Non-stop Dogwear is a Norwegian company that has rapidly grown over the past decade, with their products now available in over 1,000 stores across 22 countries. While they focus on equipment for skijoring, canicross, and other pulling activities, they also offer a range of other products, including dog jackets, collars, leashes, and human gear.
Protector Light Socks
Light, durable, comfortable
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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 needs and sensitivities. Some dogs may require boots more than others, depending on their breed, size, age, and health conditions. Observing your dog’s behavior and how they react to different terrain and temperatures is essential 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.
To read more educational posts, check out our Articles page!
What size of boots does my dog need?
When 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.
Place a sheet of paper on the ground to measure your dog’s paws accurately 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. 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. For instance, Non-stop Dogwear recently changed their shoe sizing to be based on the top of the paw as shown in this video.
It’s recommended to measure all of your dog’s paws since the front paws may differ in width from the back paws. 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 misconception that leaving the straps looser or ordering a larger size 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.
Non-stop Dogwear Protector Light Socks Review
The Non-stop Dogwear Protector Light Socks is a light, elastic, non-waterproof sock that protects the paw while still allowing natural movement and good traction. It is developed for dog-powered sports and hiking, offering both breathability and high levels of cut resistance.
They are sold in packs of four and come in one color and six sizes.
These boots provide a high level of ground feel - imagine them as thicker socks rather than the more common rigid boots. This makes exercising in boots feel more natural to the dog and also minimizes the chances of rubbing and chafing. As they are lightweight and stretchy, they are also good for gear-shy dogs who don’t like wearing boots.
They are secured with an elastic velcro strap which makes putting them on quick and easy. The boots stayed on perfectly every time we used them although it is always important to fit check and re-adjust any boots after the first few minutes to ensure they fit properly.
After using these boots for many outings over months, I am really happy with the quality and durability of the sock material. I have mixed feelings about the color choice because I love the original look but they do get visibly dirty quickly. They clean up well enough in the washing machine (30 C max!) but you can quickly see the difference once you start using them (see the below photo for a new pair on the front and older on the back paws).
The other issue I have run into is the fraying of the top material and the velcro straps.
I reached out to Non-Stop’s product team and discussed the problem in detail. One potential reason behind this is that we have shortly used it on icy snow/ground and these booties are not designed for that. Their winter boots are made to handle ice but not the Protector and Protector Light Boots.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Zu’s tiny paws needed the XS boots which were also stitched differently than all the bigger sizes. After sending over photos and videos of these boots, they decided to use the same stitching for the XS boots as the other sizes to prevent this from happening in the future. We are planning to retest the updated stitching version once it is available and note our experience here as well.
To be fair, I asked many people on many different forums and so far I haven’t heard the same complaint from anyone else. I also wanted to note that if you run into the same issue, this would be covered by their warranty.
Assuming the stitching issue is resolved/was my fault for using it on frozen ground - I really like the direction of these boots. They look very comfy and very soft which is a big plus for sensitive dogs like Zulu. It provides the right amount of protection paired with breathability which is exactly what dogs need for exercising on rough terrain.
The stretchy material also helps dogs between sizes. Zu ended up using the XS on all paws while I sized up to the S for her front paws with some other, less flexible boots. With the soft material, I am not worried about chafing and the XS fits her like a glove!
I am looking forward to using the next generation and seeing how the stitching is holding up on dryland!
Protector Light Socks
Light, durable, comfortable
Use the code DogGearReview for a 20% discount on all their products worldwide.
Disclaimer: this review contains affiliate links, which support Dog Gear Review if you purchase the product after clicking on it without costing you anything extra. Using affiliate links will never compromise us in writing unbiased, honest reviews!
