(Part 2) Best dog boots & paw protectors according to redditors

It's just a normal giraffe, dummy. It's just wearing a dog mask and socks.

Those are the RUFFWEAR Grip Trex. They're super high quality, but I've found they do sometimes slip off my pups feet. When they do stay on they offer excellent protection.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ9AIAO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_jKd1DbTZS2EM1

Yep, sure thing -- they were these in size small.

Reviews weren't the best but we were getting a wee desperate. They stay on with him running around, which has been tricky in the past since his feet are so tubular -- otherwise there were potentially better rated ones that were larger (also, being flexible on size since layer-position could vary meant I was able to pick up each piece for $10-$20). The boots being tall helps with protecting lower limbs, too (the insides are fleece). Velcro's a bit on the long side so we'll probably trim it (the picture on the right was from a test run; weather's been in the single digits C/30s-40s F lately so we just do the torso layers and toss some of this on, but need something more robust now that it's getting chillier). We're considering lining the booties with more fleece or wool, too.

Otherwise, he's wearing two layers of this, two layers of this, and one of these; we'll probably modify the last one so that the limb segments are lined. Layers get progressively larger in size the further out you go and the balaclava is a co-opted large men's wool sock from Costco (Kirkland brand). We also sewed him a coat out of older wool socks that can go in there somewhere as a mid-layer.

A few months ago we had to move quite suddenly from central CA to MN, and unfortunately the pup's much better suited to the weather in the former state than the latter. We've recently had to cut back outdoor walks by a few miles a day and focus more on indoor play/exercise. How do all y'all protect your Iggys from the cold?

I have purchased these before and they were excellent. They work great and the size I needed (largest) fit well. Not sure how frugal we are talking, but <$15 is reasonable to me.

These are them; I found them on Amazon!

I have a super-long email thread with my SO about exactly this for our pitt-mix because she also has sensitive feet, and I refuse to spend more than $25 on things for her. She's just going to lose/destroy it anyway! Here's what we've found that works for her:

1) RC Pet Sport Pawks + shoelaces:
I cut up some old shoelaces and wrapped them around her ankles over the sock (above the dewclaws), then folded the top of the sock over the laces, which keeps these in place. Otherwise she just walks out of them. Some other people use velcro straps for this, but I didn't have any on-hand.

Pros:

• Cheap
  
  
• Easy to fit: literally just measure their feet correctly and you're good to go
  
  
• Easy to replace
  
  
• The only thing effective at keeping deep snow out
  
  
• Lasts about a season if used daily on pavement
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• Got annoying to put on
  
  
• NOT waterproof: if water touches the part that isn't wrapped in silicone, they soak up
  
  
• Not great for traction on ice
  
  
• Keeps snow off of the feet, but snow clings to the sock material and melts=soaks when they come in
  
  
• Machine-washable (delicate), but not dryer-friendly
  
  
• Takes about 12 hours to inside-out air-dry
  
  
  2) PetLeso Waterproof Pet Shoes:
  These are what we're using right now because we actually have four of them!
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Cheap enough
  
  
• Keeps the feet dry
  
  
• Provides some traction on ice
  
  
• Much easier to put on than socks
  
  
• Amazon Prime = she loses one, and a replacement comes quickly
  
  
• Dries up in about 2 hours (air-dry): they're not water-proof like galoshes or those disposable balloon-slipper things, but they have a dual-lining that keeps the water from soaking through
  
  
• The built-in wrap-around velcro helps keep them on...
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• They're huge: the velcro has to be pulled very tight, which doubles over the fabric a bit, but they stay on. I'm pretty sure my dog thinks she's walking in clown-shoes because they're not dog-foot-shaped by design.
  
  
• If the snow is deep enough, it will accumulate in the ankle of the boot until it melts, but it won't go inside because of the velcro barrier.
  
  
  Haven't tried to wash these yet, and they didn't come with washing instructions/recommendations. Will probably gentle-cycle in a mesh bag, and air-dry, and I expect them to be okay.
  
  3) This random pair I got for $14ish at Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods that I can't find anywhere on the internet:
  These are our favorite of the three, but she friggen lost one.
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Easy to put on
  
  
• Velcro strap keeps them securely on her foot, if you pull them tight enough
  
  
• Keeps her feet dry
  
  
• Dries up quickly (like 2 hours, air-dry)
  
  
• Does OK on ice
  
  
• Fits well on her feet
  
  
• Machine-washable (delicate), air-dry
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• Also doesn't do well in deep snow: accumulates in the ankle region
  
  
• Having a really hard time replacing these since they're a seasonal item and I really can't find them online. Planning to buy out the store come next winter.
  
  Suggestions we have not tried yet:
  
  
• These if you anticipate going through deep snow a lot. We don't get a ton of snow all at once, and our dog also needs booties for contact-allergy issues, so we didn't think these were worth getting for her needs. They're out of stock right now, but keep an eye on it if you're interested. They were around $40 last I saw.
  
  
• This is next on our to-try list. They're higher and have an extra strap that we hope will better-guard against higher snow. My two concerns are: (1) is the material towards the top going to dry out quickly or take forever like the socks? (2) shipping is a month's wait, so she better not lose one.
  
  
• We also want to try these, but these would really be more for walking on fairly well-shoveled/salted sidewalks and roads because they're really short.
  
  Tips
  
  
• Booties work best when they fit the dog properly. The closer you can get to your dog's exact measurement, the better luck you will have. Measure carefully, and don't be shy about returning or exchanging if they're too big. If they're too big, they will walk right out of them or the booties will spin around on their feet. But also don't forget to accommodate if he has long nails!
  
  
• The front paws are usually bigger than the back ones, so base your order off of the FRONT paw measurements. You can measure front and back, and use that info to perfect your dog's set of booties AND get an extra set for just-in-case.
  eg) Our dog needs Mediums of the in-store-only pair from above, but since they were all out of Ms when she lost one, I got the last pair in Small and we only put the smalls on her back feet. We also did this with the Sport Pawks. You can use colored thread to sew in indicators for which-go-where if the booties are all the same-looking.
  
  
• Read through the reviews. You may notice that I suggested some low-rated stuff. A LOT of people don't measure carefully and then blame the shoe for being too big/small. It's your money, so just use your best judgment.
  
  
• Pull really tight around the ankles to keep them on. I pull on her bootie straps until I'm afraid I'm going to cut her circulation, but she's always fine, probably because the booties are pretty thick. I trust that she'll put up a fuss if she's in pain or uncomfortable, and we can just adjust accordingly. We have yet to argue about it.
  
  
• If your dog hates booties, you either didn't give him enough time to get used to walking in them before going out, or he really just hates booties and you should consider something like Musher's or Vaseline.
  
  Good luck! =]
  
  [edit1] formatting issues
  [edit2] clarification

You should get it hiking shoes. Will really help keeps his feet in good shape.

There's hundreds of brands. Here's one so you have an idea
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FVT6TRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.Dlszb7F5YA2C

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E5N52VO/ref=psdc_3024169011_t1_B01N8TSXEA

/u/rosebert!!!! Look!!! https://smile.amazon.com/Womens-Various-Pattern-Mixed-Colors/dp/B00TFSLT2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500665634&sr=8-1&keywords=cute+socks+for+women

I use these

Muttluks, Woof Walkers Dog Boots Set of Four - Burgundy, X Large 4.25" to 4.75" (Paw-Wear) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCAM7CK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Y7kwDb8BQJPZ7

They are pricy but have lasted 3 years without tearing so I'm happy.

Ours has a sweater and a jacket too. They're for dogs but special ordered from a local store. I think if you visit a dog store and try stuff on it will be helpful.

These. Just be warned that shipping takes forever (I ordered on Black Friday and they arrived today). The quality is pretty great for the price though. I have my eye on the Ruffwear Griptrex for when he's older and done growing, but he's still growing so I didn't want to spend that kind of money on a pair of boots that wouldn't fit in a few months.

Look into a knee brace maybe? This is the one i bought for my doggo, it will be in tomorrow so ill let you know how it goes

I just bought ours at a petstore (Petco) or use a baby sock.

Here are a couple I found that looks like it would allow for more air access for the wound:

https://www.amazon.com/Namsan-Shoes-Puppy-Fashion-Boots/dp/B00L1CIN96/ref=sr_1_16?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1467240018&sr=1-16&keywords=dog+shoes

https://www.amazon.com/Strawhat-Protector-Summer-Fashion-Sneaker/dp/B01DTUS8FG/ref=sr_1_14?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1467240018&sr=1-14&keywords=dog+shoes

https://www.amazon.com/GOGO-Reflective-Breathable-Protector-ROSERED-S/dp/B00ZOOSW0W/ref=sr_1_19?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1467240018&sr=1-19&keywords=dog+shoes

Something I haven't seen posted yet: I use dog socks for my dog because he doesn't like the feeling of something plastic/rubber against his paws, even if there is a fabric layer between it.
Here is the brand I use:
https://www.amazon.com/RC-Pet-Products-Medium-Puppet/dp/B00UICB7DO/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=rc+dog+socks&qid=1573604893&sr=8-2

I'm a big fan of a company called ruffwear. They have several styles for different types of protection. You will probably want something like these.

There are also cheaper options like these.

Whatever you do make sure that somewhere in the description it says the boots are made for heat. There are many boots out there made just to provide traction, to support feet and ankles, or simply as a covering to prevent salt and ice from getting into the pads of a dogs feet. They will be almost useless on hot pavement (think about walking around with the equivalent of socks on. They will protect to some degree, but not enough that your feet won't still feel hot and scorched after a walk.

Most dog boots will be velcro, not lace ups as velcro tends to be more secure, less risk of over tightening , and easier to take on and off.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B49TBDM?m=AMZB5QKPRGHAY&ref=mpc_asin_title&fbclid=IwAR26aorWDHzZ61k73JENegjcgiI5AwNQMd4za7lrgRcNqX2enuwp21O2N9k

You will probably do better with dog boots.