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 the best brushing boots are sometimes 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 – specifically designed 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 the best riding hats and best body protectors, it’s important to offer as much protection as we can to our horses. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best cross-country boots on the market, and we’ve been testing them out, too.
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.
Sophie Cheeseman 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.
LeMieux and MIMsafe collaborated on innovative XC boots made with adaptive, high-density foam, featuring a strong TPU outer and air vents. These technical boots offer protection, shock absorption, and stability with a V-cut front for reduced friction and 360° leg protection. The lightweight, seamless, abrasion-resistant one-piece TPU shell has three straps, maximising flexibility and fit.
I tested these boots with a variety of disciplines. “They are really impressive boots with plenty of technical features and materials they gave me peace of mind weather I was jumping round XC jumps, paddling on the beach or during fast work on the gallops. They really did keep my horse’s legs cool and protected.”
These boots have a flexible strike pad that contours to your horse’s leg. The soft lining is made of a breathable neoprene lining that doesn’t carry water, which keeps the boots lightweight. They feature a fully vented design that allows for constant airflow, keeping your horse’s tendons cool and reducing the risk of overheating.Fully vented with air vents that help keep the tendons and ligaments cool, and the adjustable touch-tape fastenings for a super-secure fit.
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Veredus E-Vento XC boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £142 (front), £152 (hind)
H&HReview: 9/10, H&H Approved
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.
Event rider Sam Jennings tested these boots, and found them to be lightweight, extremely breathable, easy to get on and off, and didn’t slip. She said “They also didn’t collect any water, which would add extra weight, and offered great protection to the leg.”
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 Sophie tested these boots she 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.
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.
Combining Majyk Equipe’s award-winning materials with a modern design, these Glide XC boots feature an outer strike guard, enhanced ventilation, and a secure three-strap fit. The DRS Safety system’s chamfered guard “glides” over obstacles, reducing friction and contact. The flexible outer guard is lined with special impact protection, while the neoprene-free foam liner keeps horses cool. Covered TPU straps allow for easy adjustment.
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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.
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Stübben Hybrid XC Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £109 per pair
These ultra-light XC boots feature a three-layer design that absorbs up to 90% of impact force. They have perforated material that ensures air circulation and an additional middle Velcro fastener that provides stability, while the neoprene-free, non-slip interior prevents rubbing. The abrasion-resistant outer shell has a flexible cut-out and is designed to ensure durability, optimal fit and unrestricted movement.
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Eskadron Flexisoft Cross-Country Boots
Colours: Black, white, dark brown or nightblue
Sizes: Pony (front only) or full
RRP: £73.95 (front), £81.95 (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 distribute 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.
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Woof Wear iVent Event Boots
Colours: Brushed steel
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £64.99 (front), £64.99 (hind)
Crafted with Woof Wear’s iVent breathable technology, these boots offer 360° airflow via a durable TPU shell on breathable mesh, backed by impact-absorbing foam. A shatterproof tendon guard ensures superior protection. The wicking inner lining enhances cooling and comfort, while minimal water retention keeps the boot light. Secured with a double touch-tape fastening.
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Premier Equine Carbon Tech Air Cooled Eventing Boots
Colours: Black, white, navy or brown
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £78 (front), £82 (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 overreach injuries, while on the hind boots it runs down the front to protect from impact with fences.
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.
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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
