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Finding the right dog boots can be frustrating. Some are hard to put on, others fall off, and many don’t protect your dog’s paws.
In this review, I take a close look at the Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots, how they fit, how they perform, and whether they’re worth buying for winter, summer, or rugged terrain walks.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Easy to put on: Boots open wide, Velcro straps secure them in place.
- Stays on: Designed for active dogs; boots rarely slip off during walks.
- Durable: Thick, flexible sole made from recycled tires; water- and abrasion-resistant.
- Winter & Summer Protection: Protects paws from ice, snow, salt, hot pavement, and rough terrain.
- Sizing: Comes in 4 sizes (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large); measure paw width for best fit.
- Minor Drawbacks: Short height can allow snow buildup in deep snow; occasional wear on the soles after heavy use.
- Verdict: Overall, Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots are a reliable, all-season option for dogs who need paw protection.
Ready to see current sizes and prices for Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots? You can check them out here.
Key Features of Ultra Paws Rugged Dog Boots
Here’s a closer look at the main features that make Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots stand out.
- Wide-opening design: Boots open fully with side seams for quick and easy application.
- Dual Velcro straps with foam padding: Keep boots secure while protecting the dog’s paws from pressure.
- Thick, skid-resistant sole: Flexible recycled-tire material provides traction on ice, snow, and rugged terrain.
- Water- and weather-resistant nylon: Durable enough for wet or dry conditions.
- Short profile for comfort: Designed for freedom of movement while walking, running, or hiking.
- Multiple sizes & colours: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large; available in Black and Red.
- Simple maintenance: Hand wash only to maintain durability.
Want to see the Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots in action? This video covers features, sizing, and tips for getting the best performance.
Fit, Sizing and Ease of Use
Getting the right size is key to keeping the boots comfortable and secure. Measure your dog’s front paw width while they’re standing on a flat surface, and select the size that comfortably accommodates the paw.
Tips for a smooth fit:
- Try the boots indoors first so your dog can get used to them.
- Check each paw individually; sometimes dogs have slightly different paw sizes.
- Adjust the Velcro straps snugly but not too tight; the foam padding helps prevent pressure points.
- If your dog resists at first, start with short indoor sessions and gradually move to outdoor walks.
Performance and Durability Review
Ultra Paws Rugged boots are designed to handle a variety of conditions, making them suitable for most all-season walks.
Traction:
- The thick, flexible sole provides good grip on ice, snow, and uneven terrain.
- Dogs maintain stability even on slippery sidewalks or rugged trails.
Protection:
- Guards paws against ice, snow, salt, hot pavement, and rough surfaces.
- Short profile may allow some snow buildup in deep snow, so occasional adjustments may be needed.
Durability:
- Soles are made from recycled tire material for abrasion resistance.
- With heavy use, minor wear may appear on the front of the soles; applying a protective sealant like Shoe Goo can extend lifespan.
Real-world experience:
- Most dogs walk and run comfortably in these boots after a short adjustment period.
- Ideal for neighbourhood walks, hiking, and moderate winter conditions.
Pros and Cons
After trying these boots with my dog, here are the main things I liked and a few minor drawbacks I noticed.
Pros:
- Easy for my dog to walk in after a short adjustment period.
- Velcro straps keep the boots secure without causing discomfort.
- My dog didn’t lift her paws on salted sidewalks or stop in snow, which made winter walks much easier.
- Durable enough for several hikes and neighbourhood walks without major issues.
Cons:
- Snow can occasionally build up inside the boots in very deep snow.
- Minor wear appeared on the soles after repeated outdoor use, so I plan to use a protective sealant.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use These Boots
After reviewing the performance and features, here’s a quick guide on who will benefit most from Ultra Paws Rugged boots and who might want to consider other options.
Best For:
- Dogs that need paw protection from ice, snow, salt, or hot pavement.
- Active dogs that walk, run, or hike on rugged terrain.
- Owners looking for boots that are easy to put on and adjust.
- Dogs that tolerate Velcro straps well after a short adjustment period (my Golden Retriever adapted quickly).
Not For:
- Dogs that walk mostly indoors or on soft grass, where boots aren’t necessary.
- Owners who prefer fully waterproof boots for very deep snow; snow can sometimes build up inside these boots.
- Dogs that resist wearing boots and won’t adjust easily, despite gradual training.
Dog Boot Alternatives
If Ultra Paws Rugged boots aren’t the right fit for your dog, there are a couple of other options worth checking out:
- Pawz Dog Boots: Thin, disposable rubber boots that are fully waterproof and easy to slip on. Read my full review of Pawz Dog Boots.
- Musher’s Secret Paw Wax: A protective wax that helps shield paws from ice, snow, and salt. Great for dogs that resist wearing boots. Check out my Mushers Secret review.
These alternatives can work well depending on your dog’s comfort and activity level, but for most active dogs needing durable, all-season protection, Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots remain my top recommendation.
Final Verdict
After using Ultra Paws Rugged boots with my Golden Retriever, I can say they deliver on comfort, protection, and durability for most active dogs. My dog adapted quickly, walked comfortably through snow and salted sidewalks, and the boots stayed on without issue.
If you’re looking for durable, all-season paw protection that’s easy to put on, these boots are a solid choice.
Are you ready to try Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots for yourself? Here’s a link to check prices and sizes on Amazon:
FAQs About Ultra Paws Rugged Dog Boots
Here are answers to some common questions about using Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots.
Q: Are Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots easy to put on?
A: Yes, the boots open wide and the Velcro straps make them quick to secure, even on dogs that are new to wearing footwear.
Q: Will the boots stay on during walks?
A: For most dogs, they do. The combination of Velcro straps and foam padding helps keep the boots in place on sidewalks, trails, and snowy paths.
Q: Can I use them year-round?
A: Absolutely. They protect paws from snow, ice, salt, hot pavement, and rough terrain.
Q: How do I choose the right size?
A: Measure your dog’s paw width while standing, then pick the closest size (Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large) for a comfortable fit.
Q: What if my dog refuses to wear boots?
A: Alternatives like Pawz Dog Boots or Mushers Secret paw wax can protect paws without requiring your dog to wear traditional boots.
Ultra Paws Rugged Dog Boots provide durable, all-season paw protection and are easy for most dogs to wear. Have you tried these boots with your dog? Share your experience or questions in the comments.
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
Good to see a review about this awesome boot. I do recommend this boot for everyone who wants the best for their dog. Though it might be hard for some people to get their dog to wear it at first, at the end it will be worth it and really appreciable. I bought these boots for my lovely 50 lb labradoodle who loves to be outside in the freezing cold and snow but gets the snowballs and salt between his toes which burns his pads. Thanks to Ultra Paws Rugged my dog no longer has an issue.
Regards!
Hi Jordan,
It is nice to hear that you also had great success with these boots. Dog boots are definitely worth it, your dog can run around without the worry of snowballs and burning paw pads. Dogs appreciate wearing boots because it allows them to enjoy the outdoors, and the owners appreciate the fact that their dog’s paws are protected and kept healthy.
Like I mentioned in this post, I have tried other dog boots and it was a struggle to get them on my dog. With Ultra Paws Rugged dog boots, it was different. They were so easy to put on and my dog walked like she wasn’t wearing boots at all.
Thank you for sharing your great experience with these boots.
Jenny.
This is the first time that I have heard of snow boots for dogs and I am amazed that they even stay on as most dogs I know would chew them off. They are a great idea though to protect your dogs feet from both hot and cold elements.
Thank you for the helpful advice you have included within this article on how to find the correct fit for your dogs feet. I am going to take your advice and try this pair as you say you have had success with them and dogs can’t easily pull them off.
Hi Michel,
I think the key to not having your dog chew or try to pull the boots off, is buying the right size, and the right boot that is comfortable. Ultra Paws makes it easy to find the correct size for your dog, and they are comfortable for your dog to wear. They do fit securely so they can’t be pulled off easily, and your dog will feel like he’s not even wearing boots.
I have had success with these boots and will continue to use them for my dog. I hope that your dog will enjoy them as well.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
Thanks for this eye-opening article. I literally didn’t know how to measure my dog’s foot size until now and I know that these boots would stay on great, no socks needed. Although it’s going to take him a while to walk right and run in these boots they will definitely keep his feet safe from the hot ground, rocks and snow. I’m super excited I came across this post.
Hi SeunJeremiah,
I am glad this post was helpful to you. I will mention this when you first put the boots on your dog, your dog will feel awkward. This is especially true if you put these boots on inside the house. Once your dog is outside he/she will walk like normal. This was what I noticed with my dog. As soon as my dog was outside she was walking and running around like she wasn’t even wearing any boots.
Most people get dog boots and put them on their dog inside the house. They see their dog walking really awkwardly and trying to pull the boots off, and most of the time they don’t even give the boots another chance. You really need to let your dog walk with boots on outside, it makes a huge difference.
I really believe that your dog will walk normally right away and feel like he’s not even wearing boots.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Thank you for this article. I live in Canada and have definitely found snow and ice balls to be a problem on dogs that I have had in the past. I’ve gone for a long time without a dog but just got a Bernese Mountain Dog. His toenails are really sharp no matter how often I trim them so I’m not sure if ANY dog boot will stand up to his claws but I will try your recommendation if it ends up being a problem for him. This will be his first winter so I will definitely be looking out for this. Thank you for your article for reminding me of this!
Hi Feochadan,
Snow and ice balls are a big problem for dogs with long fur. When the temperature is milder during the winter the snow gets really sticky and causes buildup on their paws. It was during the first winter with my dog that I really needed to get boots for her. The snowballs were causing her to stop and chew at them every 5 minutes! Not to mention when it got really cold out she would lift her paws in pain.
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will definitely help to prevent any rips or tears. I would suggest getting the Shoe Goo along with the Ultra Paws boots to prolong the durability of them and to prevent any wearing. I really think you’ll appreciate your dog wearing boots, and your dog will as well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
I used to own a dog in the past and I didn’t really know the importance of getting my dog a good boot. My dog started getting sores on his paws and I had to take him to the vet on occasion. The sores developed from him running in the bush, and they took quite some time to heal. I think it is really important to consider dog boots in the summer and winter, but people fail to realize the importance of a good boot for pooches. With only a few cons, I think the Ultra Paws Rugged Dog boot is a good pick.
Hi Henderson,
When dogs develop sores or cuts on their paw pads it takes a really long time to heal. I know when my Ellie had a cut on her paw pad it took a good week to heal. We always had to change her bandaid and she wore a boot to keep her paw protected. Dog boots really are a great thing!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
After my dog, Shelly, got various bruises and scrapes from walking about in the sun, I decided to get a dog boot for her since I heard they are very good to keep them safe. However, reading through this post now, I’ve been enlightened on the Ultra Paws Rugged boots and kind of like them mainly because of the flexibility and the fact that they don’t make dogs feel like they are wearing boots. But then, the cons are not making this encouraging and I think I need to buy the shoe goo alongside to prolong the durability of this boot.
Hi RoDarrick,
You may or may not have an issue with wear marks on the Ultra Paws boots like I did, because my dog seems to drag her paws. But, applying the Shoe Goo is a great precaution to prolong the life of the dog boots. The Shoe Goo is fairly inexpensive, and will definitely help prevent any wears and tears on the boots. The cons of these boots are minor in my opinion because these boots are so easy to put on and they stay on, and the wear marks can be prevented with Shoe Goo.
I hope you have a great experience with these boots! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
WOW, dog boots love it. We have just gotten a dog in January and we love him. He’s our baby and we are always on the lookout for dog merchandise and we are really interested in this. Do they ship to the UK? I never knew that these existed. Are they a new product?
Hi Darren,
Dog boots have been around for quite some time, and so have Ultra Paws. I am sure that if you were to check out Amazon in the UK they would have them also.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
Jenny,
I am a dog mom to three dogs I live in a state in USA where we do get snow and ice. I had never thought of this until I found your website, I used to put old socks on my dogs when it was super bad out LOL. My dogs are inside spoiled brats so they do not like rain, snow, ice, or cold weather or even summer when it gets too hot out.
I will be checking these out for my three for this winter for sure, and yes the funny boot walk they do is great one of my females walks on front paws only when you put anything on her back paws so you can imagine.
Thank you so much and since my dogs are not rough terrain do you still think I should use the Shoo Goo?
Susan
Hi Susan, thank you for your comment. The idea of putting old socks on your dog’s paws is good, better than nothing. However, in the winter the socks could end up sticking to the snow and then form snow clumps on the bottoms, causing your dog to walk on snow balls. Dog boots are the solution, and since you mention that you do not walk on rough terrain, you may not need the additional use of Shoe Goo. Another option for you is to try the Pawz Dog Boots, I highly recommend them as well, they are like a rubber balloon that easily goes on your dog’s paws and stays put. You can read my review of Pawz Boots here.
Jenny,
Being a dog father, this was super helpful. I have a little frenchie named Bruce Wayne. I never really thought about the dog boots until recently. I live in the midwest and with the weather changing – frost, snow then thawing…it gets a little messy. So when I let the Bruce out his paws get caked in mud. My wife or I spend like 20 minutes cleaning them off before we let him inside.
This is a great review on the dog boots. It is a brilliant idea for dog owners. Thank you for the great review!
Cheers,
Nic
Hi Nic, thank you for commenting. First of all, I love the name of your dog Bruce Wayne, and I am glad you enjoyed my review. I can totally relate to messy paws, and spending time cleaning your dog’s paws before letting him inside. With dog boots, that problem is solved, you just put the boots on your dog, and take them off before coming inside. Your dog’s paws are clean.
Very informative, I never realized the benefits of the boots. Just as you said, I thought they were just a dress up fad.
I have a dog in south Florida the sand can get very hot and you can tell it hurts for him to be on it too long. Do you think the boots would be good in those conditions also?
Jim
Hi Jim, dog boots have so many benefits. Absolutely, these boots can offer protection from the burning hot sand. The Ultra Paws Rugged Boots, are great, but perhaps you might find the Pawz Boots more suitable for your dog when walking in the hot sand. I did a review on them also, and I highly recommend them. You can read my review of Pawz Boots here.
Wow, this is excellent and put together well. I have never thought of a dog boot. With your review, I’m confident that the dog boot is not only good for the winter, it’s also good for summer. It improves the overall walking condition of your dog and saves you a lot, from what I am seeing. I think the Ultra paws rugged is the perfect match for the job in both winter and summer.
Thank you for commenting. So many people don’t realize that when the weather conditions are harsh, either too hot or too cold, their dog needs protection on their paws. Dog boots are not just a fashion choice, they offer your dog protection from the elements.