DIY Cool and Cheap Little Dog Sneakers or Boots From Duct Tape

This winter we spent mucho money on a set of doggie booties to protect our West Highland terrier's feet from the terrors of Vermont snow, salt, and ice. The boots looked hardy, but didn't stay on well at all and our dog hated them and walked liked a robot having a seizure when wearing them.

I read somewhere that sled dogs wear boots that are basically warm fabric held on the paw with duct tape. Sounded like a good idea, but I didn't want to have to duct tape up my dog's feet for every winter walk so I made these cheap dog sneaker-style things that lace up and fit the dog perfectly out of some scrap material, duct tape, and two old laces.

Step 1: Fitting the Shoes Part A

Cut four scraps of fabric big enough to cover your dog's paw.

Step 2: Fitting the Shoes Part B

Then cover the dog's paws with the fabric and secure the fabric in place using a piece of duct tape.

Step 3: Covering the Fabric With Tape

Then chase the dog back and convince it with treats that it's a good idea to continue. Cover all of the fabric with duct tape, taking care not to catch any of the dog's fur in the tape.

Step 4: Finishing Off the Shoes

Then make a small slit in the edge of each shoe (where the edge of a shoe's tongue would reasonably be) and remove the shoes. Then cut the other edge of the shoe's tongue.

Step 5: Trim the Excess Fabric

You'll have excess fabric on the side of the shoes. Trim this out with a pair of scissors as best you can to provide a smooth inner surface for your pet.

Step 6: Extend the Tongue, Sides and Top

Now take three smallish pieces of duct tape to extend the tongue, shoe sides near the tongue, and top edge of the shoe. Fold the tape over on itself to avoid having any sticky bits showing. If you need to cover a sticky bit with some extra tape to preserve the shape of the shoe do so. Trip the tongue and edges around the tongue as needed for the shoe to lace up well.

Step 7: Punch Holes and Lace Up

Use your scissors to punch your lace holes then, lace up the shoes!! You can use grommets if you are feeling really fancy, but I was being cheap and holes work just fine for this purpose.