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 harnesses to “release their potential,” as their slogan says. Their focus is on pulling harnesses and other types of equipment for skijoring, canicross, etc. but they also have a few harnesses more suited for everyday dog walks.
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.
The details of the Non-stop Protector Boots
These boots are made from level 5 anti-cut material, dipped in nitrile rubber to protect the paws from rough surfaces, glass, salt, and warm asphalt. The rubber outer-layer makes the boots water-resistant and also uniquely non-slip. The shoes were initially developed for hiking and mushing on dirt roads, but it can also be used for city walks.
These boots are surprisingly lightweight and packable. We just weighted ours with already some mud on it, and they weigh around 16-17 grams each! Boots with rigid soles can take up considerable space in your backpack, but these can easily fit in any pack.
The inside of the boots is covered with a seamless, soft fabric to avoid chafing. This is also great to trap in humidity since dogs sweat a little on their paws, speeding up chafing.
Non-stop Protector Bootie Review
We tried a few other boots for hikes on rough terrain, and so far, the Protector booties provided the best traction for Mia. We believe this is due to two reasons: one is the rubber material itself, which is non-slid by itself. The second reason is that even the rubber material is somewhat flexible, so the dog can have a better grip on the rocks and feel the ground under their paws a little better than the ones with stiff soles. It seemed that Mia was very comfortable wearing these boots and had no problem balancing on rocky terrains above the treeline.
The boots are secured on the paws with an elastic velcro. Most boots came with two fasteners on each boot, but so far, we prefer Non-Stop’s solution. Adjusting 4 vs. 8 small velcros per dog is MUCH easier and faster. At the same time, these boots seem to stay in place just as well as the ones with two velcros.
For the sake of a well-balanced review, we would love to say some cons about these boots, but it’s hard to find any. The only thing we can think of is that the rubber material is not breathable at all; thus, be careful using it on hot days when dogs can overheat - as we discussed in the article about using boots over the summer. This also means that the boots will not dry out quickly if water goes in them from the top.
Having the same outer material all around the boot is also great because you don’t have to worry about it turning if the dog makes a sharp turn. We had problems with other boots turning upside down and wearing down the top material fast if we haven’t immediately realized that it is rotated on the paw. With these boots, you don’t have to worry about this; they can turn around and will be just as comfortable.
For reference, Mia needed their small size which is currently their smallest size. We assume they will coma out with different sizes soon smaller dogs can use these boots as well!
Update!
We used these boots for months without any problems until the winter cold hit. Soon after the first few icy walks, I noticed loose threads on the velcro straps. Unfortunately, this slowly escalated, and today all our straps look like the photo below. Not sure if it has something to do with walking in icy snow or the cold, but regardless, it is a problem.
We contacted Non-Stop Dogwear, and they are looking into the issue and possible ways to reinforce the ends of the elastic straps. They had many dogs testing these boots and haven’t experienced this before, so it might also be a standalone production defect with my boot since I received it before they started selling it.
Review Summary
To summarize, we were impressed with these boots until running into the problem with the straps. The boots’ material seems durable and comfortable for Mia. They have never chafed her paws or dewclaws, which is a common issue when using boots. We also like that they are machine washable, which is needed after a few longer hikes to keep the inside material clean and soft. We think these boots are a perfect combination of the protection that dogs might need on rough terrain while providing the flexibility and grip that a sock-type, thinner boot would.
The boot itself is still in perfect condition; there is no sign of cuts or wear, even though now we also used it in the city to protect the paws from the salt on the roads.
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.
