Pet Foot Protection isn’t just for Inclement Weather

Introducing the Pet Sock Boot Soft Strap¹: The essential accessory for your pet’s foot protection. So, you might be wondering what foot protection needs this accessory?

Great question. It has been my experience that there are many days where walks with my puppy Alfie required detours or having to carry him around hazards we’ve encountered on sidewalks and roadways. Hazards can come in many forms including broken glass, overzealous fertilizer application, safety salt, jagged icing conditions, snow, and extreme temperatures. Alfie and I always look forward to get out for a walk without having to suit up; but, its great to have great foot protection for when you need it…and you will need it.

So, to address the question finding great protection can be a challenge. I have tried most of the products available through the major pet retailers. There are products that offer great protection, but I have invariably found that the some of the top of the line boots fell short with respect to comfort. The issue was always centered around the implementation of the strap that secured the boot to the foot. The strap is mostly constructed from nylon with an integrated hook & loop (Velcro) latching system. The nylon strap material has no elongation (stretch) so the boot is either too tight or loose enough resulting in dermatological chaffing. A tight boot produces discomfort and is restrictive limiting natural range of motion. We’ve tried sizing the boot to permit a sock to be worn underneath, but this didn’t correct the problem.

On the other end of the spectrum are the Boot Sock offerings. These products are very comfortable as they are not restrictive to natural motion of the leg and foot. They offer adequate protection and are constructed with breathable materials so they naturally balance thermal management over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Sounds great so far…right. Well, they are if they would stay on the feet. This is where the Sock Boots fail and to that realization is where the Pet Sock Boot Soft Straps excel.

The Straps are constructed of a soft rubber with an elongation at break of 159%. It is this mechanical property that provides the compliance that is needed to provide that delicate balance between holding the sock in place and remaining comfortable. The grid array of convex hemispheres enhances the strap grip to the sock allowing minimal strap tension. The latching Clasp securely holds the strap in place and is very easy and quick to fit onto the foot.

Here’s some examples of Pet Sock Boots that are available at most pet retailers.

The two other available products are the Goo-eze Lites Dog Booties and the Goo-eze Printed Dog Boots which I have yet to test. I’ll likely start with the Printed Dog Boot model because of the more substantial sole which should be more durable.

Please visit my web page PET Sock Boot Soft Strap where I provide some of the back story on the development of my production prototype. You’ll also be able to download the fitting instructions available as a PDF.

I have commenced testing trials involving a wider audience. I free issue a set of Pet Sock Boot Soft Straps to interested pet parents that will actively use the product and report regular feedback to this blog post. I look forward to requests to join the test group and the feedback you have based on your observations and your pet’s thoughts as well.

1. USPTO # 63619385 ↩︎