Best Dog Crocs: Choosing Clog-Style Dog Shoes That Stay On

What people mean by dog crocs

Searches for dog crocs usually mean a light, closed, easy-to-wear shoe for a dog, with the molded, slightly rubbery look of a clog. There is no standard product type called a dog croc, so it helps to translate the look into features: a lightweight foam or rubber sole, a closed toe, some ventilation, and a way to keep it on the paw.

That last feature is the catch. A human clog stays on because of a strap and a heel, and dogs have neither. A dog shoe with no wrap-around closure will slide off within a few steps, so the clog look is worth having only when a secure fastening comes with it.

Types of light dog shoes compared

EVA foam shoes have a molded, springy sole that is lightweight and easy to wipe clean. They are the closest match to the clog idea and suit hot sidewalks and short walks. The breathable EVA dog boots are this type, sold as a set of four.

Mesh shoes with a zip or hook-and-loop strap, like the breathable mesh dog boots with zip, let air reach the paw, which the AKC says helps prevent cracked pads and bacterial buildup. A plain dog shoe with a soft closed sole is a simpler option. Rubber or PVC styles keep out water, and disposable rubber coverings slip on for a single outing.

Who light shoes suit, and who they don't

The AKC lists hot sidewalks, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, rough terrain, deicers and road salt as the situations where boots help. Light, clog-style shoes mainly suit the first of those: summer pavement and short urban walks. They do not have the deep tread or ankle coverage of a hiking boot, so they are a poor fit for rocky trails.

They also may not suit dogs with unusual paws, very hairy feet that push the shoe off, or dogs that panic at anything on their feet. If your dog has an injured paw, ask your vet before covering it, because a trapped moist environment can irritate the wound.

Sizing and fit

The AKC's method is simple: press your dog's paw onto a sheet of paper so it spreads as it would while walking, trace the outline, then measure across the widest part of the tracing and choose the size from that number. Use the maker's chart, since sizes vary widely between brands and styles.

Then test indoors. The paws should stay in the shoes, the soles should grip on smooth floors, and the shoe should follow the natural shape of the paw. If it twists, rubs or slides, try another size. A snug fit that is not tight, with wrap-around closures and a full-foot grip, is what the AKC recommends for hot pavement.

Hot pavement, and why shoes are only one answer

According to the AKC, at 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher the ground may be too hot to walk a dog safely, and at an air temperature of 86 degrees asphalt can reach 135 degrees. Its test is simple: hold your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, and if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.

Shoes help, but timing and terrain matter just as much. Walk in the early morning or evening, choose grass or shade, and let pads toughen on cool pavement beforehand. Dogs often need time to adjust to shoes, so do not make a hot day the first time they wear them. For other options see our dog boots for hot pavement.

Getting a dog to accept shoes

The AKC suggests letting your dog sniff the shoes and pairing them with praise and treats, starting with one shoe and adding the others once your dog is comfortable. Wear them indoors for short periods and build up. Watch for stress and slow down if your dog freezes or high-steps.

Our guide to best dog boots covers fit and traction in more detail, and dog boots that stay on groups the secure styles. Check your dog's feet after each wear for rubbing or redness, and if you see sores, limping or blisters, see your vet.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.