Hoof Boots: A Comprehensive List
If your horse is barefoot, or if you’re wanting to make the transition to barefoot, then chances are you will need a good pair of hoof boots at some point. Personally, I’ve used them for rehab purposes as well as for riding on rougher terrain. But even if you mainly ride on grass or in an arena, it’s a good idea to have boots on hand because you just never know when you might need them!
To save you some trouble, I thought I’d post a (fairly) comprehensive list of the types of boots available.
Along with a photo, I’m listing the basic features of each boot, what it is typically used for, sizes, and the manufacturer’s price. If you have further questions about any of the boots, please contact the individual manufacturer.
In this list, I’m including riding boots as well as therapy boots, but not soaking or medicative boots.
This is not a review of any kind and the following information is completely objective (taken from each manufacturer’s website or provided by a supplier). But if you’d like, feel free to share your own experiences about a particular type of boot in the comments section below.
Important Note: Based on personal experience, sizing of boots is very precise and you need to make sure you take hoof measurements shortly after your horse has been trimmed. Sizes vary by manufacturer so please refer to each of their websites to determine how to properly measure your horse. Most companies will work very closely with you to help you find the right size for your horse as well.
So here we go. . . .
The Renegade® Hoof Boot is manufactured in the United States by Lander Industries Inc. Their boots are considered a complete substitute for the traditional nailed-on iron shoe. They make two different boots as well as a glue-on, which come in a variety of flashy colors. For proper fit, all of their boots require the hoof to be trimmed in a natural, barefoot style featuring a short toe, low heel, and mustang-rolled edges.
Features: pivoting heel which allows boot to move with hoof and accommodate natural movement, pastern and toe strap
Sizes: 00-4WW
Price: $94.50- $99.50 (sold individually)
Features: Lightweight, robust tread for traction in muddy or slick terrain, made of ultra durable polyurethane for a longer lasting boot, pivoting heel which allows boot to move with hoof and accommodate natural movement
Uses: trail riding, high-demand performance sports
Sizes: (metric) 120 x 110, 125 x 115, 125 x 120, 125 x 125, 130 x 120, 135 x 125, 135 x 130, 135 x 135, 140 x 130, 140 x 135, 140 x 140
Price: $99.50 (sold individually)
Features: Flexible, easily-installed alternative to strap on boot
Uses: intended and designed for one-time, short-term use (7-10 days) for events such as multi-day or long-distance endurance rides or extended trail or pack trips
Sizes: 00, 0, 1, 2 (2W sizes coming soon)
Price: $14.95 (sold individually)
This is a small company based in Arizona which has been around for over three decades. They make one boot as seen below.
Features: lightweight boot made from breathable materials, thousands of air bubbles in base to absorb concussion, comprised of a base and custom-sized wing
Uses: transitioning to barefoot, trail riding, driving horses
Sizes: Comes in 29 sizes. See this page for more information. The manufacturer says they work closely with customers to ensure proper fit of boots.
Price: $264-$438 (sold as a pair)
This is a new, small Australian company which makes a unique boot.
Features: Made of strong thermo plastic urethane (TPU) with securing straps which holds up in all types of terrain. Does not get soggy or heavy when riding through wet or muddy terrain; No cables or Velcro; Lightweight — only 250g (8 ounces) a boot; Easy to clean; No adjustment is required as securement is achieved by parts of the hoof that do not grow; Does not turn on the hoof; Will fit hooves securely throughout a whole trimming cycle; Great ventilation and breathability for hot climate riding.
Uses: trail riding on any terrain
Sizes: See this page for sizing
Price: $170 per pair
This is a Norwegian based company but their boots are sold in many different countries, including the U.S. and Canada. They make three different styles of boots:
Features: thick water resistant rubber sole with optimized break-over point, velcro locking system with no straps or external locks, reflective band for night riding, excellent grip for all surfaces
Uses: trail riding (any terrain)
Sizes: 7-16 (same as shoe sizes)
Price: U.S. price: $122 (sold individually)
Features: soft flexible boot which allows for unrestricted movement of heels (prevents rubbing), patented Velcro locking system with no straps or external locks, available in red or blue
Uses: pleasure, jumping
Sizes: 7-16 (same as shoe sizes)
Price: U.S. price: $215 (sold as a pair)
Features: one of the lightest boots on the market, breathable, machine-washable, flexible sole, internal velcro and two external straps for snug fit around pastern, comes in red or black
Uses: horses with laminitis or for other types of rehabilitation. Can also be used for riding.
Sizes: 10-15 (same as shoe size)
Price: U.S. price: $215 (sold as a pair)
This company is, of course, based in Switzerland, but also has suppliers in Germany and the U.K. They can be shipped worldwide (and the U.K. supplier can Skype customers with fitting instructions if needed.) SHB is the first hoof boot made for the European market 40 years ago.
(the following information was provided by UK dealer, Maria Baverstock)
Based in Canada, Cavallo makes four hoof boots which ship directly to Canada and USA. They also have distributors around the world that supply boots in their respective countries. Their World Wide Distributors list can be found here.
Features: made of genuine leather, simple front fastening with industrial grade Velcro closures, padded leather on inside bulb, foam-filled leather collar for pastern protection, all –terrain tread to minimize build-up of mud, sand, and debris, built-in drainage for water, mud and sand, comes in black, brown, red, or purple
Uses: for chronic hoof pain or hoof sensitivity, rehabilitation form injuries, bscesses, navicular disease, laminitis/founder, punctures, sole bruising and contracted heels, protection during trailering or breeding, “spare tire” for lost shoes, pleasure or light trail riding
Sizes: 0-6 (also comes in slim sizes)
Price: $149.95 (sold as a pair)
Features: post peg side closure with industrial elastic for adjustability, reflective piping for night riding, padded leather on inside bulb for extra comfort, built-in drainage for water, mud and sand, all –terrain tread minimizes build-up of mud, sand and debris
Uses: comfort for chronic pain and hoof sensitivity, rehabilitation from injuries, abscesses, navicular disease, laminitis/founder, punctures, sole bruising, and contracted heels, protection during trailering and breeding, “spare tire” for lost shoes, light riding
Sizes: 0-6 (also comes in slim sizes)
Price: $124.95 (sold as a pair)
Features: made of breathable honeycomb material, all-terrain tread minimizes build-up of mud, sand and debris, center of outsole is recessed to minimize pressure, built-in sole relief: raised inner rim takes pressure off sole, bars and frog, built-in drainage, reflective for night riding, machine washable
Uses: rehabilitation from injuries, abscesses, navicular disease, laminitis/founder, punctures, sole bruising and contracted heels, protection during trailering and breeding, “spare tire” for lost shoes, pleasure riding
Sizes: 0-6
Price: $84.95 (sold individually)
Features: made of Denier industrial grade nylon, replaceable Velcro closure, easy application, built-in drainage slots
Uses: ideal for rehabilitation and therapeutic purposes, also can be used as a ‘spare tire’ for a lost shoe
Sizes: 0-6 (also comes in slim sizes)
Price: $49.95 (sold individually)
This is a newer company which makes the one boot, typically used for therapeutic purposes.
Features: comes with Soft-Ride’s patented and interchangeable Gel Orthotics which conform to and support the hoof.
Uses: This boot can be used for shod or unshod horses; mainly used for therapy, transport, or for temporarily stalling on hard surfaces
Sizes: Comes in 18 sizes, including narrow and long sizes. See this page for more information.
Price: $195-$225 per pair or can be purchased as a single boot (if 2 different sizes are needed)
This is probably the most well-known boot company in the U.S. They also have the widest selection of boots.
Easyboot Trail (older version)
Features: aggressive tread pattern for grip and traction, front shield, velcro closure, opens wide for easy application
Uses: trail riding
Sizes: 0-10
Price: $65-$79 (sold individually)
Features: Comes with the same features as the older Easyboot Trail, only with a larger shield on the front and a reversible and replaceable rear safety strap.
Uses: trail riding
Sizes: 0-12
Price: $85-$139 (sold individually)
Features: front shield, gaiters included (for more secure fit), aggressive tread, opens wide for easy application, composed of Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) compound which minimizes concussion and shortens recovery time for horses with concussion-related injuries.
Uses: pleasure riding (less than 25 miles per week) and therapy boot
Sizes: 0-12
Price: $177-$255 (sold as a pair)
Features: gaiter for more secure fit, semi-egressive tread, adjustable cable with buckle
Uses: trail riding, endurance
Sizes: pony, 000-7
Price: $87.50- $103 (sold individually)
Features: Same as Easyboot Epic, only with aggressive sole and traction tread pattern
Uses: Ideal for riding in soft muddy conditions or wet grass and snow surfaces. Should never be used on dry surfaces or hard surfaces.
Sizes: 0-3
Price: $80 (sold individually)
Features: no hardware, semi-aggressive tread (for varied terrain), flexible shell, low profile (fits below hairline), comes in black, red, or blue
Uses: high performance boot for horses in long distance and speed events (boot not recommended to be used more than 10 days in dry environments and 5 days in wet or humid environments)
Sizes: 00-5, including half sizes; Also comes in wide sizes: 0-3, including half sizes
Price: $32 for single or $104 for pack of 4
Features: Semi-aggressive tread (for varied terrain), reinforced gaiter (for secure fit), flexible shell, available in red, blue, and black
Uses: trail riding
Sizes: 00-5, including half sizes Also available in wide sizes: 0-3, including half sizes
Price: $73 (sold individually)
Features: Upper part made of soft, flexible material, comfort cup gaiter (protects soft tissue in back of the hoof) semi-aggressive tread for varied terrain, front shield (combination of the Easyboot Glove and Easyboot Trail
Uses: trail riding
Sizes: 00-5, including half sizes; also comes in wide sizes: 0-3, including half sizes
Price: $89-$105 (sold individually)
Features: Worm clamp fastening system for snug fit, aggressive tread for varied terrains, padded tongue, reinforced gaiter (for secure fit)
Uses: short or long-distance riding, trail riding
Sizes: 0-3
Price: $180 (sold as a pair)
Features: semi-aggressive tread for varied terrain, cable buckle design for snug fit, removable cleat covers, option to add ice studs, fits below coronary band, light weight
Uses: option for when your horse loses a shoe on the trail, also can be used for protection with hoof abscesses.
Sizes: 000-7
Price: $60-$74 (sold individually)
Features: Semi-agressive tread with drain holes, opens wide and has lacing system for easier application and tightening
Uses: pleasure and trail riding
Sizes: 00-8
Price: $170 (sold as a pair)
(limited quantities as it is no longer in production)
Features: bungee system for secure fit, unique tread system designed to move and flex like a bare hoof, reinforced gaiter (for secure fit)
Uses: trail riding and endurance, including long-distance races
Sizes: 000-7
Price: $80-$95 (sold individually)
Features: Built-in cushions for support and shock absorption, adjustable straps, trail-proven tread
Uses: Ideal for pleasure riding, but can also be used for therapeutic conditions
Sizes: 000-5
Price: $89-$108 (sold individually)
Features: composed of Thermo Plastic Urethane compound which minimizes concussion and shortens recovery time for horses with concussion-related injuries, opens wide for easy application, aggressive tread, front shield, and reversible and replaceable rear safety strap
Uses: Pleasure riding (less than 25 miles per week) or therapy boot
Sizes: 0-12
Price: $185-$297 (sold as a pair)
Features: Comfort pad and cushioned sole for support, semi-aggressive tread, air vents
Uses: Ideal for horses suffering from chronic lameness, laminitis, founder, navicular and other lower limb/hoof problems; also good for trailering or for horses who stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Not intended for riding.
Sizes: 00-7
Price: $73-$84 (sold individually)
Features: EVA comfort pad which conforms to hoof to provide comfort and support, secure fit for light turnout, back folds down for easy application
Uses: Therapy boot especially designed for thin soles, abscesses, founder, laminitic stages, stresses of shipping, recovery after workouts, or stalling on hard surfaces
Sizes: 00-8
Price: $93-$108 (sold individually)
And that’s it, folks! There may be a few out there I’ve missed (you can let me know in the comments), but this should give you plenty to choose from.
If you happen to buy the wrong size of boot or find that you don’t like a particular brand (and you can’t send it back), check out the Hoof Boot Swap Page. Of course, it’s also a great place to buy used boots at a discounted price.
Ta-ta,
Casie
Hi! I'm Casie, a freelance writer specializing in horse health. I'm certified in equine acupressure and have a great interest in equine nutrition and barefoot hoof care. The Naturally Healthy Horse encompasses all of these things, and I would love to have you follow along!
A question and a word of warning.
The question : what are the weights of all these boots?
And the warning : in many countries it is illegal to glue on any prosthetic unless you are a qualified farrier; furthermore the carcinogenic fluid Heptane is used to degrease the foot and the glues used are known to have deleterious effects on the cardio-vascular system, are harmful by inhalation (classified R 20) and irritants to both eyes and skin (classified R 36/38).
Hi Timothy–thanks for the warning. I wasn’t aware of that with the glue-ons. As for the weight of the boots, you would have to contact each manufacturer to find that out.
Cassie thankyou for that very extensive list. I’m sure it will help lots of people. Although I’m not too sure about that Swiss Boot with it’s pointy toes which I’m sure would give any horse sore tendons from no break over.
My personal experience is with Easyboots. I started almost 40yrs ago with the old fashioned plain Easyboot & they were fantastic. I rode my QH stallion everywhere in them all day long. I still have my original pair although they are fragile now as the rubber has perished over the 40yrs. EasyCare Inc asked me for photos of them for their archives! 🙂
Since then I have had at least 1 pair, but usually a set of 4 of each generation.
4yrs ago with Sonny’s front feet founder issues I went through a period where nothing fitted or suited him until the EasyCare Hospital boot RX came available in Australia which gave him such relief from pain that healing was possible.
Now we have the Trails but he can get them off due to them just having the velcro! I have to wrap black duct tape around them! I do find the inner soles not very good so make my own from a recycled car tyre material that is made into car & door mats. That matting has good recovery after the weight of the horse has been pounding on it for hours.
Here’s a tip to help get the right sizes when ordering boots:-
I have my horse stand both feet (fronts or backs) on a long enough piece of cardboard on a concrete floor & draw around each hoof within a few days of trimming. I also have to measure height of coronet band & heel height from the cardboard & I write those measurements on the corresponding hoof prints.
Then I post that off to the Australian EasyCare Inc dealer who matches up a set of boots.
Thanks for sharing and for the tip, Clissa. 🙂
I have the Equine Fusion, All Terrain Hoof Boots, and they are really great on my horse’s hooves. My only problem is I don’t have the strength in my hands to put them on. My trimmer said they some of the easiest to put on but looking at the above list I wonder if any of them are easier for someone older and with some arthritis to put on.
I’ve only used a few of the boots mentioned above, but the Cavallo simple boots are really easy to put on and hold up well.
You might want to differentiate between trail riding and endurance riding. For example the Easyboot Glove and the Renegades were made specifically for the endurance sport (though of course they work well with trail-riders too).
Okay, thanks for the info. Marie. Do you work for Easycare by chance?
A new boot that I’ve just recently discovered is the Scoot Boot, from Australia. I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks now and I love them!
They emailed me after I first published this article. Just added their boot to this list!
Excellent article as always Casie – I have used a number of the boots you list over the years for various reasons, and currently have one mare in the Cloud’s which have really helped her. My Tevis horse has “Gloves” for riding over all kinds of terrain and for my mini’s who are prone to laminitis if not watched carefully Build A Bear (the toys) have sneekers that fit them for only $20! The Horses Hoof years ago did an article on the Build A Bear’s for minis!
Thanks, Jessica. 🙂 Build a Bear sneakers for minis? Who’d of thought! I’d love to see a picture of that.
I have marquis boots, are they still being made ?
I don’t know the answer to that, Sue, but it looks like they’re a German-made boot. I may have missed a few boots which are made in other countries. (I’m in the U.S.)
Yes they do http://www.all-natural-horse-care.com/marquis-supergrip-boot.html
Best boots I ever used 🙂
Ah–I know what happened. Just looked back at my emails and Marquis was slow to reply to my request to feature their boots on this list (I asked permission to use pictures). That’s why they didn’t make the post, but I can definitely add them. Thanks for the reminder!
I tried Boas, Davis, Easyboot glove and original, but the only boot that stayed on my pigeon-toed paddling horse were the Renegades. The others would fly off within a hundred yards of the barn, very frustrating and expensive when you lose them. Renegades stayed on for hours and hours of riding.
Hi Margaret–thanks for sharing. It seems every horse is different. I have heard quite a few people say they love their Renegades though. Glad you’ve found a boot that works for your horse!
Hoof boots are used all for the wrong reasons:
https://wp.me/p4i6Eu-xH
What is the best boot for a horse that lies down and stands up a lot? I do not want him to trip or fall trying to get back up in a pair of boots. He needs them for laminitis/founder/abscess healing. Thank you!
I would suggest the EasyBoot Clouds or Rx’s. Good luck!
Lying down and standing up would suggest he is not working, but at rest. Hoof boots are not a good idea at the best of times but if the horse is at rest he SHOULD NOT be booted.