Are Dog Boots Really Necessary? Testing XSY&G Waterproof Shoes

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Do Dogs Really Need Boots? Here's What My Paws Discovered About These Waterproof Kickers

Alright hoomans, gather 'round. It’s your fave Rottweiler, Thor, and today we’re talkin’ paw protection. Yep, we’re diving snout-first into the age-old tail-wagger... do dogs really need boots? Or is it just another one of your quirky hooman fashion fads, like doggy bow ties and matching raincoats?

When my mum slid a pair of XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes onto my majestic paws, I have to admit – I was suspicious. I mean, I’ve chased wombats barefoot in the sticks and never complained (okay, once, but that stick had teeth). But as it turns out, there might be more to these funny booties than first sniffed.

My First Sniff... and Walk

The minute the boots went on, my walk turned into something... interesting. Picture a giraffe doing jazz hands – that was me. But once I realised the sky hadn’t fallen and my treats were still safe, I started noticing a few interesting things.

• Hot Pavement? Didn’t even feel it. You know that dance we do on summer footpaths? Gone.
• Prickles & Sharp Bits? Couldn’t care less. I stepped right over a sneaky chunk of glass at the park and kept zoomin’.
• Cold, Wet Grass During Our Morning Walks? Not once did I freeze my toe beans off. That’s a win in my paw-book.

You see, these boots are padded with soft fabric inside – actually breathable too – so my paws didn’t sweat, and I didn’t get grumpy. The high-quality fabric on the outside is tough. Not Rottweiler-proof tough (I did chew a strap, sorry Mum), but still solid. And the anti-slip sole? Super grippy – especially handy when you're doing zoomies on tiles or sand. Try zoomies in socks, hoomans. That’s the level we’re workin’ with.

Getting the Perfect Fit (No, Not for Your Feet, Dave!)

Now hoomans, sizing is everything. Don’t just look at your dog and guess “medium.” What even is medium? A ham sandwich is medium too. Measure your pupper’s paws. According to the XSY&G listing, Size 7 is best for dogs between 66–90lbs – perfect for Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, Labradors, and majestic Rottweilers (like yours truly). Check the chart they’ve got and get it right – trust me, tight boots are no fun unless you’re into howling for attention.

Want a peek for yourself? You can sniff them out over here.

Are They Paw-sitively Worth It?

Let’s get real: some hoomans look at dog boots and say, “but dogs are meant to be barefoot!” I get that. We come built-in with neat little jellybean pads. But those weren’t made for sidewalks that feel like frypans or icy driveways covered in rock salt. These boots are like helmets for paws. You wouldn’t send your tiny hooman into a rugby match without gear, would you?

Boots are especially helpful for dogs who:

• Have older bones or arthritis (slippery floors are the worst!)
• Take long walks on mixed terrain
• Get cold feet during winter (literally – not emotionally)
• Have injuries or sensitive paws needing extra care

And honestly? The reflective straps on these things are genius. Night walks just got safer – and I get to show off my fancy new kicks under moonlight like the stylish beast I am.

Sniffin’ Out the Downsides

I’ll keep it honest – no product is paw-fect. Velcro straps can be a bit tricky if your pup’s doing a full-body wiggle while you’re trying to get them on. Tighten them properly or you’ll end up playing fetch with a boot midway through your jog. Also, if your dog is a chewer... maybe distract ‘em with a chewy treat while you gear up.

But solid customer service makes up for it. The team behind these boots apparently responds within 24 hours, so go ahead and give them a bark if anything’s off.

So... Are Dog Boots Really Necessary?

If your dog only wanders the backyard and lounges indoors like a four-legged potato – maybe not. But if you’re out hiking, doing beach runs, braving hot bitumen or icy tracks – then yeah, I’d say they’re a smart idea. Helps keep our paws in top shape for fetch, squirrel stalking and important snack patrol duties.

You don’t need pawtection all the time. But when you do, the XSY&G Waterproof Dog Boots are a solid pick. They’re comfy, sturdy, and—dare I say—kinda snazzy. Just don’t expect us to strut in them straight away. Give us a few treats and about ten minutes of dramatic exaggerated walking first.

Final verdict? I give ‘em 4.5/5 paws. Docking half a paw only because Mum tried to match my boots with her joggers. Please stop, Mum. Fashion isn’t contagious between species.

Right, now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to break in these boots with a proper puddle splash. See you at the next adventure, hoomans!

Tail wags and slobbery sniffs,

Thor 🐾