Shopping

The 6 Best Dog Socks For Hardwood Floors

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Hardwood floors look gorgeous in your home, but they can be a challenge for dogs who slide around on them — not to mention the fact that your floors can get pretty scratched up by claws. To keep everyone happy, the best dog socks offer full coverage to claws and feature nonslip grips on the bottoms to give paws a secure grip on slippery surfaces. Some have upgraded options, too — like water-resistant designs that are suitable for outdoor use, or grips on both sides of the socks in case they get twisted around.

Indoor traction socks for dogs look just like human slipper socks, replete with grips on the bottom that offer traction while walking (or running). To ensure they stay on, you may want to look for options with Velcro at the tops, or socks that come in a wide range of sizes, so you can get a more precise fit.

If you want something a little more versatile, you can opt for a set of nonslip booties for dogs that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These are usually waterproof for rainy or snowy conditions, and instead of grips, will have high-traction soles that protect paws from rough terrain when hiking.

The final thing to consider is material. Breathable mesh is helpful for pooches that run hot (like pugs and bulldogs), while cozy fleece can keep your dog warm on chilly days (after all, that hardwood surface does get cold).

Ready to protect hardwood floors from dog scratches while giving your pup’s paws firm footing? Here are the best dog socks for hardwood floors to improve both you and your pup’s life.

1

These Basic Socks With Grips On Both Sides

When your dog is trotting around, it’s easy for socks to get turned around — that’s why these double-sided nonslip socks for dogs are so brilliant. Made from soft material, they feature nonslip grips on each side, ensuring your pup has sure footing, even if the socks twist around. The Velcro at the top of each sock guarantees a secure fit that won’t come loose.

According to a pet parent: “My 16 year old beagle was having trouble standing on the hardwood floors. His little legs would just slide out from under him. These socks have allowed him to walk and stand more normally on the floors. I'm very pleased with the socks and it makes me feel better knowing he can get around safely.”

  • Available sizes: 3
  • Available colors: 4

2

These Waterproof Dog Socks That Are Also Great For Outdoor Use

Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, these versatile nonslip booties for dogs feature high-traction soles for a firm grip on slippery floors, and since they’re waterproof, they’ll keep your pup's feet dry when it's wet outside while offering protection from mud when you head back indoors. Velcro straps keep them securely in place, and the reflective stripes help make your pup more visible in low-light conditions.

According to a pet parent: “These are awesome we got them for our 9 yr old German Shepherd. I am asked they stay on him all day. He was slipping on our hardwood floors. This has completely solved that problem and he actually likes wearing them.”

  • Available sizes: 7
  • Available colors: 6

3

The Knit Socks That Come In Cute Designs

These indoor dog paw socks come in adorable patterns — like the sock monkey pictured here — as well as striped and argyle designs that look just like mini human socks. The easy, lightweight socks slip on quickly and make a great choice for indoor-only liners to protect your floors and offer a bit of traction. They're constructed with comfy cotton and silicone gel on the bottom for enhanced grip.

According to a pet parent: “We just moved into what my dog probably thinks is a skating rink. He is used to carpet everywhere and now we have all hardwood floors. He was falling down a lot, and at 14 years old that's not good. I think they also keep his feet warm because my husband has the air conditioner cranked up all summer.”

  • Available sizes: 4
  • Available colors and style: 6

4

The Fan-Approved Socks That Are Worth The Price

They’re the priciest option on the list, but they’re also the most highly rated. Why? Because they check all the boxes. It can hard to find dog socks that stay on, but these dog gripper socks come in 11 sizes, which means you can get an exact fit. Plus, they’re made from breathable mesh, which is helpful for pups that tend to run hot (I see you, pugs). And while they’re designed for outdoor use, buyers have raved about how well they work on slippery floors. They feature ultra-grippy soles, Velcro straps for a secure fit, and reflective lining for low-light outdoor conditions. Ultra-durable, you’ll want to have these around for hiking and walking, as they can stand up to rocky trails, hot asphalt, and other difficult terrain.

One thing to note: These booties are sold in a set of two — instead of a set of four — so you’ll have to purchase extra if you want to cover all feet. However, it does give you sizing flexibility if back paws are a different size than the front.

According to a pet parent: “These particular boots fit so much better than any I've tried before, and are sold as a pair instead of 4, in case your dog's back paws are smaller than the front, as in my dog's case. Be sure to measure your dog's paw, which is much easier for these since you're measuring for paw width. The velcro is almost industrial strength grip so it really holds them on, and they're comfortable enough that my dog wears them indoors on my slippery hardwood floors.”

  • Available sizes: 11
  • Available colors: 3

5

These Dog Socks That Come At A Budget-Friendly Price

If you’re not willing to spend much — or want to see how well traction booties work before investing in a more expensive pair — these dog gripper socks are a wallet-conscious choice. Made from soft, breathable material, they feature elasticized cuffs and Velcro straps to keep them securely on your pup’s paws. Meanwhile, the grips on both sides of the socks give your pet sure footing — and you can choose from pineapple and heart designs. Keep in mind that they’re not water-resistant, so best for indoor use only.

According to a pet parent: “My dog is very old. We adopted him as an adult so we are not quite sure how old he is...he could be 14, 15, or even 16? Lately his hind legs have become weak and struggles to keep his balance on the hardwood floor. These socks are very helpful! [...] He seems very comfortable wearing them and does not have trouble walking on hardwood. I highly recommend these socks!”

  • Available sizes: 3
  • Available styles: 2

6

A Set Of Adorable Socks In Buffalo Plaid

Nothing says “cozy” like buffalo plaid, which is what makes these nonslip dog socks such a cute option. They feature nonslip grips on both sides, so your pup will get firm footing, even if the socks get turned around during wear. They’re made from soft material, and the magic tape closures at the top help keep them on. However they’re not waterproof or designed for outdoor use, so they’re best when your pup is indoors.

According to a pet parent: “These are so adorable and my dog doesn’t mind them on at all! We have hardwood and her claws can be pretty noisy and she slips around a lot. The straps really help them stay up.”

  • Available sizes: 3
  • Available colors: 1

This article was originally published on