Flex Boots fit and size
Barefoot boots that don't need breaking in
We help you determine what size Flex Boots work best for your horse or pony. Our expert fitting advisor team has over 40 years’ combined experience as barefoot hoof care professionals, so we can help you understand how you can get Flex Boots to fit your horse in the best possible way. And if for any reason Flex Boots won’t work for your horse or pony, we will be honest about this - we never force-sell or make false promises.
Friendly expert advice
Everybody wants the best possible hoof boots for their horse or pony. The kind that are easy to use, comfortable for the horse, and protect the hooves. Our boot design does just that; Flex Boots work so well because they are designed to support a holistic, anatomically correct hoof care. After making sure that the horse's hooves are cared for correctly, the next most important step in hoof boot selection is getting the size and fit right.
Start by measuring your horse’s hooves and compare the measurements to the Flex Boot size chart below. Take the measurements ideally straight after the hooves have been trimmed, and at most a day or two after a fresh trim. Make sure to measure all four feet as they may differ in size.
Choose the right size boots
Flex Boots fit hooves that are within +/- 5mm of the listed width measurements, and not longer than the listed length measurement. For advice regarding the best boot size for your horse, please contact us or your nearest retailer.
Please note that if your horse's hooves are at the maximum width and length measurements for a specific size, the boot might not fit well and sizing up might be necessary.
For example, if your horse's hoof is 155mm wide and 160mm long (maximum measurements for size 150 boot), then the boot might not fit well. However, if the hoof is slightly narrower at 155mm wide and still 160mm long, the boot will fit well, as long as the heels are trimmed to the correct position. Flex Hoof Boots work better if they are slightly loose rather than if they are too tight, as loose boots' fit can be improved with Flex Pads.
Please note that we may use your photos for educational purposes on our website, blog and social media channels. All client photos will be used anonymously, and we never share any confidential information about you or your horse. If you would prefer us not to use your photos, please notify us of this, and we will be happy to oblige.
Watch this video to learn
HOW TO FIT AND ADJUST FLEX BOOTS
We have 8 horses, all different breeds with different size and shape feet, and all in heavy work. They are all very comfortable in Flex Hoof Boots, including one who has navicular syndrome and was previously unsound when shod.
James from Australia says:
Our top tips for determining
BEST BOOT SIZE & FIT
Measure after a fresh trim
This is when the hooves are at the correct size and shape.
Hooves should be maintenance trimmed weekly, to retain the shape and balance of the hoof.
Measuring the hoof length
Imagine drawing a line across the back of the hoof, from heel to heel. From the middle of that line draw another line straight to the toe. This is where you measure the length of the hoof.
Take heels into consideration
When measuring the length of the hoof, do not measure the heel bulb, only the weight-bearing area of the hoof wall. It's also important to make sure that the heels are trimmed to the anatomically correct position before taking measurements.
Measuring the hoof width
Measure the width at the widest part across the hoof.
Take into consideration how the hoof grows between trims; you might need pads straight after a fresh trim, to get an ideal fit and to accommodate slight hoof growth between trims.
(Notice that this photo is taken after a weekly trim.)
How much the hoof grows between trims
If you do not trim weekly as recommended by us, you need to take your horse's hoof growth rate into consideration when selecting the most appropriate boot size. Our helpdesk can assist with this.
(Notice that this photo is taken before a weekly trim.)
What shape is the hoof
Flex Boots suit many different shape and size hooves. However, if the hoof width is over 10mm greater than the length, our boots are not ideal for your horse.
If you're not sure whether Flex Boots would suit your horse, email our helpdesk for free fitting and sizing advice.
Does the horse twist its legs
If the hoof is very narrow and the horse has a habit of twisting its legs a lot, it may be that our flexible boot is not suitable for your horse.
For some, a Flex Boot that is slightly looser works better than a tight boot. But primarily, the horse should be treated by a body worker, such as an equine osteopath, to correct the root cause of the twist.
We offer free fitting advice via email to help you determine the best boot size for your horse. For accurate guidance, please email us photos of your horse's hooves.
We will need a front, sole and side view photos, as shown above. Ideally these photos should be taken within a day or two of a trim.
Need help with Flex Boot fitting?
If you have purchased Flex Boots and are having issues with the fit, in addition to the hoof photos, please also send us clear side view photos of the hooves with the boots on.
Our email for fitting advice is helpdesk@flexhoofboots.com
Have you purchased Flex Boots?
Please note that we may use your photos for educational purposes on our website, blog and social media channels. All client photos will be used anonymously, and we never share any confidential information about you or your horse. If you would prefer us not to use your photos, please notify us of this, and we will be happy to oblige.
How to correctly
FIT & ADJUST FLEX BOOTS
Once you have chosen the right size boots for your horse, fitting them correctly is important for the comfort of your horse and longevity of the boots. That's why we have written extensive instructions to help you achieve the best fit for your horse. Click on the images below to read more, or download our printable fitting instructions document.
