Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots

The Ruffwear Grip Trex is a dog boot for hiking and everyday walks. It has a Vibram rubber sole, a breathable mesh upper and one hook-and-loop strap that cinches around the narrowest part of the leg. It is sold in pairs.

Who it suits

Active dogs who hike, run or walk on rough ground, hot pavement or salted paths, and owners who want front and rear boots in different sizes. It is not an insulated winter boot.

Key facts

• Non-marking Vibram outsole and 100% polyester mesh upper (Ruffwear)
• Hook-and-loop cinch closure that Ruffwear says keeps its hold when wet (Ruffwear)
• Sold by the pair, as front or rear paws; Ruffwear says front paws are typically larger than rear paws (Ruffwear)
• To size, measure across the widest part of the paw while your dog is bearing weight, measure all paws, and size down if between sizes (Ruffwear)

What reviewers say

CleverHiker‘s main tester used the Grip Trex on several thru-hikes with her German Shepherd and found the Vibram soles gave some of the best traction of any boots it had used. The single strap made them easier to put on than other rubber-soled hiking boots, but left less room to adjust the fit, and they tended to rub around the dewclaws. In its full review, a pair that was too large rubbed at the heels and changed how the dog walked.

Whole Dog Journal tested six designs and named the Grip Trex the best: it stayed put without slipping down the paw, and the test dog could walk, trot and run normally in it. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Vibram sole that CleverHiker found gave some of the best traction it tested
• Pro: Stayed on and let the dog move normally in Whole Dog Journal’s test
• Pro: Sold in pairs, so front and rear paws can be sized separately
• Con: Can rub around the dewclaws (CleverHiker)
• Con: One strap means less room to adjust the fit (CleverHiker)
• Con: Boots that are too big rub at the heel and change how the dog walks (CleverHiker)

Cautions

• Measure every paw while your dog stands; Ruffwear says front paws can be larger and to size down if between sizes.
• Do not leave boots on an unsupervised dog, and take them off when your dog is resting (Whole Dog Journal).
• Check your dog’s paws, and the fit, at every rest stop. Rubbing, limping or licking at a paw means take the boots off; see your vet if a pad is red, blistered, cracked or bleeding.