Thursday, April 28, 2011

DoggyStyle: Rain Footgear for All

 Since we don't have a backyard, and we have to walk our pooches a couple of times each day, I have become kind of obsessed with finding inclement weather gear. I've realized, walking in bad weather isn't so bad if we're dressed appropriately.
Chicago has been extra rainy lately, so we all had to "gear-up" for our walk. Here is what we've been using for dog and people footwear:
This winter we had a dog boot 'challenge' and decided we prefer the PAWZ reusable boots over the more expensive Muttluks. And with the snow gone, we've also been using the PAWZ boots as wellies. It's been so difficult trying to clean all the mud from the pooches toenails, so I've just been having them wear these boots, and when they take them off I don't even need to wipe their feet. The only problem with them is they don't cover very high, so if they step in a puddle taller than the boot the water will seep in. And if they get a hole in the boot as they're walking, it actually makes the problem worse because all the mud and water will be sloshing around in the boot and absorbing into their feet. And this is even harder to clean up. Though I still can't get over this video of how funny they look when walking in boots.
At the same time, I've been searching for a waterproof shoe so I can trade in my rain boots as the warmer weather approaches. I was so excited to find these Rainy Day Ballet Flats from JCrew that are actually cute, practical, waterproof shoes. They kind of make me excited to go out in the rain. They're flexible and lightweight, so I can also throw them in my purse if rain strikes. So far, I haven't had any problems with the fabric bow, though the sole  isn't very substantial and I wouldn't recommend wearing them on cobblestones or anything rough. They're also perfect dog-walking shoes for "all the single ladies".
Miss M was embarrassed to be wearing the same shoes as me; she thought her green wellies were unique.
What has everyone else been doing to tackle this rainy weather?

24 comments:

Maisie's Mom said...

those shoes (yours, I mean) are adorable. I may have to get 'em. me want!!!

http://maisieme.blogspot.com/

HoundDogMom said...

We got some wadders and a boat. BOL...No seriously we just stay inside. :( Sniffs, The HoundDogs

Two Grad Students and a Pittie said...

havi hates the rain, so we cant even walk far if we wanted to. maybe im a bad mom, but we run out and run back in while she patiently allows me to wipe her feet. we might try the booties though, its worth a shot!

i am in love with your flats! i always wonder what to wear in the summer when it rains, my rainboots are to clunky!

h(eather) said...

Love your flats! I have huge green rainboots that are ridiculous but I secretly love.

As for dog boots, I use these: http://www.kondosoutdoors.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KO&Product_Code=TSLB&Category_Code=DB7

They're made of synthetic materials and work really well on my pups. They're especially good for my long haired dogs in the winter for preventing snowball feet.

Unknown said...

Love love love your shoes! I am obsessed with flats and now I want them!!

The more it rains, the more sleeping there is in our house! Thank goodness for lazy bassets!

In Black and White said...

Ooooo, I'm sorry but I think I'm going to have to copy you and get some of those shoes! I've been gazing down at my feet in dismay recently as style has definitely slipped out of the window on dog walks (I have a whole wardrobe of super-high heels that has gradually slipped out of use since I got Bilbo a year and a half ago).

Aleksandra said...

those are super cute! i usually use my crocs ballet flats, which are not the ugliest thing in the world if you get rid of the maryjane strap (you can just pop it off the shoes). and as a bonus, the soles feel like little pillows under your feet.

Tucker The Crestie said...

All of you look quite stylish!

Maisie's Mom said...

I actually bought 'em. sounds like there will be a lot of pit bull girls in Chicago with extra stylish rainy day footwear thanks to you. J. Crew should send you a gift! ;)

Corbin said...

Your rain gear posts always makes my mom think about gearing me up so it's not so hard when I come inside all wet and muddy...
-Corbin

Unknown said...

I wish I could find a pair of cute, waterproof/weatherproof boots or flats that didn't cost me a fortune but I have yet to find exactly what I am looking for. So I have been sporting my uber-sexy knee high, black rain boots, yes I know-super classy. I am considering posting a picture of my dog walking attire but I am not sure if I am ready to expose that to blog-land.

Kristine said...

It's the ultra-rainy season here as well. After getting caught in a downpour with the dog this morning, I am definitely thinking I am in need of some better gear. I don't know if my dog Shiva will look nearly as adorable as your two do in rain jackets! They must get a lot of attention.

Thanks for the shoe advice. I am so tired of rain boots!

Kim @ Yellow Brick Home said...

This whole post makes me smile!

Kitty+Coco said...

Oh no, Ms. M does look embarrassed. I'm sure she doesn't want to end up in Us Weekly's "Who wore it better". You both look very cute. I'm with you, the PAWS seem to be the best option we have seen so far. Kitty obsessively licks her paws if we clean them with wipes because of the scent.

Kitty and Coco

Two French Bulldogs said...

We love what adorable models you two make. We will take the coats, you can keep the boots
Benny & Lily

brooke said...

you dress so stylishly on your dog walks! Im always so worried about Darwin stepping on my feet or rubbing up against me I dress like a bum.

2 dogs + 1 cat + 2 humans said...

Ohhh very cute!!! Arrow has purple Pawz boots too, he looks very silly wearing his tho!

houndstooth said...

Those shoes are really cute! Do they offer much in the way of arch support, though? I'm so fond of my Wellies, it's hard to give them up, but shoes I could take with me in my purse or bag to switch into in case of unexpected rain would be a Godsend!

The Daily Pip said...

What good sports they are! Pip would NEVER wear shoes.

Sightless said...

I have to admit that I actually really don't like the PAWS boots. I'm also a Ruffwear addict and their Grip Tex boots, though not waterproof, are totally awesome. But they do do a pretty good job of keeping mud and dirt out. Emma avoids wetness like the plague (will jump wet spots on the sidewalk) and Charlie has petite little Poodle toes that don't get all that dirty, so wellies aren't such a hot topic in our house. Though I have too many coats and jackets =-)

Two Pitties in the City said...

Maisie & Bilbo: The Chicago pitbull girls will be quite styling!

Houndstooth: They don't have any arch support, and it's kind of like walking around in rubber slippers. I have taken to wearing them allover the city, and while the soles aren't thick enough for rugged terrain, I have walked a couple of miles in them. I just hate soggy feet so they have become my go-to.

Susan Campisi said...

You are all so stylish. I love green shoes. I may have to get those rainbow flats. We're out in Southern California so I won't have to worry about the rain until next winter. I'll definitely get Tommy the rain booties you recommend. Thanks for the tip!

People must crack up when they see Mr. B and Miss M in their outfits. I watched the Halloween video. Miss M is a charmer!

Mary said...

Oh my gosh, I love those shoes! I've been looking for a new pair of non-leather flats since I've practically worn through my pair from Boden. I am on my feet a lot during the day and need comfy shoes. Plus, I have to wear closed-toed shoes in the lab even in the summer, and athletic shoes sometimes just don't fit the bill.

I definitely don't look as cute when I walk the dogs in the rain-either running shoes or my hiking boots if we're going to be in the grass.

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