The best dog boots for snow do three jobs. They keep de-icing chemicals off your dog's pads, stop snow from packing into hard ice balls between the toes, and stay on for the whole walk. That last job is where most boots fail. A boot that spins around or comes off two blocks from home is worse than no boot, so this guide is about fit first and features second.
Our verdict. We haven't put any of these boots on a dog. This pick rests on Treeline Review's boot test, one veterinary clinic's advice, and each maker's specs, all linked below. For deep snow and bitter cold, look first at the Ruffwear Polar Trex, the one insulated boot in Treeline Review's test, with a stretch gaiter over the closure to keep snow out. For sidewalks that get salted all winter, the Muttluks Fleece-Lined boot, with its snug, high strap, is the one owners describe as staying on. If your dog keeps kicking boots off, the Canada Pooch Suspender Boots are the pick.
How we picked. We started with Treeline Review's test, run by a certified dog trainer with five dogs. Then we added boots with a clear stay-on design (suspenders, double closures, gaiters or high straps) and a published way to size them. Where we found only maker or retailer specs, the pick says so.
Do dogs need boots for snow?
Not every dog does. Plenty of dogs walk through snow happily with bare paws, and a boot your dog hates helps nobody. Still, there are a few good reasons to consider them, and they all come down to what's on the ground.
- De-icing salt and chemicals. Small Door Veterinary notes that some de-icers can cause chemical burns on paw pads and that salt crystals can be sharp. Treeline Review's test adds that even pet-friendly salt can dry out and irritate paws, and that dogs who lick their feet afterward can swallow what's on them.
- Ice balls. Dogs with furry feet can collect snow and ice between their toes, which packs into hard balls that are uncomfortable to walk on, says Small Door Veterinary. Boots (or wax, see below) keep it from building up.
- Rough or sharp ice, and very cold ground for dogs with thin feet, older dogs, or dogs with sore joints who drag their feet. Small Door Veterinary notes boots can add cushioning for older dogs who drag.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog's pads look red, cracked or raw, if there is bleeding, limping or constant licking of the paws, or if you suspect frostbite (pale, gray or very cold paws that become red and painful when warmed), call your vet. A sore pad needs a vet's look; neither boots nor wax will fix one. If your dog may have swallowed de-icing salt or chemicals, or is vomiting, drooling heavily or wobbly after a walk, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Talk to your vet before using boots on an injured paw.
Quick picks
| Badge | Pick | Sold as | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for deep snow and cold | Ruffwear Polar Trex | Set of 2 | Maker specs; Treeline Review and CNN Underscored reviews |
| Best grip on ice and cold pavement | Ruffwear Grip Trex | Set of 2 | Maker specs; Treeline Review's hiking pick |
| Best fleece-lined boot that stays on | Muttluks Fleece-Lined | Set of 4 | Maker sizing; one owner review |
| Best double-closure boot for big dogs | Kurgo Blaze Cross | Set of 2 | Maker specs; related model tested by Treeline Review |
| Best suspender boots | Canada Pooch Suspender Boots | Set of 4, linked | Maker and retailer specs |
| Best for short, wet, salty walks | Pawz Rubber Boots | Pack of 12 | Maker and retailer specs |
| Best boot alternative | Musher's Secret Paw Wax | Tin of wax | Maker FAQ; Treeline Review |
What makes dog boots stay on
Boots come off for predictable reasons. Here's what to look for in dog boots that stay on.
- Correct width, not just length. A boot that's too big slips. Muttluks says so directly and tells you to choose a snug fit. Most brands size by the widest part of the paw while the dog stands on it.
- A strap at the narrow part of the leg. Muttluks says the strap should sit at the narrowest part, around the ankle (wrist on the front legs) just above the dewclaw. Ruffwear's Grip Trex cinches at the same spot. Fasten the boot and tug the end of the strap. If it slides down, it's too loose.
- A high cuff, gaiter or second closure. Kurgo's Blaze Cross has two ankle closures, and Ruffwear's Polar Trex adds a stretch gaiter over the closure. A taller cuff also keeps snow out, which matters as much as warmth.
- Suspenders. Boots linked by adjustable suspenders that run up the legs and over the back, like Canada Pooch's, can't be kicked off one at a time and can't get lost. They're the fix for the dog who pulls off or loses one boot per walk.
- Matching front and rear sizes. Front and rear paws are often different sizes. Ruffwear and Kurgo sell boots as pairs so you can size front and back separately, and Muttluks suggests going one size smaller for the rear on its Snow Mushers model.
- Oval-foot warning. Treeline Review found boots sized by width alone often fit round paws better than the oval or "hare" feet of dogs like Border Collies and Corgis, and it flagged oval-foot sizing on several Ruffwear boots. Sock-style boots are more forgiving.
Dog boots for snow and salt: comparison table
| Boot | Closure | Sole | Height and snow protection | Waterproof? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Polar Trex | Hook-and-loop plus stretch gaiter over the closure | Rubber outsole with winter lugs | Pullover gaiter; height not listed | Maker says waterproof softshell; Treeline Review's boots soaked through in a faucet test | Deep snow, bitter cold |
| Ruffwear Grip Trex | Hook-and-loop cinch at narrow part of leg | Vibram rubber outsole | Low; height not listed | Not stated; Treeline Review says not waterproof | Cold pavement, ice, trails |
| Muttluks Fleece-Lined | Self-tightening hook-and-loop straps | Leather sole (retailer specs) | High strap at the ankle, fleece lining | Water-resistant outer; not fully waterproof | Cold, dry snow; dogs who kick off boots |
| Kurgo Blaze Cross | Double ankle closure | Sole shaped like a paw pad for grip | Low-cut mesh upper | Water-resistant, not waterproof | Large dogs, mixed terrain |
| Canada Pooch Suspender | Hook-and-loop straps plus suspenders | Non-slip rubber (retailer specs) | Extended leg coverage per maker | Water-resistant | Dogs who lose boots |
| Pawz Rubber | None; stretches over the paw | Thin rubber | Low | Barrier against wet; no waterproof claim | Short, wet, salty walks |
Our data. Closures, soles and sizing come from maker or retailer pages. Waterproof notes include Treeline Review's findings where it tested the boot. Only the Polar Trex has a gaiter built to keep snow out, and even its waterproofing is disputed.
Ruffwear Polar Trex Winter Dog Boots
Best for: deep snow, wind, and dogs with cold feet.
Ruffwear's winter boot has a rubber outsole with fiberglass lugs, a hook-and-loop closure with a stretch pullover gaiter (the cuff) over it, a fleece-backed upper and reflective trim. Ruffwear says the upper is waterproof and windproof and that the boot grips on snow, ice and snowmelt chemicals. It's sold as a pair, so you can size front and rear paws separately.
CNN Underscored praised its traction, stretch gaiters and warmth on snowy hikes. Treeline Review found it the only insulated boot in its test, and also the hardest to put on, with a fiddly zipper. It said snow got inside the gaiter and water soaked through under a faucet in about 20 seconds.
Keep in mind
- Waterproof claims are mixed. Ruffwear says waterproof; Treeline Review's test found it leaked
- Hardest to put on of the boots Treeline Review tried
- Treeline Review notes insulation is only needed for older, thin-coated dogs in sub-zero climates
Evidence: specs from Ruffwear; reviewed by Treeline Review and CNN Underscored.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots
Best for: icy sidewalks, cold pavement and dogs who need grip more than warmth.
The Grip Trex has a non-marking Vibram outsole with lugs, a breathable mesh upper and a hook-and-loop cinch at the narrowest part of the leg. Ruffwear says the closure keeps its holding power when wet, and the wide gusset opening makes it easier to get on and off.
Treeline Review made it its best boot for hiking, citing good grip, breathability and easy on and off. One set lasted its tester four years with little visible wear. The catch: it isn't waterproof or water resistant, and Treeline Review says sizing is off for oval feet.
Keep in mind
- Not waterproof, so slush will get in
- Low cut: snow can enter from the top in deep drifts
Evidence: specs from Ruffwear; tested by Treeline Review.
Muttluks Fleece-Lined Dog Boots
Best for: cold, dry snow, and dogs whose boots keep falling off.
The Original Fleece-Lined Muttluks have a fleece lining, reflective straps, a leather sole treated to resist water and salt (per retailer listings) and self-tightening hook-and-loop straps meant to hold snugly. Muttluks publishes a size chart from IB (1.25 to 1.75 in) to XXL (4.75 to 5.5 in), measured on paper from the longest toenail to the back of the paw.
One owner reviewed a golden retriever's two winters in them. She said they stayed on through snow dunes and a bog, with the strap fastened high. She also said the leather sole has weak traction, and she slipped on ice too.
Keep in mind
- Weak traction on ice. The leather sole slips; this is the pick for dry cold, not glare ice
- Snow can get in at the top, and the fleece can absorb water
Evidence: sizing from Muttluks; one owner review at Accessibility Unleashed (many affiliate links, no formal test).
Kurgo Blaze Cross Dog Shoes
Best for: medium and large dogs on mixed terrain who need a secure double closure.
Kurgo's Blaze Cross has a dual ankle closure, tightly woven nylon mesh with synthetic leather uppers, a sole designed to mimic the structure of a dog's paw pad, and reflective accents. Kurgo calls it water-resistant, not fully waterproof, and sizes by the widest part of the standing paw. Each pack holds two shoes, so you buy front and rear sizes separately.
Treeline Review tested the related Kurgo Blaze (also with two closures). It found a secure double closure and good traction, but also bulky, stiff boots that dogs took a while to get used to. Sizing favors big dogs, and there are no small sizes.
Keep in mind
- Stiff and bulky; expect a longer adjustment period
- Sizing favors large dogs; small dogs may not be covered
- Treeline Review tested the Blaze, not the Blaze Cross itself
Evidence: specs from Kurgo; related model reviewed by Treeline Review.
Canada Pooch Suspender Dog Boots
Best for: dog winter boots with suspenders for dogs who kick off or lose boots.
Canada Pooch connects its four boots with adjustable suspenders so none can be lost. The boots have reflective hook-and-loop straps, a non-slip rubber sole and a water-resistant shell (retailer specs: 96% polyester, 4% spandex).
Keep in mind
- Water-resistant, not waterproof. One Petco buyer found their dog's feet got soaked in wet weather
- Retailers disagree on whether there's a fleece lining; check the listing
- We found no independent test, only maker and retailer pages and one owner review
Evidence: specs from Canada Pooch; one owner review at Pawfect Dog Tips.
Pawz Natural Rubber Dog Boots
Best for: short, slushy, salty walks and dogs who won't wear stiff boots.
Pawz are thin natural rubber balloon-style boots that stretch over the paw. No straps, zippers or buckles. They come in a pack of 12 (three sets of four), in sizes Tiny to XL. They keep paws cleaner and drier on wet, dirty surfaces, and the thin rubber lets dogs feel the ground. They're designed for temporary wear and can be reused if clean and undamaged.
Keep in mind
- Rubber doesn't breathe. Small Door Veterinary says not to leave rubber boots on for long, or paws get sweaty and damp, and one brand FAQ says to take them off after an hour or two
- No published traction claim; thin rubber can slip on ice
- Stay-on depends entirely on a snug stretch fit, so a too-big pair will slip off
- Maker and retailer specs only
Evidence: specs from All Dog Boots.
How to measure your dog's paws for boots
Sizing is the number one reason boots fail, so take ten minutes and do it properly. Muttluks' and Treeline Review's methods are close to this.
- Stand your dog on a sheet of paper with full weight on the paw, ideally on a hard floor.
- Mark the widest points of the paw on either side, then measure between the marks. This is the width most brands (Ruffwear, Kurgo) size by.
- Measure length too. Mark the tip of the longest nail and the back of the heel pad. Muttluks and Pawz go by this length.
- Do front and rear separately. Rear paws are often slightly smaller. Ruffwear and Kurgo sell pairs for that reason.
- Compare with the maker's chart, not a different brand's. Between sizes, Ruffwear says to size down (Grip Trex), Muttluks says a snug fit is better than a big one, and Pawz sellers say size up. Read the instructions for the boot in your cart.
A good fit: you can't pull the boot off with a light tug; the strap sits at the narrow part of the leg and doesn't rub; your dog's toes aren't crammed against the front; and the boot doesn't twist when your dog trots. If the boot slides down, it's too big or loose.
How to get a dog used to boots
Many dogs freeze or flop over the first time ("bootie paralysis," as Small Door Veterinary calls it). Small Door's steps make a good template.
- Handle paws first. Touch, hold and gently squeeze one paw at a time with treats.
- Let your dog sniff the boots and put them near food, bedding or the leash so they get a good association.
- Short indoor sessions, rewarding your dog for wearing them.
- Go outdoors only after your dog walks normally indoors.
- Go back a step if your dog is scared. Don't force boots on a dog who seems visibly anxious or keeps trying to take them off.
Start with one or two boots on a short, easy walk. Check paws and legs for rubbing after each of the first few walks, and take the boots off indoors.
Paw wax vs boots
If your dog won't wear boots, paw wax for snow is the common alternative. Musher's Secret is a wax made from beeswax, carnauba and candelilla waxes with vitamin E and food-grade oils, originally for sled dogs. Its maker says it forms a barrier that helps keep snow from collecting between the pads and protects against road salt and ice melt.
Rub a pea-sized amount between and around the pads just before going out. The maker suggests 2 to 3 times a week for regular use and says it's safe if licked. Treeline Review named it its best overall paw balm, praising its use for snowballing, and had its ingredient safety reviewed by a veterinarian.
The limits are real. The maker says it gives no traction on ice. Treeline Review says it won't fully protect against sharp ice or rocks, needs reapplying on long snow outings, and can pick up salt and debris. Its conclusion: boots are more protective overall, and wax is best for dogs who won't tolerate boots and for short outings.
Keep nails trimmed too (our guide on how to trim dog nails shows how), and Small Door Veterinary suggests trimming fur between the toes against ice balls. Whichever you choose, wash your dog's paws with lukewarm water after salty walks and dry between the toes, as Small Door Veterinary advises.
Winter paw protection beyond boots
Keep walks short in extreme cold, rinse paws after salty sidewalks, and put small or short-coated dogs in a warm winter coat. A heated dog bed helps indoors, and our guide on how to keep a dog warm in winter covers the rest.
FAQs
Do dogs need boots for snow?
Not always. Small Door Veterinary says boots can protect against ice, snow and salt, and that dogs with furry feet may find them more comfortable. Consider them for salted sidewalks, rough ice, long walks and thin-footed or older dogs. If your dog hates them, paw wax and a rinse after walks are the alternative.
Do dogs need boots in winter if there is no snow?
Cold, salted pavement can still irritate pads, so the salt matters more than the snow. Small Door Veterinary notes some de-icers can burn paw pads. If your sidewalks are heavily treated, boots or wax and a lukewarm rinse afterward help.
What are the best dog boots that stay on?
The ones that fit. Look for a strap at the narrow part of the leg, a second closure or gaiter, matching front and rear sizes, and suspenders if your dog kicks boots off. Canada Pooch's suspender boots link all four boots together; Muttluks and Kurgo use a snug high strap or double closure.
Are waterproof dog winter boots worth it?
Be skeptical of the label. Treeline Review found Ruffwear's Polar Trex, sold as waterproof, soaked through in a faucet test, and described Wagwear's tall rubber Wagwellies as completely waterproof. Rubber doesn't breathe, so Small Door Veterinary says not to leave rubber boots on for long.
Can I use paw wax instead of boots?
For short, mild outings and dogs that refuse boots, yes. Musher's Secret says its wax helps keep snow from clumping and helps protect against salt, but gives no traction on ice. Boots protect better on heavily salted, rough or very cold routes.
What if my dog's paws are cracked or bleeding?
Call your vet. Neither boots nor wax treats a sore pad, and Small Door Veterinary recommends talking to your vet before using boots on an injured paw. If you think your dog swallowed de-icing chemicals or has signs of frostbite, call your vet or an emergency clinic.
Measure your dog's paws tonight, front and back, and compare the numbers with the boot's own chart. That one step decides whether the boots stay on.
