About Non-stop Dogwear
Non-stop Dogwear was founded in Norway only ten years ago, and today you can find their products in over 1,000 stores in 22 countries. We love their passion for designing the best-fitting dog products to “release their potential,” as their slogan says.
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. 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 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.
Non-stop Long Distance Bootie Review
The Long Distance booties are lightweight, soft “sock-type” boots meant to provide a good grip while also protecting the paws from snow, ice, and salt. When writing this review, the boots came in 7 sizes and two colors (red and blue). For reference, Mia needed their Small size.
The design of these boots is a little baggier than what we are used to with solid boots. This might be weird at first, but the claws need room to move around to have a good grip on snow or other slippery surfaces. When you hold the paw up, the boots seem too loose/baggy, but they should be just right when there is a weight on them since the paws spread out when the dog steps.
The tightly woven nylon material is soft enough not to chafe the paws if the fit is right. I wouldn’t say these boots are completely waterproof, but they are water-resistant for sure. They handle water well for some time, but they start to soak it in after a while, especially on a day when the snow is heavily melting. It’s a big pro that they are machine washable (at low temperature!).
The elastic velcro straps hold the boots in place well on Mia, and they are quick to secure/open. They do slide down a little as she runs - making them “flop around” a little more, but we have never lost one so far. It can be hard to decide how tight the straps should be, but we found it much easier with the elastic straps and soft boots. A general guideline for fitting them is to make them tight enough so you can’t rotate or pull them off easily. You also want to make sure they are pulled all the way up before using the hook and loop fasteners.
Every dog is slightly different, but this boot should also work well for dogs with dew-claws due to the soft material and the looser design.
These boots were designed to be used in the snow, where the thin material is helpful and practical. They work on dryland as well, but don’t be surprised if they wore down fast because the material wasn’t meant to endure that. For example, if they are used for pulling sports with a high drive dog on gravel, they might wear down in an hour - for others, it might hold up much longer. Non-Stop Dogwear has another product called “Solid Socks,” which was developed for dryland. Those socks have the same design but with reinforced nylon to make them more durable. We recommend checking those out for dryland.
The Long Distance Boots can be a perfect option for emergency use as well because there is room under them to apply vetwrap or bandage on a cut. The shoes are also super packable, they don’t take up space almost at all, and they are only 3-11 grams each (depending on the size).
Review Summary
The Long Distance boots are well-made and used by mushers all around the world. They are thin and lightweight, which makes them very comfortable for dogs but also makes them less durable on rough surfaces. They are the perfect solution if your dog has trouble with snowballs between the toes or just need a little extra protection while running in the snow. They are very quick to put on, take off, not like other solid boots that can be tricky to pull on the paws and secure with all straps. I also like that they don’t take up room in the backpack; I could carry them around in my pocket if I need to.
Where to buy & Code
You can buy all their products on their website with worldwide shipping and probably find retailers and stores in your country.
We’re excited to announce our collaboration with Non-Stop Dogwear! Use the code “DogGearReview” for a 20% discount on all their products worldwide. Rest assured, our unbiased, honest reviews remain unchanged. Using affiliate links simply helps support our work while you save.
