With these tips, you can find the right hoof boots

4. March 2025

Hoof boots are the healthy alternative to horseshoes. They ensure that the horse moves as naturally as possible. Additionally, hoof boots reduce the risk of inflammation or damage to the hooves. But how can you find the right hoof boots? The answer is in this post.

At Swiss Galoppers, we offer hoof boots for most hoof shapes. We also have models suitable for difficult ground conditions. Below, we’ll explain how to find out which boots are best for your horse.

When Are Hoof Boots Necessary?

There are different scenarios in which the use of hoof boots is necessary. This is especially the case when a horse is transitioning to barefoot. If a horse has previously worn horseshoes, it should be gradually accustomed to the new situation. This includes protecting its hooves with hoof boots while riding.

Transitioning a horse to barefoot has the significant advantage of allowing it to move more naturally. Its steps appear freer than when it wore horseshoes. Furthermore, there is no longer the risk of pathogens entering the hooves, which can happen in a shod horse through the holes created by the nails.

In some cases, it may be necessary to forgo horseshoes for horses kept in groups. This is a safety matter, as shod horses could injure each other. When riding out, they will need appropriate hoof boots to protect their hooves.

If a horse suffers from arthritis, hoof boots can also be a good choice to reduce pain while riding or performing. The same applies to other diseases affecting the horse’s musculoskeletal system. However, most hoof boots should not be worn 24/7, unless recommended with special therapeutic boots.

Materials of Hoof Boots: Which Are the Best?

Hoof boots are usually made of plastic and/or neoprene, and rarely synthetic leather. The advantage of neoprene is that it is softer than plastic. It is also breathable. However, it absorbs water easily during use, just like synthetic leather. Cleaning neoprene can sometimes be quite tedious.

The hoof boots from Swiss Galoppers are made of plastic. This material is resistant and durable. The results of two studies have shown that the material choice and sole construction are very natural and that the cushioning and grip behavior of Swiss Galoppers are ideal for joints and the locomotor system. Our hoof boots are 100% recyclable, which is good for the environment. The soles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a particularly abrasion-resistant type of plastic. This makes the boots suitable for up to 2000 riding kilometers.

The closure and fetlock straps are also made from robust materials and are designed for long-term use. We completely avoid unnecessary components in our hoof boots.

Finding the Right Hoof Boots: Measuring and Determining the Hoof Size

To find the right hoof boots, it’s important to know the horse’s hoof size. This must be measured accurately to ensure the boots fit the animal properly and don’t cause any problems.

How can you determine the hoof size to find the right hoof boots? We’ve made a short video explaining the process. Before measuring, you should clean and scrape the hooves. Only then will it be possible to measure them accurately to the millimeter.

Next, the following measurements are taken:

  • Hoof width: Measured at the widest point of the hoof.
  • Hoof length: Measured from the tip of the hoof to the end of the bulb.
  • Heel height: Measured from the lowest point of the heel to the deepest part of the fetlock joint. This is not done while the hoof is on the ground. Instead, you lift the hoof from the ground and measure it in that position.

The measurements obtained are used to find the right hoof boots. The models in the Swiss Galoppers shop are available in various sizes, ranging from SG3 to SG8. The smaller the number, the smaller the boot. If your horse has a rather wide hoof, you should opt for a larger size.

Additionally, we offer our hoof boots in SG and SG-L variants. The L models are suitable for horses with longer hooves. Even with a certain heel height and bulb size, it is necessary for the horse to wear the SG-L model, regardless of the hoof length.

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Right Hoof Boots

When taking the measurements of your horse’s hooves, make sure to measure each hoof individually. The measurements can vary slightly from hoof to hoof. Also, the measurements should be taken no later than 14 days after the last hoof trimming.

If you’re unsure about what size hoof boots to buy, feel free to contact one of our premium partners near you. They will provide in-depth advice to help you find the right hoof boots. You can also test the boots before buying. This way, your horse gets exactly the models it needs.

When you buy hoof boots from us, you also get a ten-minute hoof boot consultation. It can be done via Zoom or WhatsApp, so we can advise you live while you’re at the stable with your horse.

Alternatively, we can do the consultation by phone. In that case, please send us pictures of each hoof of your horse in advance. We need pictures from the front, back, and side. Ideally, take the photos at hoof level and hold a measuring tape next to the hoof so we can directly read the measurements.

How to Find the Right Hoof Boots for Your Horse

In addition to the size of the hoof boots, other factors also play a role. It’s important that the horse wears boots that suit the terrain. Besides boots for regular surfaces like asphalt, forest, or field paths, we also offer models for snow and ice. These are also suitable for deep, muddy ground as they are equipped with metal spikes.

You can recognize these hoof boots by the X in the model name. For example, our regular boots are called SG, while the winter models are named SG-X. The SG-LX variant is also designed for winter rides.

Additionally, we offer hoof boots that are ideal for difficult lighting conditions. They enhance residual light, making them perfect for riding in twilight or fog. The Lemon Edition boots glow in a bright neon yellow. When illuminated by car headlights, they are highly visible.

The SG-L models are also available in the Lemon variant. This way, horses with long hooves and/or high heels are safe even in low daylight.

What’s Included in Our Hoof Boot Sets

You receive all our hoof boots in sets, each containing two boots. Additionally, the set includes other accessories, such as:

  • Closure straps
  • Fetlock straps
  • Ball cushions

The L models for long hooves and high heels also come with extensions. One extension is pre-installed, and another can be easily attached with the included tool if necessary.

The X models for winter use come with six spikes each. If they need to be replaced, it’s easy to do. Other replacement parts, such as new fetlock and closure straps, are also available in our shop.

If you have any further questions about finding the right hoof boots, feel free to ask them through our contact form. We will respond as quickly as possible.