DOG BOOTS FOR WINTER?

Why Woof Hoofs Make an Excellent Winter Bootie for your Dog

A number of people considering buying our dog boots have asked if Woof Hoofs are good for winter use. A simple “yes” won’t do, so here are a few helpful insights into the thinking behind the design of Woof Hoofs. I hope this will help illustrate why they are an exceptional choice for use in snowy, slushy and chilly conditions.

Neoprene, How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the Ways.
When Woof Hoofs was in the initial design and testing phase, three primary characteristics were essential: Comfort, performance, and durability. With that in mind, it became clear that choosing a form-fitting material with a stretchable quality was critical. A loose fitting shoe would naturally increase friction between the material and the dog’s paws, especially the top of the paws where there is very little padding. Conversely, a tight shoe with no give would be very constricting and uncomfortable. It also had to be a durable material that would stand up to wear and tear. Neoprene addressed these issues very well. The aesthetic quality of a form-fitting shoe was also a nice bonus.

Another important advantage of neoprene, however, particularly in wet and cold conditions, is its unique insulating qualities. Before going on, let’s dispel the myth that there is such a thing as a truly “waterproof” dog bootie. The fact is, regardless of what the boot is made of water will eventually find its way in. And once the water is inside, unless the material is permeable, it isn’t coming out.

At Woof Hoofs, we took a page out of surfing technology. In wetsuit design the theory is, “If you can’t keep water completely out then make it work for you.” Wetsuits work on the principle that when you hit the ocean the suit immediately absorbs the cold water. Your body heat then quickly warms the water trapped in the neoprene. This then acts as a barrier, keeping the outside, colder water from getting in. This principle is what keeps surfers nice and cozy while sitting out on their boards waiting for the next set to come in.

Even dry, neoprene is a good insulating material. Ever use a koozie to keep your can of soda or beer cold? While Woof Hoofs are treated with a water-repellant solution to help keep water out, if you’ve ever spent a day on the ski-slopes, eventually that “waterproofed” gear is eventually going to get wet. Depending on how long your dog is outside; when the booties do get wet it’s nice to know that they have a second line of protection against the elements.

Strap in, It’s Going to be a Bumpy Ride.
Performance is an essential characteristic for a good set of dog boots. What I mean by performance is that once properly fitted on your dog, the boots will stay on and do what they are intended to do. There is nothing more frustrating than spending five or ten minutes putting your dog’s winter gear on, including booties, head out and not get 100 yards before one boot has fallen off and another has flipped upside down. Cold winter conditions take the frustration to an even higher level. Snow poses a major challenge for boot designers like me. Deep snow can easily suck them right off a poor pooch; and good luck finding them.

Therefore, it is critical that the fastening system have exceptional “stay-on” qualities. With a little common sense and a proper fitting, Woof Hoofs allow a dog to run and play in the snow with very little worry of losing a boot.

‘O Sole Mio
Traction is vital in wet and slippery winter conditions. The cold weather can also cause cheaper, plastic soles to become increasingly rigid and inflexible, making the boots more uncomfortable and harder for the dog to run free and easy.

Woof Hoofs uses a material for the sole of its winter booties called ToughTekTM. ToughTekTM is a durable, rubberized material that resists abrasion, stays soft and pliable in cold conditions, and provides exceptional traction.

It’s Snowtime!
I hope you find this information helpful in knowing what to look for in a good winter dog boot and that you’ll consider trying out Woof Hoofs. In fact, don’t take my word for it, check out the video posted on the website. See for yourself the company spokesdog, Baxter, plowing through deep powder and running and jumping to his heart’s content in the Winter Wonderland of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Now don’t let Baxter have all the winter fun, while your dog misses out! Make sure your dog is properly geared up to get in on the action!


- Jim Leal, aka, The Dog Cobbler, is the founder and owner of Woof Hoofs Co., “Boots Fit for a Dog.” The company began out of a desire to share his love of the outdoors with his dog, Baxter. You can ask Jim questions by writing him at jim@woofhoofs.com. Find out more by visiting the company website: www.woofhoofs.com.


Copyright 2010, Woof Hoofs Co.

*Reprints, excerpts or electronic posts are prohibited without the expressed written consent of Woof Hoofs Co.