Best Shoes for Dog Walking

The Quick Verdict

For most dog walkers, the IMAC Geo 38 Tex Lo for women and the Ecco Ult-Trn Mens Tex for men are our top recommendations. They balance 100% waterproofing with deep lugs for traction and a lightweight construction. Generally, the best shoes for walking with the family pet are lightweight, comfortable and waterproof.

Expert Picks: The Best Women’s Shoes for Dog Walking

Whether it’s a brisk morning pavement walk or a muddy weekend hike, the right footwear makes the difference between a great outing and a soggy walk home. For women, the ideal dog-walking shoe needs to balance supportive arch comfort with reliable weather protection. Our curated selection focuses on durability and grip – from premium Gore-Tex membranes that keep you 100% dry in long grass to lightweight, cushioned trainers for those quick sunset strolls.

Best Overall – IMAC Geo 38 Tex Lo, £89.99

IMAC are an Italian brand synonymous with comfort, support and superior quality. Whilst they are not as well-known as other brands, the craftsmanship and excellent price point make them a customer favourite in our high street shops. These IMAC walking shoes are versatile, waterproof and superbly comfortable. While it doesn’t carry the Gore-Tex brand name, IMAC’s proprietary Tex membrane offers impressive water resistance at a much more accessible price point.

 

 

Best For Pavements – Legero Tanaro 5 Gtx, £130

One of our most popular styles by far is the Legero Tanaro model. These women’s lacing shoes have an anatomically shaped footbed with built-in arch support and a lightweight footbed. Hard-wearing and durable, these women’s Gore-Tex trainers offer superb comfort for pavements and hard paths.

 

 

Best For Wet Grass – IMAC Geo 38 Tex Hi, £95

One of the quickest ways to get wet feet is walking through wet grass – even worse than rain – since the constant brushing with soaked grass just sticks to your feet. The boot version of our best women’s dog walking shoes is ideal for longer grass and ankle coverage.

 

 

Best For Muddy Tracks And Easy to Clean – Barbour Mallow Wellie, £59.95

Rain + Trails = Mud. These Barbour wellies are perfect for muddy walks and look good too. The easy-clean upper and chunky cleated sole combine for women’s walking shoes ideal for muddy dog walks.

 

 

Best Budget Option – Skechers Trego Trail Tex, £89

If you’re after a budget-friendly option, these Skechers are the answer. These waterproof walking shoes are less than £90, and have a sturdy sole for outdoor walks.

 

 

Best for Wide Fit – Waldlaufer Amiata H Fit Tex, £120

German brand Waldlaufer are synonymous with comfort, performance and support. These women’s walking shoes offer a pop of colour, with more colours available, in an extra-wide H fit.

 

 

Another Wide Fit Option – Hotter Mist GTX Wide, £109

Well known for offering wider-fitting styles, Hotter shoes are high-quality and comfortable. These women’s walking shoes have a Gore-Tex membrane, a pretty wine leather upper and are made on the Hotter Extra Wide fitting.

 

 

Best for Running – Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX, £145

One of our latest brands to join our range, Altra design barefoot and zero-drop shoes designed for comfort during your runs. These women’s running shoes feature a Gore-Tex membrane with traction details on the sole for both trail and road running.

Expert Tip: If you’re new to ‘Zero-Drop’ shoes, start with short 15-minute walks to let your calves and Achilles tendons adjust. Read our Barefoot Shoes blog to find more information on how to get used to these shoes

 

Best for Arch Support – Legero Bliss Lo GTX, £135

Like all Legero shoes, these women’s trainers feature arch support built into the removable insoles. The all-black trainers are ideal for disguising dirt, whilst the cupped heel offers additional stability on your dog walks.

 

 

Best for Serious Hiking – Merrell Moab 3 GTX, £145

If you’re after some hardcore hiking shoes, then a pair of Merrell walking shoes is your best bet.  These high-performance and premium-quality walking shoes offer exceptional support and comfort.

Best for Cold Weather – Keen Targhee 4 Boot, £155

Whether it’s a cold morning or winter time, these Keen walking boots are a must to keep your feet warm. The waterproof membrane is breathable, whilst the padded lining ensures your feet are kept cosy when the temperature plummets.

Best for Warm Weather – Ecco Exostride Gore-Tex, £130

Alternatively, when the mercury rises, a lightweight pair of dog walking shoes is a must. These Ecco trainers are lightweight, flexible and hard-wearing, along with a breathable Gore-Tex membrane.

What Are the Best Men’s Shoes for Dog Walking?

Walking the dog is rarely just a stroll – it’s a daily “gear test” against unpredictable weather and varied terrain. Whether you are navigating slippery riverbanks or keeping up a brisk pace on the morning commute, the right men’s footwear must provide a stable foundation. Our range focuses on high-traction outsoles, stability (to prevent ankle rolls on uneven ground), and moisture management to ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable from the first mile to the last.

Best Overall – Ecco Ult-Trn Mens Tex, £140

Waterproof, hard-wearing and lightweight, these men’s Ecco trainers are great for dog walking and outdoor adventures. The khaki colour is ideal for disguising mud, too.

 

Best For Pavements – Ecco Terracruise GTX, £130

Another style from Ecco, these men’s navy trainers are perfect for pavements thanks to the lightweight but shock-absorbing design.

 

Best for Wet Grass – Keen Targhee 4 Waterproof, £145

With wet grass being the most common cause of water ingress, we recommend these men’s Keen walking shoes for their bellows tongue. The bellows tongue acts as a bridge between the gap of the tongue and the sides of traditional shoes.

Best for Muddy Tracks – Imac Path Hi Tex, £99.99

These men’s walking boots have Italian leather uppers, waterproof membranes, and a multi-directional tread ideal for rougher surfaces. The brown colour and high ankle make these men’s boots ideal for walking the dog on muddy tracks.

Most Budget Friendly Option – Begg Exclusive Sher SX-45 Tex, £65

These men’s walking shoes are a steal at £65 for a waterproof, leather walking shoe. The cushioned lining and multi-directional tread make them ideal for varied terrains, too.

Best for Wide Fit – Skechers Benago Hombre, £84

Well known for their comfy memory foam footbeds, these Skechers waterproof shoes are ideal for those looking for a wider fit option.

Best for Running – Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX, £145

Altra is a relatively new name, but one that has taken the footwear industry by storm. These running shoes are ideal for getting your race training in whilst taking the dog out for some exercise.

Expert Tip: If you’re new to ‘Zero-Drop’ shoes, start with short 15-minute walks to let your calves and Achilles tendons adjust.

Best for Arch Support – Ecco Track 25 Gore, £170

These men’s Ecco shoes are a slightly smarter option for walking the dog, but are still waterproof, hard-wearing and supportive. The removable insole features built-in arch support and a cupped heel for excellent stability.

Best for Serious Hiking – Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid, £220

If you’re after a pair of serious hiking shoes, then Lowa are a must. These Lowa walking boots are the pinnacle of lightweight hiking footwear, with a supportive cuff, top-tier cushioning and shock-absorbent Vibram sole.

Easiest to Clean – Barbour Nimbus Wellie, £69.95

These Barbour wellies are super easy to clean, thanks to the rubber upper. The cleated sole and pull-on design are practical details to these no-nonsense wellington boots.

Our Dog-Friendly Stores

Begg Shoes are based in the North of Scotland, and as a Dog-Friendly business in both our stores and our office, we like to think we know a little about dog walking shoes. Find out more about our stores here.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog walking footwear ensures your daily adventures remain comfortable, dry, and safe, regardless of the terrain. Whether you need the heavy-duty grip of Lowa for muddy trails or the lightweight flexibility of Ecco for city strolls, prioritising waterproofing and support is key. Consider your specific environment – like long grass or rocky paths – to decide between a breathable Gore-Tex shoe or an easy-clean rubber boot. With the right pair from our curated selection, you and your dog can enjoy every mile, no matter what the weather throws your way.

Begg Shoes is one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent shoe retailers, having been established in 1866. Six generations of the Begg family later, the business now boasts a team of footwear experts – many of whom are fully qualified from The Society of Shoe Fitters.