The Best Boots for Dog Walking In Winter

Are you looking for the best boots for dog walking in Winter?

Do you want a pair of walking boots that can deal with wet weather, rough terrain and even snow and Ice? If so this handy list of some of the best dog walking boots can help you to make a more informed decision to help you decide what might work best for you this Winter.

I know from experience that walking a dog in the colder weather can be challenging especially when you are trying to negotiate slippery surfaces and cold weather however when you have the right boots for the job dog walking can be a breeze.

Here’s my pick of the best dog walking boots available and how they cope with different weather conditions to help you pick a pair that will meet your needs.

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Our Top Pick Of The Best Waterproof Dog Walking Boots

So let’s start with my all-time favorites which are the best boots for dog walking in Winter, Dubarry Boots. These are the ultimate boots for a dog walker but they do come with a hefty price tag.

Whilst these may be expensive their cost per wear is not high when you consider the fact that they are virtually indestructible and last for years.

While other dog walkers will get through a new pair of boots each season a pair of Dubarry boots that is looked after can last for up to 10 years with regular wear which make them a bargain in the long run.

These are the ultimate in quality boots that can be used for walking in woodland, muddy tracks, and even ice and snowy weather.

They are fully waterproof, breathable, warm, and long-lasting boots that you can depend upon year after year to help your feet stay dry even in the depths of winter.

This is why British Royals such as Kate Middleton and Princess Anne wear them regularly because they are the ultimate waterproof country boots. If you buy a pair think of them as an investment that will cost you less in the long term because they last so long.

Mid Range Women’s Boots for Dog Walking in Winter

Whilst Dubarry is the ultimate dog walking boots I understand that not everyone has the budget for them. Luckily there are plenty of good replicas on the market that are also fully waterproof and should work just as well for winter.

TuffRider Women’s Lexington Waterproof Tall Boots are a great example of a similar pair of dog walking boots but without the price tag.

These have a rubber outsole and are made from waterproof leather. They are a decent pair of boots for dog walks and have a drawstring around the top of the boots to help keep your feet dry.

These boots also have a pair of memory foam insoles which is ideal if you need cushioning for your feet to help with comfort.

Whilst this is the women’s version there is also a TuffRider boot for men as well.

Muck Boots Make Great Country Boots For Dog Walking

Ever heard of the brand Muck Boots? They certainly make our list of the best boots for dog walking in winter because of their price point as well as their durability, great traction, and ability to keep your feet dry in wet and muddy conditions.

The name Muck Boots tell a story because these were obviously designed for dirty and mucky conditions that you are going to experience on dog walks in winter.

Whilst Muck Boots look a little like wellington boots they are partially made from neoprene which gives them their unique design.

Muck Boots are well known for their ability to perform in all terrains and are usually used for outdoor work, farming and casual wear. They are considered incredibly comfortable and are great winter boots because they are warm which is great if you are doing dog walks in the snow and ice.

The great thing about these waterproof dog walking boots is that there are plenty of designs you can choose from depending on the conditions you are going to be using them in. This means you can get knee-length boots, mid-height boots, or ankle boots depending on your needs.

Some Muck Boot designs also come with extras such as fleece linings, heel and arch support, and wider foot widths which means you can really find something that is both practical and comfortable for long walks.

Ladies Muck Boots for Dog Walking

It is worth noting that some Muck Boots and indeed wellington boots tend to be designed for men. Their choice of colors tends to be relatively ordinary and whilst they are practical they don’t always look particularly fashionable.

There is good news however as Muck Boots Hale Multi-Season boots have broken the mold and come in 8 colors and designs that stand out from the normal boots on offer.

This means that you can wear a quality pair of dog walking boots that also look good as well.

This pink design on the boot shaft adds interest to your standard winter boots. If you don’t like this design you can buy ones with checks, autumn leaves or pink accents.

Budget Alternatives to Muck Boots

Whilst Muck Boots have a great reputation as dog walking boots they are also more expensive than an average pair of wellington boots. If you simply don’t have the budget to pay for the real deal don’t worry as there are plenty of alternatives on the market which still work well and cost less.

We love these Drycode Rain Boots which are unisex and are perfect for using dog owners who need decent winter walking boots that can cope with different terrains and weather conditions.

Most importantly these are 100% waterproof which is essential as your footwear needs to keep your feet dry in wet weather.

They also have deep treads which means that they offer great traction to help prevent you from falling over in less than ideal conditions.

In fact, these boots are specifically marketed at people who need a pair of dog walking wellies that can cope with the rain snow and mud. Remember you don’t need to just use them for dog walks they are also suitable for hunting, fishing, or camping as well which makes them a great all-rounder.

Plus these are breathable which is incredibly important if you suffer from sweaty feet or are prone to athlete’s foot. These wick away moisture meaning that your feet stay dry both inside and outside.

Winter Boots For Dog Walking In Snow and Ice

When it comes to dog walking boots that are suitable for snow and ice then your footwear has to be able to be waterproof, warm, and able to give extra grip.

Icy conditions or even frosty days mean that you need boots with sturdy soles and good traction so that you don’t fall over.

This is why we are a big fan of Keen boots when the winter conditions call for extra traction so that you don’t slip when you are walking. These Keen Women’s Greta Boots are a great example of waterproof dog walking boots that are perfect for more challenging conditions. As they can be laced they offer good ankle support which is important if you are walking on rougher terrain.

The sole on these shoes is supportive as well as comfortable and insulated to keep your feet warm. Whilst the rubber outsole can cope with temperatures as low as -25° F / -32° C.

They even have an anti-odor technology built in to prevent bad smells from sweat making them a great all-rounder winner when it comes to winter dog walking boots.

Men’s Snow Boots for Dog Walking

There are also some great men’s boots out there that offer the extra traction needed for winter dog walks in the snow.

The Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Snow Boot is waterproof and breathable which can help to keep your feet dry when you are walking.

They are another boot that has good traction and insulation as well to keep your feet warm even when it is wet or snowy outside.

As an added bonus this pair of boots prides itself on its cushioning which means that your feet should still feel comfortable even when you are walking long distances.

Just note that these are boots that you will primarily use for winter only because of the design. Also just note that these boots run a little small so you may need to size up from your normal shoe size.

Boots For Muddy Dog Walks – Wellington Boots

If you are looking for the best boots for dog walking in winter and don’t have to contend with very snowy conditions just rainy days and mud then you can’t go far wrong with wellington boots.

Certain types of wellington boots are a staple of dog owners in climates where the weather is wet and the ground is covered in mud. You of course need waterproof footwear but don’t need the grip and insulation of some of the snow and ice boot styles.

There is one pair of wellington boots that is known for its style and durability and that is the brand Hunter Boots. They are synonymous with the country set as well as with style icons such as Kate Moss who decided they were the only boots she needed at a very muddy and wet Glastonbury festival.

Hunter boots aren’t cheap but they are long-lasting and a total style classic that you can wear time and time again. The standard brand for any dog walker is the Hunter Tall Rain Boot which comes in a range of different colors.

It is worth noting that Hunter also does snow boots, mid-calf boots, ankle boots, and even adjustable footwear for wide calves so you should find something that works for you. You can also read our article on Do Hunter Boots Stretch? to assess what design might be more suitable for your calf width.

Mid-Range Budget Friendly Wellington Boots for Dog Walking

Whilst Hunter Boots are an affordable luxury for many you might not want to spend a lot of money on wellington boots that are going to be covered in mud from your dog walks. This is where a mid-range boot comes in.

I personally have a soft spot for Joules Wellington Boots which come in a huge range of amazing designs and are perfect waterproof dog walking boots for the countryside.

Joules is a brand that not only sells footwear but clothing as well as is known for being good quality but at a more budget-friendly price point.

Joules Wellington Boots are waterproof and are known for their quality so you can’t go far wrong. Now all you need to do is decide on the style.

Just remember that wellington boots are fine for walks in wet weather but are less suitable for rougher terrain. Ankle support is important when walking in more challenging conditions which is why hiking boots might be more suitable if you need something a little bit more robust.

Winter Dog Walking Shoes – Hiking Boots

If you are a keen hiker and love long walks then there is no reason why you can’t use your hiking boots for your dog walk.

Hiking boots have been specially designed to keep your feet and ankles safe and secure when walking over uneven ground. They not only protect your feet but should be comfortable as well as they have been designed for walking long distances.

Hiking boots can therefore be a great alternative to other types of boots because they are already designed for tougher walking conditions.

These NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice if you want walking boots that are great for wet or muddy walks. These are boots that are designed for stability which is great if you need that grip on your dog walk.

These are lightweight boots and have better cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and can be used not only for dog walks but for camping, trekking, fishing, and a whole host of other activities.

Hiking Boots for Snowy Conditions

Whilst some of us may be dog walking in rainy conditions snow presents a more challenging problem. If the area where you live has a lot of snow over the winter period then you may need to pay more for specialist hiking boots that can deal with the icy conditions.

These Keen Women’s Revel 4 Mid Height Polar Snow Boots are going to be more suitable for these types of more extreme winter conditions.

First of all, they are waterproof which is essential when you are walking in the snow. They are also breathable which means that your feet won’t get sweaty inside your boot whilst you are wearing them.

These particular boots can deal with temperatures as low as -25°f/-32°c and they have an outsole that has been specifically designed to give great grip in cold weather environments.

Keen Polar Snow Boots are a little more expensive than a typical pair of hiking boots but the price is justified by the additional features they have for dealing with colder weather.

The Key To Choosing The Best Footwear For Your Needs

As you can see when it comes to choosing the best boots for dog walking in winter you are spoilt for choice. Don’t let the sheer number of options overwhelm you. Instead, think about your particular needs and choose a boot that works for the walking you are going to be doing.

To help you decide consider the following:

Where You Are Going To Be Walking – The first key point is you need to think about where you are going to be doing most of your walking. If your dog walking is mostly on sidewalks or urban fields then you are very unlikely to need hiking boots or very expensive boots. Simple wellingtons, Dubarry style boots or muck boots will work just fine.

If you are walking in rugged terrain with rocks and stones, mud, and slippery surfaces you are going to need boots with good traction.

Weather Conditions – You are probably going to need to spend a little more money on your boots if you are regularly going to be dealing with adverse weather conditions. If you are regularly walking on snow and ice it makes sense to buy a good pair of hiking boots with added insulation, grip as well as the ability to deal with lower temperatures. Wellingtons for example may work in mild snowy conditions but are less able to cope with deeper snow.

Comfort Levels – Comfort is key when it comes to dog walking as you are likely to be walking longer distances. This means you need to look for boots that have good cushioning to help protect your feet. Look for arch support if you need that as well.

If you have wide feet or larger calves remember to buy boots that are suitable for your particular feet and legs. Nothing is worse than trying to squeeze yourself into something that feels uncomfortable and will cause blisters later on.

Budget – Finally think about your budget. The good news is that where there is a designer brand there is likely to be a copycat design for a fraction of the price. Whilst the quality and longevity of the product might not be the same in many cases these budget-friendly designs can be useful if you haven’t got the money to spend on the real deal. Just remember to look at other peoples reviews on the product to assess whether they are worth buying.