Saltsox was established in 2012 in response to a harsh winter in Chicago, IL. Concerned for their dogs' well-being, Cindy and her husband sought a solution to protect their pets' paws from the de-icing salt used on the city streets. Despite trying numerous products, none met their specific requirements for urban life. They needed a boot that was waterproof, insulated, comfortable, easy to put on and remove and stayed in place.

Zeke and Zoe, their own dogs, became the original test pilots, and after several winters of experimentation, the design was perfected through fabric and design modifications. The boots were tested on dogs of various ages, sizes, and activity levels on the challenging city streets, enduring the extreme conditions of the 2014 polar vortex. Handmade in Chicago, Saltsox entered production the following spring, born out of a combination of icy winters, snow, and heartfelt dedication.