What kind of shoes should you wear for dog walking? The Ultimate Guide

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.

What are the best shoes for dog walkers?

Adidas Terrex Unisex

These shoes are very practical and are a good all-rounder suitable for most outdoor activities. The strong rubber soles, sturdy support, good grip and dark colour makes them perfect for dog walking. Some testers found that they come up smaller than usual for Adidas so consider purchasing a size up to your normal size and/or checking your measurements before purchasing. They can also a feel a bit stiff straight out of the box so we would recommend wearing them in inside before venturing out on a long ramble.

Asics Gel-Kayano Unisex

These shoes are really comfortable as they have alot of flexibility around the ankle collar which offers good support but also a snug but loose fit and lots of breathing space for your feet. The colour is also very practical for dog walking and they offer good value for the level of comfort and wearability on offer.

Merrell Chamelon

These shoes were inspired by reptiles and offer protection and stability as well as being ultra lightweight. They are breathable and keep your feet feeling fresh, where they fall down is that they are not waterproof so you might wish to use waterproofing spray to stop your feet getting wet on winter walks. They have great shock absorbing soles so offer good sole protection. Some testers found that they came up small so we recommend trying a size larger and/or checking your measurements before purchasing.

Skechers Diameter-Vassell

We found these best for wide-fit and they come in black or in brown. They are super comfy and look stylish. The colours are practical and the fabric is good quality, so they come up nicely (almost like new!) if you need to clean them when they get muddy. They can come up slightly larger size-wise so be sure to check your measurements.

Karrimor Supa

So technically these are mens shoes, but the colours are so versatile we dont see why they wouldnt be suitable for ladies too. These are definitely best for grip, they arent completely waterproof but are definitely shower proof. Our testers found that they came up a bit small so you might want to check your measurements before you purchase or buy a size up to your normal size. These are good value compared to other brands on the market.

The North Face Hedgehog Hiking Boots

Again, these are technically mens boots, but we cant see why they wouldnt also be suitable for women. Their chunky feel and grip make you feel very secure. They are pricier than other boots in our selection but are certainly built to last. They are made with Goretex so keep your feet dry (they are waterproof and windproof) whilst also being breathable.

Mountain Warehouse Field

These shoes are versatile enought to be worn by a man or a woman and whats more they are also waterproof thanks to their IsoDry membrane (which is also breathable). They also have a Vibram sole which is recognised as the world leader for performance outsoles making them highly durable. These can come up slightly bigger than usual but are good for those with wider feet.

The following products might also help prevent any foot issues when out walking and can pamper your achey feet:

See also:

Tips for Getting Booties on Your Dog

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.