Best Dog Booties for Hot Climates (Tested on Desert Trails)

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to shop through them, it helps support our hiking habit (and keeps Rio’s paws protected on hot trails). Thanks for supporting Take a Hike Company! Hiking with your dog in hot climates comes with a few extra considerations — and paw protection is at the top of the list. From scorching sand to sharp rocks and hidden thorns, hot-weather trails can be tough on sensitive paws. After hiking with Rio in places like the Mojave Desert and other dry, exposed landscapes, dog booties have become an essential part of our warm-weather gear.

Here’s what to look for in the best dog booties for hot climates — and why the ones we use have earned a permanent spot in our pack.

Why Dogs Need Booties in Hot Weather

Even when the air temperature feels manageable, the ground can be dangerously hot. Sand, rock, and packed dirt absorb heat quickly, and dogs don’t always show discomfort until damage is done.

Dog booties help protect against:

• Hot sand and rock that can burn paw pads

• Sharp stones, gravel, and desert thorns

• Dry, abrasive surfaces that cause cracking

• Long-term wear on paws during multi-day trips

For Rio, booties mean she can explore confidently instead of picking her way cautiously across the trail.

What Makes a Good Hot-Climate Dog Bootie

Not all booties are created equal — especially for summer hiking. These are the features we look for when choosing dog booties for hot climates:

Breathable Design

Hot-weather booties should allow airflow and prevent overheating. Lightweight materials and minimal bulk help keep paws cool while still offering protection.

Durable, Flexible Soles

The sole should protect against heat and sharp terrain without being stiff. Flexible soles allow natural movement and better traction on uneven ground.

Secure Fit That Stays On

There’s nothing more frustrating than constantly stopping to retrieve a lost bootie. Adjustable straps and a snug fit are key — especially for active dogs who love to run.

Easy to Pack and Clean

We want gear that works hard but packs small. Booties that are lightweight, compact, and easy to rinse off are ideal for road trips and longer hikes.

The Dog Booties We Use

The booties we hike with check all the boxes above. They’re lightweight, breathable, and tough enough for desert terrain. Rio wears them on hot trails, rocky climbs, and thorny areas where bare paws just wouldn’t cut it.

They stay on surprisingly well, even when she’s moving fast, and they don’t seem to bother her once we’re on the trail. For us, they’ve made hot-weather hiking safer and far more enjoyable.

👉 You can find the dog booties we use here 

Tips for Hiking With Dog Booties

If your dog is new to booties, a little prep goes a long way:

• Let them wear booties at home first to get used to the feel

• Start with shorter hikes before committing to longer ones

• Check paws during breaks for heat or rubbing

• Bring extras, just in case one goes missing

Most dogs adjust quickly — especially once they realise booties mean more adventure, not less.

When We Use Dog Booties Most

We reach for booties whenever:

• The ground feels hot to the touch

• Trails are rocky, sharp, or thorny

• We’re hiking in exposed desert terrain

• We’re on longer summer hikes
  

They’re one of those pieces of gear you might not need every day — but when you do, you’re very glad you brought them.

Final Thoughts

If you hike with your dog in hot or rugged environments, a good pair of dog booties is one of the best investments you can make. They protect paws, increase comfort, and let your dog fully enjoy the adventure alongside you.

For us, the right booties have meant more freedom, longer hikes, and fewer worries — which is exactly what hiking with dogs should be about.