Whether you’re trying to increase your step count or just want shoes for dog walking, this buying guide for the best dog walking shoes in 2022 has you covered.
The best dog walking shoes should have a few key features for comfort and safety when out on the roads or trails with your pup. You want a well-cushioned sole for shock absorption, good treads for grip, and a secure fit, so they don’t slip off or wear out too quickly. Other features are optional but can make your time with Fido more enjoyable.
Some dog walking shoes are water-resistant or waterproof to ensure they keep your feet dry and protected from the elements. The best dog walking shoes have a breathable upper to prevent your feet from overheating. In short, when you’re out and about with your pup, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes that you never want to take off.
For dog walkers, the perfect shoe is durable, lightweight, and comfortable. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best shoes for walking or running with your furbaby. You also want to find a pair you can easily slip on and off as needed. Since those “needs” vary by a walker, we’ve broken down our guide into three categories:
The minimalist – People who choose this kind of shoe want to maximize agility and coordination while maximizing the amount of contact with the ground. Walkers may avoid heel-striking or cushioned insoles.
The barefoot walker/ runner – Like minimalist walker shoes, these focus on increasing sensory feedback (ground feel). Unlike most minimalists, these shoes are designed with a wide toe box. This increases comfort while decreasing the chance of blisters during long walks.
The all-arounder- These shoes are ideal for people who don’t fit into either of the categories above. Instead, they’re designed to provide an optimal amount of cushioning and support. If you’re new to walking and don’t know what category is best for you, go with these.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Non-marking sole
- Water-resistant
- Fast-drying
- Great grip and traction.
- Z-style webbing holds securely
- Slides on and off in seconds
- Comfortable
- Offers natural flexibility
- Cons
- Velcro may not be as durable.
The Xero Shoes Z -Trail is designed as barefoot-inspired lightweight hiking and running sandal with the ground feel of going barefoot. These are perfect if you hike, walk, run, jog, work out, Cross Fit, yoga, raft, stand up paddleboard, kayak, canoe, fly fish, even run ultra-marathons. We like these because they’re great for travel at only 10mm thick. The Z-Trail dog walking sandal is flexible enough to roll up and fit in your pack or pocket. They’re also durable enough for wherever the Z-Trail takes you.
Features
- 3 color options
- 3-Layer FeelLite sole
- 76% lighter and thinner than other sports sandals
- Affordable
- Durable
- 10mm thick
- Zero-drop non-elevated heel for natural posture
- 5,000-mile warranty
- Pros
- Designed on a unisex shoe last using European sizing
- Lace-up closure
- Made of metal and is extraComfortable & durableemely portable as it collapses flat
- Long-lasting
- Environmentally friendly
- Use fair trade methods & organic materials
- Good support
- Crafted with a well-cushioned foot
- Cons
- The tongue on these shoes is immensely uncomfortable at first
- It takes a while to break in.
The Veja women’s sneakers are perfect for dog walks. An excellent pair of sneakers with a cause. The Vēja women’s sneaker is made from organic cotton and manufactured in a workshop that foments fair trade and sustainable development projects. Its rubber sole is produced without toxic chemicals, making it suitable to wear and healthy for those who make them. No need to choose between fashion and ethics; you can have both.
Features
- Affordable
- Timeless design
- Breathable
- Stylish yet sporty
- Imported
- Logo V made from Amazon rubber and rice waste
- Jersey lining is made from cotton and recycled polyester. sole partially made of rubber from the Amazon forest
- Multiple styles to choose from
- Pros
- Returns energy to your stride
- Comfortable
- Stylish yet sporty
- Suitable dog walking shoe
- Cushioned for optimal comfort & support
- Fits well
- Insoles are removable
- Plenty of heel support
- Cons
- The opening may run small.
The Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 21 running shoe features over 2,000 positive reviews and is designed to give runners the comfort and responsiveness they need. The Ultraboost 21’s are one of their best running shoes, offering everything required for a running shoe at an affordable price.
The Ultraboost are well-cushioned running shoes that are very comfortable, but they aren’t too bulky. Instead, they provide excellent support without restricting flexibility. The Prime knit upper allows for a snug fit, not to mention it looks pretty stylish, too. The Ultraboost 21’s are some of the best running shoes on the market, and they offer a ton without breaking the bank.
Features
- Affordable
- Variety of color options
- Breathable
- S-curve heel eliminates slip
- Crafted with a Linear Energy Push System
- Prime knit upper is stretchy
- Sock-like fit
- Over 2,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Comfortable with good arch support
- Durable
- Suitable for walking & running with dogs
- Cushion adjusts to the foot
- True to size
- Helps with foot issues
- Very supportive
- Great for hiking trips with Fido
- Cons
- Not the most fashionable design, but highly functional
The Hoka One Clifton7 is Hoka’s top-of-the-line lightweight trainer. The shoe features top-of-the-line cushioning in a structured light package for training and recovery runs. The Hoka One Clifton 7 is a versatile daily trainer that can be used for any road running distance from 5k to marathon and even trails if you want all-day comfort with your pup when out hiking.
The outsole features an all-new, more flexible design that provides a smooth ride while still giving the best protection for your feet on rocky surfaces. The top of the shoe is made with high-quality mesh materials to keep your feet cool during training sessions. With Hoka One One’s custom footbed, the shoe will get more comfortable over time, making it one of the best daily trainers for all types of runners.
Features
- Synthetic-and-mesh
- Women’s running shoe
- Numerous color options
- Extremely lightweight
- Offers excellent stability
- Pros
- Simple yet stylish
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Suitable for dog walking
- TPU heel clip
- Responsive boost midsole
- Cons
- Sneaker runs large (half size bigger)
The Adidas by Stella McCartney line gives a second life to sneakers by turning them into the ultimate sustainable fashion statement with sweatshop-free and eco-friendly materials. This unique collaboration celebrates Stella’s quest to do things differently.
This sneaker features a multipurpose design from HIIT classes to everyday wear, TPU heel clip, and is crafted with a responsive boost midsole. We like these for dog walking because they’re as comfy as running sneakers!
Features
- Affordable
- Fabric: Performance knit
- Three trendy color options
- Round toe
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up closure
- An Adidas/Stella McCartney product
- Pros
- Lightweight dual-density breathable material
- Comfortable & stylish
- Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole
- Breathable air mesh upper
- Machine washable
- Air dry
- Suitable for long-distance dog walking
- Cons
- Runs large ( 1/2 size)
The Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5-15901 Sneaker Black are an excellent option for anyone who wants shoes that will help them feel light on their feet without sacrificing any comfort. These shoes are lightweight because of the materials they are made out of but have excellent cushioning to keep your foot comfortable.
They are made out of mesh material with memory foam cushioning in the soles, making them very breathable. Memory foam can make you feel like you are walking on air. They offer enough support to your feet that they don’t feel flimsy or unstable but will still bend easily with your foot when you walk.
Many times, shoes marketed as “cushioned” will not provide enough cushioning that you need for each step you take. We like these because they are designed to help you get the most out of every step you make.
The Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5-15901 Sneaker Black can be worn for a day out on the town or while going shopping, but they were also designed with a casual look that allows you to wear them when you’re at home hanging around the house or walking your pup. They come in various colors, so you can choose something that works for your style. This product has over 21,900 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Ultra-Go outsole with comfort pillar technology
- Eight color options
- 100% mesh
- Imported
- Man-made sole
- Slip-resistant
- An extensive array of style
- A Sketcher product
- Over 21,900 positive reviews
- Pros
- Machine wash
- Breathable
- Simple, natural, & comfortable
- Sleek profile
- MD outsole
- Elastic topline for easy on and off.
- Latex arch insert for added support
- Mesh allows the foot to breath
- The perfect shoe for dog walks
- Cons
- 0.5 size up for very wide feet
The Tiosebon women’s athletic walking shoes are great for dog walking. They are breathable and comfortable. They are stylish, lightweight, and are crafted with a phylon sole. Many say that they run small, order one size up.
So far, these shoes have over 26,500 positive reviews! This dog walking shoe is crafted with a high elastic MD outsole to give you comfort. The shoes are machine washable, so throw them in the washer when they get dirty. We like these for dog walking and hiking because they are lightweight and durable. We like that the soles are thick, which makes for excellent traction!
Features
- Over 26,500 positive reviews
- Over 30 color options
- Lightweight yet durable
- Mesh upper
- Environmental protection shoe
- Convenient slip-on design
- Rubber sole
- Latex arch insert.
- Pros
- Imported
- Great for hiking with dogs
- Vibram sole
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- Construction for enhanced proprioception and stability during variable movement
- Crafted with recycled materials
- Designed to enhance the foot's natural ability to stabilize the body
- Easy fold
- Washable
- Dry quickly
- Cons
- None
The Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove sneaker features over 2,000 positive reviews and is crafted with a barefoot shape with a glove-like fit providing natural comfort with minimalist construction.
The Vapor Glove is a newer version of the Merrell barefoot Vapor Glove trainer that has been around for a while. The new Vapor Glove 4 builds on the success of its predecessor with added breathability, durability, and protection from the elements.
It’s relatively lightweight at 7 ounces, available in multiple color options, and comes with a Merrell M Select™ FIT.ECO blended EVA contoured footbed with organic odor control to absorb and evaporate odors to reduce shoe stink, a lightly padded neoprene tongue for comfort, a Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, a high rebound compression-molded EVA midsole for added cushioning.
Features
- Vegan-friendly footwear
- Extremely lightweight
- Four color options
- Vibram TC5+
- 100% Fabric or textile
- High-performance rubber sole
- Bare foot shape
- Glove like fit
- Affordable
- Over 2,000 positive reviews
FAQ Dog Walking Shoes
What should I look for in the best dog hiking shoes?
The best dog hiking shoes should be lightweight, comfortable, offer good traction and grip on all types of terrain, including rocks. Breathability is also an essential factor for comfort.
Which are the best types of shoes for outdoor camping with Fido?
Outdoor camping with Fido requires lightweight, durable shoes that provide good traction and grip on all types of terrain. Breathability is also essential for comfort.
How do I clean my dog’s paws after hiking?
After hiking, you can rinse your dog’s paws to remove dirt and debris or wipe them down with an alcohol-free baby wipe. You can also use a small amount of pet shampoo on the paws and rinse well with clean water.
Are there any dog boots I can use for my dog?
Yes! Dog boots protect from sharp rocks, hot pavement, ice patches, or other terrain hazards that may cause discomfort to your dog’s paws.
How often should my dog get a check-up?
Your dog should receive a check-up at least twice a year. During this visit, your veterinarian will check for any abnormalities and diseases that could affect your pet’s general well-being and overall health. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) suggests that you bring your pet in for a check-up at least twice a year.
How do I know if my dog is overweight?
According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, around 58 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight. By determining if your dog is within a normal weight range, you can prevent future medical conditions like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, respiratory problems, and more. Ask your vet how to determine if your pup is at a healthy weight.
Want to learn more about dog walking shoes? Check out this video:
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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