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 Hi & Light Trail Shoes
Minimalistic & Breathable
Flexible and light dog shoes designed for summer hikes on rough 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.
Ruffwear Hi & Light Trail Shoes Sizing
The Hi & Light Trail boots are sized by paw width so after many measurements we first received the 1.50" size (the smallest size it comes in). It fit Zulu’s paw width pretty well but as these shoes are designed to be a lower-sitting, minimalistic style, they didn’t go high enough to safely secure them and they fell off immediately.
We sized up to 1.75 which has a bit of loose material on the top (even when it is folded in when the fasteners are secured) but in return, they go higher up and stay on Zulu’s paws.
It is important to note that this is not due to a sizing issue or it doesn’t mean that the boots are running small and everyone needs to size up. It simply means that this sizing works for dogs who have proportionally wider paws (like most dogs). Zulu has ridiculously small paws, her back legs are like little sticks with very minimal widening around the paws. So when I take her paw width, the sizing guide expects a smaller dog to use the 1.50" boots statistically.
Size 1.5 with the Bark'n Boot Socks
Size 1.75
Ruffwear Hi & Light Trail Shoes Review
As its name suggests the Hi & Light Trail Shoes were designed for the trails. They are light and have a somewhat flexible rubber sole with a grippy texture to provide better traction. The breathable knit upper keeps the paws cool and allows them to dry while keeping dirt and debris out. To offer breathability, the top is not waterproof.
Its minimal design and the soft upper are meant to minimize any issues with rubbing and chafing. You can choose to buy it in sets of 2 or 4 which helps dogs who need different sizing on the back and front paws. The boots currently come in two colors (Blue Pool and River Rock Green) and eight sizes.
The knit top material seems more comfortable for Zu than most similar boots with a rigid top although wearing the Bark’n Boot Socks is always recommended to protect the dew claws and prevent chafing when the boots are on for a longer period. The low reach of these shoes also prevents chafing on the carpal pads which can be an issue with some other boots.
The Trail Shoes are designed to be minimalistic and to sit lower on the legs than most boots which might make it harder to fit some dogs. To keep them on, they need to be securely tightened with the hook-and-loop closures and they usually need to be tightened a bit more 5-10 minutes into the walk.
Their shape is also pretty straight, they don’t really “curve” to follow the legs which can also result in some excess material on the top but on the other hand, this gives more room for the paws when the legs bend as they move.
Most other boots go higher up on the legs, which gives more room to accommodate different paw types and proportions. The disadvantage of this simplistic design approach is that this will not work for all dogs and if they are not a perfect fit, they will more easily rotate or fall off. However, if they fit a dog well, they can be a great, comfortable option for summer hikes on rough trails - protecting while also allowing the paws to breathe and dry.
Ruffwear Hi & Light Trail Shoes Review Summary
Ruffwear’s latest boot has a sleek, minimalistic design which paired with the breathable, soft upper material offers a great option for summer hikes on rugged terrain. These boots prioritize comfort and unrestricted movement, making them ideal for long hikes where the paws need some extra protection.
As discussed above, sizing and fit can be an issue for some dogs as this style is best for dogs with wide paws. For pups with narrow paws, securing the velcro straps may prove challenging as the top of the boots sits low.
Despite these considerations, the durability and attention to detail in the construction of these boots are impressive and it is a great choice if it fits your dog well.
Ruffwear Hi & Light Trail Shoes
Minimalistic & Breathable
Flexible and light dog shoes designed for summer hikes on rough 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!
