Ruffwear is an outdoor dog gear brand based in Bend, Oregon, founded in 1994. The company is dedicated to creating gear for outdoor adventures and is guided by performance, adventure, and sustainability principles. They are committed to conducting business to maximize the good they can do in the world while being conscious of their impact on the planet.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Shoes
Minimalistic & Breathable
Flexible and light dog shoes designed to protect the paws on all-terrain.
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!
About the Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots
The Grip Trex™ Dog Boots are designed for dogs who love to venture alongside their owners on outdoor adventures. These boots are engineered to withstand hiking, biking, running, and all manners of exploration in diverse environments.
Its durable Vibram outsole is purpose-built to deliver traction and safeguard paws from rough terrain. Complemented by a breathable mesh upper, these boots ensure proper ventilation while effectively shielding paws from debris. The hook-and-loop closure system ensures a snug and reliable fit throughout any activity. To maintain optimal performance, it’s advisable to periodically check and adjust the fit during extended outings.
Additional features include reflective trim for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions and a gusset design for easy on/off functionality.
Each set includes two boots, recognizing the variability in paw sizes between the front and rear paws of many dogs. It currently comes in 8 sizes and three colors: Black, Lichen Green, and Red Sumac.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots Review
The Grip Trex boots are very well-made and light boots. They are made of high-quality materials with great attention to detail. They have sturdy materials where needed to protect the paws on rough, rocky trails but also have a breathable mesh top layer that allows the paws to breathe. This is important because dogs sweat on their paws to cool down so their paws can get moist in shoes which increases the chance of chafing.
Breathability usually comes with a tradeoff in waterproofness so just keep in mind that these boots will not keep the paws dry.
Zulu was comfortable wearing these boots and they didn’t seem to chafe her. On the shorter trips we have used them, they didn’t fall off even when she was off-leash. The bottom of the boots provides good traction on most surfaces but it is important to remember that dogs still slip more easily while wearing boots.
These boots are low-profile and minimalistic. They sit higher than the Trail Shoes we reviewed before, but still lower than most other boots. If your dog has dew claws it is highly recommended to use it with Ruffwear’s Dog Socks as the straps are secured over that area. In the case of low-sitting boots, they don’t only rub the dew claws but for some dogs, the dewclaws can slide out over the boots and be rubbed from below. The socks not only help with the dewclaws, but they are also quick-drying and decrease chafing in general.
While the boots didn’t chafe Zu on the shorter trips we got to use them, I would add the socks under them for a longer adventure.
Zulu is using the 1.75 boots. We have also tried the 1.5 boots that fit her paw width but as she has ridiculously small paws with very minimal widening around the paws, those didn’t go high enough on her legs to tighten the straps on the narrowing part of her legs. This is not a sizing or design issue, just something to keep in mind with low-sitting boots if your dog also has small paws compared to their size.
Altogether, the Grip Trex is a very-well-made, high-quality boot. The low design might not work for dogs with proportionally small paws but if they do fit well, they are a comfortable protection for most dogs.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Shoes
Minimalistic & Breathable
Flexible and light dog shoes designed to protect the paws on all-terrain.
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!
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 terrains 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. 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.
