How To Get The Best Arthritis Dog Shoes? Custom dog shoes.

What this is: A guide on how to get the best dog shoes for dogs with arthritis. BARK & SOLE custom dog shoes has features to support arthritis in dogs - THEY DON'T FALL OFF, THEY ARE LIGHT and THEY FIT PERFECTLY which makes them the best dog shoes for dog with arthritis..

Most dog shoes don’t fit right—wrong size, wrong shape, shoes fall off, unhappy dog. We fix that. For dogs with Arthritis, comfort isn’t optional—it’s essential. The last thing you want is to make life harder for dogs with arthritis whose already facing mobility challenges.

BARK & SOLE has several shoes to match arthritis dog's needs

Why Do Bark & Sole Dog Shoes Fit Perfectly and Stay On?

At Bark & Sole, we eliminate the frustration by custom-making every shoe based on your dog's breed, gait, paw shape, and size.

  • BARK & SOLE custom dog shoes are precision fitted to individual paw measurements
  • BARK & SOLE custom dog shoes stay on due to precision fitting
  • BARK & SOLE custom dog shoes are made to each dog breed

BREED SPECIFIC DOG SHOE FEATURES

With BARK & SOLE shoes, traditional dog shoe problems disappear. Most traditional dog shoes follow a "one-shape-fits-all" approach, ignoring the fact that different breeds have different paw shapes and paw structure. Below are the shortcomings of the traditional dog shoes. We fix all of those.

  • DOG SHOE SHAPE

    Traditional dog shoes are unlikely to match your dog’s paw shape. They don’t account for breed differences. There a big difference in paw shapes - some are round, some wide and some long.

    Our shoes are built for your dog's breed.

  • DOG SHOE SIZE

    Traditional dog shoes have too much space in the front or the sides making them uncomfortable and clumsy. Its common that it's hard to find fit dog shoes from retail stores.

    Our shoes are built with your dog's dimensions.

  • DOG SHOE STRUCTURE

    Traditional dog shoes are generic and don't take into account differences in dog breeds paw structure nor gait. e.g. Fastening position causes discomfort and structure doesn't support natural movement.

    Our shoes are built with your dog's paw structure

How do you measure dogs paws to get the custom Arthritis dog shoes?

We know measuring your dog's paws can be a tricky challenge. Be patient and take your time. It's worth it. Below you can find more information and tips..

Diagram showing measurements of a dog's paw and ankle

MEASUREMENT TIPS

1. We recommend using a caliper tool for the most accurate paw measurements.

2. Measure paw width (A) and paw length (B) while dog is standing and bearing weight on paw.

3. Keep the measurements exact. We'll add extra space to all measurements for wiggle room

4. Take the C & D measurements a bit above the metacarpal pad. CHECK THIS VIDEO

5. Measure paws when claws are short. And keep those claws short! Long claws and snug fit don't go well together!

6. Front and hind legs are different in size. Measure them both.

7. If you don’t have a caliper (which we highly recommend), you can download and print our measurement guide using the link below.

HOW IT WORKS

  • 1. ORDER
    Start with order. Input your dog’s breed and the required paw information.

  • 2. CHECK YOUR EMAIL
    We will email you with instructions on HOW TO MEASURE and provide the required measurements. Your measurements drive the delivery timeline.

  • 3. RECEIVE
    In 2–3 weeks, your dog’s custom shoes arrive — perfectly fitted and built to stay on.

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to getting my custom shoes?

1. ORDER
Start with order. Input your dog’s breed and the required paw information.

2. CHECK YOUR EMAIL
We will email you with instructions on how to provide the required measurements. Please submit them within one week.

3. RECEIVE
In 2–3 weeks, your dog’s custom shoes arrive — perfectly fitted and built to stay on.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out

Can you guarantee the shoes will stay on?

Yes. The key to shoes that stay on is accurate measurements. When your dog’s paw dimensions are correct, we can craft a perfect, secure fit.

Before we begin production, we verify that your measurements align with breed-specific averages. As part of our process, we’ll send you an email to confirm these details—because precision matters.

Every dog’s paws are unique, even within the same breed. That’s why creating the perfect fit is both a science and an art—and where BARK & SOLE stands out.

With our custom-made design, your dog has the best possible chance of getting shoes that fit comfortably and stay securely on through walks, play, and adventures.

And if you ever need help, we’re here for you. Together, we’ll make sure your dog enjoys every step with confidence and comfort.

Which dog breeds are BARK & SOLE shoes made for?

We first started by making shoes for French Bulldogs, but today we craft custom shoes for almost all small and medium-sized dog breeds.

If your dog’s breed isn’t listed in the drop-down menu at checkout, please reach out to us through our contact form — we’re happy to help.

Why don’t you make shoes longer than 2.75 inches (70 mm)?

At the moment, we don’t offer longer shoes as part of our standard selection. Longer paws require more complex tailoring, and larger shoes are more material-intensive, making production costs about 1,5-5 times higher than our regular price.

If your dog has longer paws, please contact us through our contact form — we’ll be happy to explore a custom solution together.

Can I send a 3D scan of my dog's paw?

Yes. If you prefer to skip manual measurements, you can send us a 3D paw scan or file. It allows us to craft an even more precise and perfectly fitting shoe for your dog.

What is the expected lifespan of the shoes?

Our shoes wear similarly to Crocs or sneakers — durable for everyday use, but they will gradually show wear depending on how active your dog is and the surfaces they walk on.

How and why are custom shoes better than traditional dog shoes?

1. They Match Your Dog’s Paw Shape
Traditional dog shoes follow a generic design, but every breed has unique paw shapes:

a) Oval, longer than wide (Hare-type paw)
b) Round, nearly equal in length and width (Cat-type paw)
c) Oval, wider than long (Broad-type paw)

2. They Fit Perfectly
Most dog shoes follow a "one-size-fits-all" model with limited sizing options. Custom-made shoes are designed specifically to your dog’s exact paw measurements. Did you know that hind paws are typically 15-20% smaller than front paws—so buying the same size for both fore and hind legs won’t work!

3. They Account for Breed-Specific Paw Features
Did you know that dew claws and carpal pads are positioned differently depending on the breed? Custom dog shoes consider these unique features, ensuring a better fit and improved stability.

4. They Are More Comfortable
Comfort is key—especially for stubborn dogs who refuse to wear shoes! A well-fitted shoe increases the chance your dog will actually wear them. The more comfortable, the less resistance you’ll face when putting them on.

5. They Are More Sustainable
Did you know that 70% of dog shoes go unused because they don’t fit properly? What a waste of resources! The biggest issues:

a) Wrong shoe shape = too tight or too loose
b) Incorrect size = uncomfortable fit
c) Poor breed fit = fastening straps in the wrong position

With custom-made shoes, you get the right shape, size, and design—ensuring your pup actually wears them instead of rejecting them.

Amazing shoes !

These custom dog shoes are great ! Thank you so much for making them ! My dog has a muscle disability and drags his front paws these shoes provide stability he needed to help him walk and stay on ! Thank you

Lois & Linda Petrosino

We offer a wide range of custom dog shoes to meet different needs. If your dog has a medical condition, be sure to check out our guide. Find a Right Dog Shoe For Your Dog's Medical Condition

ALL BARK & SOLE SHOES