Boot Guide
Choose the right size
Flex Boots work so well because they are designed to support holistic, anatomically correct hoof care. Once you’ve ensured your horse’s hooves are healthy and correctly trimmed, the next step is finding the size that will let them move freely, securely, and without rubs. Our sizing guide makes it easy to get it right the first time, so every ride is as comfortable as it should be.
The best hoof boot size for your horse
Flex Boots are designed to protect the hooves and support holistic, anatomically correct hoof care. For the best comfort and fit, your horse’s hooves should be maintained according to their natural structure, the hoof wall following the shape of the coffin bone, tightly connected to the inner structures, with no flares, wall separation, or overly long toe or heels.
Flex Boots are made for hooves trimmed in balance with their internal anatomy. Even if your horse’s hooves are still improving, that’s perfectly fine. Consistent, structure-based care will help them move comfortably and naturally every day.
Size selection made easy
Our step-by-step instructions help you select the correct size and style Flex Boots for your horse or pony. Follow the instructions below!
Measure the hooves
Measure the hooves a day or two after a trim. For accurate measurements, the hooves must be completely clean. Width is measured at the widest part of the hoof, so that the tape measure is perpendicular to the centre line of the hoof. Length is measured by placing the zero of your ruler at the toe, and measuring straight backwards. Make sure to measure all the hooves that you want boots for, as they may differ in size.
Use the table above to match the measurement with the correct TPU gaiter size.
For example: if your horse wears a size 120 boot but the height you measure is 11 cm, you should choose the Custom Boot with a larger TPU gaiter (size 130).
1/3 Measure the length correctly
- Clean the hooves thoroughly
- Use a metric, rigid metal tape measure, where the numbers are clearly visible.
- Place the zero at the toe, NOT at the heels. Make sure that the zero is right at the edge of the hoof wall.
- Measure straight backwards through the centre of the hoof, NOT in an angle towards one heel.
Common mistakes when measuring the length:
- Using a transparent ruler; measurements are not visible.
- Placing the zero at the heels and measuring towards the toe; measurement will not be accurate.
- Photo is blurry; it’s not possible to read the measurements accurately.
- Hoof is dirty and the photo is blurry; it’s not possible to assess the hoof accurately.
2/3 Measure the width correctly
- Clean the hooves thoroughly
- Use a metric, rigid metal tape measure, where the numbers are clearly visible.
- Place the zero at the widest part of the hoof. Make sure that the zero is right at the edge of the hoof wall.
- Measure straight across the centre of the hoof, perpendicular to the centre line of the hoof. Make sure that the tape measure is not at an angle.
Common mistakes when measuring the width:
- Using a transparent ruler; measurements are not visible.
- Using a soft ruler and not placing the zero at the edge of the hoof wall; the measurements will inevitably be incorrect.
- Hoof is dirty, and the whole hoof isn’t in the photo.
- Hoof is wet and dirty; this makes correct assessment impossible.
3/3 Choose the right style
Flex Boots are available in two styles: classic boots that are 10mm longer than wide, and wide boots that are the same length and width. The first step is to determine whether you need the standard or wide boots.
- If the width and length measurements are the same, wide boots might be suited for your horse.
- If the length measurement is between 5-10mm longer than the width measurement, classic boots will be a better option.
- If the hoof is more than 5mm wider than long, it may be flared and this is primarily a trimming issue. Fix the trim to encourage healthier hoof development, and then re-measure the hooves for boots.
- If the hooves are more than 10mm longer than wide, this indicates a trimming issue where the toe is too long and/or the heels are underrun. Fix the trim to encourage healthier hoof development, and then re-measure the hooves for boots.
Now that you know which boot style you need, compare the hoof measurements to the relevant size chart. If your horse’s hooves are at the maximum width and length measurements for a specific size, and they have big heel bulbs, the boot might not fit well and sizing up or a custom boot might be necessary. When in doubt, always contact us for sizing advice before purchasing. If you need help with the trim, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Compare the measurements to our size charts
Up next:
Correct use
Once you have your boots, it’s important that you fit them correctly on your horse. Check out our User instructions page for detailed guidance on how to make the most of your new boots.
