Product Review: Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots

These Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots have some unique features that set them apart from the usual dog shoes. The top of the boot opens up wider than the boot itself, making it easier to cram all those toes and claws in there. The inside of the top also has foam cushions that help grip the dog's leg and make the boots more comfortable when fastened tightly. The soles and toes have nice heavy grippy rubber to provide traction, and these are specifically recommended for seniors that slip on hard floors. Durable Dog Boots are available in two colors and six sizes to fit paws 1.25-4" wide.

Photo by Erin Koski

Ultra Paws definitely put some thought into the design for these dog shoes. They've clearly used a lot of boots in the past, and know the most common problems with various designs.

Their Durable Dog Boots are sort of a cross between bag-style boots that are the same all the way around, and shaped boots with a distinct top and bottom. They're not hard-sole boots, so they won't be super uncomfortable if they twist around.

I'm pretty sure the #1 complaint about any dog boots on the planet is that they don't stay on. Ultra Paws has addressed this issue in a couple of different ways. The first is the foam inside the boots, under the straps. This has a slightly grippy texture, and also provides some padding when the straps are cinched down tight. Each boot also has two straps that run in opposite directions around the leg. These can help them fit over dewclaws.

Photo by Erin Koski

Pros: The grippy bottom of the boots extends well up the tops as well, so if they spin they still provide traction. Easy to put on and tighten down. Seem to stay on better than most dog shoes.

Cons: Despite the name, these Durable Dog Boots are mostly recommended for indoor use with only "light duty outdoors". The way the boot opens at the top can really irritate some dogs' dewclaws.

Bottom Line: The best solution for dewclaws in boots seems to be wrapping them with vet wrap first. For Brisbane, I first do a wrap under the claw to keep it from pressing against his leg, and then add a second wrap on top to protect the dewclaw from the boot. If I wrap a little higher, I can even use medical tape or duct tape to secure the boot to the wrap.

Fido Fleece Dog Boots

These leopard print fleece dog boots are from the original Fido Fleece company. A little more than just a standard booty, the durable grippy sole wraps around the front of the toe where boots often see the most wear. In addition to the standard velcro wrap strap, these have a drawstring at the very top to help them stay on and keep stuff out of the boots.

Photo by Erin Koski

I remember hearing about Fido Fleece when Brisbane was a baby. They were the preferred coat for shivering jack russell terriers. While the product line still has the original brand name, the ownership of Fido Fleece has changed quite a bit.

Originally Fido Fleece was its own companyl producing fleece dog jackets and matching booties. Then the company was purchased by Premier, makers of wonderful martingale collars and harnesses. Then Premier was acquired by PetSafe and I assume from there everything went to hell.

I'll be honest, I really don't like PetSafe as a company, and would avoid buying their products if they didn't keep buying up companies I really like. I loved the Premier SureFit harness long before PetSafe bought them. I had Busy Buddy toys for my cocker spaniel before Brisbane was born. I feel like they acquire small businesses with excellent customer service and then assimilate them into the giant and faceless corporation.

Photo by Erin Koski

Some giant corporations have decent customer service, but PetSafe is just terrible. I bought a couple of their Come With Me Kitty harness and stretchy leash sets, and after slightly over a year of sitting in a drawer the leashes lost their stretch entirely. I had the same issue with one of my original Ruffwear Roamer leashes, and it was considered defective and replaced. Apparently PetSafe's stretchy leashes simply have a shelf life, and when I emailed to ask about it they told me to just buy another one. I was given another stretchy PetSafe leash and it did the same thing, so apparently this is just a product with a short lifespan. I feel icky about supporting a company that doesn't stand behind their product, and makes things seemingly designed to fail just after their warranty period.

Fido Fleece is another wonderful company swallowed by PetSafe. The product line seems to have shrunk significantly since the brand was acquired, and these boots are no longer available. I haven't heard anyone mention Fido Fleece in years now.