The Best Shoes For Dog Walking - A Rieker Guide

Being a dog owner comes with many responsibilities and rewards. Regular walks are the most important activity to maintain your furry companion's health and the best way to keep them fit as a fiddle. Whether taking them around the block or setting off on pet-friendly hikes, these walks are great for you and your pup.

Not only are you looking after your dog’s health and fitness, but you’re also taking in priceless fresh air and including regular beneficial exercise in your daily routine. When choosing your route, you’ll have your little friend’s legs in mind and what they can manage, but you must also think about your own feet.

Long and short walks benefit your mind and body immensely but can take a toll on your feet. Choosing the right footwear for all your dog walks is essential for enjoying the benefits of exploring the trails with your most loyal buddy. At Rieker, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your feet, regardless of the length and terrain of your journey.

Table of contents

• Footwear considerations for dog walkers
• Best trainers for dog walking
• Best boots for dog walking
• Comfortable dog walking shoes at Rieker

Footwear considerations for dog walkers

Before setting off on your daily walk through the park or an expedition that will put your pet through its paces, there are key considerations regarding what will go on your feet. Ensure your dog receives the necessary exercise and that you enjoy a refreshing and invigorating walk by ticking off all of the following factors.

Durability

Walking your dog can take you through different terrains, and you’re guaranteed to stroll in various conditions throughout the seasons. Because of this variation, you need versatile footwear that can support your feet no matter the time of year, location or intensity of your journey.

A pair of old or cheap trainers may seem like the ideal choice for the somewhat menial task of nipping out for a walk, but you’d be surprised how quickly you’ll need to replace them. Choose strong and durable boots or shoes that can withstand the distances and environments you walk in.

Opting for high-quality footwear is a more responsible economic choice than buying a cheap, less resilient pair. While you may feel that choosing the latter saves you money, replacing these shoes on repeat will cost you more than opting for a high-quality pair that will last you years. Reliable footwear is an investment and a sensible one at that.

Comfort

The most important thing about walking any distance is that you do it in comfort. Consider the terrain and the length of your trek, and choose shoes that can give the appropriate support. Boots and shoes designed for walking will allow you to take each step comfortably for however long you walk.

Comfort is very personal, so choose based on whether you prefer the feel of walking boots or shoes. While boots may feel more appropriate for long walks and occasional games of fetch along the way, if they aren’t your cup of tea and you can never quite get used to the feel, hiking shoes are an excellent choice.

If you’re choosing footwear of this nature for the first time, consider what you like about your current favourite shoes. Do you value a lightweight feel over heavy-duty protection? Is flexibility a must, or does a snug fit suit your style? Weigh up what works best for you and base your decision on those factors.

Cleanliness

If you’re taking your dog up tricky hills, on windy seafronts or muddy fields, your chosen walking footwear will require some regular cleaning. Take some time after each walk to remove the mud, sand or other debris you’ve collected on your travels and leave to dry so your shoes are ready to go in time for your next walk.

After every few wears, you should give your shoes and boots a deep clean to prolong their lifespan and help them stay in top condition for as long as possible. Have a backup pair of shoes available should your main pair not be dry before your next walk.

Using boot covers while walking your dog is a good way to minimise your maintenance. Non-slip reusable boot covers are available at low prices, so you can receive all the benefits of appropriate dog walking boots while keeping the soles and faces clean thanks to covers that you can throw in the washing machine when you return home.

Best trainers for dog walking

You can’t guarantee ideal conditions on every walk; in fact, you’re more likely to head out into wet and chilly weather more often than not in the UK. You might have a dog who sees this as a jackpot and will happily frolic in the mud and rain! For you, however, it means choosing your footwear sensibly.

Brave the poor weather with shoes up to the challenge, like trainers from our TEX range at Rieker. With various ladies’ and men’s designs available, you can take your dog through muddy fields, damp beaches and more without a worry thanks to TEX’s protective water-resistant properties.

TEX shoes protect your feet on rainy days using water-resistant technology, notably a high-tech membrane incorporated between the outer material and inner lining, to form a protective layer against all kinds of wet weather. Water and snow are prevented from entering the shoe by small pores that transport moisture away from the feet through the membrane.

This efficient moisture removal method lets the trainers stay comfortable and breathable throughout your dog walk. Below are our recommended TEX water-resistant trainers.

Best boots for dog walking

Do you need the extra protection and strength of dog-walking boots for your daily dog-friendly hikes? Feel secure and comfortable wherever you walk with high-quality ladies' and men's Rieker boots. Our footwear philosophy has always prioritised your comfort; that mantra is clear in our walking boots.

While some designs may appear heavy-duty, all our boots are made to feel as lightweight as possible, allowing you to access a complete range of movement while protecting yourself from challenging conditions. Receive all the TEX benefits in boots that shield your feet and ankles from wind and rain while also finding comfort in wide-fitting boots.

Let your boots take the brunt of the terrain while your feet remain comfortable and able to withstand long walks that will feel all the more rewarding for you and your delighted dog. Browse our selected boots below to find your perfect pair.