The Best Hoof Boots

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 9, 2023
© Marso/Shutterstock.com

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Best forProduct
Best OverallCavallo Entry Level Regular Horse Boots
Best for Supporting InjuriesEasyCare Easyboot Cloud Horse Boot
Best PremiumCavallo Simple Hoof Boots
Best Soaking BootYeezo Hoof Soaking Boot

Trail riding is a fun pastime for horse owners and their horses. Having the right gear and setup can keep everyone, horses included, happy and comfortable through the day’s adventure. Hoof boots provide cushion, support, and traction on trail terrain. They can also protect your horse’s hooves. If you don’t want to use horseshoes (or can’t due to an injury), hoof boots are the perfect solution.

There’s no shortage of trail boots available. We’ve researched and reviewed all of the options to find which are best for your horse, your budget, and the terrain that you plan to go on. Just like your hiking boots, there are hoof boots at a variety of price points. Some are made for rough terrain while others provide support overall.

  1. Cavallo Entry Level Regular Horse Boots
    • Budget-friendly
    • Well-made
    • Comfortable
    • The Velcro closure can be replaced
    • The top portion is made of industrial-grade nylon that allows for airflow while retaining its sh
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Horse Boot
    • Made of breathable canvas
    • Feature a thick sole to protect hooves from terrain
    • Easy sizing
    • Snug fit prevents injuries and helps to prevent new ones
    • Easy-on-easy-off
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Cavallo Simple Hoof Boots
    • These high-end boots are made of premium leather
    • Flexible and comfortable
    • The top collar is filled with foam for extra support and cushioning
    • The bottom is made of TPU to protect your horse's hooves from rocky terrain and water
    • These premium boots are perfect for horses that are recovering from an injury
    Check Amazon
  4. Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot
    • Priced per pair
    • Designed to be filled with water and/or medicated treatments, then applied to your horse's hooves
    • Secure with three Velcro straps
    • Made with durable PVC
    • Not intended for trail use
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Hoof Boots

#1 Best Overall: Cavallo Entry Level Regular Hoof Boots

In our opinion, the best overall hoof boots are the Cavallo Entry Level Regular Hoof Boots.

Cavallo is a reputable brand of hoof boots that are well-made and provide the comfort that your horse needs. These boots are also budget-friendly and a great option for horses and owners that are just starting to use hoof boots. The top portion is made of industrial-grade nylon that provides airflow but is also tough enough to retain its shape and performance even on the trail. They fasten with a Velcro closure can be replaced if required. Plus, the design of these boots prevents a build up of water and dirt. There’s also four sizes available so there’s something to suit most horses.

However, these boots are sold individually so they can be expensive if you need a full set of four for your horse.

Pros and Cons of the Cavallo Entry Level Regular Hoof Boots

ProsCons
The upper part of these boots are made from industrial-grade nylon.These boots are sold individually.
They provide plenty of airflow.
They retain their shape even when on the trail.
They fasten with a Velcro closure.
There are four sizes available.
Best Overall
Cavallo Entry Level Regular Horse Boots
  • Budget-friendly
  • Well-made
  • Comfortable
  • The Velcro closure can be replaced
  • The top portion is made of industrial-grade nylon that allows for airflow while retaining its sh
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Supporting Injuries: EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Hoof Boot

In our review, the best hoof boots for supporting horses with injuries are the EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Hoof Boots.

They are a great balance of price and performance, providing some of the best value of all the options on our list. They are made of canvas for breathability with a thick sole to provide protection from the terrain below. There are ten sizes available and sizing is easy using the size measurement guide made specifically for the Easyboot Cloud hoof boots. The snug fit protects existing injuries and helps prevent new ones. Fortunately, the boots are still easy to put on and off as they include a fold-down back.

However, although there are ten sizes available some reviewers recommend sizing up if your horse’s hooves fall on the upper end of the measurements for a particular size. Also, others found that quite a lot of moisture can built up in them so they had to take them off their horses for a few hours each day.

Pros and Cons of the EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Horse Boot

ProsCons
These boots are made from breathable canvas.Some reviewers recommend sizing up if the hooves fall on the upper end of the measurements for a particular size.
They have a thick sole to provide plenty of protection.Moisture can built up in them if they are left on for a long time.
There are ten sizes available.
They have a fold-down back which makes them easy to put on and take off.
Best for Supporting Injuries
EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Horse Boot
  • Made of breathable canvas
  • Feature a thick sole to protect hooves from terrain
  • Easy sizing
  • Snug fit prevents injuries and helps to prevent new ones
  • Easy-on-easy-off
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Premium: Cavallo Simple Hoof Boots

As the best premium option are the Cavallo Simple Hoof Boots.

Cavallo Simple hoof boots are high-end and are made to provide your horse with the best experience while wearing hoof boots. The top is made of premium leather that is flexible and comfortable. The top collar is filled with foam for extra support and a cushion. The bottom is made of TPU (Thermo Plastic Urethane) that protects from rocky terrain and water. These are ideal boots if your horse is recovering from an injury such as abscesses, navicular disease, laminitis/founder, punctures, sole bruising, and contracted heels. There’s also six sizes available so they will fit most horses.

They are pricey but many reviewers stand by their performance and are happy to pay the premium price for the best option available.

Pros and Cons of the Cavallo Simple Hoof Boots

ProsCons
The top of these boots is made from premium leather.They are an expensive option.
There is foam around the top to make it a cushioned fit.
The sole is made from TPU to provide protection from rocky terrain and water.
They are ideal for horses recovering from injuries.
There are six sizes available.
Best Premium
Cavallo Simple Hoof Boots
  • These high-end boots are made of premium leather
  • Flexible and comfortable
  • The top collar is filled with foam for extra support and cushioning
  • The bottom is made of TPU to protect your horse's hooves from rocky terrain and water
  • These premium boots are perfect for horses that are recovering from an injury
Check Amazon

4. Best Soaking Boot: Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot

In our opinion, the best soaking boot is the Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot.

Some hoof boots are designed to help with infections and other ailments rather than protect your horse’s hooves on rough terrain. The soaking hoof boot from Yeezo can be filled with water, including medicated treatments, then strapped onto your horse’s hooves. It extends up the leg and is secured with three Velcro straps. Plus, this boot is padded to ensure the horse is comfortable. It is made from durable 500D PVC material with a thick pad on the bottom. This soaking boot is ideal for hoof abscess, thrush, yeast, bruising, and infection. However, it doesn’t provide any protection from rough terrain and should not be used while walking, cantering, or otherwise exploring.

The only drawback to this product is that some customers found that the foam pad in the bottom floats when you fill it with water. Therefore, they recommend putting the boot on the horse and then filling it with water.

Pros and Cons of the Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot

ProsCons
This boot extends up the leg and secures with three Velcro straps.The foam pad can float when the boot is filled with water.
It can be filled with water.
They are ideal for hoof abscesses, thrush, yeast, bruising, and infections.
It is made from durable 500D PVSC material with a foam pad in the bottom.
Best Soaking Boot
Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot
  • Priced per pair
  • Designed to be filled with water and/or medicated treatments, then applied to your horse's hooves
  • Secure with three Velcro straps
  • Made with durable PVC
  • Not intended for trail use
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

There are plenty of hoof boots out there and it can be confusing to figure out which ones are the best. We recommend looking for a boot that suits your needs, is easy to put on, and has a snug fit.

Purpose

Hoof boots can be designed to protect tender or injured hooves on rocky and rough terrain. They can also help with treatments and healing. It’s important to know what your purpose is to know which kind of hoof boots you need to buy. Trail hoof boots are more rugged, have a protected sole, and often come up just above the hoof. Soaking hoof boots are often taller, secure using Velcro straps, and only have some padding for the sole of the hoof.

Easy of Use

Even the best hoof boot won’t be effective if your horse won’t let you put them on. Look for boots that can slide on and off, then be secured using straps. Some have backs that fold down and up around the hoof. These are often the easiest to put on and take off since you don’t need your horse to lift its leg very much. Velcro straps that can be replaced after wear are also nice to keep the boots working longer.

Snug Fit

It is very important that your horse’s hoof boots fit snugly, especially if you are using them while riding on trails or rough terrain. Having an ill-fitting hoof boot can make your horse uncomfortable. It can even be dangerous. Loose hoof boots can lead to tripping or injury. Hoof boots that are too tight can cause blisters or reduce the airflow needed for healthy hooves. Look for a hoof boot that provides a sizing guide along with measurements. It’s also helpful to read reviews (like this one) to see which boots you should size up or down.

The Different Types of Hoof Boots: Pros and Cons Compared

Hoof boots serve two main purposes: protection from terrain and soaking for injuries. They have different designs, each suited to that purpose.

Protection Boots

ProsCons
They have extra padding on the sole.They are often expensive.
They have great airflow.
They are durable.

Soaking Boots

ProsCons
They are tall to keep liquid inside.They are only suitable for soaking.
They have multiple securing straps.Some horses don’t like them.
They are usually cheaper.

Best forProduct
Best OverallCavallo Entry Level Regular Horse Boots
Best for Supporting InjuriesEasyCare Easyboot Cloud Horse Boot
Best PremiumCavallo Simple Hoof Boots
Best Soaking BootYeezo Hoof Soaking Boot
About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Hoof Boots FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are hoof boots used for?

Hoof boots can be used for several things.  The main thing that they are used for is to protect horses hooves while they are being ridden.  Hoof boots are an alternative to horseshoes and can be used to protect hooves from stones and sharp objects as well as wear and tear.

However, they can also be used to protect hooves after an injury, or from the pain associated with laminitis.  Finally, there are also hoof boots that can be used specifically for soaking feet (such as when a horse has an abscess).

Are hoof boots sold as sets of four?

No, not always.  Soaking boots, or those specifically for injuries are typically sold individually.  However, boots for protecting hooves can be sold either individually, in pairs, or as a set of four.

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