How to get custom dog shoes right

We know that measuring your dog's paws can seem tricky—we've been there! However, this is the most crucial step in ensuring your dog gets the comfortable, perfectly fitted shoes they deserve.

WHY PRECISION MATTERS:
STOP THE TWIST: Accurate measurements for A) paw width and B) length keep the shoe securely facing forward, preventing painful twisting.

STAY-PUT FIT: Precise ankle measurements (C & D) are key to making sure the shoes stay on reliably during activity.

While we craft premium, precision-fitted shoes, remember this is no rocket science! You play a vital role here—be patient and take your time. If you have any questions at all, we are always here to help.

What you need to measure to get custom dog shoes

MEASUREMENT TIPS

1. A caliper tool gives the most accurate measurements. Please use caliper if possible. For points E and F, a measuring tape works just as well.

2. Measure paw width (A) and paw length (B) while your dog is standing and putting full weight on the paw. Lifted paws give different dimensions.

3. Measure exactly as you see it — don't add extra room. We build the wiggle space in ourselves.

4. Take measurements C and D above the dew claw. One thing to watch for: some breeds, including Dachshunds, have dew claws that sit very close to the ground. If that's your dog, please send us photos — it makes a real difference to the fit.

5. Measure when your dog's claws are short, and keep them that way. Long claws and a snug fit don't work together.

6. Front and hind paws are different sizes. Measure both sets separately.

7. A photo is worth a thousand measurements. A picture with a measuring tape alongside the paw helps us spot anything the numbers alone might miss.

8. Extra detail always helps. Large dew claws, unusual paw shape, anything you've noticed about how your dog stands or walks — tell us. The more we know, the better the fit.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words—and that's just as true for custom dog shoes. The more informative photos you share, the better we can make shoes that fit your dog.

This matters especially if your dog isn't in our breed selection list. If that's the case, please contact us by email.

TIPS FOR SHARING INSIGHT

  1. GO LOW
    Set your phone on the ground with the camera lens at the bottom, closest to the floor.

  2. SHARE AT LEAST 4 IMAGES
    Front, side, back, and bottom.

  3. KEEP IT PERPENDICULAR
    Aim the camera straight at your dog's paw, not at an angle.

  4. SHOW THE SHAPE
    We need a clear silhouette. If your dog is extra fluffy, wet the fur around the paw or trim it to reveal the true outline.

  5. DRAW THE PAW OUTLINE
    If your dog has an unusual paw shape, sketch an outline and note the paw's width and length on the drawing.

Examples showing the positions to take measurements from

  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement cm

    You can use measurement tape for E & F measurements

  • Paw measurement A to get custom dog shoes

    Paw width measured with caliper.

  • Paw measurement B to get custom dog shoes

    Paw length measured with caliper.

More examples

  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement - paw width
  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement - paw lenght
  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement - ankle width
  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement - ankle thickness
  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement - dewclaw
  • Bark & Sole custom dog shoe measurement - paw height