Dog Mocs was founded in 2011 by Mark, inspired by his German Shepherd, Storm, and the need for durable, comfortable paw protection. When Storm developed a degenerative spinal condition that caused him to drag his back paws, traditional dog boots failed to provide the comfort and durability needed for their active lifestyle. Mark crafted the first leather moccasins from large leather scraps, creating a design that Storm enjoyed wearing and that withstood various terrains. Following positive feedback from other dog owners, Mark launched Dog Mocs, providing durable, comfortable leather moccasins for dogs to help protect their paws during daily activities.
Dog Mocs
Made in the USA
Handcrafted, durable deerskin moccasins designed to protect dogs' paws while allowing them to maintain a natural grip across various terrains
Do dogs need boots?
The question of whether dogs need boots is a common one among pet owners. The answer, however, isn’t straightforward as it varies from dog to dog and depends on various factors.
Different types of boots serve different purposes. For example, boots can protect a dog’s paws from extreme temperatures, such as hot pavement or cold snow. They can also prevent paw drying and cracking caused by salted roads during winter walks. Additionally, boots can provide traction on slippery indoor surfaces and protect paws from sharp objects on rocky terrain.
The decision to use boots ultimately comes down to your dog’s individual needs and sensitivities. Some dogs may require boots more than others, depending on their breed, size, age, and health conditions. It’s essential to observe your dog’s behavior and how they react to different terrain and temperatures to determine if boots are necessary.
We wrote an article about things to keep in mind when using boots on hikes over the summer since there are just as many pros as cons around the topic. We also have another article on the different types of winter boots, the differences between summer vs. winter boots, and much more.
If you want to read more educational posts, check out our Articles page!
What size of boots does my dog need?
When it comes to choosing the right size of boots for your dog, it’s essential to follow the sizing guide provided by the manufacturer. Most companies provide sizing instructions on their product site, so be sure to check before purchasing.
To measure your dog’s paws accurately, place a sheet of paper on the ground and have your dog stand on it. Lift the opposite leg to put weight on the paw you want to measure and draw lines on both sides of the paw. You can then measure the distance on the paper later without causing any stress to your dog.
Some companies ask for the paw’s width, while others size based on the paw’s length, so it’s crucial to check the sizing guide for each brand.
It’s recommended to measure each paw since the front paws may differ from the back ones. You also need to ensure a snug fit, as loose-fitting boots can cause your dog to lose balance and chafe their feet.
Avoid the common misconception that leaving the straps looser or ordering a size larger will make the boots more comfortable for your dog. Just like hiking in oversized boots, ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort and pain for your pet. Therefore, aim for the most precise measurement possible for optimal comfort and performance.
About Dog Mocs
Dog Mocs is a high-quality, handcrafted dog moccasin designed to protect dogs’ paws while allowing them to maintain a ground feel - not like boots with a rubber sole. These moccasins are made from 100% American deerskin, known for its durability and softness, making it an ideal material for paw protection. The breathable nature of deerskin and the slit-up design on the sides ensure that dogs can wear the moccasins comfortably for extended periods without the risk of overheating or moisture buildup that can contribute to chafing.
Dog Mocs are designed to stay securely on dogs’ feet during various activities, regardless of terrain. They offer protection against a wide range of environmental hazards, including hot pavement, rocks, thorns, cold temperatures, salted streets, snow, and slippery floors.
Despite showing signs of normal wear after use, the deerskin is a very durable material and it retains its softness even after it gets wet. Unlike cowhide, deerskin requires minimal care and can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Made entirely in the USA.
Dogmocs are sold in pairs as many dogs need a different size on the front and rear paws. They currently offer six sizes and they are able to accommodate custom-size orders on a case-by-case basis if you reach out to them.
Dog Mocs Review
We were very excited to finally have the chance to try out the Dog Mocs after hearing about them for years. Zulu’s tiny back paws were once again between sizes, so DogMocs created a custom boot for her based on multiple measurements, reference photos, videos, and brainstorming. Mark was great to work with and was super helpful in solving our sizing dilemma.
When we received these boots, we received most questions about the material and durability. Deerskin is a “Dry-Soft” leather which means that while cowhide leather tends to harden and crack over repeated cycles of getting wet and drying, deerskin will continue to dry back to its natural, soft feel. Water will not affect the performance and life span of the Dog Mocs although they get a bit harder to handle and adjust on the dog once wet.
Many are concerned after seeing the signs of wear on the boots after the first few sessions which is actually due to a thin film on the deerskin surface from the tanning process peeling away, which is normal and expected. This does not affect the durability or performance of the boots and the deerskin itself should remain strong for a long time even with regular use.
The soft material allows dogs to have a good ground feel making them more comfortable. Zulu didn’t need any time to get used to walking in them and she is a gear-shy dog. I wouldn’t say the outer material is non-slip on slippery surfaces but it provides more grip than boots with a rubber sole.
The opening on the side allows the paws to breathe which can be crucial in the summer heat when dogs sweat on their paws to cool down. Depending on the boot’s fit on the individual dog, this might also create an opening over the dew claws, preventing chafing and rubbing in that area.
On the other hand, this opening can also let snow, sand, and small rocks enter the boots which can increase the chance of chafing on long hikes.
The boots come with laces but they also offer quick-tie lace locks which makes it easier to secure the boots. It is important to follow the lacing and threading instructions on their website to ensure the boots are positioned well and stay secured.
It did take some time to get the lacing right because the laces made it a bit harder for me to feel how tight they should be and I didn’t tighten them enough which resulted in them falling off the first few times. Zulu has very narrow, small legs and paws which make it especially hard and time-consuming to put on and adjust boots. In this case, I feel a velcro/elastic velcro solution would be more helpful but velcros on boots tend to pick up dirt over time so there is also value in this solution.
The side slits also make it a bit harder to put the boots on a smaller dog who doesn’t stay still because one toe tends to poke out on the side, so you need to adjust it well at the beginning, then keep the boots in position and tie the laces at the same because the boots slide right off of small paws if you let them go to use both hands for the laces.
Dog Mocs Review Summary
I really like the thinking behind creating these boots and the creativity of moving away from the regular boot materials and designs to create something different. Many dogs struggle with chafing in boots and have a hard time getting used to wearing one - which wouldn’t be a problem with the Dog Mocs.
The only area we struggled with was the laces and securing them but Zulu is probably one of the hardest test subjects for this with her stick legs that make it hard for any boots to stay on. The laces need to be tightened more than expected to ensure they stay on safely.
Most of you expressed concerns with durability and the material but it is holding up well so far for us - besides the expected wear and tear. We need to keep in mind that deerskin behaves differently than cowhide and I heard great feedback from many who have been using these boots for years. If you would have a different experience, I recommend reaching out to Mark, who I am sure would be eager to figure out the problem and help you resolve the situation.
Dog Mocs
Made in the USA
Handcrafted, durable deerskin moccasins designed to protect dogs' paws while allowing them to maintain a natural grip across various terrains
