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These boots are made for walkin’ — and for protection when your dog’s paws could blister in the sun. Yes, it’s true: dogs can scorch their paw pads from the hot ground on a sweltering summer day. Read my reviews of the best dog shoes for hot pavement to learn how to protect your dog’s paws and how you can test the temperature of the asphalt yourself to ensure your dog’s safety.
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| RuffWear Grip Trex | Lonsuneer | HCPET |
Best Dog Shoes For Hot Pavement
Sure, grass or dirt is best for walking your dog when the temps get high, but many of us don’t have that option. Hot asphalt and even sidewalks can cause major blistering and redness on your dog’s pads on hot summer days. Not to mention the damage and pain that can come from debris, rocks, or other sharp objects your pup may step on. Even fine grains of sand stuck in your pup’s paw pads can be very uncomfortable.
Protection is key to help save your pup from painful burns and blisters caused by walking on hot pavement. I’ve looked at over 50 different options for dog shoes for summer and share my top picks.
Winner: RuffWear Grip Trex Review
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RuffWear’s Grip Trex high-performance dog shoes are among the most durable you’ll find. They’re made for hiking rough terrain, but we recommend them for heat protection as well. They have breathable mesh on the upper part of the shoe that provides plenty of ventilation. The rubber soles offer protection from hot pavement, rocks, rough surfaces, and more.
They’re also easy to put on with a secure Velcro system that stays in place. Also, the inside is rubber, so you’ll need socks to go with them. These dog shoes are pricier than other pad protectors, so you may want to check out our #2 pick if you only use dog booties occasionally.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The anti-slip outsole is rugged and durable | More expensive option |
| Protection from hot and cold surfaces & sharp objects | Only get 2 booties per package |
| Water-resistant sole and toe | |
| Easy to put on (and keep on) | |
| Available in 8 sizes, ranging from 1.5″W to 3.25″W | |
| Comes in 3 colors: black, blue, and red | |
| Machine washable |
Pricing
- Starting At: $44.95
Runner-Up: Lonsuneer Boots Review
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The Lonsuneer dog booties have a non-slip bottom made of neoprene and a double layer of mesh fabric. The mesh helps keep the dog’s feet cool so air can circulate on the top of the paw. The neoprene helps keep your dog’s paws dry in case you get caught in the rain on walks.
These boots are relatively inexpensive, but some complaints have been made that they are not durable. So, if you plan on your dog wearing them every day, you may want to invest in another set like our #1 or #3 picks.
Our Personal Experience With Lonsuneer Bog Boots
We bought these primarily for indoor use when our older dog started slipping on our hardwood and tile floors. They helped her to get around much more easily, and the Velcro keeps them on.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Pup Parent, Canine Journal Co-Founder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-slip sole | Some complaints about them not being durable |
| Protection from hot surfaces | |
| Water-resistant | |
| Easy to put on | |
| Reflective Velcro straps |
Pricing
- Starting At: $16.63
Third Place: HCPET Boots Review
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If you’re looking for the best dog shoes for summer that your dog can wear daily and last a bit longer in hot and cold outdoor conditions, these boots by HCPET are a good value. These booties also protect your dog’s paws from sharp objects and provide traction.
HCPET booties have rubber soles that are water-resistant. They have a breathable shell, so the paws get airflow. If you opt to get these boots for your dog, be sure to measure them correctly because they come in different sizes for different-sized paws.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-slip sole | Slightly more expensive option |
| Protection from hot and cold surfaces & sharp objects | |
| Water-resistant | |
| Easy to put on | |
| Reflective accents | |
| Comes in 7 colors and various sizes | |
| Package includes 4 booties |
Pricing
- Starting At: $35.99
Other Reviews Of Dog Booties For Summer
Here are some other options that are worth considering.
PawZ Dog Boots Rubber Dog Booties
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PawZ Dog Boots are different from the other shoes I reviewed. Instead of more traditional fabric, these dog booties protect a pup’s paws with rubber. They come in seven sizes and a variety of bright colors and camo.
They’re waterproof and heat-proof, and the rubber material minimizes slipping and sliding. PawZ also makes a few other paw protection products, including protective wax and a sanitizing spray.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rubber makes them anti-slip | Can re-use but may not last as long as other booties |
| Protection from all temperatures | More difficult to put on |
| Water-resistant | Can puncture or tear |
| Secure, comfy fit – difficult for dogs to remove | Not reflective |
| Reflective accents | |
| Affordable |
Pricing
- Starting At: $16.99
QUMY Boots Review
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These QUMY boots are a popular choice and get good reviews. They have a non-slip bottom to help with stability and traction and are made from a water-resistant material that keeps your pup’s paws dry.
These hot-weather shoes for dogs can also be worn in cold climates and protect paws from thorns, debris, sticks, and other sharp objects.
Our Personal Experience With QUMY Dog Boots
These booties stay on the feet snugly, and I love the expandable seam, adjustable straps, and reflector strip. These work very well for hiking in the mountains and walking around the neighborhood. I also appreciate the sizes for larger breeds.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Pup Owner, Canine Journal Research & Writing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-slip sole | Some complaints that they come apart quickly |
| Protection from hot and cold surfaces & sharp objects | Several complaints that they fall off easily |
| Water-resistant | |
| Easy to put on | |
| Reflective Velcro straps |
Pricing
- Starting At: $28.99
Walkee Paws Review
Walkee Paws are known for their unique design and was a featured product on Shark Tank. These rubber booties get their support from stylish leggings that turn into straps that secure on the dog’s back.
While Walkee Paws advertises this product to protect against the hot pavement, we do have concerns that they may make your pup hot during the warmer months. Durability, ease of use, and comfort are also concerns.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-slip rubber boot | Some users complain about the durability |
| Protection in all seasons | Can be difficult to put on |
| Waterproof boots, water-resistant leggings | Backstrap can be uncomfortable |
| Several fabric choices are available | May be hot during warm months |
| Protect the whole leg | Higher price tag |
| Several size options | |
| Excellent customer service |
Pricing
- Starting At: Check Amazon for availability
In-Depth Walkee Paws Review
Our full review of Walkee Paws gives you more details about this brand’s unique doggie bootie design.
Frequently Asked Questions
I know you may have more questions about dog booties for hot pavement, and I’ve covered some of the most common ones below. If I missed yours, or if you have experience with dog booties, share it with us in the comments.
Do Dogs Need Shoes For Hot Pavement?
Hot pavement poses several risks to dog’s paws. If they spend a lot of time on the pavement without shade, they can be exposed to very hot surfaces. Asphalt, one of the main components used to make sidewalks in the United States, gets very hot in the sun. On a 75°F day, asphalt can reach 125°F. Your pup’s paws can burn in 60 seconds on 125°F pavement. On a hotter day, like 85°F, sidewalk surfaces can reach over 140°F, and on a 95°F day, pavement can reach 150°F or more. This level of heat can cause severe burns to your pup’s paws in mere seconds.
Booties may not be necessary if you live in cooler climates, but they can be pivotal in preventing injury and pain for dogs in warmer places. Dog shoes for summer are a good investment if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors with your pup in hot weather.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Paw Injuries From Heat?
Yes, paw injuries due to heat can be eligible for pet insurance coverage. Read my pet insurance reviews to see which companies I recommend.
Do Rubber Dog Shoes Protect From Heat?
Yes, rubber soles offer your dog the best protection from the elements, including heat. They are also very helpful in preventing injury or debris from getting stuck in the paws. Not all dogs will like them. Some may even hate them, and it takes some getting used to pups walking in them. But if you can get your dog to wear shoes with rubber soles, they will be safely protected from burns due to hot pavement.
Can Dogs Overheat With Booties On?
Dogs can overheat in booties due to sweat glands on their paws. To prevent this, be careful not to leave booties on your pup for too long. If you are out for a longer walk or hike, give your pup a break from the booties to cool those paws down. Take extra special care if your pup wears liners or socks inside the booties.
Video: What Temperature Is Too Hot For Dog Paws?
The video below shows examples of how hot the pavement can feel on a 95°F day and why it’s important to protect your dog’s paws from burns.
We know that most of you don’t have an infrared thermometer hanging around your house, so we have another way for you to test the pavement temperature.
The Five-Second Test
To determine whether the pavement is too hot for your dog, try the five-second test: touch the pavement with the back of your hand and hold it steady for five seconds. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five to ten seconds because it burns, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Other Products To Protect Dog Paws From Heat
Dog booties for hot pavement are a good idea, but you can also use Musher’s dog paw protection wax, which costs $25.99 ($3.71 / Ounce) .
If your dog does burn his pads, we recommend Paw Nector’s 100% organic wax, which costs $9.99 ($5.00 / Ounce) , to help soothe and heal damaged pads.
It’s not just your dog’s paws you have to worry about. Your dog can also get sunburned, so don’t forget dog sunscreen, especially if you have a light-colored dog.
Need Dog Boots For Winter Or Hiking?
Summer isn’t the only time you need to protect your dog from the elements. See our reviews of dog boots (and coats) for winter to find out which shoes are best to save your dog from ice, snow, and harmful salts and chemicals. Hiking can also be hard on your pup’s paws, so be sure to check out our article, which includes reviews of dog boots for hiking and other tips for backpacking and camping with your dog.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more. She hunted down the best dog booties with the best performance and the lowest price. She consulted with other Canine Journal members to glean their personal experiences using dog shoes for their dogs. Kimberly spent over 10 hours researching and writing this article.
