Shoes for Dog Owners

What sort of shoes are best for dog training?

Different types of dog training call for different shoes.
If you do a lot of running, for example in agility or canicross, you'll naturally need trainers. Their shock-absorbing soles protect your joints from strain, which are put under considerable stress during active dog sports. You should also ensure that the soles have sufficient grip so that you don't slip on damp grass or indoors.
If you train with your dog off-road, for example in mantrailing, you'll naturally need sturdy hiking boots that provide sufficient support and stability on uneven ground. Hiking boots are also ideal for hikes and long walks. For these purposes, you can buy sugar dog hiking boots with different shaft heights, which provide the appropriate support for your ankles. Furthermore, they are waterproof yet well-ventilated, ensuring your feet stay dry inside even on long hikes.
For short walks or outdoor training sessions, you can wear the shoes you feel most comfortable in and which are suitable for the weather conditions.

What is the advantage of outdoor shoes designed for dog owners over normal hiking boots?

As an active dog owner, you walk many kilometres a year. If you aim for around 2 to 3 kilometres a day for short walks, that adds up to around 1,000 kilometres a year. That's a considerable distance, and your shoes need to be able to withstand it so you don't have to buy new ones after a short time. So, when buying your outdoor shoes, look out for

• Durability thanks to good workmanship
• A sturdy, non-slip sole
• A stable boot shaft
• A waterproof surface
• Comfort provided by soft padding around the ankles and shoe tongue

Anyone looking to buy a durable hiking boot will find that they are categorised according to the terrain in which they are mainly used: there are mountain boots with solid soles and thick, sturdy uppers; there are light to heavy trekking boots, which are lighter and designed for challenging terrain or easy walks on flat ground. When it comes to the features of hiking boots, the focus is increasingly on the sole, the shaft and grip.
However, dog owners' requirements for their footwear go beyond just ground conditions. After all, every now and then, the two-legged companion may have to dash through the bushes after their four-legged friend if the latter has decided to go off cross-country. In such cases, it is important that the shoes are also waterproof, as dog owners are not only out and about in sunny, dry weather. A waterproof membrane is a key factor when buying outdoor shoes for dog owners for rainy and muddy conditions.
And, of course, they should also be comfortable, which is achieved through padding in the heel, ankle and instep areas, along with a soft insole. A removable insole is an added bonus for outdoor shoes, allowing you to air the shoes out when needed.
Furthermore, outdoor shoes for dog owners feature reflective elements, as it's not just the dog who needs to be clearly visible in the dark, but their owner too. That's why you can also buy jackets, gilets and trousers from sugar dog with (fold-down) reflective elements.

What features should shoes designed for dog owners have?

The hiking shoes available from sugar dog offer many features that are important for an active life with your dog:

• Comfortable: soft yet durable sole, ensuring your feet don't get tired, even when worn for a long time
• Waterproof: thanks to a waterproof membrane, your feet stay dry even in the rain
• Good ventilation, so you don't get sweaty
• Removable insole, so you can air your shoes out after every wear
• Tread sole: with good grip underfoot, you'll stay steady on varied terrain
• Shaft height and heel reinforcement: the ankle height of the shoes is crucial for stabilising the ankles. People with weak ankles should look for shoes with a high shaft.