Waterproof dog walking boots to keep your feet dry

Waterproof dog walking boots are a must-have practical dog walking accessory that will keep your feet comfortable so you can enjoy your time in the great outdoors with your pooch as much as possible. Whether you’re heading to a water-bogged park, conquering muddy trails or after protection on rainy strolls around the block, water-resistant and waterproof dog walking boots will keep your feet dry and cushioned.

In an ideal world, walks with your pooch will be a dry affair with nobody ending up wet and soggy afterwards, but in Britain, this just simply isn’t possible. The great British weather is so unpredictable that you and your pooch could leave your house to clear skies and sunshine, but you’ll get five minutes up the road and there's suddenly dark clouds and plenty of rain. Due to the hit-and-miss weather conditions in the UK, wearing dog walking boots that are waterproof will ensure you’re prepared for whatever wet weather the climate chucks at you on your dog walk.

Best waterproof dog walking boots at a glance:

• Best waterproof dog walking boots overall: Adventurer Waterproof Walking Boots – View on Mountain Warehouse
• Best waterproof dog walking boots for all-weather protection: Samaris II Waterproof Mid Walking Boots – View on Regatta
• Best women's waterproof dog walking boots: Peter Storm Women's Millbeck Waterproof Walking Boots – View on Millets

When it comes to choosing the best waterproof dog walking boots for your needs, there are a couple of things to think about. The biggest is the material they’re made out of, both in terms of durability and the level of maintenance required to ensure they’re kept in tip-top condition (more on that further below). You’ll also want to think about the levels of traction offered and how insulating yet breathable they are to ensure your feet remain dry and comfortable on every dog walk.

As well as the overall function of your chosen walking boots, you'll want to consider the style of them too. You may be after a pair that matches your dog walking coat or other items in your wardrobe so you can put together a coordinating outfit when you’re out and about with your pup. Whatever you’re looking for in waterproof dog walking boots, we’re here to help you find the perfect pair so you’re ready to embark on unforgettable adventures with your canine companion.

Best waterproof dog walking boots

How long do waterproof dog walking boots stay waterproof?

Advice from outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Mountain Warehouse says, “With no aftercare, waterproof shoes and boots should last a couple of years, but with proper care, you can make sure they keep your feet dry for many more trips after that. Correct aftercare includes regular cleaning and reproofing, if you are an avid hiker, we’d recommend reproofing three or four times a year.”

How do you clean and reproof waterproof dog walking boots?

To make sure your waterproof dog walking boots stay in tip-top condition for longer, you’re going to want to set time aside for regular cleaning and reproof. The experts from Mountain Warehouse have advice on how to clean and reproof your men's or women's dog walking boots properly:

Cleaning

• Remove the laces and insoles and put them to one side.

• Brush your boots or shoes with a soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt. Be careful not to damage the material surface with abrasive brushes/ sponges.

• Scrub with footwear cleaning solution.

• Once clean, stuff the shoes with newspaper or tissue paper and allow the boots to dry naturally, do not place them near direct heat.

• Replace the laces and insoles if needed, or put the old ones back in.

How to reproof leather waterproof dog walking boots

Over time and without proper care, leather can dry out and crack as natural oils and moisture are lost. Using dubbin wax can help restore waterproof properties whilst conditioning and softening the leather.

• Use a hairdryer to gently heat your boots up, this will help them absorb the dubbin. Be careful not to position the hairdryer too close to the boots and always use a low heat, the boots only need to be warmed slightly.

• Apply a small amount of dubbin wax to a cloth and rub over the leather sparingly. If the wax is too hard to rub onto your boots, use a hair dryer to soften it.

• Repeat as necessary.

• Leave to dry naturally for 30-60 minutes. Don’t be tempted to apply direct heat to the boots to dry them quicker, this can cause the leather to crack.

• Buff wax off with a dry cloth.

How to reproof suede and nubuck leather waterproof dog walking boots

A nubuck and suede proofer spray designed for footwear works to restore the barrier that repels water from nubuck and suede boots.

• Use a re-proofing spray, spray all over from a distance of 5cm. Make sure you have an even coating over the entire boot.

• Leave to dry before use. Don’t try to dry your boots faster with a hair dryer or heat source, allow them to air dry naturally.

• A footwear brush can then be used to restore the boot to its original finish.

How to reproof fabric waterproof dog walking boots

A spray-on proofer will help you restore the waterproof ability of your fabric boots.

• Fabric boots can be re-proofed whilst wet or dry. You may prefer to clean and dry out your boots, apply the reproofer the following day and leave them to dry overnight again before the next use. Although this takes a little longer, you will be able to see where you have sprayed the proofer on much easier than spraying on wet boots.

• Whether you apply to wet or dry boots, once the proofer has been applied, leave to air dry completely before wearing.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.