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Thursday, August 14, 2014

Ruffwear "Grip Trex" Boots

*This is not a paid promotional post, we just happen to love Ruffwear!*

Throwback story with gear review!

After reading lots of online reviews we purchased Ruffwear's "Grip Trex" boots from our local REI. Did you know that they are made with Vibram outsoles for traction? We were looking for something that would protect Dante's feet so that we could take him snowshoeing with us this past winter, as well as for certain hiking trips that have rough terrain. 
They worked great when we practiced.

For snowshoeing:
They did ok for the first few miles (we did 6 miles roundtrip) but we ran into problems keeping them on his feet (maybe cause they got wet?) I think the wetness was too much for the velcro, and then they began to make sores on his feet from rubbing in the wrong spots (even though his nails were short)...it was a bummer but we ended up having to take them off. He was better off going bare pawed for the remainder of our hike. It didn't seem to bother him or slow him down in the least! The snow wasn't too bad, and the weather was warm and sunny!

 He got a few ouches from not having his feet protected and we felt bad,
so next year will be different.
Do you have any shoe experiences or tips?

All ready to go!! ~ Throwback pic from last winter!

One thing we are trying differently is socks. You can purchase expensive dog socks if you want, but what I did was go out and buy size Large toddler socks. They fit him just fine! I'm hoping it will keep the friction and rubbing problems down.

South Sister, Oregon
In a couple of weeks I am going to be hiking the South Sister in Oregon with a friend of mine and Dante. Ziva is probably not up for a grueling 12 mile, all day hike, and she's just barely over a year old. And their is no way I'd go without a dog, so Dante it is! My wonderful accomplice! And Ziva will get a weekend with dad all to herself.

The hike to the Summit of the South Sister is a bit rough, and covered in lava rock that will injure your dogs feet if they go unprotected so boots are a good idea.

Being a few weeks out, and since Dante hasn't worn his boots since last winter we got them out to get him practicing.

Doesn't he look pathetic?
"Awww...come on mom...really?"
He warmed up to them pretty quick though! It only took a few minutes of silly walking. Ziva thought it was hilarious! She began running circles all around him while our cats tried to decide if the whole family went nuts, we were laughing so hard.


Dante in his boots!!
We then went out to the field to let Dante run around and practice some more.


I feel a sneeze coming on!
Hiya dad!

He did great! He ran around the field like a crazy dog, a little bit of funny walking in his boots, but we were outside for about 30 min and when we got home he didn't have any rubbed spots so I think the socks worked!

We then went to Mt. Pisgah in Eugene Oregon for a 2.8 mile uphill hike - the boots worked great for him and the socks helped keep the dust out of his boots. He got one rubbed spot from his dewclaw being a tad long so he's getting his nails clipped tonight.

I definitely recommend using socks!

Overall I'm very happy with our Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots. The adjustable velcro strap helps to customize the boots to his feet, their foot size guide helped us to find the perfect fit, they provide plenty of traction on dusty loose rock trails, the mesh allows his paws to vent out the heat while keeping most dust out, they are holding up really well so far with my rough and tumble boy, they are easy to wash - you can wash them on a gentle cycle in your machine or hand wash them in the sink as I do. And bonus? They look cute!

100% DZ Dog Bully Breed Approved!

Part 2 Review - Using the boots for hiking the South Sister in Oregon.

From the top of Pisgah.
Thanks Ruffwear!
2 Brown Dawgs


10 comments:

  1. We have some of these to review as well. Thank you for mentioning that you got toddler socks for use with them. I will definitely be trying that! LOVED your videos! LOL Poor Dante!

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    Replies
    1. @Shannon Adams I think that the socks help if you have a breed with super short hair, like in Dante and Rama's case. :-)

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  2. They look great. Do you take an extra pair of boots with you, or is that over kill? lol

    Thanks so much for joining the Barks and Bytes hop.

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    Replies
    1. @2browndawgs I think 2 pairs would be overkill. :-) They stay pretty clean, I check his feet regularly (when we stop) just to be sure their is no rubbing happening, and they dry really fast if your pup decides to run through a puddle. :-)

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  3. Those are so cool! We love ruff wear, they are the only leashes mom trusts on us! Great post!!

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  4. Hey those are some pretty cool boots! Looking good!
    Thanks so much for linking up to our Thoughtless Thursday blog hop!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  5. Those boots are very stylish. We think you really look cool in them. It beats getting your paws washed every time you come in the house after running thru the mud.

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  6. Thanks guys! He does look dapper doesn't he! ;-)

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  7. PepiSmartDog: Hi Dante - guess what? I used to wear yellow boots - which mom told everyone they were my kickboxing boots cause they had a steel toe. *flexes muscles*
    I also has a matching yellow raincoat with a hood and would cause quite a scene each time I'd go out and about in them - which was quite often! BOL!!!
    Wait until you get a matching red coat - or a red cape - pals will think your SuperDog!
    Thank you for joining our Thankful Thursday Weekly Blog Hop and we look forward to reading more of your posts and getting to know you even better, *waves paw* :=o

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  8. Hey PepiSmartDog!!
    I do have a red coat! I never thought about it making me look like superman - now i'll have to run about and see if I can fly!
    I bet you look great in yellow!

    *paw waves back!

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Barks & Howls are always welcome!!

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