The best cross-country boots for horses are lightweight, fit well and offer excellent protection against impacts – whether it be from a fence or a strike from another leg. While brushing boots are also seen on the cross-country course – usually when a rider does not take their horse cross-country regularly as they offer better protection than nothing – cross-country boots offer a higher level of protection, and are often teamed with overreach boots where necessary.
Cross-country boots are an essential part of an eventer’s safety kit – in the same way that we kit ourselves out with riding hats and body protectors, it’s important to offer as much protection as we can to our horses.
How to choose the best XC boots
Fit is extremely important when it comes to choosing a new pair of cross-country boots as a boot that slips or twists while you’re on course could be a real problem – and you don’t want the boots to rub either. Secure fastenings are also essential for a good fit and to keep the boots in place. While you want the fastenings to be strong, they shouldn’t be difficult to remove in a hurry once you’ve completed the phase.
Some boots have a rigid strike pad, while others are more flexible but may offer less protection – this is something you’ll want to weigh up while selecting a pair. As an increase in tendon temperature in fast work can lead to fibre damage, breathability and airflow are also important features. It’s advantageous to have boots that do not absorb water, too, so as to not add unnecessary drag to your horse’s leg.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best cross-country boots on the market, and we’ve been testing them out, too – find out more about how we test products.
Best cross-country boots
Equilibrium Tri-Zone Impact Sports Boots
Colours: Black, white or azure blue
Sizes: XS–L
RRP: £74.99 (front), £79.99 (hind)
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
These boots from Equilibrium are independently tested in the same laboratory as hats and body protectors for full confidence that they will protect against the typical knocks and strikes horses may get out on the cross-country course. They are flexible, breathable, and lightweight, as well as easy to wash. They also come with a one-year guarantee.
We put these boots to the test and found that they didn’t move, slip, rotate or rub in any way. The vinyl strike pad isn’t solid in the same way that many other boots are, but it feels like it would provide ample protection to the tendons, whilst being supple enough not to restrict movement. They are at the higher end of the market, but we think they are worth the money and live up to their price point. Read H&H’s independent Equilibrium Tri-Zone Impact Sports boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Veredus E-Vento XC boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £142 (front), £152 (hind)
H&H Review: 9/10
These boots are described as lightweight for greater freedom of movement and flexibility, with waterproof, all-terrain robust protection. They have a flex shell, shock-absorbing strike plate and foam pads, tendon support, and are made with micro perforated neoprene that allows moisture and heat to escape. They are secured with a wide Velcro closure.
On testing these boots, we found them to be lightweight, extremely breathable, easy to get on and off, and didn’t slip. They also didn’t collect any water, which would add extra weight, and offered great protection to the leg. Read H&H’s independent Veredus E-Vento XC boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
LeMieux Carbon Air XC Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £49.95 (front), £54.95 (hind)
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
These fully vented boots from LeMieux allow air to strategically flow through the boot to keep tendons cool. They feature shock absorption and tendon support with a flexible polycarbonate strike guard, which offers great protection while retaining a lightweight profile. The new perforated lining is soft and non-slip, while an elasticated central locking strap keeps the boot secure.
When we tested these boots we found them easy to put on, particularly as the middle strap is elasticated. The price for a full set is mid-market and for the quality, protection and feel of the boots we think is a very reasonable price point. We’d recommend these boots for people wanting a smart set of XC boots, with a good level of protection and a sensible budget. Read H&H’s independent LeMieux Carbon Air XC boots review.
In the UK? View front boots at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
In the UK? View hind boots at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View front boots at amazon.com
In the US? View hind boots at amazon.com
Zandona Carbon Air X-Country
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £159.90 for a pair
These boots from Zandona offer an extremely high level of protection including a patent-pending 360° fetlock protection, carbon fibre and gel cushioning. They are lightweight and water repellent, and the lining is contoured to conform to your horse’s limb for excellent fit and protection. The unique double strap closure ensures security.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
WeatherBeeta Flexi Shell Cross Country Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: Cob or full (warmblood hind only)
RRP: £53.99 (front), £63.75 (hind)
These boots have a flexible strike pad that contours to your horse’s leg. The closed front is soft and flexible, while the lining is made of a breathable neoprene lining that doesn’t carry water, which keeps the boots lightweight. The outer shell has air vents that help keep the tendons and ligaments cool, and the double adjustable touch-tape fastening also has a press stud button for a auper-secure fit.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at statelinetack.com
Shires Arma Cross Country Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full
RRP: £49.99 (front), £49.99 (hind)
These contoured boots from Shires have fibreglass polymer tendon shields to protect the tendons and suspensory ligaments from over extension of the hind legs, while padding at the front protects the legs from bruising. They are breathable, lightweight, quick to dry and fastened with touch-tape straps.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Hy Equestrian Armoured Guard Event Plus Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £43.99 (front), £47.99 (hind)
These lightweight and breathable boots from Hy are lined with a micro neoprene mesh and have durable strike pads on the outer shell. They are secured with three (front) or four (hind) faux leather touch-tape fastenings.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
QHP Q-Cross Technical Event Boots
Colours: Black, navy, cobalt blue, purple, fuchsia, orange or mint green
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £47.95
H&H Review: 7/10
Made of an extremely sturdy 2520D fabric, these QHP boots have shock-absorbing, breathable mesh and strike plates to protect the tendons. The strong binding makes them particularly durable, while the elastic in the fasteners offers an easy and secure fit. They do not absorb water, are dirt repellent and machine washable. These boots are a good option if you’re looking for something bright in a range of colours.
Read H&H’s independent QHP Q-Cross Technical Event boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Mark Todd Pro XC Carbon Closed Boot
Colours: Black
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £44.99 for a pair
These wrap-around boots from Mark Todd have a carbon design and flexi shank that provides additional protection while maintaining maximum flexibility. They also feature touch-tape fastenings and a perforated foam inner for comfort and breathability.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Eskadron Flexisoft Cross-Country Boots
Colours: Black, white, dark brown or nightblue
Sizes: Pony (front only) or full
RRP: £63.95 (front), £78.95 (hind)
Made from a very strong and shock-absorbing material with a soft flexible zone below the knee, these boots are lined with a cushioning layer of neoprene to evenly distribution pressure and give a comfortable fit. The boots have a double (front) or triple (hind) Velcro fastening, made extra secure with a sturdy press stud.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Premier Equine Carbon Tech Air Cooled Eventing Boots
Colours: Black, white, navy or brown
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £74 (front), £78 (hind)
These Premier Equine boots are designed so that air passes through the front vents, circulates and exits out of the side vents to keep the tendons cool. They are made of Carbon Tech Microfibre leather, which is stronger than real leather, stretches and moulds to the leg. It is also lighter and machine washable. The front boots have a strike guard that runs down the back of the boot protecting the tendons and ligaments from knocks and over reach injuries, while on the hind boots it runs down the front to protect from impact with fences.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
You might also like:
11 pairs of overreach boots that will help to protect your horse
Find your next set of cross-country colours here
Up to standard body protectors for the best possible protection to suit all riders
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