From the Trail to Therapy – A Guide to Hoof Boots for Horses

Updated December 16, 2024

What is a Horse Hoof Boot?

Hoof boots are somewhat like shoes people wear as they are designed to be slipped over a horse’s hoof and firmly secured in place. Hoof boots are often used to protect horses’ feet from damage, concussive forces, and to aid in recovery.

Many boots have tread on the sole to provide traction in different kinds of terrain, making them a great choice for trail riding. In this article, we’ll explore the variety of boot styles available, from performance boots for wear-and-tear to therapy boots meant to provide comfort, discuss customization options, features to shop for, and how to properly measure your horse’s hooves for boots.

Situations in Which Hoof Boots May Be Helpful

Regardless of your riding discipline or horse’s breed, hoof boots could be useful in different scenarios around the barn, off the property, or during shipping. Here are some common situations in which hoof boots may support your horse.

Founder, Laminitis, and Chronic Lameness

Hoof boots can be therapeutic in cases where the structures of the hoof have been compromised. A protective barrier that provides comfort and stability may be beneficial for horses suffering from chronic laminitis, navicular disease, abscesses, and other hoof conditions. If your horse has any of these lower leg issues or is showing signs of lameness, speak with your veterinarian and/or farrier about using boots. Hoof boots often have options to insert soft, form-fitting pads that provide additional levels of comfort during these instances.

Relief on Hard Surfaces

Standing on hard surfaces, such as pavement, concrete, or gravel, for long periods of time can take a toll on your horse’s legs. Support from a therapeutic hoof boot could provide some cushioning during these times.

Transitioning to Barefoot

If you and your farrier or hoof care professional have decided to transition your horse from shoes to being barefoot, you may want to consider a hoof boot during this process. Newly bare feet can be tender and sensitive, especially during rides or while being worked on uneven or rocky surfaces. Hoof boots can support and protect structures of the foot to help keep your horse as comfortable as possible throughout the barefoot transition.

Losing a Shoe

Having a hoof boot or two at your disposal in case your horse loses a shoe can be very helpful in a pinch, such as at an event or competition where a farrier is not available. Parts of the hoof, such as the sole and wall, could be damaged when a horse pulls a shoe. Putting a hoof boot on could ease some of that sensitivity or protect cracks from worsening while you wait for a farrier. Many trail, fox hunt, and endurance riders travel with hoof boots in case things go awry.

Shipping

Hoof boots can provide some cushioning and shock absorption for the hooves and legs while your horse is on the road. Whether barefoot or shod, booting your horse can be a great way to help mitigate the unexpected or unavoidable bumps and twists in the trailer.

Not all boots are designed to be used with shoes. To find the right one, you may want to call our Customer Care Team to speak with a fellow equestrian and product expert.

Performance

Many manufacturers state that their hoof boots can be used for dressage, jumping, endurance, and other performance sports. These types of boots are different from comfort or therapy specific boots, so be sure to do your research (or call our Customer Care Team). If you are looking to trot, canter, or even jump, be sure your performance hoof boots are the correct style and fitted properly first.

Trail Riding

Whether you have racked up countless miles riding across the wilderness or are new to trail riding, having a pair of hoof boots can provide protection and traction on your adventures. Hoof boots can support your horse with shock absorption and provide necessary grip while traversing hard, rocky, slippery, or uneven terrain. They provide a barrier against rocks and sharp objects that could bruise or puncture the hoof.

Stall Rest

When horses must be on stall rest, the confinement can be physically and mentally taxing. Stall rest may be advised while rehabilitating an injury, recovering from surgery, and many other situations. Hoof boots can provide support for the lower leg while your horse is standing in their stall for extended periods of time, even if it is comfortably bedded.

Protection for Hoof or Lower Leg Injuries

For hoof or lower leg injuries that must be bandaged, you may be able to keep those wraps clean and dry for longer if you put on hoof boots. Take a hoof abscess for example, your vet or farrier may have recommended that your wrap that hoof, and additionally using a pair of properly sized hoof boots will provide an extra barrier to keep that bandage clean and secure until it is time to be changed.

Types of Hoof Boots for Horses

• Trail: Hoof boots designed for trail riding, such as the Cavallo Trek Boot and the Easyboot Trail Original, are typically easy to put on and take off and can usually handle pleasure riding. If you are an endurance rider or consistently covering challenging terrain or mud, these may not be the best option.
• Sport or Performance: Boots designed for high performance riding should fit like a glove without adding bulk or hindering mobility. Performance boots are form-fitting, durable, and must be correctly sized. The Easyboot Glove Soft or Scoot Boot Hoof Boots are great options in this category.
• Therapeutic: Comfortable, breathable, and (occasionally) with pad inserts, therapeutic hoof boots are designed to support and protect the hoof. Two therapeutic options with many five star reviews include the Easyboot Cloud and the Cavallo ELB Boot (watch this video review, too). Some therapy hoof boots allow for soaking of the hoof as well.

Customizing Hoof Boots to Your Horse’s Needs

Since every horse is unique, and their podiatry needs may change day to day, there are ways to customize hoof boots with inserts, sleeves, straps, and other accessories.

Therapy Pad Inserts

Best for therapeutic uses, pads inserts may benefit horses who require cushioning while on stall rest or standing on hard surfaces. Be sure to select pad inserts that're specifically designed for your boots as recommended by the manufacturer.

Though not limited to therapeutic use, pads can also be inserted into hoof boots used for riding. However, you need to pick pads labeled for performance use that will not interfere with your horse’s movement and gaits.

Sleeves

Sleeves are almost like a sock that slides over the hoof and encases the pastern below the fetlock. While they are not necessary for boot use, sleeves can offer protection from rubs or sores while your horse is breaking in new hoof boots or on long rides.

Adjustable Fasteners and Studs

Fastening attachments like gaiters, slings, or straps attach to the outside of the boot and hug the pastern, heel bulb, or hoof to ensure the best fit through different conditions, like weather and terrain. Stud attachments are available for the bottom of the boot to enhance traction on slick grass.

Personalization Options

Interested in adding a little flare to your horse’s hooves? Well, some hoof boots and straps are available in bright colors and eye-catching designs so you can personalize your look!

Features to Shop for in Hoof Boots

• Material: Hoof boots are typically constructed of nylon, leather, or heavy-duty plastic materials.
• Drainage/Ventilation: Breathability and the ability to drain excess moisture may be important depending on your use case.
• Durability: Sadly, most boots do not last forever. Just like your favorite pair of shoes, if worn on a regular basis or through certain terrain, they will have to be replaced after a period.
• Ease of Use: Taking a boot on and off should be easy, but some are simpler than others. Watching product videos and reading reviews can often help you know how easy a boot is to use and just how snugly they should fit.

Fitting Your Horse’s Hoof Boots

Correct fit is essential when using hoof boots. You do not want them to flop or slide around as improper fit could cause rubs, skin irritation, or worse. Boots should fit snug like a glove (unless used for therapeutic purposes in which you need room to add pads). While sizing varies per manufacturer, here are some general tips to ensure proper hoof boot fit.

Measuring Your Horse for Hoof Boots

• Measure the hooves after a fresh trim. Boot fit should accommodate for hoof growth during a normal trimming cycle (between 4 to 8 weeks) and still be snug throughout that period.
• Typically, width is measured from the widest point of the hoof.
• Length is usually measured from the toe to the heel buttress.
• Take measurements of each hoof individually.
• Measure the hooves each time you purchase a new pair or style of boots since brands and styles can vary. Manufacturers commonly offer a chart and clear instructions on how to best measure for their specific product.
• If your horse is transitioning to being barefoot, you may need to measure their hooves and change boot sizes a few times throughout this process. Hooves grow and can change depending on nutrition, exercise changes, and the environment.
• Don’t order hoof boots based off your horseshoe sizes as they typically don’t correlate.

Circular or Oval Shaped

Hoof boots can either be circular (all sides are equidistant) or oval (front to back is longer than side to side) in shape. The front and hind hooves are often slightly different in shape due to your horse’s conformation, gaits, and wear. Taking measurements of each individual hoof is highly recommended.

2 or 4?

You can use hoof boots on either both front or on all four hooves. Front hoof boots are used more often as the majority of the horse’s and a rider’s weight is placed on the front.

While it may be tempting to boot just one hoof, this could cause an imbalance, similar to shoeing only one hoof. It is best to connect with your hoof care professional if you need to boot one hoof for an extended period. Note that as mentioned above, you will have to measure each hoof individually and be mindful of their shape.

Seamless Booting

• Measuring your horse’s hooves for the specific pair of boots you are looking to purchase is essential. Sizing varies from product to product, so it is vital you measure each hoof to ensure they will fit properly.
• Boots should always be placed on clean hooves. Dirt and debris could cause issues such as bruises or rubs. Be especially cognizant of this if your horse is on pasture turnout.
• Your hoof boots may require washing on a regular basis, so sand, dirt, and mud do not cause irritation to areas surrounding the hoof.
• Inspect your horse’s hooves regularly by taking off the boots to ensure there is no rubbing, chafing, redness, heat, or swelling.

Breaking in a Hoof Boot

Just like breaking in a new pair of tall riding boots, there may be a “break-in” period for hoof boots. Allow your horse time to get acclimated to the feel of the boot on their hoof. Horses will often find the sensation of something on their hooves odd at first. So, be prepared for some initial high steps!

Find the Best Hoof Boots for Your Horse

If you are interested in booting your horse, but still not quite sure where to start, reach out to our Customer Care Team to help find the right size and best style of hoof boots. Don’t forget that SmartPak has free return shipping on sized products, so if you aren’t quite sure which is the right size or style, pick the two best options with the confidence that you can return the one that doesn’t fit, and we’ll cover the return shipping. If you are not finding the style or brand of boots you’re looking for, let us know!