Best Horse Hoof Boots

Ensuring the well-being of our equine companions is a top priority, and their hoof health in particular demands our attention. The hoof boot has emerged in the equestrian world as an indispensable piece of equipment that offers optimal hoof comfort and support in a variety of situations.

Here at Riding Warehouse, we have dedicated ourselves to the pursuit of equine excellence. Whether from our own hands-on experience or extensive research, we understand the intricacies and nuances involved in choosing the perfect hoof boots for different needs. We evaluated and compared a wide range of hoof boots, considering crucial factors like durability, comfort, traction, and ease of use.

We recognize that horses have diverse requirements, whether you intend to use hoof boots for trail riding, competitive sports, or therapeutic purposes. Our goal is to address these unique needs and empower our readers to make an informed decision when selecting the ideal pair of hoof boots for their equine companions. In this comprehensive article, we will guide you through some of the best hoof boots available for endurance, jumping, trailering, and more!

Our Top Hoof Boot Picks

The Explora Magic Hoof Boots are a fantastic option to hit the trails with! We have found they tend to fit a wide variety of horses thanks to their adjustability, so they have a fairly universal application (there are always exceptions). The neoprene gaiter is silky-soft against your horse's pasterns, so there is minimal worry about these hoof boots rubbing.

The shell is flexible to accommodate your horse's hoof movement, yet rigid enough to provide support. Always keep a pair on hand in the trailer for your more casual or aggressive trail rides! Explora hoof boots are designed to last up to or over 600 miles, so you can ride in confidence that they'll support your horse throughout your riding season. Read our full Explora Hoof Boots Guide for more information!

Endurance riding is an intense sport that puts a lot of stress on your horse's hooves and legs, as well as their hoof boots or shoes. You need a pair of hoof boots that can withstand the miles without sliding off or rubbing your horse raw! The Enduro Hoof Boots by Scoot Boots are our favorite option for the demands of endurance riding; they are highly breathable, secure, lightweight, and adjustable. Plus, we love the Scoot boot color options you can choose from to accessorize your hoof boots to match the rest of your tack!

The Active Jogging Hoof Boots from Equine Fusion allow for the option of adding studs, which are usually required when jumping your barefoot horse in hoof boots. We love how the design of these boots accommodates your horse's natural movement. The level of shock absorption will better protect your horse from impact and improve blood circulation, which promotes the longevity of your equine's hoof health. We also appreciate the security these boots offer with their Velcro cone locking mechanism.

We highly recommend the Ultra Jogging Shoe Hoof Boots by Equine Fusion as the best all-around option for multiple purposes, including controlled turnout, rehab, and trail riding. Thanks to their thick rubber sole that is flexible enough for the hoof to sink into for total contact, blood flow is improved to promote a healthier hoof!

Not only are these hoof boots easy to get on and off, their design also helps prevent them from twisting or slipping off—courtesy of an intuitive locking mechanism. The durable materials will hold up better to pasture play and other horse shenanigans, then you can even machine wash them after getting dirtied from rides with your horse!

With its soft rubber sole and user-friendly design, the Recovery Shoe Hoof Boots 2.0 by Equine Fusion are our ideal choice for therapy. They offer relief for a variety of problems: laminitis, hoof sensitivity, hoof abscesses, and more. The waterproof upper and zipper give you and veterinarians more control over hoof treatments; plus, debris is much less likely to get inside the boots thanks to their close contact fit. We appreciate how they are strategically designed to be used for longer periods of time in order to provide better relief to your equine companion!

The Cloud Therapeutic Hoof Boots by EasyCare "rein" supreme with the high level of support they offer, and these comfy boots are recommended by vets for good reason. Plus, their therapeutic benefits are great to have on hand in case you run into a hoof issue while traveling. Did your horse pull a shoe? Did they get injured? Will they be standing on hard ground or in the trailer for long periods of time? This boot covers all the bases with its multi-use design, so you don't have to worry when you're out on the road.

The Glove Soft Hoof Boots from EasyCare are great for the rider who would rather not deal with more complicated hoof boots but still needs them for their barefoot equine pal! We appreciate the soft, flexible design that offers your horse's hooves comfort while supporting their soles over time with an aggressive tread. These boots are easy to get on and off and securely fit the majority of hoof shapes. Wonderful for either casual or intense riding, these hoof boots are also lightweight in design to help lessen your horse's load!

Cavallo is a brand well-known for being compatible with steel horseshoes, and the Trek All Terrain Hoof Boots are also great to use if your horse loses a shoe. Sold individually, we like how you can buy as many hoof boots as you might need (heaven forbid your horse loses more than one shoe). Designed to conform to the individual horse, these hoof boots easily fit on either the left or right side for both the front and hind hooves. The Cavallo Trek All Terrain is a universal hoof boot that can do it all for your shod or unshod equine companion!

Q: How do I choose a hoof boot?

A: Choosing a hoof boot is fairly straightforward once you consider a few key factors. First, assess how you intend to use the hoof boots, such as for trail riding, turnout, or rehabilitation. Next, measure your horse's hooves per the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a proper fit. Consider the boot's design, materials, and any other features that are important to you, like traction, cushioning, and breathability.

We also recommend reading reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced riders or other equine professionals (like your farrier) to find a hoof boot that suits your horse's specific needs. For further information, check out our extensive guide on How to Choose Horse Hoof Boots!

Q: Are hoof boots good for horses?

A: Yes, hoof boots can be highly beneficial for horses! They provide protection from impact, sharp objects, and uneven terrain in order to reduce the risk of hoof injury. Hoof boots can also offer therapeutic support to horses with weak or compromised hooves, aiding in equine recovery and rehabilitation. Horses with sensitive hooves that are prone to chipping or bruising can benefit from hoof boots, as they improve traction, absorb shock, and minimize discomfort. However, it's important to choose the right hoof boot design in order to maximize its benefits and ensure your horse's comfort.

Q: How long can a horse wear hoof boots?

A: The duration a horse can wear hoof boots depends on a variety of factors, including the horse's comfort level, terrain, and purpose of the boots. Some horses can wear hoof boots for extended periods, such as in a stall, during all-day turnout, or on long trail rides. We advise gradually introducing hoof boots to allow your horse to adapt, and to more closely monitor the horse's hooves for any signs of irritation, rubbing, or heat buildup.

Regular inspection and maintenance of your hoof boots is crucial to ensure they remain in good condition for your horse's well-being. If you are treating a hoof issue and intend to leave the boots on 24/7, you should still periodically remove them to allow your horse's hooves to breathe, and to allow the boots to air out in order to prevent excessive bacteria buildup.

Q: How do you size hoof boots?

A: Sizing hoof boots accurately is vital to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance. Manufacturers provide specific sizing guidelines, which often involve measuring the hoof's length, width, and sometimes circumference. Some brands may offer printable sizing templates or fitting guides to help you navigate the sizing options. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely and consult their size chart to determine the appropriate size for your horse's hooves. If your horse is in between sizes, go with the larger of the two to better accommodate for hoof regrowth.

Q: Do you need to break in hoof boots?

A: Yes, it is generally recommended to break in hoof boots before extensive use to help prevent the risk of discomfort or rubbing. Begin by introducing the boots gradually, starting with short periods of wear and gradually increasing the duration over several days or weeks, unless it's a medical emergency that requires near-constant wear. This allows the boot materials to adapt to your horse's hooves, providing a more comfortable fit and lessening the possibility of any potential issues.

Hoof boots are a great piece of equipment to add to your arsenal for a variety of reasons. With so many different hoof boot options, we hope our buying guide has helped narrow things down by providing you with information to make an educated decision on which boot best suits your horse's needs! Should you have any lingering questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy riding!

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