Best Dog Walking Shoes: My Top 5 Picks for Comfort and Durability

As the owner of two active working cocker spaniels, I walk 7-10 kilometres daily, so the right footwear is essential—and it varies. I don’t wear the same pair of shoes for every walk; the weather, terrain, and distance dictate my choice. Living in England means constantly facing unpredictable, changeable weather, and as my husband likes to remind me, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing!” Much to his dismay, I extend this motto to my ever-growing collection of walking shoes. My priorities are waterproofing, comfort, lightweight construction, and breathability. After trying various options, I’ve learned that investing in quality walking shoes is crucial. While I might not splurge on designer handbags or high heels, I never hesitate to invest in shoes that can withstand the daily wear and tear of long walks with my dogs. Here are my current top five picks that balance functionality and comfort, tailored for different types of terrain and weather you might encounter.

1. Cotswold Women's Stroud Wellington Boots

Explore the Cotswold Women's Stroud Wellington Boots

Cost: £120

A good pair of wellingtons is a staple in any Brit’s outdoor wardrobe. With a wide variety to choose from, I've tried several brands over the years, from Le Chameau to Ariat, and I’m currently using this pair by Cotswold. My main preference is to avoid neoprene-lined boots. While the neoprene lining adds warmth—great for standing around outdoors—it can cause me to overheat when walking any significant distance.

Pros:

- Waterproof: The Cotswold Stroud Wellington Boots are perfect for those rainy day walks when puddles and mud are inevitable. Their full waterproof design ensures your feet stay dry no matter the conditions.

- Comfortable Fit: These boots feature a cushioned insole that provides comfort during long walks. The adjustable strap allows for a snug fit, preventing any discomfort.

- Durable: Made from high-quality rubber, these boots are built to last through countless dog walks.

Cons:

- Weight: Due to their robust construction, these boots can feel a bit heavy during extended wear.

- Breathability: While they keep water out, they can also trap heat, making them less ideal for warmer weather.

Best For:

Wet and muddy terrains, rainy days, and winter walks. If you frequently walk your dog in areas prone to puddles, these are a must-have.

 2. Muck Boot Women's Apex Zip Short Boots

Check out the Muck Boot Women's Apex Zip Short Boots

Cost: £200 from the muckboot website. At the time of writing the amazon link above showed these boots on sale for £101.

These are by far the shoes I wear most for walking. I first bought the Muck Boot Women's Apex Zip Boots in 2020, and I’m now on my second pair because I love them so much. Given how much I walk, they’ve lasted about two years, which I consider pretty good! The zip and velcro fastening is a standout feature—I appreciate not having to fuss with traditional laces like on most walking boots. I also love the slip-on style, full waterproofing, and the short design that lets my legs breathe without feeling too clunky or heavy. My second pair is just starting to split and has lost its waterproofing, so I’m likely about to buy a 3rd pair. These boots are a real standout purchase in my mind—if you're hesitating at all, don't! Go buy them!

Pros:

- All-Weather Design: The Muck Boot Apex Zip Short Boots are designed to handle various weather conditions, from wet and muddy to cold and dry. Their waterproof exterior keeps moisture out, while the thermal lining provides warmth in colder temperatures.

- Ease of Use: The zipper design makes these boots incredibly easy to slip on and off, which is a huge plus for quick dog walks.

- Grip: The outsole offers excellent traction, reducing the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

Cons:

- Price: These boots are on the pricier side, which might be a consideration if you’re on a budget. I do think the cost is justified though as they last well and are of great quality.

- Stiffness: Initially, these boots can feel a bit stiff, but they tend to soften up with wear.

Best For:

Wet and cold weather, rough terrains, and muddy trails. Ideal for dog owners who walk in varying weather conditions and need reliable, slip-resistant footwear.

3. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Hiking Shoes

Discover the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Hiking Shoes

Cost: £120-£180

I’ve had these Adidas Terrex Free Hikers for about two years now, and what I love most about them is how incredibly lightweight they are. I could practically skip in them! They’re perfect for path and trail walking, and I’ve worn them while hiking around Madeira, the Lake District, and along the coast paths in Devon and Cornwall. For me, they’re a summer shoe, as they don’t hold up well in wet weather—my feet tend to get soaked when walking through long dewy grass. However, they excel in comfort over long distances; I’ve worn them on numerous 30km+ hikes without any issues.I think these will always be a staple shoe in my hiking collection.

Pros:

- Lightweight: Despite being designed for hiking, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker shoes are surprisingly lightweight, making them comfortable for longer walks.

- Breathability: The Primeknit upper allows for excellent breathability, keeping your feet cool during hot weather.

- Grip: These shoes offer fantastic grip on both wet and dry surfaces, thanks to the Continental™ Rubber outsole.

Cons:

- Water Resistance: While the shoes offer some water resistance, they’re not fully waterproof, which can be an issue in very wet conditions.

- Ankle Support: The low-cut design provides less ankle support compared to traditional hiking boots, which might be a concern on uneven terrains.

Best For:

Dry trails, park walks, and warm weather. Perfect for dog owners who prefer lightweight shoes with excellent grip for daily walks.

4. Salomon Ultra Glide 2 Gore-Tex

View the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 Gore-Tex Shoes

Cost: £110-£160

I originally bought these Salomon shoes as trail running shoes during one of my many attempts to start running (still working on that!). I made the mistake of purchasing a size 6 when I’m actually a 6.5, so they’re a bit too small for running. However, they’ve turned out to be an excellent summer walking shoe. They’re incredibly comfortable and lightweight, perfect for footpaths and roads. My favourite feature is the pulley lace system, which ensures my laces never come undone mid-walk. I only wear these in dry weather since they’re not ideal for wet conditions—walking through grassy, dewy fields will leave your feet soaked as water easily comes in over the top. But for dry weather, they’re a fantastic and comfortable option.

Pros:

- Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane: These shoes are equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane that offers good waterproofing (from puddles and surface water) while still allowing your feet to breathe.

- Comfort: The Ultra Glide 2 features Salomon’s signature cushioning, providing comfort even on rocky and uneven surfaces.

- Lightweight: Despite their rugged design, these shoes are lightweight, reducing foot fatigue on longer walks.

Cons:

- Price: As with many high-performance shoes, the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 comes with a higher price tag.

- Not suitable for wet grassy walks - water will come in through the top of the shoe and leave your feet soaked

Best For:

Rocky trails, wet paths and long-distance walks. Ideal for dog walkers who venture into more challenging terrains and require a shoe that can handle both wet and dry environments.

5. Nike Terra Kiger Trail Running Shoes

Though these shoes are no longer available on the Nike website, they remain one of my most frequently used pairs for walking. This experience seems to apply to most trail running shoes I've tried over the years—they tend to be comfortable, cushioned, and well-suited for both trails and road walking. They’re ideal for dry conditions or damp paths but don’t hold up well on early morning walks through dew-soaked fields.

Cost: No longer available. Other nike trail runners are between £100-£160. Their website is here. Or on amazon here.

Pros:

Lightweight: Trail running shoes are typically lightweight, making them perfect for quick and energetic walks.

Versatile: These shoes are usually well-ventilated and offer decent grip on various surfaces, from pavement to light trails.

Cons:

No Ankle Support

Limited Waterproofing: Most trail running shoes are not fully waterproof, so they might not be ideal in wet conditions.

Best For:

Dry weather, trails, and road walking.

You can find a more in-depth review of Nike Terra Kigers here

Choosing the right walking shoe is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable time with your dog, especially given England's unpredictable weather. If I had to recommend just one shoe from this list, it would be the Muck Boot Women's Apex Zip Short Boots—an excellent all-rounder that I’m likely to buy again for the upcoming winter. Are there any other shoes you think should be on this list? I’m considering the Merry People Short Gumboots as a potential contender and will review them if I decide to try them out. Let’s see if they can challenge the Apex Muck Boots for my top spot!