Hi, I don't think they're cruel at all. Like most have already said, they are great during times when our babies could damage their paws. I do have a few pairs that are more of a fashion thing
My Trixie hates them but Pia doesn't mind them at all. So when it comes to these kind I never bother Trixie and the second Pia seems to want them off, they're gone!! I like taking my babies to this one park with this huge pond. Unfortunately, duck poo is always over the side walks so I always like to have shoes on them then. The thought of them walking on that and then licking their paws scares me.
I guess its up to each owner but I definately don't think they're cruel
