come in black and eight sizes. A set of four multipurpose booties costs $25, and a lot of pet parents agree that these shoes offer great bark for the buck. Reviews say they are well-made, easy to put on, and stay on even when running. 

When temperatures rise, summer fun can turn dangerous, but taking a few steps to ensure your best furry pal's safety is easy! As the pavement becomes too hot for your pup’s sensitive paw pads, keep them safe this summer with dog booties! 

For more furbulous tips on summer safety, check out these guides!

• 5 Clever Ways to Keep Your Dog Hydrated This Summer
• 11 Essentials to Keep Your Dog Cool [Under $50]
• 5 Vet-approved Dog and Cat Sunscreens to "Pawtect" Your Pet
• How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Heat Stroke

Need more advice on protecting your pup’s paws? Chat with a veterinary professional today!