Boots that stay on
Salt, slush and a dog who kicks them off in 30 seconds.
Trace the paw. Seriously. On this page
Our picks at a glance
Why boots come off
Most boots fail at the dewclaw: the strap sits too low, the dog flexes, and the boot walks itself off. Fit the strap above the carpal pad, and check the boot’s sizing chart against a paw traced on paper rather than guessing from breed.
The other half of the job is staying power: a boot that lasts the whole block beats a tougher boot that lives in a snowbank by the second corner.
If you can fit a finger under the strap, it’s coming off before the end of the block.
We sorted the boots by the job they do best, then checked each maker’s sizing guidance and Canadian availability.
Ruffwear Polar Trex
A winter boot with a waterproof, windproof softshell upper, a stretch pullover gaiter and a hook-and-loop cinch. Ruffwear says the gaiter stops snow packing in, which is what pulls most boots off in wet slush. Front and back paws can be different sizes.
- Waterproof, windproof upper
- Stretch gaiter keeps snow from packing in, so the boot stays on
- One owner says it stays on in the deepest snow (another says it wouldn’t stay on at all)
- Sold in pairs: four paws means two sets ($159.98)
- Owners say the fit takes some fiddling; one sized up on the back paws
- Some sizes were sold out on 22 Oct
Pawz Rubber Boots
Thin, balloon-like natural rubber boots with no straps or zips, sold twelve to a pack. They’re for city blocks where the problem is salt and sidewalk chemicals, not depth. The retailer’s advice is to size up if your dog is between sizes.
- Waterproof rubber keeps salt off paws
- Thin enough that the dog still feels the ground
- Twelve to a pack, so a lost boot costs little
- Rubber doesn’t breathe: take them off once you’re home
- Meant for short, supervised walks
- No cuff or strap, so not for deep snow
Muttluks Deluxe
A fleece-lined, four-boot set from Toronto maker Muttluks. It has a long zip-open cuff with a cinch strap at the top and a self-tightening fastener at the ankle. Overkill for sidewalks; built for drifts and a field in January.
- Long cuff with a top cinch strap to keep deep snow out
- Two closures, at the top of the cuff and at the ankle
- Waterproof, windproof, fleece-lined, and four boots in the box
- Priciest of the three: $100 (XS–S), $110 (M–L), $130 (XL–XXL)
- Leather soles need re-treating after every wash
- Smallest size is XS, so it doesn’t cover tiny dogs
Compare all
| Boot | Closure | Sizes | In the box | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Polar Trex | Gaiter + hook-and-loop | 8 widths, 38–83 mm | 2 boots | $79.99 |
| Pawz Rubber Boots | None (stretch rubber) | Tiny–XL | 12 boots | $16.99 (Small) |
| Muttluks Deluxe | Zip, cuff cinch + ankle strap | XS–XXL | 4 boots | $100–$130 |
How we chose
We started from boots sold in Canadian stores with CAD prices, then read each maker’s product and sizing pages and, where a store shows them, owners’ reviews about fit and how long the boot stays on. We haven’t tested these boots ourselves. We don’t accept free products in exchange for picks, and none of the links on this page earn us a commission.
Questions
How do I measure my dog’s paw?
Stand your dog on paper, press gently on the leg so the paw spreads as it does on a walk, and trace around it. Measure the widest point and compare it with the maker’s chart.
Why does my dog walk funny in boots?
Almost every dog does at first. Short indoor sessions and a treat per boot usually fix the high-stepping within a week.
Do dogs need boots in the city?
On salted sidewalks, many owners use them to keep salt off pads. Rinsing paws after walks is the alternative.
