Choose a pair of the best hoof boots so you can saddle up and go exploring
Hoof boots are an essential piece of equipment for many barefoot horses and they can serve multiple purposes. The best hoof boots available today are used for daily general wear, as well as for specific situations, such as hacking, rehabilitation or assisting with the transition to barefoot life.
A quality pair of hoof boots can be a great investment – the price of some can be a lot to swallow at the time, but the best boots really are worth it. Whatever your situation, they’re handy to have. If you’re just looking for a boot to cover a dressing or poultice, try the Woof Wear medical hoof boot.
Best hoof boots
Cavallo Trek Hoof Boot
A very popular choice, this Cavallo boot is the most flexible, durable, breathable and user-friendly of the wide Cavallo hoof boot collection. It offers the same all-terrain hoof protection as the rest of the collection, but with a new lightweight mesh upper, which is more breathable and flexible, tear-proof and machine washable.
They’re easy enough to put on that you won’t mind adding them into your tacking up routine, and they feature a front-closure system that allows for an extra-snug fit on the upper portion of the boot.
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EasyCare Easyboot Sneaker Hoof Boot
The Easyboot Sneaker is the most pliable boot in the EasyCare range. It features a new tread design, which absorbs shock, wears well and allows for natural movement. It is suitable for hacking, turnout and therapy uses.
The strapping system locks the heel in place to reduce twisting and improve boot retention, and the replaceable front strap is quick and easy to fasten. Studs can be added for additional grip on snow and ice.
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Equine Fusion Active Boot
These Equine Fusion boots are also known as active jogging boots. They have the same tread as the All Terrain model but with a new, improved upper, which makes them easier to fit, allows a closer and more adjustable fit, and has extra padding at the front.
The design allows unrestricted natural movement of the heels, and padding in the front of the boot for comfort making them suitable for riding across all terrains, jumping, rehabilitation and turnout.
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HKM Hoof Boot
These boots are cheaper – and arguably less technical – than many others in this guide. They are made of tear-proof nylon with soft lining at the coronet. The closure has double touch-tape fastenings and the sole is made of a hard-wearing plastic.
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Renegade Viper Shield Boot
The Renegade Viper is an update to the Renegade Classic – it incorporates the same pivoting heel design, cabling system, and straps as the but has a deeper tread, making it longer lasting.
It also has a trimmed down, sleeker look, which in addition to the new plastic makes it about 15% lighter.
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Flex Boot Classic Boot
These Flex Boots are described as the softest hoof boots on the market, durable, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off. They are designed with neoprene gaiters and have two back strap settings. They can be worn 24/7 for turnout.
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Scoot Boot Classic Hoof Boot
Unlike most other styles, these Scoot Boots are constructed entirely of a very strong plastic (thermoplastic urethane), which means they will not get soggy, heavy or wet when riding through muddy or wet terrain.
These high-performance hoof boots have been designed by farriers for the barefoot horse, making them a dependable rehab and barefoot transition boot. This simple design also makes them easy to clean.
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Swiss Galopper Hoof Boots
Made from 100% recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), these Swiss Galopper boots have a lifespan of 2,000km (1,243 miles). The flexible, shock-absorbing insole is easy on the joints and prevents the boot from turning on the hoof.
There is an SG-L size for horses with longer hooves and higher heel bulbs.
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Waldhausen Hoof Boot
This boot opens at the back and the sides fold forward so you can pull it on easily. It has a cushioned rim to prevent rubbing and the shield on the front offers extra protection from knocks.
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What to consider when choosing a hoof boot
Choosing the right hoof boots can be a frustrating experience. The number of hoof boots has increased dramatically over the last few years and each type of hoof boot generally fits a slightly different shape and/or size of hoof – but this means there’s something out there for every horse.
Look for a pair of hoof boots that offer sufficient protection while remaining lightweight, shock-absorbing and sturdy. Consider the type of riding you plan to be doing, or whether your horse will need to be wearing them 24/7, as many brands offer different models that lend themselves to a range of terrains.
Hoof boot fit
It’s worth noting that different brands – and models within brands – will fit different shaped hooves better. It’s important to take accurate measurements, and most brands have a detailed fitting guide and some will even select the best fit for you if you send them photos.
Some retailers offer a hiring service for hoof boots so you are able to give them a proper road test or even try a few sizes and styles to find the best style and size for your horse’s needs. Many boots that come with parts – such as adjustment straps or inner neoprene gaiters – also sell these parts separately in case you need to replace them.
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.