Best Shoes for Dog Walking
Selecting the best shoes for dog walking can be a daunting task as everyone has specific needs. We have asked our expert team with decades of experience in the footwear industry to build a collection of shoes they recommend for dog walkers on a daily basis. Generally, the best shoes for walking the family pet are lightweight, comfortable and durable. We try to showcase styles at a range of price points and we have given extra weight to styles which are relatively quick and easy to throw on.
Begg Shoes are one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent shoe retailers having been established in 1866. Six generations of the Begg family later, the business now boasts a team of footwear experts – many of whom are fully qualified from The Society of Shoe Fitters.
Women’s Waterproof Dog Walking Shoes: Our Top Picks
We know first-hand how important waterproof shoes can be. One of the quickest ways to get wet feet is walking through wet grass – even worse than rain – since the constant brushing with soaked grass just sticks to your feet. Our top dog walking shoes feature some of our extensive range of Womens Gore-Tex shoes which sets the standard for 100% waterproof, breathable footwear.
Best Overall – Ecco Mx Womens Gore, £115
The Ecco Mx Womens Gore trainers are pretty and practical, thanks to the gorgeous plum colour and Gore-tex membrane. Waterproof and stylish, these trainers have a lightweight, shock-absorbent and hard-wearing polyurethane moulded outsole.
PROS
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane
- Long Lasting, Durable and Hard Wearing Outsole
- Secure Fastening
- Removable Insole
- Attractive Silhouette
CONS
- Higher Price Point
- Light coloured sole will show dirt up
Best For Comfort – Legero Tanaro5 Zip Gtx, £115
One of our most popular styles by far is the Legero Tanaro model. These women’s comfort lacing shoes have an anatomically shaped footbed with built-in arch support and a lightweight footbed. Hard-wearing and durable, these women’s Gore-tex trainers offer superb comfort.
PROS
- Secure Lace Fastening with Easy Slip-On Zip Fit
- Gore-Tex Membrane
- Lightweight & Flexible Sole
- Dark Shade for Dirt
- Removable Insole is Anatomically Shaped
- Built-in Arch Support
CONS
- Low cut might not provide full ankle support
- Suede upper is not as easy to clean
Best Vegan Option – Skechers Dlux Walker Tex, £97
Skechers are one of the first brands you may think of when it comes to comfort. With Air Cooled Memory foam footbeds and a thick sole unit, these women’s Skechers are a sporty companion to your dog walking adventures.
PROS
- Breathable Mesh Upper
- Air Cooled Memory Foam Footbed
- Laces Allow for Tightening
- Sporty Design
- Waterproof
- Vegan Friendly
- Wide Fit
CONS
- Memory Foam footbeds do not offer lasting support when worn for longer periods of time
- Not suitable for offroad wear
Best For Style – Clarks Wave 2 Lace Tex, £89 £84
For those who are looking for something a little brighter, look no further than these Clarks walking shoes. The light grey nubuck leather upper is bang on trend and there is a coral pink trim around the midsole for a subtle style.
PROS
- Nubuck Leather Upper
- Leather Footbed
- Adjustable Lace Fastening
- Waterproof C-Shell membrane
- Rubber Outsole for Improved Traction
CONS
- Lighter colour might show up dirt more
Best Wide Fit – Hotter Mist Gtx Wide, £119
Well known for offering wider fitting styles, Hotter shoes are high quality and comfortable. These women’s walking shoes have a Gore-Tex membrane, pretty plum leather upper and are made on the Hotter Wide fitting.
PROS
- Wide Fit
- Gore-Tex Membrane
- Pretty colour
- Secure Lace Fastening
- Removable Insoles
- Leather Upper
- Great option for offroad use
CONS
- Higher Price Point
Lowa Sirkos Gtx Low, £140
If you’re after some hardcore hiking shoes, then a pair of Lowa shoes are your best bet. These high-performance and premium-quality walking shoes offer exceptional support and comfort.
PROS
- Exceptional Support
- Secure Lace Fastening
- Widely Recognised Hiking Brand
- Gore-Tex Membrane
- Leather Upper
- Removable Insoles
- Traction Outsole
- Excellent for offroad wear
CONS
- Higher Price Point
- Suede upper is not as easy to clean
Women’s Boots for Dog Walking: Our Top Picks
From smooth leather uppers to hard-wearing hiking boots, with locking lace fastenings and waterproof linings, we’ve got them. A really important consideration for regular walking boots is care and maintenance so we have picked our boots which you can get muddy and wet, then clean up quickly and easily.
Best Overall – Ecco Track 25, £165
Ecco has brought out one of their most beloved men’s walking boot styles in women’s sizes and fittings. These women’s walking boots are bang on trend, waterproof and have a cleated rubber outsole for excellent traction.
PROS
- Breathable Leather Upper
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane
- Secure Lace Fastening
- Padded Ankle
- Removable Insole
- Traction Rubber Outsole great for offroad wear
CONS
- Higher Price Point
- Not to everyone’s taste
Rieker GripZip Tex, £69.99
Rieker is one of our most-loved brands by our customers and we boast the biggest independent range in the UK, meaning we know Rieker shoes and boots very well. This particular style has a man-made upper and distinctive textured outsole for excellent grip. The faux fur lining will keep your feet warm and adds a cosy winter vibe.
PROS
- Secure Lace Fastening
- Easy Slip On Zip Design
- Cosy Faux Fur Lining
- Distinctive Grooved Outsole
- Black sole to hide dirt
- Excellent Value for Money
CONS
- The man-made upper is not breathable or flexible
Skechers Trego Alpine Tex, £87
Skechers are well known for their trainers, but they also carry an excellent range of boots using the same comfort technology you know and love. These women’s Skechers boots have secure laces and a sturdy outsole for traction.
PROS
- Secure Lace Fastening
- Air Cooled Memory Foam Footbed
- Waterproof Membrane
- Sturdy Slip Resistant Outsole
- Wide Fit
CONS
- This style is heavier than the lightweight Skechers trainers
- Upper is not as easy to clean
Legero Novara Gtx, £135 £115
Stylish, warm and practical – what more could you want from your dog walking boots? These Legero walking boots are bang on trend thanks to the neutral grey suede leather upper and cosy faux fur lining. The distinctive cleated outsole offers excellent traction whilst the Gore-Tex membrane is waterproof and breathable.
PROS
- Gore-Tex Membrane
- Soft Suede Leather Upper
- Cosy Faux Fur Lining
- Cleated Outsole for Traction
- Removable Insoles
CONS
- Higher Price Point
- Lighter Colour might show up dirt
- Not as easy to clean
Best Wide Fit Option – Jana NOvara Wide Tex, £69.99 £54.99
These lace-up boots by Jana are wide-fitting and waterproof. The high cuff features an attractive tartan pattern and the interior side zip and lace fastening offer an easy slip-on fit with an adjustable fit.
PROS
- Excellent Value for Money
- Side Zip Fastening
- Adjustable laces
- Waterproof and Breathable
- Wide Fit
CONS
- Not a leather upper
- Not suitable for offroad walking
Best For Easy Cleaning – Barbour Kingham Wellie, £55
Many people like to wear welly boots, however from our experience wobbling around in wellies for many hours per week can only lead to problems. We know that without proper fastening that welly boots can lead to foot problems and smelly feet since rubber boots are not breathable. We recommend a securely fastening, breathable boot if you are taking on the elements.
If you really must wear wellies for dog walking, then it has to be a pair of Barbour boots. These country-chic wellingtons feature Barbour branding and tartan pattern side panels and lining. These low-cut wellies are stylish and waterproof.
PROS
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof Rubber Upper
- Stylish Tartan Pattern
- Cleated outsole
- Easy Slip On Fit
CONS
- Not breathable
- No support offered
- No adjustable fastening
- The stretchy side panels are not waterproof
- Not suitable for offroad walking
Men’s Shoes for Dog Walking: Our Top Picks
Our men’s range of shoes is extensive and includes waterproof features and cleated soles for outdoor walking. With wide fit options and excellent value too, there is something for everyone.
Best Overall – Ecco Exostride M GTX, £120
Our range of men’s Ecco shoes features excellent construction, waterproof Gore-tex membranes and styles to suit a variety of purposes. These trainers are ideal for dog walking thanks to the speed bungee lace fastening and sporty silhouette.
PROS
- Breathable Textile Upper
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane
- Speedy Bungee Lace Fastening
- Removable Insole
- Hard-wearing and Durable
CONS
- Higher Price Point
- Not a leather upper
Best Wide Fit Option – Skechers Terraform Selvin, £79
Well known for their trainers, Skechers also offer a range of walking shoes and boots. These walking shoes are water repellent, have rubber outsoles for extra traction, and are wide fitting too. Take a look at our best Skechers walking shoes and boots for more styles.
PROS
- Air Cooled Memory Foam footbed
- Water Repellent
- Relaxed Fit = Wide Fit
- Goodyear Rubber Sole
CONS
- Not a Leather Upper
- Not Guaranteed Waterproof
Best for Hiking – Lowa Sirkos GTX Lo, £140
Looking for something a little harder wearing for tougher terrain? Then you’ll be interested in these men’s Lowa shoes, ideal for hiking. With Gore-Tex membranes and shock absorbent sole units, these walking shoes are the perfect companion for exploring the great outdoors with your best fluffy friend.
PROS
- Leather and Man-made Upper
- Secure Lace Fastening
- Gore-Tex = Guaranteed Waterproof
- Removable Insoles
- Hard Wearing and Shock Absorbent Outsole
- Ideal for Rougher Terrain
- Available in Half Sizes
CONS
- Higher Price Point
Best for Value – Imac Path Lo Tex, £85
These men’s walking shoes have Italian leather uppers, waterproof membranes, and a multi-directional tread ideal for rougher surfaces. Imac is one of our staff’s favourite brands for superb comfort, especially for spending a lot of time on your feet.
PROS
- Leather Upper
- Distinctive Multi-Directional Tread
- Metal Hardware and Rugged Laces
- Removable Insoles
- Waterproof and Breathable
- Excellent Value for Money
- Cushioned Lining
CONS
- Not a Recognisable Brand
- Roomier Fit – opt for a half-size down
Our Dog-Friendly Stores
Begg Shoes are based in the North of Scotland and as a Dog-Friendly business in both our stores and our office, we like to think we know a little about dog walking shoes. Find out more about our stores here.
![Dog Friendly Store in Inverurie](https://www.beggshoes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3208.jpg)
![Dog Friendly Store in Inverurie](https://www.beggshoes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3208.jpg)
Conclusion
Finding dog walking shoes should be a breeze thanks to our helpful buyer’s guide. Look for waterproof styles and adjustable fastening, and you won’t go far wrong.