Ruff and ready

Hey, you’re not the only one whose feet get tender after miles of hiking. Be a true best friend and consider some paw protection.

MY PAWS

These boots provided the best traction, but after two days of testing, developed holes and the straps were confusing. Eight sizes, one color. From $35. (800) 805-2001, www.seniorpetproducts.com.

*

ALL WEATHER

The stretchy fabric atop the boots did a fine job of keeping the grit out and seemed comfortable for the dog. However, the boots tended to rotate on the paw in use. Eight sizes, one color. From $31.50. (877) 796-3539, www.easysource.com.

*

3D BARK’N BOOTS

These RuffWear boots were easy to put on; they stayed on well and proved most durable. But they lacked traction, withheld water after a creek crossing and filled with grit. Best of the litter. Six sizes, three colors. $38. (888) 783-3932, www.ruffwear.com.

*

ULTRAPAWS

The traction was so bad one owner wouldn’t put UltraPaws on his pet on steep trails. A pity, because the boots were the easiest to affix and remained on the best. Six sizes, one color. $37. (800) 355-5575, www.gearfordogs.com.

*

LUCKY DOG

“A good dog will heel, but dogs don’t have heels,” someone should tell the maker of these boots, which seemed designed for a robotic dog. Also, the slick bottoms offered little traction. Four sizes, one color. $30. (800) 805-2001, www.watsonspets.com.

*

Note: These boots were tested by Sky, a canine pal of staff writer Robert Burns, and five of Sky’s running mates.