A. Dog shoes provide a protective barrier between your dog’s paws and the ground. They can help protect against everyday hazards such as hot pavement, broken glass, sharp rocks, thorns, foxtails, dirt, and other potentially harmful debris.

During the summer, pavement can become hot enough to burn paw pads. In the winter, snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and deicing salts can also irritate or injure paws.

For dogs with environmental sensitivities, shoes can help reduce contact with grass, pollen, dirt, and other outdoor irritants. They can also help keep paws cleaner during walks—simply remove the shoes at the door instead of cleaning muddy or dirty paws after every outing.

Whether you’re walking through the city, hitting the trails, or simply heading around the block, dog shoes can provide an added layer of protection wherever your adventures take you.

A. If your dog has never worn shoes before, he or she will walk a bit funny when you first put them on. Some dogs will take to the shoes almost immediately and others will need to be trained over several days. We recommend starting with two shoes on the front paws first and allowing your dog to walk around for a few minutes at a time -- with lots of positive reinforcement and treats! When your dog gets used to the two shoes, add the back ones, and again reinforce with encouragement and treats. You may need to stretch the training out for 10-15 minutes a day over the course of a few days for your dog to be comfortable wearing them. For more information visit ourtips & tricks page. 

A. Please see our sizing page with our size chart for details. 

A. Our three styles are designed for different activities and environments:

👟 Shoes: Our best all-around, everyday option. They feature a breathable mesh upper and flexible but durable rubber sole. They’re especially great for hot pavement and provide protection from broken glass, sharp rocks, thorns, foxtails, dirt, germs, allergens, and other ground hazards.

❄️ Boots: Our warmest option and specifically designed for winter weather. They feature a fur-lined interior, water-resistant exterior, extended upper with toggle, and rubber sole. They’re best for snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and ice salt.

🐾 Sprinters: Our lightest and most flexible option. They fit more like a protective sock than a traditional shoe and are made from cut-resistant fabric dipped in nitrile rubber. They’re designed for running, hiking, and high-energy activities, but are also great for everyday walks. Their flexible construction makes them more forgiving for different paw shapes, and they provide excellent traction.

A. Yes! Air Pups are designed with a secure fit to help them stay comfortably in place during walks, runs, and everyday adventures. Once properly fitted and secured, they should stay put during normal use.

Winston walks and runs miles in his Air Pups, and I never have to retrace my steps looking for a lost shoe!

If your Air Pups are slipping or falling off, we recommend double-checking the size and fit. Shoes that are too large will be less secure than a properly fitted pair. When putting them on, make sure your dog’s paw is fully seated inside the shoe with their nails reaching the end of the toe box before securing the straps. If the paw isn’t inserted all the way, the shoe is much more likely to slip off.

If you’re having trouble with the fit, reach out to us—we’re always happy to help with sizing!

A. Air Pups are designed to be worn for a few hours at a time. While our shoes are made with breathable materials, it’s important to give your dog’s paws regular breaks so they can fully air out.

For prolonged or continuous use, such as covering a paw injury or providing traction for senior dogs on slippery floors, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate wear schedule for your pup.

A. The lifespan of a set of Air Pups will depend on many factors: how often your dog is wearing the shoes, how many miles he or she is putting in them, and the types of surfaces that your dog is walking on. If you see holes in the bottom tread, it is time for a replacement.