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According to a survey, an average dog owner walks 20,000 steps per day that equates to roughly around 10 miles. To cover that distance every day, you need to wear good comfortable shoes so that your feet remain healthy and don’t ache.
Finding the best boots for dog walking can be difficult. After all, there is a variety of different models available in the market. There are boots, hiking shoes, urban shoes, wellies, and so much more to choose from.
While the dedicated dog walker will always reach for a heavyweight hiking boot, the fact is that most of us walk our dogs close to home.
Although most of us do not live in mountainous areas, we do have to deal with mud on most dog walking excursions, whether it’s cleaning up after our four-legged companions or trudging through the woods.
You have to keep in mind elements such as waterproof level, warmth, cushioning, height, and foot support. Waterproof and breathable shoes with tough rubber soles and good grip make the perfect dog walking shoes.
In the summer, you would prefer a lighter mesh fabric shoe, but leather and suede shoes are much warmer and heavier, making them ideal for all seasons. Aside from these practical concerns, you also want a pair of boots that look good and are within your budget.
It might seem impossible to find a shoes that features all these characteristics. We’ve tried to include styles at a variety of price points, and we’ve given extra credit to styles that are fast and simple to put on. Have fun!
Top Dog Walking Boots 2021
1. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Wp Ankle Boots: Best Wellington Boots for Dog Walking
These Timberland boots are best for walking your dog in a rainy weather. The best part about these Timberland boots is that they are made of premium full grain waterproof leather uppers which is sturdy and durable. They have a seam sealed waterproof construction which makes these shoes very suitable for the rainy weather.
Even if it’s raining, you just have to put these shoes on take your dog out. These shoes are water resistant and don’t get your feet wet. The most eye catching thing about these boots is that they look very classy. These Timberland boots come in three different colours and have a variety of sizes available. All the colours are classic shades of brown and look very chic.
You can pair these shoes with any outfit and it’ll just elevate you style. You can just take your dog out for walking immediately after going work without having to change shoes and these boots have great traction.
The Men’s White Ledge boots can be worn on wet pavements or hills, despite their rubber soles not being as gripping as professional hiking shoes. However, they are not recommended for use in wet mountainous terrain.
Another benefit, particularly when compared to other boots in the market, is that these boots are lightweight. These boots are very sturdy and durable but still manage to be lightweight and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a heavy shoe. This is because these shoes are engineered in a very smart way.
Although you need to keep in mind that these Timberland boots are not fully waterproof. They are water resistant to an extent but you can’t step into water and expect them to remain dry in these boots. These boots are great for wet grass and rainy weather and make up for the best shoes for taking your dog out.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Stylish
- Available in 3 colours
- Lightweight
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
2. HUNTER Womens W Org Refined Chelsea Wellington Boots: Best Muck Boots for Dog Walking
When we think about best dog walking shoes for rainy weather, the first image that comes to our mind is of these waterproof rubber muck boots. These Hunter Chelsea Wellington boots are voted most stylish dog walking boots and we’re not really surprised.
These shoes look so chic and classy. If they weren’t made from rubber, you could easily pair them with your party outfits and look sleek and stylish.
The Refined Chelsea Wellington Boots, after all, are made up of twenty-eight individual pieces. They come in four different varieties, all of which are very classy. These boots provide a 1-inch heel that elevates your look and looks very feminine.
Furthermore, if you have higher arches, as do the majority of women, this design provides additional support to your arch region, reducing the pressure on your feet.
These shoes are made of rubber outsole which despite being made of rubber, is slip resistant. You don’t have to worry about spraining your ankle while walking your dog in these shoes. This also helps in reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
But the only drawback of these boots is that their feminine and narrow design can make it a little tight around the toe area which can produce pressure on ankle region. The lack of prominent lugs on the outsoles is another design flaw.
HUNTER may have reasoned that these lugs would detract from the overall feminine feel of their wellies. You’re more likely to fall on rough or wet ground for some reason. HUNTER tried to reduce the likelihood of this happening by using vulcanised rubber, which is a gripping material.
Pros
- Looks stylish and chic
- Completely waterproof
- 1-inch heel provides support and height
- Gripping outsole
Cons
- may feel too narrow
- not best for tricky terrain.
3. Bogs Sauvie Slip On Wellies: Best Comfortable Dog Walking Shoes for Men
The Bogs Sauvue Slip on Wellies are the best muck boots for men for walking their dog. These shoes are one of the most comfortable dog walking shoes UK on this list. These are the best slip on dog walking shoes for men.
These shoes provide a rebound cushioning in foot bed for lasting comfort and have a Dura fresh technology that helps reducing unwanted odours. This is one of the best features of these boots because most shoes tend to smell bad during rainy season and it becomes difficult to get rid of that odour. These shoes keep your feet dry and odour free so that you can walk your dog freely for long hours.
The rebound cushioning on your soles absorbs impacts, allowing you to walk your dog without any. discomfort. The tendency of the midsole to rebound, on the other hand, ensures that these shoes foster a natural stride, which means you won’t strain your feet.
These shoes have a 3 mm neo tech waterproof insulation that keeps your feet warm and cosy and don’t let them get wet inside.
These shoes come with side mesh panels which are so soft and stretchable that your feet won’t feel itchy or harsh. Besides, it makes slipping on these boots more easier.
Although, these boots claim to be 100% waterproof, but according to some reviews the water can seep in through mesh panels. Also, they don’t come with any heel so you won’t be able to dig your heel inside the ground to prevent a slip.
Some customers have also complained that due to its narrow design, these boots are a little tight around the toe area and you might need to order a bigger size.
Pros
- Comfortable and breathable
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Odour resist
- Cushiony
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
- Narrow fit
- Not 100% slip resistant
4. Sorel Women’s Out N About Plus Tall Boots: Best Waterproof Dog Walking Boots UK Women
If you’re looking for boots that give comfort with style, look no further. The Sorel Women’s Out N About Tall Boots are some stylish boots for walking your dog in an park. These shoes are designed with waterproof full-grain leather upper.
This makes these boots very suitable for autumn as they prevent your feet from rain as well as cold. These boots have seam-sealed waterproof construction which will keep the feet warm and dry.
In addition, its handmade vulcanized rubber sole provides excellent grip on frozen surfaces. The best part about these boots is that they look very stylish. You can put them on and tuck you jeans inside these boots for a more structured look. Their rubber sole material is flexible and provides an excellent arch support.
Although, these shoes are not suitable for snow but 100 grams insulation and micro polar lining provides great warmth and makes them apt to wear in autumn makes it them best winter dog walking boots.
These boots are very comfy and their EVA midsole absorbs impacts and protects your feet. These boots contours to the shapes of your soles so that you can walk you dog in dog park for long hours.
The only downside of these boots is that they are not for mud and ice. The soles are very thin which will transfer some of the cold to your feet.
Other than that, some reviews also claim that these boots run a size smaller hence you’ll have to carefully measure your feet and choose a size according to that.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and Durable
- Very Warm
- Breathable and comfortable
- Shock absorption
Cons
- Not suitable for snow
- Run a size small
5. Muck Boots Derwent Ii Rain Boot: Best Unisex Shies for Taking the Dog Out
The Muck Boots Derwent II are some of the best boots for dog walks, mainly because their robust rubber soles offer top traction and their PK mesh lining is super breathable and comfortable.
These boots are unisex, which means best waterproof dog walking boots for men or women can wear them. Being unisex, these boots come in a variety of sizes and you can choose according to your shoe size.
The lower part of these shoes is made of rubber, so it is very easy to clean. You can walk your dog through any muddy ground, wet grass or slippery surface without worrying about getting them dirty or having a slip. These boots are waterproof as well, so that your feet stay dry and cosy inside these boots.
On the upper part of the boots, there is a stretchy calf area which looks very good. However, there are other benefits to this stretchy calf area: it can accommodate even wider calves and encourages movement versatility. These rain boots for dog walking are much more comfortable than wellies that buckle excessively and feel stiff around your thighs.
Their reinforced toe and ankle area ensures that these shoes perform well in muddy terrain. On slick ground, these reinforcements ensure that you don’t twist your ankles or stub your toes.
Their 4 mm CR flex foam makes sure that your feet remain in neutral and relaxed position even during long hours of walking.
Which ensure that you have a pain free walk with your little furry friend. These boots are warm and heavy duty which makes it suitable for winters.
These shoes lasts you a long and are very affordable. The only drawback of these shoes is that they are a little too heavy. But still, these shoes are one of the best dog walking shoes on this list.
Pros
- Warm
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof
- Flexible and supports your ankle
Cons
- Little too heavy
6. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boot: Best Dog Walking Snow Boots for Men
While looking for snow boots to walk your dog, you have to keep an eye on certain features like traction, comfort, ankle support and waterproofness. These Columbia Bugaboot have this all. They’re both water-resistant and breathable.
The Omni-tech patented technology used in these boots stops water from seeping in while allowing air to pass through. These boots are air-permeable yet water-resistant, ensuring that your feet remain dry. If you wear shoes with wet feet, it can cause many diseases and infections.
The best thing about these best waterproof dog walking shoes is that they are very warm. Injection-moulded shells and 200g insulation are used in the seam-sealed leather uppers. As a result, these boots are appropriate. That’s why they’re ranked to -32 degrees Celsius.
They have excellent traction. Omni-GRIP, a type of rubber material that provides good traction on most terrains, is used for the non-marking soles.
They have a soft feel, lightweight and cushioned TECHLITE midsole absorbs impacts to your sole. You’ll be able to walk for longer on a variety of terrains this route.
The only downside of these shoes is that if you stretch the laces too tight, the eyelets will tear in weeks. So, if you want to protect your boots, you’ll have to be a little more cautious about how you pull.
The fit was also a point of contention for many users. So, if you like these boots, order a size or half-size larger to ensure a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Breathable
- Warm
- Cushiony midsole
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not suitable for hazardous environments
- run a size small
7. Timberland Women’s Norwood Mid Waterproof Shoe: Best Dog Walking Shoes for Women
The Timberland boots are best for walking your dogs in a park. These Timberland come in a beautiful dark brown colour which look very stylish and chic.
They provide a 1 inch heel support that is very flexible and protects your feet. The reinforced toes are the first thing you’ll notice, particularly if you’re hiking downhill or if you’re a clumsy hiker.
If you work with heavy machinery, you can also wear these shoes to work. We’ve all seen the agony of stubbed toes. In addition, the lacing system provides excellent ankle support for long hikes. On any terrain, the rubber soles perform admirably.
While they aren’t ideal for wet stone trails, they do well on rugged terrain with loose gravel. The Timberland Norwood shoes for women are also extremely water-resistant. Despite the fact that they are marketed as waterproof, they are not fully impervious to water.
If you step through a few puddles or hike in mild rain or snow, your feet will not get wet, but they will get wet if you walk through streams. The good news is that they are easy to dry. Another benefit is that, despite being durable and long-lasting, these boots are very fashionable.
We wouldn’t wear them to a ball, but they’re comfortable and don’t look bulky. However, some customers complain that the toe areas are too small. To stop blisters, you must wear special hiking socks, such as merino socks.
Another drawback is that the leather is stiff at first, so you’ll need to break in your boots before going on a walk. However, once you’ve broken them in, you’ll be able to hike in the rain, sun, and snow, over rugged terrain, and wear them to work every day without ripping or tearing them.
Pros
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and durable
- Reinforced toes
Cons
- May feel narrow in toes
8. Sorel Men’s Caribou’ Winter Boots: Best Men’s Urban Winter Dog Walking Boots
These Sorel men’s boots are the most sturdy and durable shoes for walking your dog. These boots are recommended for walking your dog in snow. These Sorel boots look very chic and classy. You can even wear these shoes to you school, college or even work. Also there are considered as the best country boots for dog walking.
You can walk your dog in the morning and then can go anywhere without even changing the shoes. These boots are made of leather and thick inner material hence are very warm. The boots insulation is further enhanced by their seam-sealed waterproof construction and 2.5 mm glued felt anti-freeze midsole.
That’s why the Caribou boots for men are classified to -31 degrees Celsius. These shoes come in three different colours and can be easily styled with any outfit. These boots are specifically made for snow hence are slip proof.
These snow boots are made to be worn while walking your dog through deep snow. And, in general, the higher the boot, the safer when wandering around in deep snow.
These boots, in particular, can stretch far above the ankle, far higher than a normal work or hiking boot.
This increased height is intended to provide additional protection against cold and snow entering the boot and chilling the foot. They only have one downfall. The rubber soles have circular studs on them, which should help with traction.
And, while these studs are better than none at all, they aren’t as effective as lugs that are more prominent. Choose one of the other dog-walking boots for men in this review if you need boots for frozen terrain or slick slopes.
Pros
- Durable
- Suitable for snow
- Warm
- Waterproof
- Looks stylish
Cons
- Very Heavy
9. Columbia Women’s Canyon Point Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes: Best Dog Walking Shoes for Women
If you’re looking for great traction and comfort in next pair of dog walking shoes? These Columbia women’s shoes provide just that.
These shoes are perfect for hitting all your favourite hiking routes with your dog this season, with a mid-cut for extra ankle support, a cushioned midsole for comfort, and rubber soles for extra grip and support.
They are made up of combination suede leather, mesh and webbing. The uppers’ eye-catching mix of materials demonstrates high-performance and comfort. Suede leather, fabric, and webbing are flexible and delicate, but they are also long-lasting.
That’s why these shoes are soft and comfortable on your feet, without the extra stiffness that comes with support shoes. Furthermore, even though they aren’t made of rubber like wellies, these shoes are water-resistant.
You won’t be able to sprint through puddles with your dog, but thanks to the Omni-Tech waterproof membrane, you’ll be able to withstand a few rain storms. Although these shoes aren’t ideal for wet conditions, they are ideal for dry, warm conditions.
But, based on the materials we covered earlier, you probably already knew that. That is also apparent from the appearance of these shoes. The Columbia Women’s Canyon Point Hiking Shoes are breathable and light, according to the majority of paying customers.
These shoes are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The grippy rubber sole ensures that you don’t fall even on slick surfaces. Furthermore, the TechLite midsole absorbs shock and provides a high rate of energy recovery, ensuring that your feet remain cushioned in a neutral position.
The only bummer about these shoes is that they are not completely waterproof. According to some reviews, the Canyon Point shoes are only suitable for light rain; depending on the duration of your hike, they may not even be able to tolerate walking through wet grass.
Pros
- Cosy
- Warm
- Lightweight
- Provides cushiony soles
- Breathable
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
- may run a size small
10. Muck Boots Muckmaster Mid Rain Boot: Best Waterproof Muck Boots for Dog Walking
Muck Boots are one of the best unisex waterproof shoes for walking dogs. Weather it’s a sunny day or a rainy day, your dog would want to go out on a walk. If you’re wearing your ordinary shoes on a rainy day, you might end up getting injured. You need special waterproof and slip resistant shoes for such a day.
It’s not easy to find such a pair of shoes in this big market. But Muck boots got you covered. They’re warm. The Muckmasters have a temperature level of -30o to 10oC, so you can wear them in sub-zero temperatures.
You’re probably thinking that if your feet are warm enough to survive -30°C temperatures, they’ll feel like they’re on the verge of boiling in temperatures of 5-10°C. Muck Boots recognised this as well, which is why they used a breathable air-mesh lining in their design. This lining wicks moisture and allows enough air to circulate to keep your feet dry. That way your feet doesn’t die inside them.
The Muckmasters are safe. The MS-1’s durable moulded rubber outsole features prominent lugs for dependable traction on slick surfaces.
Furthermore, when going downhill or encountering hidden obstacles in the snow, the strengthened rubber toes avoid toe stubs. Finally, since rubber is the primary material, these boots are waterproof.
The upper portion of the uppers is made of snow-resistant synthetic material. If you intend on jumping in puddles, however, you can invest in some best mens wellies for dog walking.
The biggest issue, however, is that some reviewers say that these Muckmaster boots chafe their calves if they don’t wear thicker socks with them. But still, they are among best shoes for walking dog in rain.
Pros
- Warm
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Easy to pull on
- Comfortable
Cons
- may chafe your calves
How To Choose Best Boots For Dog Walking – Buyer’s guide
Good outsole unit goes a long way.
Before purchasing a boot, it’s important to consider the outsole carefully. The type of terrain you’ll be walking your dog on will play a big role in your decision.
Rubber sole unit: Traditional stitching is used to attach these soles to the boot’s lining. Rubber soles can also be used on other styles of walking boots and shoes. They’re most likely to be seen on mid-priced walking boots.
Remember that rubber soles have excellent traction and are therefore ideal for wet weather. Rubber soles, however, will not last very long , even though they are perfect for daily use.
Leather sole units: The highest quality bench-made boots and shoes typically have leather soles. These types of soles aren’t typically found on everyday walking boots because they don’t provide adequate grip, traction, or stability. Dress shoes and boots always have leather soles.
Supportive Midsole is important:
Midsole units are positioned in the centre of the sole and are responsible for providing stabilisation, support, and comfort when walking. This portion of the boot is generally not visible and is usually made of a PU composite material.
Technical shock-absorbing midsole units are used in good mid-to high-priced dog walking boots, providing a cushioned walk.
Meanwhile, you can discover that some of the less expensive boots are uncomfortable to walk in, even for a short distance. We recommend that you take a little extra time to ensure that you get a shock-absorbing midsole unit.
Inner Fabric Should Be Waterproof and Breathable:
GORE-TEX is a waterproof inner lining (or inner sock) that can be found in most boots these days. An inner lining will keep your feet dry when you’re out and about, making a boot with these ideal for rainy weather. However, if you’re going on a dog walking vacation in a hot country, think twice!
It’s best to purchase a pair of comfortable dog walking boots that don’t have a lining to allow your feet to breathe. Choose a boot with a breathable membrane as an alternative. Know that there are a variety of inner linings to choose from, including tri.aria, Spo-Tex, and Sympatex, to name a few.
Insole should be soft and cushioning:
The insole is the removable inner portion of the sole unit that your foot rests on. An insole’s function is to provide arch support as well as additional cushioning and shock absorption. When you purchase a new pair of dog walking boots, the insoles are usually designed specifically for the boots.
Most mid-to high-priced boots are made with well-shaped insoles that provide protection. Some boots, on the other hand, have memory foam insoles that automatically mould to the shape of your foot.
For that all-important cushioning and arch support, good quality insoles and suitable walking socks are needed for a truly comfortable dog walking experience.
Since cheaper boots are made with simple insoles, they can provide very little protection and shape to your foot. It’s a good idea to get rid of your cheap insoles and replace them with moulded and cushioned ones.
Conclusion
So here you have it, a list of best dog walking shoes. In this list we tried to take in account the online reviews of each shoes and the kind of qualities the shoes feature. We featured some of the best dog walking shoes for men and women.
The models that we discussed do not compromise on the quality, although every product differ from other in functionality. You just have to keep in mind all the features that you want in your shoe and you’ll be good to go.
Before you decide on what to buy, make sure you know exactly what you need. Buy a pair that fits your budget and personal style as well.
Consider the landscape where you’ll walk your dog, the time of day, the temperature, and the distance travelled when evaluating each pair of shoes.