What Size Boot Does My Horse Need?

The following information will help you select the correct horse boot sizes for your horse.

What size boots should I get for my horse?

Many horses require a smaller size boot on their front limbs and one size larger boot on their hind limbs. Most Thoroughbreds of average bone and an average height of about 16 hands will require large boots, while warmbloods and sport type horses may need large or even extra large boots.

How do I know what boot size to get?

Whenever possible get your foot measured. If you are familiar with the brand of boots, order the same size you usually wear in that brand. If you own another brands of boots, this size will usually do! If you don’t remember the size, look inside the shaft of the boots or on the inside bottom.

How should a horse boot fit?

Important Tips on Fitting
You should not have to force the boot on the horse’s hoof in any way. If you are having to force the boot on it is too small. If the boot is rotating independently from the horse’s hoof it is too big. A wiggle is okay, because the hoof expands in weight bearing and even further in movement.

Should I buy boots 1 size bigger?

As a basic guideline, it’s preferable to get a slightly larger shoe-size boot than smaller shoe-size boots With the right pair of any boot type, your feet should feel snug.

Should riding boots be a size bigger?

You should be snug in the foot without being pinched, all good leather stretches and will allow the boots to become molded to your foot the more you wear them.

Should you size up or down on boots?

You should never size down the boot to reduce your toe room.
If the toe box has some extra space but everything else about the boot fits – keep it that way. A bigger toe box has no downsides. While a smaller one will compress your foot and cause all sorts of problems.

Should boots fit tight or loose?

How are boots supposed to fit? Boots should not be too loose or too tight on your foot. The best fit should be snug (but not tight) around the whole of your foot, with enough room to move your toes and a maximum of a quarter to a half-inch of slippage at the heel.

Should boots be too big or too small?

Your boots should not feel tight. They should feel snug on the forefoot, they should have plenty of room in the toe box, and the heel should not slip more than a quarter of an inch.

How much room should there be in a boot?

You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box (the front of the shoe). To see if you have enough room, slide your foot forward so your toes are just touching the end of the unlaced boot. In this position, you should have a finger’s width (about ½”) between the base of your heel and the boot.

How do you measure your boot size at home?

Plant one foot on the paper with your heel against the wall.

1. Trace the outline of your foot. It’s easiest to have someone help you with this step.
2. Using your ruler, measure the longest and widest parts of your outline.
3. Repeat with your other foot. Take down your measurements in both inches and centimeters.

Should boots be a little tight at first?

When wearing socks, boots should feel snug but never tight. However, new boots will need to be broken in, especially if they’re made of real leather. You can expect them to be a little extra snug at first and relax after several wears.

Is boot size the same as shoe size?

Your boot size will often not be the same as your shoe size, though for some people it will be. There are a few reasons for this. Partially, it has to do with the way that sizes are measured. Partially it has to do with the lasts that shoemakers use to make shoes.

Is it OK to go up half a size bigger shoe?

The only time that you could wear a shoe in a bigger size is when purchasing a sneaker but you should only go up about half a size. The reason for this is that our feet tend to swell because fluid accumulates due to gravity with prolonged standing and weight baring activities.

Is a half size in boots a big difference?

A half-size represents a 1/8” difference. It may not seem significant but is enough to distinguish between comfort and discomfort. Because there is no standardisation for shoe sizing, a half size difference will also depend on the brand of shoe. With some makes, a half size will be more significant than others.

Are long or short boots better for horse riding?

Long boots prevent chafing and pinching from the stirrup leathers, as well as offering some protection from a kick or in a fall. Some riders feel that the stability they offer can help them maintain a better lower-leg position. They keep you warm and dry in winter.

How do you know when boots are too big?

The easiest way to tell if a shoe is too big or too small is to take a look at how much room there is in the toe of the shoe. Generally speaking, there should be about one finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Do riding boots run small?

A good rule of thumb when fitting Ariat boots is that you should order a half-size smaller than your street shoe size.

Should boots slip in the heel?

A boot must slip slightly in the heel. As the foot moves and boot flexes, the heel must have room to ride up a bit. When the boot is new, the heel slipping may feel excessive because of the stiffness of the new sole. Your heels should slip up to 1/4-1/2 inch.

Do boots tighten over time?

Do leather boots shrink over time? If you don’t wear your leather boots for a period of time, as the moisture in them evaporates, they can shrink down a little. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. Rub some leather conditioner into the material to moisturize it and help prevent cracking and peeling.

Should your heel move in boots?

Your heel should have a maximum of a half-inch of wiggle room, and it should never rub in the back. The sides of your foot shouldn’t feel squeezed. Leave an inch of room for your toes, as this allows room for your feet to expand and swell throughout the day without slipping around in the boot.