If you’re on the lookout for the best horse boots, you’ve come to the right place!
I have 10 of the top styles for just about every type of horse riding activity. The best splint boots for horses, sport boots for horses, best horse boots for barrel racing etc.
Let's start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
Key Summary
10 Best Horse Boots (Review Guide)
I’ve gone through each of the main types of horse boots and selected the best in each category. Let’s take a look at my favorites!
#1 Veredus Olympus Open Front Jumping Horse Boots (WINNER)
Veredus is one of the most fashionable tendon boots in showjumping. They are modern with a sleek sporty look. However, they aren’t great just because they are fashionable.
Veredus has put effort into its design to offer the best possible protective boots for horses. The Olympus model is their ‘budget’ version. I put a budget in quotes because they are still not cheap!
The boots have an anatomical shape so they mold to your horse’s leg and help prevent rubs. The closure straps hook onto studs for easy on and off. The liner is lightweight and helps absorb shock.
You will find several models of Veredus tendon boots. The next model up is the Carbon Gel Vento. You will also find these boots with fluffy linings.
Physical Attributes
- Open front
- Two elastic strap closures
- Comfort padding
- Quick-Release
- Strike Plate
Measurements and Sizes
- Come in small, medium, and large
- Black or brown color options
- Small 8.5-inches tall
- Medium 9.5-inches tall
- Large 10.5-inches tall
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Trendy and has advanced technology |
Costly |
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High-quality and durable |
One size doesn't always fit all |
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Excellent leg protection |
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EVA Foam-lined strike plate |
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Waterproof and easy to clean |
How it Compares to Others and Why
These are premium horse tendon boots, so they are some of the most expensive you will see. If you want the right ‘look’ in the show ring then these are some of the best options. I do like the more expensive Vento model as they are vented to allow the release of heat build-up.
Expert Tips
Wipe them clean after each use to keep them as new-looking as possible. Baby Wipes work great!
Check: Best Soaking Boots for Horses
#2 Kavallerie Classic Tendon Boots
Kavallerie is another brand that is always pushing to create the most modern horse boots. One thing I love about their classic boots is that even though this is a high-end brand, this model is more affordable.
Physical Attributes
- 2 Elastic straps
- Velcro closure
- Hard shell
- Breathable neoprene lining
Measurements and Sizes
- Small or large size
- Small 6.5-inches tall
- Large 8-inch tall
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Anatomical design |
The velcro can be a bit hard to clean |
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Lightweight |
Velcro can also wear out over time |
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Breathable lining |
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Reinforced padded lining |
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Vents for heat release |
How it Compares to Others and Why
For the price of these boots, you get very high-quality protection compared with others in the same price range. Some people find velcro closures easier to put on and take off.
Expert Tips
You can put tendon boots in the washing machine, even though the manufacture will tell you not to. To do this put them in a pillow wash bag designed for delicate items and wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water. Hang them to dry.
Check our complete horse stable equipment list.
I find it’s great to always have a pair of brushing boots in your kit. They can serve multiple purposes. You can use them for riding, lunging, and turning your horse out in the paddock.
Lemieux is one of my favorite equestrian brands. I find all of their products are of great quality and also stylish.
Physical Attributes
- Ultra-Soft Fleece Lining
- 2 velcro straps
- Extra material on inside to protect against brushing
- Faux leather
Measurements and Sizes
- Come in black, white, and dark purple
- Sizes small, medium, and large
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Very soft |
Not suitable for jumping |
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Machine washable |
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Comfortable for your horse |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Brushing boots are best for schooling and turnout. They do not provide as much protection from traumatic injury as tendon boots. The price is reasonable and you get good quality for it.
Expert Tips
You can use these boots for turnout but make sure you don’t leave them on too long as all types of horse boots retain heat.
#4 Professionals Choice Equine Sports Medicine Boot
Sports Medicine boots cover all sides of the leg, including a strap that goes under the fetlock joint. Professional Choice is arguably the leading brand for this type of boot. This product is of great value as you get a full set covering all four legs.
Physical Attributes
- 4 velcro straps
Measurements and Sizes
- Come in black or white. Though 2 pair options have more color choices
- Sizes range from XS to XL
Benefits
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Help reduce the risk of overstretching the tendons |
All 4 boots in this pack are the same size, which means the hind legs don’t have as much coverage |
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Shock absorbing |
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Full canon bone coverage |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Sports medicine boots are popular in some western riding disciplines, such as barrel racing. They are made with thick, shock-absorbing neoprene.
Since they cover all of the leg, they are more prone to trap heat than some of the others.
Expert Tips
Even though these boots look like they’d be great for turnout, they are not the best option as they can trap more heat than brushing boots. Always take them off as soon as you’re done working your horse.
#5 Professionals Choice Equine Ballistic Hoof Overreach Bell Boot
Bell boots have come a long way from the rubber pull-on styles.
More modern materials of the like you see in these great boots are easier to use and offer better protection. I love how this style doesn’t twist and offers good padding against strikes.
Physical Attributes
- Single strap
- Velcro closure
- Ballistic nylon cover
Measurements and Sizes
- 15 color choices
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Shock absorbing |
Some find that they run small |
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Coronary band protection |
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No turn |
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Durable construction |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Compared to other overreach boot options, these are one of the best products. They do a good job at reducing the risk of injury from hind legs hitting the front.
Expert Tips
With this type of material, the best way to clean them is to spray them off with a hose. You can give them a bit of a scrub with some soap with a stiff grooming brush.
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Check: The Back Country Horse Boots
#6 Tough 1 Performers 1St Choice No Turn Bell Boots
One thing I don’t love about bell boots is that they are a bit clunky and don’t look great. These overreach boots are a bit different.
Their design is much more flattering on the horse as the front is shaped to take away unnecessary material.
Physical Attributes
- Single velcro strap
- Neoprene
- Double layered
Measurements and Sizes
- 7 color choices
- Sizes small, medium, and large
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Great refined shape |
Run small |
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Air-Flow Perforated Neopren |
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No turn |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The shape of these bell boots is great. Compared with my other best bell boots for horses choice, these are probably not quite as durable.
Expert Tips
If you are getting these bell boots, it is a good idea to get the next size up.
#7 Equilibrium New Tri-Zone Fetlock Boots
Fetlock boots only cover the ankle area. In other words the fetlock joint. They are much shorter than tendon boots but have the same types of closures.
Not every horse will need to wear fetlock boots. They usually don’t get used unless the horse is jumping. They provide the most protection.
These boots have great lightweight lining and velcro closure, which prevent users from over-tightening
Physical Attributes
- Single velcro strap
- Shock absorbing mesh outer
Measurements and Sizes
- Small or large
- Comes in black or white
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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FEI compliant |
A little pricey, but not exorbitant |
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Very lightweight |
How it Compares to Others and Why
These are very lightweight and more breathable than some other fetlock boot options.
Expert Tips
If you are looking for boots allowed for young horse classes these will suit you.
#8 Veredus Carbon Gel Vento Fetlock Boots
These are top-of-the-range fetlock boots for those who want nothing but the best. They offer excellent protection against leg injuries.
Physical Attributes
- 2 elastic hook stud closure straps
- Strike pad
- Ventilation slots
- micro perforated neoprene
Measurements and Sizes
- Comes in medium, large, and pony
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Good airflow |
Not suitable for young horse classes as they have two straps and they are not velcro |
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Excellent protection |
Expensive |
How it Compares to Others and Why
These are one of the most expensive fetlock boots you will find. They are great if you’re out competing or want excellent protection.
However, they are aimed at showjumpers, so if you just want some protection for schooling, you probably won’t need this particular boot.
Expert Tips
Keep them clean, especially the vents so you don’t lose out on airflow.
#9 Kavallerie Dressage Horses Boots
If you’re looking for great full coverage leg protection for dressage riding, these boots are perfect. They are soft, flexible, and kind to the skin.
Physical Attributes
- 2 velcro straps
- Fleece lining
Measurements and Sizes
- Come in black or white
- Come in small or medium
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Soft |
Not suitable for jumping |
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Great for brushing impacts |
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Quality materials |
How it Compare to Others and Why
These are of excellent quality at a pretty good price. They are not vented or open front, so not suitable for jumping.
Expert Tips
You can use these boots for turnout as well as riding. Just don’t leave them on for long periods.
Hoof boots are great for barefoot horses that do not wear shoes most of the time.
Cavallo makes a range that is some of the best boots for trail riding. This protective boot is easy to put on and has an all-terrain tread.
The simple hoof boot is a good option for horses with rounder hoof shapes. They are suitable for both the paddock or for trail rides.
Physical Attributes
- All terrain tread
- Single strap closure
Measurements and Sizes
- Comes in 4 sizes
- Available in black
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Flexible |
Expensive |
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Adjustable |
How it Compares to Others and Why
It’s slightly hard to compare these boots to others since Cavallo makes the majority of options available. However, some horses might find the honeycomb design of these boots more comfortable.
Expert Tips
Choose your size carefully. The brand says that many people often pick too small a size.
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Check: The Best Horse Riding Boots
Types of Horse Boots
There are several different types of horse boots. All boots have one thing in common. This is to protect the lower leg and vulnerable tendons.
Certain boots such as bell boots and hoof boots provide protection to the feet.
My best horse boots list gives you great options for each of the main types summarized below.
Splint boots
Splint boots are a type of brushing boot. They cover the entire cannon bone and have an extra pad on the inside. These boots don’t have a hard shell.
From my list, the Kavallerie dressage boots and Lemieux Brushing Boots are types of splint boots. They are two of the best horse exercise boots.
Read more about what are splint boots used for on horses.
Jumping Boots
Jumping boots are open front and have a hard shell. Good ones also have a strike plate on the back to provide extra protection to the tendons. They have 2 or 3 straps that close with a hook or velcro.
I’ve included two of the best jumping boots for horses on my list, the Kavallerie classic, and Veredus Olympus. These choices also give you one of each kind of closure strap.
Also Check: Should You Get Boots For Horses Instead of Shoes?
Fetlock boots
Fetlock boots cover the hind ankle joint. Another name for them is hind boots. They do not go on the front legs. They are also shorter than tendon boots. The Veredus Carbon Gel on my list is one of the best fetlock boots on the market.
Dressage boots
Most dressage boots are pretty much brushing or splint boots. They are flexible and cover the entire section of the leg from the knee to the fetlock. Both the Lemieux and Kavallerie are excellent examples of great dressage boots.
Sports boots
Sports boots are a step up in protection level from splint boots. They have an extra strap that wraps under the fetlock and helps prevent the over-extension of tendons.
My favorite brand, which I’ve included on this list, is what you want to look for if you want this type of boot. This is one of the most popular types of boot used for barrel racing.
Exercise boots
Most types of horse boots fall into this category. However, generally speaking, you use these boots for everyday schooling or pleasure riding.
Bruising boots, splint boots, and sports medicine boots can all be considered under this type.
I’ve included some of the best exercise boots here on my list, so you don’t have to waste time searching.
Also Check: The Best Shoes For Navicular Horses
How to Choose the Best Protective Boots for Horses
Before picking your new protective boots, you need to keep a few things in mind to choose the right ones. In fact, it is likely that you will need a couple of different types for different activities.
What Are You Protecting
First, you need to ask yourself what activities you need the boots for. Are you jumping? Trail riding? Reigning? Doing flatwork?
A jumping horse is at higher risk of a hard leg strick and needs a more solid boot whereas flatwork schooling will often do fine with splint boots.
You also need to understand how your horse moves. Some horses have a tendency to knock their front or back fetlocks with the opposite leg. Brushing boots will be your best option.
What Are The Horse Boots Made Of?
Horse boots materials can include leather, faux leather, fleece, neoprene, PVC, or other hard plastics.
When choosing your boots look for the lightest but strongest materials. You also want boots that will not retain water.
Look for modern types of neoprene lining as this material is not very breathable. New types of neoprene attempt to make it more breathable and reduce heat retention.
The lining should be soft and seem free so it doesn’t create pressure points or rubbing.
FAQs
What are the best trail riding horse boots?
If your horse doesn’t wear shoes, you will need to use hoof boots to protect its feet from rough or uneven terrain. A splint boot is a great option as they offer more protection.
What is the difference between tendon and bruising boots?
Tendon boots have a hard shell and do not cover the front of the cannon bone. Brushing boots have a flexible shell without a rear strike plate.
Do horses need shipping boots?
Using travel boots (shipping boots) in my opinion is essential. Moving your horse can be risky and they can easily catch their leg causing an injury. There are some instances when you are better not using them, such as very hot weather or extra-long distances.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found my guide and the horse boots reviews helpful. I’ve covered my top picks across the range of protective boots you will see.
Final Recommendation
Veredus is my overall winner, but each of the products on this list comes at the top of their boot category. What is best for you will depend on your riding discipline, equestrian activities, and individual horse.
What are the best horse boots that you use for your stallion or mare? Please share with us below!
