Why does my dog lick my shoes after walks?

Your dog likely licks your shoes after walks for a few common reasons:

• They smell interesting. Shoes pick up scents from grass, other animals, pavement, and whatever you walked through, so your dog may be investigating all that information.
• They may taste salty. Shoes can absorb sweat and moisture, and many dogs are attracted to salty tastes.
• They smell like you. Licking something with your scent can be comforting and familiar.
• It may be a soothing habit. Licking can be repetitive and calming for some dogs, so they may do it simply because it feels rewarding.

Usually this is harmless, but be careful if your shoes may have picked up fertilizers, pesticides, road salt, cleaning products, antifreeze, or other chemicals. In that case, wipe the shoes off or keep them out of reach.