In addition to our Classic Brown, we are excited to announce 3 new colors: Black, Turquoise, and Navy Blue.
​
Custom colors are constructed from the same 100% Deerskin as our Classic Brown and will be just as tough and durable. Customizing your Mocs is an opportunity to add your own personal “flair”. PLUS, you can MIX-N-MATCH! Buy the Classic Brown for “off-roading”, and some stylish Black for strutting around town. With four choices, the combinations are ENDLESS! (Well, not really. Surely, there’s a mathematical end to the options, but who wants to do that work??)

We want to hear from you! After a summer full of walks, hikes, and conquering daily routines, tell us how your Mocs helped you and your fur-baby live your best lives!

- Camping and Hiking Adventures
- Saving your dog's paws from Hot Pavement
- A safer and happier dog on Slippery Floors
- Helping your working dog do its job more safely

TO ENTER:

Email your story to, [email protected], and please include photos of your dog, AND the worn Dog Mocs! Please enter by 9/30/24.

WHAT YOU'LL WIN:

We'll randomly pick 3 stories to win a free set of Mocs, PLUS a $50 gift card to the online store of your choice.

Tell us a story like...

​"These mocs are the best! Gus would always do long runs in the mountains with me, but suffered a carpal injury requiring surgery. For the past two years he’s suffered from nail drag and would constantly have nail injuries preventing him from joining me on the trails. I tried most other booties with no success, as they irritated his dew claw and were often too bulky to run well in. Thanks to Dog Mocs we have been back up and running up to 15 miles on some days with no nail issues, plus he doesn’t seem to even notice that he’s wearing a moc. They seem very durable, as he does tend to drag the very toe edge of the shoe, but I think they’ll last a decent amount of time even in the rugged terrain. These have made both me and my dog very happy!"
- Chris S.

As the summer sun warms up the pavement and trails, many dog owners find themselves wondering: "Does my dog need shoes in the summer?" It's a valid question, considering the potential risks of hot surfaces and outdoor elements. Let's explore whether dog shoes like Dog Mocs are necessary for your furry friend during the summer months.

1. Protection from Hot Surfaces:
One of the primary reasons dog shoes are considered in the summer is to protect your pup's paws from hot surfaces. Asphalt, concrete, sand, and even certain types of grass can heat up quickly under the blazing sun, potentially causing burns or discomfort to your dog's sensitive paw pads. Dog shoes act as a barrier between your dog's paws and the scorching ground, providing much-needed protection during walks or outdoor activities. Our breathable leather dog shoe provides protection while still enabling your dog to naturally stay cool.

2. Preventing Paw Pad Injuries:
Beyond just hot surfaces, summer terrain can pose other hazards to your dog's paws. Sharp rocks, broken glass, thorns, and other debris can easily cause cuts, scrapes, or punctures. Dog shoes offer a layer of defense against these hazards, reducing the risk of injuries that could lead to pain or infection. This is especially important for adventurous dogs who love exploring rugged terrain or urban environments.

3. Allergens and Irritants:
Summer brings along allergens like pollen, grass, and various plant species that can trigger allergies in dogs. Additionally, certain outdoor irritants like pesticides or fertilizers used on lawns can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Dog shoes can help minimize your dog's exposure to these allergens and irritants, keeping their paws clean and protected during outdoor adventures.

4. Enhanced Traction and Stability:
Some dogs may struggle with traction on slippery surfaces, particularly around pool sides or in wet conditions. Dog shoes with non-slip soles can provide added traction and stability, reducing the risk of slips, falls, or injuries, especially for senior dogs or those with mobility issues.

In conclusion, while dog shoes may not be a necessity for every dog during the summer, they can offer valuable benefits in terms of protection, comfort, and safety, especially in hot or challenging outdoor environments. If you're planning on spending extended periods outdoors with your furry companion or if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or rough terrain, investing in a pair of Dog Mocs is a worthwhile consideration to ensure your dog's well-being and enjoyment during the summer months. If you have any questions about Dog Mocs, please let us know in the comments below. 

Chris recently wrote to us to let us know how Gus was benefiting from Dog Mocs and we wanted to share in case you didn't think of this as an option to help your dog with nail issues.

"These mocs are the best! Gus would always do long runs in the mountains with me, but suffered a carpal injury requiring surgery. For the past two years he’s suffered from nail drag and would constantly have nail injuries preventing him from joining me on the trails. I tried most other booties with no success, as they irritated his dew claw and were often too bulky to run well in. Thanks to Dog Mocs we have been back up and running up to 15 miles on some days with no nail issues, plus he doesn’t seem to even notice that he’s wearing a moc. They seem very durable, as he does tend to drag the very toe edge of the shoe,  but I think they’ll last a decent amount of time even in the rugged terrain. These have made both me and my dog very happy! "

Beware of foxtails while out and about with your dogs! Foxtails have barbed razor-sharp needles that are dangerous to your dog. If you are exposed, thoroughly inspect the hot spots (ears, nose, eyes, underbelly, between toe pads). Wearing Dog Mocs will help make sure that they do not get between their paw pads/toes. 

- Foxtails can go up the nose and migrate to the brain.
- Embedded foxtails can cause pain and even death in extreme cases
- Pets with long fur and long ears are especially prone to getting foxtails
- Foxtails move in one direction. They dig in, and they do not come out on their own.
- Foxtails love paws and can easily embed between toes.
- Foxtails can dig into any part of the body, and they don't dissolve.
- Foxtails pieces can easily be inhaled & puncture a lung!
​

​You may have asked yourself "does my dog need shoes?" Even as the owner of a dog boot company, I’ll be the first to admit……not always.   The need for some type of paw protection for your dog depends on factors such as breed, type of activity, weather, and terrain, among others.   Let’s say you’ve got a Husky and you’re heading out to play in the snow.   That dog is built for such conditions and you may not need shoes or boots.   Or maybe you and your dog are playing fetch in the local dog park, which is grassy….again, probably don’t need shoes.  But what if I live in an area like Phoenix and the air temp is 110 deg?   Surfaces like asphalt or concrete can be upwards of 190 degrees!   ANYTHING  you do in those conditions should include paw protection.  Maybe you’re heading out for a day hike in the mountains and you’ll be traversing very rocky terrain, which can easily slice a paw.  Again, probably a good idea to put some boots on those paws.  

Your dog’s paw pads are nothing more than calloused skin.  Those paws are not impervious to pain, cuts, and bruising.   Sure, they might be a little tougher than our feet, but don’t get complacent.  There are dangers everywhere, from a city street, to desert terrains….from mountain hikes, to icy paths.    Hot pavement….sharp rocks….thorns and stickers…broken glass….salt and ice melt chemicals.  And even the tile and wood floors in our homes can be treacherous for an older dog, or one with an injury.   You should consider the following factors when determining when to put on some dog boots…..Your specific dog, (age, breed, health)…..Weather conditions….Length of activity…. Terrain…Potential Dangers.
​

So, it’s safe to say dog boots are a helpful part of your dog’s accessories.  Now comes the next important question….What type of boot should I get?   Search “dog boots/shoes” on Google or Amazon and you’ll get 20 different makers of boots, but all have virtually the same characteristics….Fabric construction, (usually a nylon mesh), Velcro straps and a rubber sole.  There’s also one that looks like a rubber balloon, and some “sock” options, (obviously you’re not taking your dog on a hike in SOCKS!!). And then there’s one dog boot that is completely different from all the rest…..Dog Mocs.   The ONLY 100% deerskin leather boot on the market.  No Velcro, no man-made fabric, and definitely NO rubber sole.  ​

Ok, why is leather better?   Let’s look at your dog.  For a dog, the ability to “feel” the ground is a critical part of how it navigates the world around him/her.   A dog’s sense of touch on the ground is giving the brain important information, allowing the dog to move safely through the current environment.   How firm is the surface?   What’s the temperature?  Am I walking on grass, rocks, pavement, ice?  Is that water?    We can determine all that based on our sight and experiences.  We don’t need to walk barefoot to know if we’re on the street, or in the mountains, or on grass.   Our eyes tell our brain what’s going on around us.  But a dog can’t reason and understand the world that way.  They might recognize a familiar path, but until the paws hit the ground, they don’t know if it’s muddy and soft, or dry and hard.  Everything our dogs do is affected by what they feel beneath their paws….Can I jump up on that table? (Of course, knocking all the food off)….Can I turn on a dime at full speed?   Can I stop myself before knocking you down?  Can I clear that branch on the path?   Am I swimming or walking across that stream?   

​​A dog NEEDS to feel the ground….it’s as simple as that.  And that explains why you’ll always see them “freaking out” when you put on boots with a rubber sole.  (We’ve all seen those videos!)   Our fur-buddies are looking at us with two questions….Why did you just take away my ability to feel the ground under my paws??    And.….When are you taking them off???   But all of this “drama” is completely avoided with the soft, deerskin construction of Dog Mocs.   Yes, they are like a moccasin for dogs.   Deerskin is very soft, (although extremely tough and durable), allowing the dog to “feel” the ground just at it would naturally.   Take that same dog who just refused to walk in rubber-soled boots and put Dog Mocs on, and you’ll see a completely different reaction.   Walk 3 steps.  That’s all it takes for a dog to realize it can still feel the ground and off it goes…..running, jumping, playing just at it would without anything on its paws.  

So, does my dog need shoes?   We trust your judgement, as a loving pet parent.   But if, for you, the answer is “YES”, there’s really only one choice that protects the paw, while honoring the dog and how it needs to feel the ground to best navigate its world. 

With every purchase of Dog Mocs, you can personalize each pair with the name of your dog, (or anything you’d like to engrave, like a phone number). Using the best technology, and with the finest precision, your dog’s name is permanently etched into the front of your Mocs, for a beautiful look that will proudly display your love for your dog, and make you and your buddy the envy of the town!!
​

Dog Mocs protect your dog's paws from hot pavement or concrete, rocks, dirt, sand, thorns, cactus and more.  

Did you know? Hot pavement can burn your dog's paw pads. Check the sidewalk temps with your hand or foot and consult this infographic from AKC! Also, on so-hot-you-can-fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk surface, don’t discount dirt as it gets very hot as well. Take care of your best friend by buying them Dog Mocs to protect their paws, you won't regret it.