Are you looking for the best dog toy that looks like a shoe? You’re in the right place.
Toys are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. While they might seem like a luxury and a treat, toys are important for fighting boredom and providing comfort when dogs feel nervous. Experts say toys can even prevent your dog from developing certain behavioral problems.
While cats tend to be picky about toys, dogs are generally happy to play with anything they can get their paws on. In other words, you don’t have to pay a fortune to get a toy your dog will be happy with. He’s actually pretty easy to please.
That said, dogs tend to have a real thing for shoe toys. Maybe it stems from their premature interest in human shoes. Remember when he used to chew them? They’re probably not your fondest memories of your pup, but taking note of that initial interest, it could be why dogs love shoe toys.
In this article, I’m going to show you what to look for in a dog shoe toy and the best ones to choose.
What to Look for in a Dog Shoe Toy
Kind of Dog
The kind of dog you are raising will also play a role in selecting your shoe or foot dog toy. Larger dogs, for instance, have a bigger jaw than smaller dogs meaning they’ll need either a larger toy or one that’s more durable to live through strong gnawing.
Small or young dogs will no doubt need something smaller in size and generally softer that they can chew on.
Dental Issues
If your dog has dental issues, you may want to consider investing in a toy that aids dental health. Some toys are made with bristles that help remove and reduce plaque and tartar on teeth.
Safe Material
Since your dog’s going to be actively chewing this toy, it’s important to choose a shoe toy that’s made with safe, non-toxic materials. Some dog toys are made with materials and colorings that can be dangerous to dogs, so it’s crucial to avoid such toys.
Fortunately, most manufacturers will state what materials are used in the toy, so be sure to check before buying. Remember, this toy is bound to end up in your dog’s mouth. You want to make sure it’s safe!
Best Dog Toys that Look Like Shoes
Best for Large Dogs: Joymier Dog Chew Toy
Large dogs need something durable to chew on. In other words, small dogs and large dogs really shouldn’t be given the same chew toy as it just won’t be suitable for their jaw sizes.
If you’ve got a large dog who loves chewing, I recommend giving this Joymier shoe shaped toy a try. Bring it into your household and pretty soon it’ll be your k9’s BFF.
Designed for medium and large dogs, this squeaky chew toy is sturdy, durable, and utterly delightful. Made with non toxic natural rubber, you have absolutely no concerns giving our dog this toy to chew on. It won’t cause any health concerns thanks to being made from 100% natural food grade rubber. This toy is also eco-friendly and easy to clean, so you’ll be able to keep it hygienic for your dog and keep him healthy.
What’s more, it’s beef flavored — which is bound to make this toy outshine all his others. Without a doubt, your dog will continually be drawn to this tasty-scented shoe shaped toy. For your peace of mind, it’s designed with no excess protrusion which prevents him from swallowing.
One of its most intriguing features is its built-in speaker, which creates sounds that encourage natural play behavior in dogs. This mental and physical stimulation improves your dog’s mood, reduces boredom, prevents barking, and relieves anxiety. You could say it’s the recipe for a large and happy hound!
Pros:
- Perfect for medium and large sized dogs
- Strong and sturdy
- Built-in speaker for stimulation
- Beef-flavored
- Teeth cleaning
Cons:
- More costly than other brands
Best for Small to Medium Dogs: IFOYO Dog Chew Toy
This dog shoe toy has some excellent reviews on Amazon.
Designed for small to medium sized dogs as well as other animals like cats, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs, this chew toy is the perfect pet companion to kill time and keep him entertained. It’s both interesting when played alone or interactively.
With its bright colors and squeaky sound, this shoe toy is great for keeping your pet active and amused. It’s also an effective tool for keeping him away from your furniture and your real shoes, thanks to its bite resistant design.
Pros:
- Perfect for small to medium sized dogs
- Entertaining
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- Strange smell, according to one Amazon reviewer
- May not last a very long time
Best for Pups: K ERATISNIK Pet Plush Toy Set
Pups are known for gnawing A LOT. Give them something to gnaw on to direct their attention from your shoes and furniture with this pet plush toy set, featuring four durable, shoe-shaped plush chew toys.
Chewing is a dog’s nature, so give them something to chew on with these adorable plush shoe toys for dogs. They are made of soft, non-toxic cotton and plush to help fight against tartar build up and prevent gum diseases. The material is also washable, so it’s easy to keep clean.
These toys come in various combinations of fruits, vegetables, animals, slippers, and desserts. Since they’re also so colorful and vibrant, they’re perfect for attracting your pup’s attention and keeping him happy while you’re out.
Amazon reviewers can’t praise this product enough for keeping their pups entertained. One reviewer, on the other hand, points out that while the size is perfect, they wish the squeaky was bigger because their dog has difficulty locating it.
Pros:
- Suitable for pups
- Teeth cleaning
- Multiple variations
- Excellent for teething
Cons:
- Squeaky inside may be hard for dog to fin
Best Interactive Shoe: Vocheer Dog Chew Toy
Your dog will love this squeaky toy shoe. It’s especially great for lonely dogs that are left at home a lot since the stimulation from the noise will keep them amused.
Made with durable and safe material, it’s suitable for small to large dogs eager to play and chew. With squeakers inside, this toy is interesting for dogs when played alone or with their owner. Anytime, anywhere — your dog should always have fun with this interactive toy that’ll keep their senses sharp and stimulated.
In addition, its colorful design and lively shape will hold your dog’s interest for a long time, keeping him far away from your shoes and furniture. These brightly colored squeaking shoes can also help reduce your dog’s anxiety, since chewing allows dogs to forget boredom and fosters happiness and overall mental health. It may be more suitable for younger dogs than elderly dogs who may not enjoy the squeaky noise.
Pros:
- Keeps dogs entertained
- Prevents anxiety
- Perfect for small to medium sized dogs
Cons:
- Not as durable as described, according to some Amazon reviewers
- Potentially not suitable for elderly dogs due to noise
Best for Dental Health: AIKOPETS Dog Chew
This dog’s toothbrush toy helps promote good dental health in your hound.
With its neatly arranged bristles on the front and back of the shoe, this toy keeps your dog’s gums healthy and bad breath at bay. Simply squeeze a little dog toothpaste onto the grooves of the toothbrush stick for an enhanced clean.
Besides promoting oral hygiene, this toy includes a built-in speaker to grab your dog’s interest and cultivate his overall wellbeing. It’ll keep him occupied for hours.
This dog shoe toy is especially designed for medium to large dogs such as German shepherd’s labradors, and golden retrievers.
Pros:
- Promotes healthy teeth and gums
- Features built-in speakers for entertainment
- Curbs anxiety
Cons:
- Not easy to squeak due to thick material
- Not extremely durable, according to some Amazon reviewers
Best for Multiple Dogs: Sunglow Dog Shoe Toy
This safe and non-toxic cotton puppy shoe toy is the perfect choice for pups and small dogs. Thanks to its unique design, it’s also great for entertaining 2-3 dogs at the same time.
According to one Amazon reviewer, their three dogs play with this shoe toy at once, with two grabbing the ends and one the middle. So, if you have more than one dog, you may want to consider trying this dog shoe toy to entertain your furry friends.
Dogs love the texture of the braids and knots for chewing, and knotted ropes are always a great choice for games like tug of war.
Pros:
- Fun for more than one dog
- Perfect for games like tug of war
Cons:
- May unravel when chewed aggressively, according to Amazon reviewers
Best Stuffed Shoe Toy: SPOT Ethical Fleece Slipper Dog Toy
This award-winning brand once again delivers a spot-on plush shoe toy for dogs. Soft, snuggly, and fluffy, it’s the perfect daily companion for your dog — especially when you leave him alone for the day while out at work. Think of it as a cuddling buddy for your furry friend.
With its built in speaker, this toy also squeaks when your dog chews or stands on it. It’ll certainly keep your pooch entertained for hours.
Does your dog greet you at the door with your slippers? It’s time for you to get him his own slipper! Squeaky, snuggly, and stimulating, your dog won’t be able to get enough of this one.
Pros:
- Cozy and snuggly
- Features a built in speaker for sound and amusement
- A great alternative to your real slippers
Cons:
- Smaller than a typical adult slipper
- Not very durable, according to Amazon reviewers
Best for Aggressive Chewers: MIROCOO Durable Dog Dental Chew Toy
This dog toy is especially designed for aggressive chewers. So, if you’re noticing your dog getting down toys more quickly than usual, it may be time to invest in a chew toy like MIROCOO’s dog dental chew toy. Trust me, it will save you a ton of money in the long run.
Made of natural rubber and with a natural milk flavor, your dog will love chewing away on this tasty yet sturdy treat. It satisfies his needs to chew while teaching him healthy chewing habits. Since it’s safe and non-toxic, he can happily chew away on this shoe toy without harming his health.
There’s also a hole in the shoe for feeding. You can fill the shoe with healthy snacks so your dog can gnaw away at the toy itself while boosting nutrition from the snacks inside. While this is great for encouraging dogs to eat, those with dogs that have weight issues may want to avoid filling it with food.
Did you know that chewing can promote overall oral health in dogs? Yep, it’s true. By investing in a good dog chew toy, you’ll save so much money on dog’s dental bills.
Pros:
- Ideal for aggressive chewers
- Milk flavored
- Strong and durable
- Can be filled with snacks
Cons:
- Not the best choice for overweight dogs
Best for Dogs of All Sizes: TrustyPup Dog Foot Toy
Want a versatile toy that suits dogs of all ages and sizes? Perhaps you have two or three dogs, or a pup that’s going to grow? In any of these cases, you’re bound to want something that fits more than one category of dog.
Choose TrustyPup’s Sasquatch Foot Dog Toy. It’s medium-sized from soft, durable plush and ideal for every kind of dog out there looking for fun and excitement. Thanks to its extra-long faux fur, dogs have that to chew on too — and snuggle up to when they’re worn out from playing.
Made with Chew Guard Technology and a durable liner to withstand rough play, any dog can have fun chewing away on this foot toy while expecting it to last way longer than your previous chew toy.
The shoe comes complete with a squeaker in the center which is easily accessible for all sizes to squeak. What’s more, it’s extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry around and cuddle, regardless of his size.
Pros:
- Suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes
- Able to withstand strong chewing
- Squeaky and entertaining
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Low priced
Cons:
- Squeaker too quiet, according to Amazon reviewer
Best Price: IFOYO Dog Chew Plush Toy
You really don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great toy for your dog. This dog shoe chew toy is a perfect example of what only a few dollars can get you. He’ll adore it, and you won’t have to be too much out of pocket doing it. In spite of its low price tag, it’s actually a really great toy.
Made with durable and safe materials, this dog toy is suitable for dogs of all sizes for chewing and playing. Plus, it’s machine washable so you can easily keep it clean for your pooch.
With its stylish appearance and bright colors, this shoe toy will attract your dog’s interest immediately, holding it for hours on end. It’s also a great choice for pups in the teething stage to keep them away from your shoes and furniture. Yet another way to save yourself some additional bucks!
While it’s said to feature a squeaker, a couple of Amazon reviewers say it doesn’t work very well. Either way, this is a very affordable shoe dog toy that’ll help you interact with your furry BFF and keep him content for hours on end!
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Suitable for all sizes
- Colorful and stylish
- Good for teething pups
Cons:
- Squeaker doesn’t work very well