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How to Choose Your Hoof Boots

INTRODUCTION

The number of hoof boots on the market has increased dramatically over the last few years.  As each type of hoof boot generally fits a slightly different shape and/or size of hoof, you should therefore be able to find a good boot that is suited to your horse. You may not end up with the hoof boot you had hoped for, but it is much more important to choose a boot that fits your horse. With a well fitted hoof boot, you can forget about it once it’s on; a badly fitted hoof boot will cause no end of trouble, you will wish you had never bought it.

First you need to measure your horse’s hooves (see our guide on How to Measure and Photograph for Hoof Boots HERE). Once you have your measurements, look through the information below for our recommendations of the best hoof boots to consider for your horses’ shape. You boot the horses’ feet as pairs, and as the front feet are usually a different shape from the hinds, you will find one style and size of boot will fit the front feet and often a different style and/or size will suit the hinds. 

If your horse does not seem to match any of the descriptions below, or if his hooves are a mix of shapes/sizes, look at as many hoof boots as possible to find the ones that most closely fit his shape and measurements. It is not uncommon for horses’ front hooves to have slightly different measurements from each other, but in the majority of cases, the same size of hoof boot will accommodate both sets of measurements. Sometimes, however, it may be necessary to have two different sizes of the same style of hoof boot to create your ‘pair’. I would suggest that you use our Size Chart page as a quick and easy way to look through the size charts for all of the different boots we offer...https://hoofbootique.co.uk/all-size-charts/

Ideally, the length and width measurement will fit into the same size. If the width is in one size, and the length in a size up or down, you may need to select the larger size or look at a different type of hoof boot. Some boots are more generously sized than others, so there are instances where you can exceed the measurements given on a size chart for a particular boot, but generally only the width and not the length. The individual product descriptions for each boot type may advise in more detail on how to use the size chart for that particular boot. If the width and length measurements are different by more than one size, that particular hoof boot isn’t going to be the best boot for your horse, and you should look at a different hoof boot. Another style may accommodate your horse’s hoof shape better. 

Once you have your horse’s measurements, are sure of the shape of the hooves and have narrowed it down to a selection of boots (using the information below), then we would suggest you hire one of our Mixed Fit Kits as a next step. This will allow you to try on a mix of makes and models to see how they look on the hooves - accurate hoof measurements are vital but other factors, such as wall angle and heel height, that are difficult to measure, will affect the overall boot fit. Trying a Mixed Fit Kit first is generally the best way of finding the boot that is most suited to your horse’s hooves - we always use one if fitting a horse with boots. It allows you to size some boots properly, without having to worry about keeping new boots clean or unmarked. Most of the hoof boots we sell are available to try in our Mixed Fit Kit but the odd boot doesn’t have a Fit Kit ‘shell’ available. This means the only way to try those boots is to carefully try on an actual boot. You can find our Mixed Fit Kit here...https://hoofbootique.co.uk/hoof-bootique-mixed-fit-kit/

 

1. THE ROUND HOOF OR NEARLY ROUND HOOF

(Hoof length less than 5mm shorter or longer than width measurement).

This is one of the most common front hoof shapes found in horses kept in the UK. Front feet are designed to bear approximately 60% of the horses weight, which produces a slightly larger, rounder weight-bearing surface than hind feet, which tend to be more concave and shovel-shaped in appearance. It is important to try and get as close a width fitting, and as close a length fitting, as possible.

Best boots for this shape – for everyday riding: 

If the hooves are up to 5mm wider than they are long: Renegade Classic, Renegade Viper, Floating Boots, Easyboot Glove Soft, Easyboot Glove Back Country 2016, Cavallo Trek or the Scoot Boot. Possibly the Easyboot Sneaker. 

If the hooves are completely round: All of the above boots and also the Equine Fusion range, Flex Boots, Evo Boots and Swiss Galoppers can work.

If the hooves are up to 5mm longer than they are wide: Generally, the boots suggested above can also work well for this shape. The Easyboot New Trail and Old Mac G2 are other options.

Best boots for this shape – for endurance/competition use: 

Renegade Classic, Renegade Viper, Easyboot Glove Soft, Scoot Boot, Floating Boots, Flex Boots, Evo Boots. The other boot models suggested above could work perfectly well, if they offer the best fit for the horse.

Example: A hoof measuring 140mm wide x 140mm long would have quite a few possible boot options. Using these measurements, I have worked through our Size Chart page and come up with the following boot options (these boots are in no particular order of preference):

  • Evo Boot - Size 4 (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Flex Boot - Size 140 (width fits comfortably into that size and length is within that size). The 135 size may also be an option, once it is released. Possibly also the 145 size but I suspect that will be too long for our hoof.

  • Scoot Boot - But which size?! The width would fit into quite a few sizes (4 Regular, 5 Regular, 6 Regular, 7 Slim, 7 Regular, 8 Regular) but only sizes 7 Slim and 7 Regular mention the length of 140mm so let’s start with those. I would also try size 6 Regular as you can often measure slightly shorter for Scoot Boots (as they are open at the heels) than for other boots (which are closed at the heels). You could possibly try sizes 8 Regular and 5 Regular if you want to cover all bases, and depending on how you have measured for the hoof length.

  • Cavallo range - Size 4 Regular (length and width measurements both fall within that size). I would also want to try size 4 Slim (you can often go a few mm over the max width suggested by the Cavallo size chart).

  • Renegade Classic model - Size 2WW (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Renegade Viper model - Size 140x140 may look to be a good option on paper but it would very likely be too tight for the hoof, so you would probably want to go for the size up, the 145x145 size. 

  • Equine Fusion range - Size 14 Regular in most models. The Trekking model may be too small in that size though, but too large in the size up (15 Regular).

  • Swiss Galopper - Possibly size SG7. Could be too long though, depending on the heel bulb size and overall hoof shape and angle.

  • Floating Boots - Size M2W, BUT if you work at the top-end of the Floating Boot size chart, the boots will end up a VERY tight fit. You probably want to try size M3. If they are hind hooves, try size P3W too.

  • Easyboot Glove Soft - Size 3W (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Easyboot Fury - Size 4 (length and width measurements both fall within that size BUT as the length is fairly near the bottom end of the size range, you would need to be prepared to trim the boot length if they are too long, due to the way the boot works).

  • Old Mac G2 or Easyboot New Trail - Size 7 (length and width measurements both fall within that size BUT sometimes the New Trail can twist on a round hoof shape, so they may not be a top pick, depending on the hoof shape and how the hooves have been measured. The Old Mac G2 may work best as they have an added inner strap for extra boot security, which is preferable if there is any excess boot length). 

  • Easyboot Sneaker - Size 3 Regular (length and width measurements both fall within that size BUT we have found these boots can be quite tight around the heel bulbs, due to the inner strap, so you may need to measure further back at the heels for this boot and possibly go for the size up, the 4 Regular).

So, lots of options! You could narrow the boot selection down a little by taking into account your personal preferences and requirements, but then we would suggest trying the majority of them in our Mixed Fit Kit. The only boots mentioned that are not available as a Fit Kit are the Old Mac G2, Easyboot New Trail and the Easyboot Sneaker. The only way to try these is to try a new boot carefully on for size (on a clean, dry hoof, with a pop sock or bag on the hoof and a clean towel or similar on the floor).

 

2. THE WIDER THAN LONG HOOF

(Hoof more than 5mm wider than it is long) 

The wider than long hoof is a common front foot shape amongst breeds such as the Draught or Thoroughbred. However, most modern hoof boots do not fit this shape well, as it is a more unusual shape. If the horse has measurements giving the width at more than 5mm greater than the length, the only suitable hoof boots are going to be the Renegade Classic or Renegade Viper Hoof Boots (as Renegades can either be cut-back/shortened in length to match the horse, or on occasions, a custom size created if necessary); the Floating Boot (again, can be cut-back/shortened in length if necessary); possibly the Cavallo Trek Regular Sole or the Scoot Boot. Maybe the Easyboot Glove Back Country 2016 Wide, if the difference in width and length is, say, less than 10mm (although stock of these isn’t always available as they are now Special Order from the States in most cases). The Equine Fusion boots can sometimes work, as long as the length measurement is fairly near the top end of the length measurement for the particular size of boot, and as long as the width is no more than about 6 or 7mm wider than the max recommended width, although this will put extra strain on the boot. Any other hoof boot will have excessive toe length, which slows the horse's break over and potentially causes a higher incidence of boot loss through overreaching and treading the boot off. 

For example: A hoof measuring 139mm wide x 128mm long would have fairly limited hoof boot options (especially when compared to our round hoof above!). Using these measurements, I have worked through our Size Chart page and come up with the following boot options:

  • Scoot Boot - Size 5 Regular but I would also want to try size 4 Regular. 

  • Cavallo Trek - Size 3 Regular Sole (as long as the boot will accommodate the hoof width. You can often go a few mm over the maximum width on the size chart for this style of boot, which would then look to offer a good fit on the length as not too much excess boot. The size 4 Cavallo Trek Regular Sole would likely be too long). 

  • Renegade Classic - Size 2WW probably with a “cut-back” (to 130mm).

  • Renegade Viper - Size 140x140. Possibly with a “cut-back”.

  • Floating Boots - Size M2W. Possibly with a “cut-back”.

So, a few options but not many! I would suggest trying them all in a Mixed Fit Kit without trying to narrow down the options. It will be important to see how they fit on the hooves first, before you then start to pick and choose.

Best boots for this shape – for everyday riding: 

Renegade Classic, Renegade Viper, Scoot Boot, Cavallo Trek Regular Sole, Floating Boots. Possibly Easyboot Glove Back Country 2016 Wide (or Easyboot Glove Soft Wide, if you can squeeze the width into the boot and match the length). Possibly the Equine Fusion, depending on the measurements.

Best boots for this shape – for endurance/competition use: 

Renegade Classic, Renegade Viper, Scoot Boot, Floating Boot, possibly Easyboot Glove Soft (see above).

 

3. THE LONGER THAN WIDE HOOF

(Hoof approx. 6mm – 15mm longer than width measurement).

The less extreme end of the scale (roughly 6-10mm longer than wide) is generally a relatively easy hoof to cater for. Most of the boots we stock are designed for this shape of hoof, namely the Evo Boot, Flex Boot, Scoot Boot, Renegade Classic, Renegade Viper, Equine Fusion range, Swiss Galopper, Floating Boots, Easyboot Glove Soft, Easyboot Glove Back Country 2016, Easyboot New Trail, Old Mac G2, Cavallo Trek Slim Sole, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Fury, Easyboot Sneaker. So lots of choice! 

For example:  A hoof measuring 129mm wide x 139mm long would have quite a few possible boot options. Using these measurements, I have worked through our Size Chart page and come up with the following boot options (these boots are in no particular order of preference):

  • Evo Boot - Size 3W (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Flex Boot - Size 130 (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Scoot Boot - Try sizes 6 Slim and 7 Slim (7 Slim may be a little wide but if the length fits well and is a snug fit around the heel bulbs and the top of the hoof wall, it could still work well. I would also try size 6 Slim as you can often measure slightly shorter for Scoot Boots (as they are open at the heels)).

  • Cavallo - Size 4 Slim (length and width measurements both fall within that size but these boots are quite generous in size and so this size will probably be too wide. Could work well at slower paces if you needed a boot that will take a thick pad).

  • Renegade Classic - Size 2W (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Renegade Viper - Try sizes 140x130 and 140x135. These are worth trying on but ideally you need to allow some spare room between the hoof measurements and the boot sizing and so the 140x130 may be too tight and they may both be too short.

  • Equine Fusion - Size 14 Slim (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Swiss Galopper - Size SG6 (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Floating Boot - Try sizes M2 and P2W (length and width measurements both fall within those sizes).

  • Easyboot Glove Soft - Size 3 (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Easyboot New Trail or Old Mac G2 - Size 6. May be slightly wide but as long as this style of boot is a fairly snug fit length wise, that shouldn’t be a problem. You can add an Insert if necessary.

  • Easyboot Epic - Size 2 (length and width measurements both fall within that size).

  • Easyboot Fury - Try sizes 2.5 and 3 (length and width measurements both fall within those sizes).

  • Easyboot Sneaker - Size 3 Narrow (length and width measurements both fall within that size BUT we have found these boots can be quite tight around the heel bulbs, due to the inner strap, so you may need to measure further back at the heels for this boot and possibly go for the size up, the 4 Narrow).

The more extreme end of the scale (so nearer to 15mm longer than wide) will have fewer hoof boot options. The best boot is probably going to be one of the following: Equine Fusion range (probably the All Terrain Ultra model), Swiss Galopper (possibly the L-version), Floating Boot “P” sizes (designed for hinds), Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Fury, Easyboot Sneaker. 

For example: A hoof measuring 130mm wide x 145mm long would have fairly limited hoof boot options (especially when compared to our slightly shorter hoof above!). Using these measurements, I have worked through our Size Chart page and come up with the following boot options:

Again it is important to get as tight a width fitting as possible, and this can be especially important with hind feet as a lot of horses have a tendency to screw their hind feet slightly which can cause the boots to twist in use if the boot is not gripping the hoof sufficiently well.

Best boots for this shape – for everyday riding: 

Any of the boots discussed here.

Best boots for this shape – for endurance/competition use: 

For the less extreme end of the scale (roughly 6-10mm longer than wide): Evo Boot, Flex Boot, Scoot Boot, Renegade Classic, Renegade Viper, Floating Boots, Easyboot Glove Soft, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Fury.

For the more extreme end of the scale (so nearer to 15mm longer than wide): Ideally the Floating Boot, Easyboot Epic or Easyboot Fury but once you start having fewer options, the boot that fits best is going to be the boot to use! 

 

4. THE EXCESSIVELY LONGER THAN WIDE HOOF

(Hoof 16mm + longer than width measurement) 

Some more extreme hind feet and occasionally the front feet of a navicular, laminitic or neglected hoof can be very much longer than wide. Once the measurements become more extreme, a compromise is often required. 

The Equine Fusion boots are often the best option, in the Slim fit, as the most important measurement for these boots are the length measurement. Often the Easyboot Epic is another good option, as long as the length is near the top-end of the length for the particular size of boot. You can then use a thick pad inside the boot and tighten up the wires to help tighten the fit on the width (you can sometimes go down one size in the cable to create a tighter fit). The Easyboot Sneaker in a Narrow fit could work or possibly the Easyboot Fury. The Old Mac G2 is another option, using inserts (and possibly a gaiter and pads) to take up the excess width and keep the boot in place. Depending on the hoof shape, the Floating Boots in the hind “P” sizes MAY be an option, or the Swiss Galopper in the L-Version.

For example: A hoof measuring 129mm wide x 150mm long would have fairly limited hoof boot options and a compromise would need to be made with all of them. They should do their job of keeping the horse comfortable and protected but they may only work well at slower paces:

  • Equine Fusion range - Size 15 Slim.  

  • Easyboot Epic - Size 3.

  • Easyboot Fury - Size 3. As this is a fairly closely fitted boot, just because the measurements look good on paper, that doesn’t guarantee that it will suit the hoof shape.

  • Easyboot Sneaker - Size 4 Narrow, possibly going up to 5 Narrow.

  • Old Mac G2 - Size 8 with inserts (even though the width is really better suited to a size 5). 

You should find these options would work, but you may find that with a narrow chested pony or small horse, the boots will be too wide for the horse to cope with and will potentially brush or knock themselves. 

Sometimes the measurements will appear to be much longer than wide, but this can be due to measuring too far back at the heel. The width is much easier to judge than the length, and often too much length is allowed in the measurements. It is therefore important to look at our guide "How to measure for hoof boots" first.

Best boots for this shape – for everyday riding: 

Equine Fusion All Terrain Ultra in Slim, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Sneaker in Narrow, possibly the Old Mac G2, Floating Boots P sizes, Swiss Galopper L-Version or Easyboot Fury.

Best boots for this shape – for endurance/competition use: 

None recommended, unless the hooves are strong and healthy and your boots fit well. 

 

QUICK SUMMARY:

1. Take accurate measurements and choose a hoof boot that fits the shape and size of your horse's feet, not just the one you like the look of! 

This is the most important rule for successful booting of barefoot horses.

2. Try our Mixed Fit Kit first! Even if you have a horse with fairly straightforward hoof measurements, and a large range of potential hoof boots to choose from, that doesn’t mean that they will all fit the hooves well. Even if a hoof boot looks a good choice on paper, that doesn’t guarantee that it will suit the hoof angle, heel height and heel bulbs. 

3. If you have to compromise with sizes, try to make sure the width is as tight as possible (using the size charts as a guide) to grip the hoof, and then keep the break over (boot length) as short as possible.

4. Don’t choose a boot that is just too short and hope it will be OK, it is almost certain to give your horse sore heels!

5. Every hoof boot has its merits, but it will not perform well if it is the wrong size/shape or incorrectly fitted. If you have problems, re-check your measurements, the size chart of the boot and the settings it is being used on, to make sure it really is the best one for your horse’s foot shape and size. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us directly for assistance and advice (please have your horse’s measurements in mm after a fresh trim to hand, along with the size and style boot you are using. Ideally, we will need all of the information and photos set out here: https://hoofbootique.co.uk/let-us-help/).

6. When sizing a boot, if you are right at the top end of the measurements suitable for that boot, the boot may fit perfectly straight after a trim but it may become tighter as the hoof grows in between trims - it would then be necessary to increase the trim frequency to retain a good fit, do a little rasping in between professional trims or have a larger size (or different boot type) to use at the end of your trim cycle. If you allow too much room for growth though, and size a boot too large straight after a trim, then it may not work so well. You can sometimes add a pad straight after a trim, to tighten up the fit, and then remove it as you get hoof growth.