Ruffwear Grip Trex Review: Trail Boots Sized, Fitted, and Compared
Our expert-analysis review of the Ruffwear Grip Trex: what the sole and closure do on a trail, how to size it so it does not twist or rub, and when the Summit Trex, Polar Trex, or a rubber bootie is the better buy.
BVMS MRCVS
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS · Last reviewed
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The Ruffwear Grip Trex is a Vibram-soled trail boot whose fit depends on correct paw-width sizing. It comes as a pair, so four paws take two sets, and Ruffwear does not market it as an insulated winter boot.
Ruffwear describes the Grip Trex as a boot for dogs that hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors with their people. That points it at rough trail terrain and hot ground. For snow and ice, Ruffwear's Polar Trex is the boot built for the job, and the lower-priced Summit Trex covers everyday walks.
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Ruffwear Grip Trex at a glance: what it is and who it suits
WebVet did not obtain the product or test it hands-on. This review is an expert analysis of the manufacturer's published specifications, the Chewy listing, and veterinary guidance. No manufacturer or retailer paid for or reviewed this article. WebVet may earn a commission on Chewy links; that relationship did not influence the verdict.
- 1On a trail, the Grip Trex relies on a Vibram lug sole built for traction on varied terrain, a breathable air-mesh upper that keeps dirt and debris out, and a hook-and-loop strap.
- 2Sizing starts with measuring paw width across the widest part of each paw while the dog stands on it, front and rear, and sizing down when a paw falls between sizes.
- 3Each purchase is a set of two boots, so four paws need two sets; Chewy listed one set at $49.99 in October 2026.
- 4Ruffwear does not market the Grip Trex for snow or describe it as insulated; the Polar Trex is its winter boot, and the Summit Trex is its lower-priced everyday boot.
The Grip Trex suits a dog that hikes, runs, or bikes on rough, varied ground, and a dog that crosses hot surfaces in summer. Ruffwear calls the outsole non-marking, so it is made not to mark floors, but Ruffwear makes no specific claim about grip on slick indoor floors.
Ruffwear's trail boot with a Vibram lug outsole and a breathable air-mesh upper, sold as a set of two.
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Chewy listed the Grip Trex at $49.99 for a set of two when we checked in October 2026, the same price Ruffwear's own site listed then.
Do vets recommend dog booties?
Veterinary opinion on boots for healthy dogs is mixed. The American Kennel Club, in veterinary-reviewed guidance, supports boots for protecting paws from hot surfaces. A UK vet quoted in a Wamiz report, Dr Anna Foreman, said boots are not needed if owners wash and dry their dog's paws thoroughly after a walk.
Neither source is a veterinary association position on routine booties, so treat boots as gear for specific conditions such as hot pavement and rough ground. Boots are not a treatment, either: if your dog keeps licking its paws, WebVet's guide to dog licking paws and what it could mean covers the possible causes.
What the Grip Trex does on a trail: sole, upper, and closure
Ruffwear describes the Grip Trex outsole as a Vibram non-marking sole with a rugged lug design that provides flexibility and traction on varied terrain. Chewy's listing says the same rugged outsole offers traction and protection on all types of terrain, which is the core of the boot's case on a trail.
The sole is also the clearest difference from Ruffwear's lower-priced Summit Trex. Ruffwear describes the Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Boots, Obsidian Black, 2.75-in as having a non-marking rubber outsole and does not call it Vibram. Chewy listed the Summit Trex at $29.99 in October 2026.
Ruffwear's lower-priced everyday boot, with a non-marking rubber outsole, sold in sets of two.
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Above the sole, Ruffwear lists three features that decide comfort and fit:
- Upper: tightly woven air mesh in 100 percent polyester, which Ruffwear says is breathable while keeping dirt and debris out.
- Opening: a gusset design that gives a wide opening for easy on and off.
- Closure: a hook-and-loop strap with hardware that, per Chewy's listing, cinches around the narrowest part of the leg; Ruffwear says to check the closure and adjust the fit as needed 15 minutes into the activity.
Heat is where veterinary guidance most clearly supports boots. The American Kennel Club says hot pavement can blister and burn a dog's paw pads, and that dog shoes or all-terrain boots offer protection from hot surfaces. WebVet's guide to hot pavement and dog paws covers how to check the ground.
Measuring and sizing the Grip Trex: the paw-width rule
Ruffwear boot sizing runs on one measurement: paw width, taken across the widest part of the paw while the dog bears weight on it. Ruffwear says to measure all four paws, and the Ruffwear size guide sets out the method:
- Place a sheet of paper under one paw.
- Lift the opposite paw so the dog stands with its weight on the paw being measured.
- Mark the widest part of the paw on both sides.
- Measure the distance between the marks.
- Repeat on the rear paws, which Ruffwear says are often smaller than the front paws.
Reading Ruffwear's boot size chart comes down to three rules:
- The chart runs from 1.50 inches (38 mm) to 3.25 inches (83 mm) in quarter-inch steps.
- A paw that measures 2.5 inches wears the 2.50 size; the Chewy listing linked in this review is the 2.75-in size, so pick your measured size on the listing before ordering.
- For a dog between sizes, Ruffwear's rule is to size down, so a 2.6-inch paw goes to 2.50, not 2.75.
Front and rear sizes can differ. Ruffwear says it sells the Summit Trex in sets of two because a dog's front and back paws are often different sizes, and the Grip Trex also comes as a set of two. A dog with smaller rear paws can wear a smaller size behind.
That format also sets the real price. Covering all four paws means buying two sets, which comes to $99.98 at the $49.99 per set that Chewy listed in October 2026.
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Fit problems: twisting, rubbing, dewclaws, and boots that fall off
Ruffwear's fit guidance starts with where the strap sits. The hook-and-loop strap should fit snugly above the metacarpal pad (the metatarsal pad on a hind paw) but below the carpal pad, which sits higher up the back of the front leg.
Room inside the boot is the second check: Ruffwear says a correct fit leaves little excess room from left to right and front to back. It does not spell out what makes a boot twist or fall off; its guidance is a snug fit plus a closure check 15 minutes into each activity.
Snow brings its own retention problem. The Ruffwear Polar Trex Winter Dog Boots, Obsidian Black, 2.75-in add a stretch pullover gaiter that Ruffwear says prevents snow build up and clumping for improved boot retention in snow. The Grip Trex page lists no gaiter.
Ruffwear's winter boot, with a Vibram IceTrek outsole and a stretch gaiter that limits snow build up.
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Dewclaws get no Grip Trex-specific rule from Ruffwear. Its general fix is a dog sock under the boot: worn as a boot liner, a sock "can also help protect the dew claws and enhance fit," in Ruffwear's words.
Breaking boots in: getting a dog to walk normally
Ruffwear's break-in tips are written for its dog boots in general, so they apply to the Grip Trex and the everyday Summit Trex alike. Expect an odd first session: Ruffwear says a dog will most likely "dance" in its first boots, shaking its paws and high-stepping.
The Ruffwear break-in guide runs in this order:
- Work each new boot in your hands so the sole becomes more pliable.
- Put the boots on in the house for a couple of minutes.
- Move on to short outings before a full trail day.
- Each time the boots go on during the break-in period, stop and check for rubbing and hot spots.
- Check the closure and adjust the fit about 15 minutes into each activity.
Putting on Ruffwear boots is easier with the Grip Trex's wide gusset opening: open the strap fully, slide the paw in, and close the hook-and-loop strap so it sits above the metacarpal pad and below the carpal pad.
A strapless bootie is the other way to get protection onto a dog's paws. Chewy's listing describes Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots, Black, Medium, 12 count as disposable and reusable, designed to go on easily and fit securely without zippers or straps.
Waterproof booties that Chewy's listing says go on easily and fit securely without zippers or straps.
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The paw shaking is expected in a first pair; rubbing and hot spots are not. If either appears, the fit needs another look before the next outing, starting with the strap position and the paw width you measured.
Durability, cleaning, and when to replace them
Ruffwear's care steps for the Grip Trex are short:
- Secure the fasteners before washing.
- Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Air dry.
Ruffwear publishes no lifespan or replacement interval for the Grip Trex, and none of the sources we checked gives one, so replacement timing comes down to what you see after cleaning. These checks follow from Ruffwear's own fit and traction descriptions:
- The hook-and-loop strap no longer holds snug through the 15-minute closure check.
- The lugs on the Vibram sole have worn smooth; Ruffwear credits the lug design for traction.
- The air-mesh upper has torn, so it no longer keeps dirt and debris out.
- A boot that once fit starts causing rubbing or hot spots.
Ruffwear Grip Trex alternatives: Summit Trex, Polar Trex, and rubber booties
Ruffwear publishes no official Grip Trex versus Summit Trex comparison, so the choice comes down to terrain, season, and budget.
Ruffwear markets the Summit Trex for hot pavement and rough surfaces as well as ice, rain, snow and snowmelt chemicals; Chewy's listing calls it an everyday boot with a weather-resistant ripstop upper.
The Polar Trex is the winter boot, with a Vibram IceTrek outsole and a stretch gaiter. Chewy's listing adds a waterproof, windproof upper and glass-fiber lugs, though Ruffwear's page gives no insulation rating.
| Boot | Terrain and season | Outsole | Sold as | Chewy listed price, October 2026 | Four paws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Grip Trex | Hiking, biking, running, and exploring on varied trail terrain | Vibram non-marking lug outsole | Set of two | $49.99 per set | $99.98 for two sets |
| Ruffwear Summit Trex | Everyday use on hot pavement, rough surfaces, ice, rain, snow, and snowmelt chemicals | Non-marking rubber outsole, not described as Vibram | Set of two | $29.99 per set | $59.98 for two sets |
| Ruffwear Polar Trex | Winter snow, ice, and cold, with a stretch gaiter against snow build up | Vibram IceTrek winter outsole with glass-fiber lugs | Set of two | $64.99 per set | $129.98 for two sets |
| Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots | Wet walks; disposable and reusable, no zippers or straps | No padding, so the dog feels the ground, per the listing | 12 count, size Medium | $21.49 for 12 | 12 boots cover four paws three times |
Verdict: the Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots, Obsidian Black, 2.75-in, Set of 2 suit a dog that hikes, runs, or bikes on rough, varied trail terrain, with an owner willing to measure paw width on all four paws before ordering.
Strengths, from Ruffwear's specifications and the Chewy listing:
- A Vibram lug outsole built for traction on varied trail terrain
- A breathable polyester air-mesh upper that keeps dirt and debris out
- A gusset opening for easier on and off, with a hook-and-loop cinch strap
- Washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, then left to air dry
Drawbacks to weigh:
- Sold as a set of two, so four paws take two sets, $99.98 at the Chewy price listed in October 2026
- Not marketed for snow; Ruffwear's Polar Trex is its winter boot
- No published lifespan or replacement interval
Choose another boot in these cases:
- Mostly pavement, or a tighter budget: the Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Boots, Obsidian Black, 2.75-in, listed on Chewy at $29.99 when we checked in October 2026, with a non-marking rubber outsole for hot pavement, ice, and snowmelt chemicals.
- Snow and ice: the Ruffwear Polar Trex Winter Dog Boots, Obsidian Black, 2.75-in, listed on Chewy at $64.99 in October 2026, with a Vibram IceTrek outsole and a stretch gaiter. WebVet's Ruffwear Polar Trex review covers it in full.
- No straps, disposable protection for wet walks: the Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots, Black, Medium, 12 count, listed on Chewy at $21.49 in October 2026. WebVet's Pawz dog boots review has the details.
For other brands, WebVet's Canada Pooch dog boots review and the wider best dog boots guide compare more options.
What can I use instead of dog booties?
For heat, the alternative is timing walks around hot ground. AKC's Dr. Jerry Klein says ground may be too hot for paws at 85°F or above without a chance to cool. His test: if you cannot comfortably hold your hand on the pavement for ten seconds, it is too hot for paws.
AKC also reports that 86°F air can heat asphalt to 135°F, a figure it attributes to JAMA. For balm instead of boots, WebVet's dog paw balm guide covers what it can and cannot do.
Ruffwear Grip Trex questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I size Ruffwear Grip Trex boots?
Measure paw width, the distance across the widest part of the paw while the dog stands on it, using Ruffwear's paper-and-marks method. Measure all four paws, because rear paws are often smaller, then match each width to Ruffwear's chart, which runs from 1.50 to 3.25 inches. If a paw falls between sizes, size down.
What is the difference between Grip Trex and Summit Trex?
The clearest published differences are the sole, the upper, and the price. Ruffwear gives the Grip Trex a Vibram non-marking lug outsole for traction on varied terrain, while the Summit Trex sole is a non-marking rubber outsole that Ruffwear does not call Vibram.
The Grip Trex upper is breathable air mesh; Chewy's Summit Trex listing describes a weather-resistant polyester ripstop upper.
Both come in sets of two. Chewy listed the Grip Trex at $49.99 and the Summit Trex at $29.99 per set in October 2026.
Are Grip Trex boots good in snow?
Ruffwear does not market them for snow. The Grip Trex page mentions protection from extreme environments but says nothing about snow or insulation. Ruffwear's snow boot is the Polar Trex, with a winter-specific outsole for snow and ice and a stretch gaiter that limits snow build up, although its page gives no insulation rating either.
Do Grip Trex boots work with dewclaws?
Ruffwear publishes no Grip Trex-specific dewclaw rule. Its general fit guidance places the strap snugly above the metacarpal pad and below the carpal pad, and it says dog socks can help protect the dewclaws and improve fit. Check the dewclaw for rubbing at each stop during the break-in period.
Are Grip Trex boots sold in pairs?
Yes. Each Grip Trex purchase is a set of two boots, one pair, so a dog wearing boots on all four paws needs two sets. Buying two sets also lets you choose a smaller size for the rear paws if they measure smaller, which Ruffwear says is common.
Editor
The Webvet Editorial Team is the in-house group of pet-care editors and writers behind Webvet, operated by Smart Pet Collective. The team researches, writes, and maintains Webvet's pet health, behavior, and medication content. Every article follows a defined editorial process: research from reputable veterinary and scientific sources, careful drafting, mandatory review of medical content by a credentialed veterinarian, and dated publication. Health and medication articles are medically reviewed by a licensed veterinary professional before they go live and are kept current over time.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
Related reading
Ruffwear Polar Trex Review: Winter Dog Boots for Snow, Ice, and Salt
Canada Pooch Dog Boots Review: Soft Shield, Hot Pavement, and Suspender Fit
Pawz Dog Boots Review: Rubber Balloon Boots for Salt, Heat, and Hardwood
