At last, a close fitting hoof boot designed to keep wounds, poultices and dressings clean that is easy to use and simple to fit.

Suitable for use in the stable, this boot can also be used on sensible horses for turnout. Designed using flexible and light materials, the boot is easy to fit and is a cost effective alternative to poultice boots or adhesive bandage and tape. Bearing this in mind, exuberant horses and those having undertaken a period of box rest may damage the boot by standing on it or doing racing stops. In these situations you may wish to consider placing an overreach boot on top of the medical hoof boot or using a more traditional poultice for the first day turned out.

This boot is not very hard wearing and is likely to last for only one injury - Woof Wear expect it to last 2-3 weeks under normal circumstances but have found under testing that many users find that they last much longer. The boot is not indestructible and so is not guaranteed against breakage, due to the horse standing on the boot. 

Featuring a grooved sole for extra grip and a Kevlar interior for improved durability it also has an asymmetric zip to give the boot a really close fit (and prevent it opening) stopping bedding and other debris from getting inside.

Available in 10 different sizes, the boot is designed for use with or without a shoe. It can assist in a number of ailments to the foot such as abscesses, punctured sole or bruised sole.

Fitting Guide

For the best fit, measure your horse or ponies foot from back to front (from the back of the frog to the toe) and also the width without dressings. Choose the best size according to your measurements and the chart below. You do not need to go up a size or allow extra for dressings.

Please watch the video below for further guidance.

1. If your horse requires a poultice, put it on the affected area in the normal way and secure it in place with some adhesive bandage. You will not need to use additional materials to keep it in the place as the hoof boot will do this.

2. Undo the zip fully and open the boot up as much as possible. 

3. Lift up the horse’s foot and pull the boot up and over the front of the hoof. Use the ‘V’ shaped indent (in the moulded part of the boot at the front) as a guide to where the middle of the boot is. 

4. Once you have pulled the boot onto the foot, let the horse put his foot down as this will help push the foot further into the boot.  

5. Ensure the boot is fitted centrally on the foot – you may find it easier to pick the foot back up and check that the moulded sole is straight and not crooked. If it appears crooked undo the zip, pick up the foot and gently swivel the boot around the foot until you are satisfied it is straight. The ‘V’ indent will help guide you with this.

6. Check that the edge of the foot reaches the side of the boot and the bulbs of the heels are also encased within the moulded area, and not overhanging it. 

7. When happy with the fit, pull the zip up ensuring it is covered by the neoprene zip cover

8. The stretch neoprene upper should fit snugly around the pastern area to ensure no bedding or mud etc can get inside the boot. If the upper is too tight, it is unlikely you will be able to do the zip up fully and this will be an indication that you have the incorrect size.

9. If turning the horse out, ensure he is happy with the feel of the boot first. In the unlikely event the horse is nervous of the boot, walk him gently around his stable so that he can get used to it. They will soon realise it is comfortable and will not impede movement.

Hints and tips for fitting

When fitting the boot you may find it easier to face the front of the horse and rest his leg on your knees – similar to how your farrier holds the foot when shoeing.

This enables you to look down the front of the boot and use the ‘V’ indent as a guide to ensure the boot is not crooked when fitted. Ensure your horse is tied up securely and standing calmly when doing this.

When using the correct size, the boot is a snug fit and should fit sleekly around the foot, bulbs of the heel and up the pastern. If the horse is sore from an abscess or bruised foot, the boot will offer some immediate relief as the soft padding from the sole will reduce pressure.

If turning your horse out to pasture whilst wearing the Hoof Boot, ensure that the area is well drained, and for the benefit of your horse, as level as possible as this will further help to reduce discomfort. 

Woof Wear's guidance for how to get the best out of your Medical Hoof Boot:

1. Overreaching
   Do not use the Medical Hoof Boot (MHB) in place of an overreach boot to prevent shoe loss. It is not designed for this application and will not protect against overreaching.
   If your horse is inclined to overreach, or stands on its own hooves, then an overreach boot should be used over the MHB to protect both the horse and the MHB from damage.
2. Measure, Measure, Measure…
   The MHB is designed to be a snug fit so it doesn’t fall off. If you do not measure accurately or buy a size too big it can result in damage to the MHB due to the boot being trodden on by the other foot. 
   Measuring: 
   i) Measure width carefully before bandaging, with or without shoe 
   ii) Choose size per guide (don’t go to next size up) 
   iii) There is no need to add extra for dressings