Author : Satu Vainikka
Satu Vainikka is a Finnish barefoot hoof care specialist with over 20 years of professional experience in trimming and rehabilitation. Together with her husband Jiri, she has worked with thousands of horses since 2004, focusing on healthy, functional movement. As one of the creators of Flex Boots, Satu brings practical, evidence-based knowledge to every detail of the design.
Choosing the right hoof pad can make a noticeable difference in your horse’s comfort, movement and confidence on different surfaces. Flex Pads are designed to work seamlessly with Flex Boots, offering varying levels of softness, support, and shock absorption, without compromising the horse’s proprioception (natural ground feel).
In this blog, we explain the differences between our three Flex Pad models:
as well as when your horse may not need pads at all. We’ll also explore why maintaining natural hoof function has always been at the core of Flex Boots’ philosophy.
Why Flex Pads Are Different
All Flex Pads are intentionally designed using soft, flexible EVA materials. We never want to remove the horse’s proprioception, which is essential for:
- confident, safe movement
- coordination and balance
- joint and limb health
- correct posture and weight-bearing
- adaptive movement on varying terrain
A horse must feel the ground beneath its feet to move naturally and safely. Overly rigid or thick pads can interfere with this critical sensory information.
One of our key design philosophies:
We want horses to move the way nature intended – with awareness, confidence and full proprioceptive connection to the ground.
Soft Pad: Softest Cushioning for Ponies and Sensitive Feet
Material: 6 mm soft EVA
Best for: ponies, miniature horses, sensitive soles, extra fit
Not ideal for: heavier horses, high-abrasion use, long-term heavy pressure
Soft Pads are our most forgiving option. Because they compress easily, they:
- create a soft “seal” between the hoof and the boot
- allow the hoof to sink slightly into the pad and “lock” into place
- provide gentle cushioning
- maintain excellent proprioceptive feedback
- can be doubled for extra shock absorption
Firm Pad: Extra Durability While Maintaining Proprioception
Material: 6 mm firmer EVA
Best for: horses and ponies needing protection on hard or rocky terrain
Designed to: withstand more abrasion and offer longer wear
Firm Pads provide:
- reliable shock absorption
- increased protection on hard surfaces
- improved durability
- maintained proprioception
This pad is an excellent everyday option for barefoot horses that need added comfort without sacrificing sensory feedback.
EVA Pad Relief: Maximum Protection for Horses With Significant Hoof Sensitivity
Material: 10 mm dual-layer EVA
- 4 mm soft EVA
- 6 mm firmer EVA
Primarily designed for horses, as ponies usually benefit sufficiently from the 6 mm pads.
Best for horses with:
- thin or sensitive soles
- arthritis or age-related stiffness
- laminitis or post-laminitis issues
- deep sole sensitivity and conditions such as pedal osteitis
EVA Pad Relief offers adaptability with two functional sides:
Soft side up → More stimulation
Encourages healthy sole function and improves proprioception.
Firm side up → More shock absorption
Ideal for horses with pain or chronic hoof issues.
This pad is our best choice for rehabilitation and horses who require substantial support.
When Your Horse Doesn’t Need Pads
Some horses have strong, well-functioning hooves that would comfortably handle most terrain barefoot. They may only need protection against wear during long rides or regular hacking.
For these horses, Flex Boots alone provide all the protection they need.
Flex Boots are engineered around natural hoof biomechanics:
- allowing full flexion and expansion
- maintaining excellent proprioception
- supporting natural shock absorption
- protecting the hoof from excessive abrasion
Thanks to our patented sole construction, Flex Boots perform like the hoof itself:
- soft and flexible at the back, where the hoof naturally expands
- reinforced toe callus at the front, where the hoof needs durability most
This allows the hoof to function as nature intended – freely, dynamically and with complete confidence.
Let your horse feel the difference.
Good Hoof Care Is Essential for All Flex Pads
Regardless of which Flex Pad you choose, no pad can compensate for poor hoof maintenance. To achieve the best comfort, fit and longevity, we strongly recommend:
- weekly light rasping
- keeping the hoof in natural proportions
- maintaining a short trim cycle (2–4 weeks for most horses with weekly touch-up done by the owner)
- preserving healthy frog function and preventing flare
If you’re curious about what a healthy hoof should look like, how to spot early warning signs of imbalance, or just want to deepen your understanding of barefoot care, check out our Hoof to Horse Academy.
Proper hoof care supports the horse first – and ensures your pads and boots perform as intended.
Why Flex Pads Are Soft On Purpose
Some pads on the market are rigid enough to reduce the hoof’s ability to sense the ground. We avoid this completely.
A numb hoof is not a safe hoof.
Flex Pads are engineered to cushion the hoof without disconnecting it from the terrain. They support:
- balance
- stability
- confident movement
- natural shock absorption
- adaptability on uneven surfaces
This is why every Flex Pad is designed to preserve proprioception while offering meaningful protection.
Fitting Tips for Using Pads With Flex Boots
If your Flex Boots fit very snugly, using a 10 mm EVA Pad Relief may require:
- sizing up to the next boot size
- or trimming off the pad’s toe portion (instructions included)
Always:
- align the hoof with the boot’s built-in breakover location
- tap the hoof fully into the toe of the boot
- avoid leaving the hoof too far back inside
Flex Boots include an anatomically placed breakover point.
If the hoof sits too far back, the horse cannot benefit from it, and movement can be affected.
Which Flex Pad Should You Choose?
| Pad | Softness | Protection | Best For |
| Soft Pad | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Ponies, very sensitive feet, extra cushioning |
| Firm Pad | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Hard ground, daily riding, horses & ponies |
| EVA Pad Relief | ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Rehab, laminitis, arthritis, thin soles, horses |
Still unsure? Send us photos, we’re happy to help you find the best setup for your horse or donkey.
A Final Thought: Let the Hoof Function Naturally
Pads should enhance, not replace, natural hoof function.
With the right Flex Pad, a well-fitted Flex Boot, and consistent hoof care, your horse can enjoy:
- comfort
- confidence
- correct biomechanics
- full proprioception
Exactly as nature intended.
