Horse Boot Awards 2026
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Fifteen horse boots and wraps that win on fit, wear and build, chosen from what riders say in their reviews.
The best horse boots of 2026 for every job: brushing, open front, fetlock, bell and dressage boots, polo and standing wraps, shipping, hoof and turnout boots, with every winner compared in tables below.
Updated November 2026
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
The Tack of the Day Best Horse Boot Awards for 2026
Fifteen awards, each with a winner and up to two runners-up. Every winner earned its award three ways: what riders say about it in their reviews, a build that does the award's job, from the shell and lining to the straps, and a style made in a full run of sizes. Each certificate says exactly why that boot won.
Ten awards cover the type of boot or wrap, from brushing and open front boots to bell boots, polo wraps, shipping and hoof boots, and five cover what your horse needs, from cold therapy and turnout to young horses. After the awards, comparison tables line the winners up side by side: boot types, boots or polos, stable and travel, brands and fit.
Price range key: $ the most affordable of this year's picks · $$ · $$$ · $$$$ the premium end.
Best Overall
Best horse boots overall: Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots
The Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots are the best horse boots of 2026 because they suit almost any horse in daily work and stay cool doing it. Shires builds them light, from Air Motion mesh fabric that lets air move through as the horse moves, with sturdy strike-resistant pads and secure touch tape closures.
Riders tell us their Air Motion boots are soft, light and easy to clean, and one rider says her horse's front legs stay dry in them where neoprene leaves the hinds sweaty. They sit at the $$ point of our key in a long run of colors. The Woof Wear Sport Brushing Boot is the $$ runner-up, in 5.5mm neoprene with a full-coverage strike pad, for front or hind. The Back on Track Airflow Brush Boots pairs breathable 3D mesh with a Welltex lining. See all Shires ARMA horse boots.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Overall
Awarded to
Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots
For daily work: light Air Motion mesh and strike-resistant pads.
Price range $$
Shop the winner
Runner-up
Back on Track Airflow Brush Boots
Breathable 3D mesh with a Welltex lining.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upShop Horse Boots
Brushing, open front, fetlock and bell boots
Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots
★★★★★
I own quite a few pairs of these boots. They're my go-to for leg protection on my cow ponies. They're super soft, light, breathable and VERY easy to clean. The Velcro stays strong and the material is super durable. I love them and will continue to buy them.
Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots
the Shires Arma Air Motion brushing boots are very breathable but still pretty sturdy. I don’t use them for turnout, just riding, but the difference between regular neoprene boots (which I have been using on the hind legs) and these is huge. Front legs with the Air Motions have zero sweat, hind legs with Woofs are very sweaty after an hour.
Best Brushing Boots
Best brushing boots: LeMieux Grafter Brushing Boots
The LeMieux Grafter Brushing Boots win Best Brushing Boots because they are durable, soft and good value for schooling, competing and short turnout. LeMieux makes them light and breathable for front or hind legs, with a strike guard design, soft binding and touch tape closures, in colors that match the rest of the LeMieux line.
Riders tell us their LeMieux boots fit well, aren't too stiff, don't hold water and wash easily. The Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Prime Brushing Boots are the $$ runner-up, in soft, breathable neoprene with a PU leather strike pad. The Horseware Classic Brushing Boots add a flexible shell over a perforated neoprene lining. See LeMieux horse boots compared.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Brushing Boots
Awarded to
LeMieux Grafter Brushing Boots
For schooling and shows: soft, light fabric and a strike guard.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Prime Brushing Boots
Breathable neoprene with a PU strike pad.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Horseware Classic Brushing Boots
A flexible shell over perforated neoprene.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upLe Mieux for me. Horse really doesn't like anything too rigid, and previous soft-ish boots were slipping. These fit really well, don't hold water, aren't too stiff but still provide decent protection. And easily washable!
The LeMieux Mesh Boots are my all time favorite, I used them nearly daily and love them. They’re flexible, have elastic straps and the outer layer is mesh for excellent breath ability. They also make a cross country boot that has a little more strike protection but still flexes nicely. I had some PE xc boots previously that I loooved the fit but the neoprene didn’t breathe at all. Much happier with the Lemieux.
Best Open Front Boots
Best open front boots: Veredus TRPro H5 Front Boot
The Veredus TRPro H5 Front Boot wins Best Open Front Boots because it brings Veredus jumping-boot design to everyday training at home. Veredus makes it from neoprene and Lycra under a Polyflex elastic polyurethane shell, with 5cm elastic straps that spread the tension, quick release closures and Lycra edging that holds up to daily use. It is waterproof and easy to clean.
One rider tells us her Veredus Carbon Gel boots have held up through two years of jumping and shows, and another that EquiFit boots are the only ones her picky horse will wear. The EquiFit D-Teq Front Boot w/ImpacTeq is the $$$$ runner-up, with an anatomically molded EverLeather shell, three wide straps and an ImpacTeq liner. The Shires ARMA Carbon Tendon Boots add a TPU outer, a honeycomb foam center and a CoolMax lining.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Open Front Boots
Awarded to
For jumping at home: a Polyflex shell and wide elastic straps.
Price range $$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
EquiFit D-Teq Front Boot w/ImpacTeq
Molded EverLeather shell with an ImpacTeq liner.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Shires ARMA Carbon Tendon Boots
TPU outer, honeycomb foam and CoolMax lining.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upI LOVE my Veredus Carbon Gel Boots. I only use them to jump and at shows, and I rinse them off every time I use them, so they have held up for the past two years perfectly- no marks on the neoprene liners. The medium fits my large-boned 16.2h TB mare perfectly. I love the tab closures, they are very secure, and they keep my mare’s legs nice and safe from the studs or borium she always has on her hind shoes.
The equifit ones are the only ones my picky horse will wear. Have had them for a few years now and they are amazing!
Best Fetlock Boots
Best fetlock boots: Veredus PRO-JUMP Ankle Boots
The Veredus PRO-JUMP Ankle Boots win Best Fetlock Boots because they are built for the hind legs of a jumping horse. Veredus gives them a semi rigid, anatomic dual-density shell, a neoprene lining and a quick release tip, which Veredus says gives the highest level of protection while allowing freedom of movement.
Riders tell us a good fetlock boot is one that stays put and doesn't chafe. The LeMieux Exo Flex Ankle Boots are the $$$$ runner-up, an open front ankle boot with a TPU shell and carbon strike guards. The Shires ARMA Carbon Fetlock Boots pair a hard carbon outer with a soft neoprene interior and adjustable elastic tabs at the $$$ point.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Fetlock Boots
Awarded to
For hind legs over fences: a semi rigid, dual-density shell.
Price range $$$$
Shop the winner
Runner-up
Shires ARMA Carbon Fetlock Boots
Hard carbon outer, neoprene inside.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upBuy one pair of new WW fetlock boots annually for hunting heavy horse. Lightweight, don't absorb water, don't swivel round, don't chafe, just protect. Easy to wash and quick to dry. Have tried more expensive/various makes and now will only buy these as proved to be the best by a long shot and at a sensible price.
the best boots I’ve found for not slipping are Weatherbeeta ? First pair of fetlock boots I’ve found that don’t slither all over the place!
Best Bell Boots
Best bell boots: Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots
The Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots win Best Bell Boots because they last on a horse that is hard on bell boots, at the $ end of our key. Shires makes them from 6mm rubber with a rubber-covered touch close fastening, in a long run of colors, to help deflect scuffs to the hoof area.
Riders tell us these are the bell boots their horses can't ruin, sturdy enough to last but not so stiff that they rub. The Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Prime Rubber Bell Boots are the $ runner-up, in durable rubber with a touch tape closure and ribbed sides. The LeMieux Rubber Bell Boots use a softer, flexible natural rubber with a double lock closure. Read about bell boots that stay on.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Bell Boots
Runner-up
Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Prime Rubber Bell Boots
Durable rubber with ribbed sides.
Price range $
Shop the runner-up
★★★★★
I live in Australia and these are the only boots that don’t get ruined by my OTTB! As I was in the UK I stocked up on a couple of pairs in the navy and orange ☺️
These are the Goldilocks bell boots--sturdy enough that they hold up reasonably but not so hard and stiff that they cause rubs. My mare is out 24/7. She is hard on her bell boots, and these will eventually wear out.
Best Dressage Boots
Best dressage boots: LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Boots
The LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Boots win Best Dressage Boots because they are made only for dressage. LeMieux designs them to sit close against the leg with minimum restriction, with a molded TPU outer, a light, breathable mesh lining and touch tape closures, sold in pairs.
The Veredus Absolute Easy Strap Front Dressage Boots are the $$$$ runner-up, with an anatomic Polyflex shell, a neoprene and Lycra lining and heavy-duty hook-and-loop straps for fine adjustment. The Back on Track Opal Front Exercise Boot is a Welltex-lined exercise boot with foam that Back on Track describes as shock-absorbing, and a dirt-repellent surface. See all LeMieux horse boots.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Dressage Boots
Awarded to
LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Boots
For flatwork: a close fit, molded TPU outer and mesh lining.
Price range $$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Veredus Absolute Easy Strap Front Dressage Boots
Polyflex shell with fine-adjust straps.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Back on Track Opal Front Exercise Boot
Welltex-lined exercise boot.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upBest Polo Wraps
Best polo wraps: Woof Wear Vision Polo Wraps
The Woof Wear Vision Polo Wraps win Best Polo Wraps because they give a coordinated look with the right amount of stretch. Woof Wear makes them from a double layer of bonded fleece with satin trim, sold as a set of four, to match its Vision saddle pads and ear nets.
The Dapplebay Sport Polo Wraps are the $$ runner-up, soft fleece wraps with a black satin closure and a mesh bag for washing, in colors that match Dapplebay patterns. The Veredus B Work Polo Wraps are a 330cm fleece and elastic blend made for work and exercise.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Polo Wraps
Best Standing Wraps
Best standing wraps: Back on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe
The Back on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe Pair wins Best Standing Wraps because anyone at the barn can put it on in seconds. Back on Track builds it in two parts, a durable, water-repellent outer and a Welltex inner, with seams placed to avoid pressure and touch tape sewn into the pad. It is sold by height in pairs for stable or travel.
One rider tells us her old eventer stopped stocking up in his stall once he wore these, and another that her Equi-Essentials wraps are the longest lasting she has found. The Lettia No-Bow Wraps are the $ runner-up, soft and padded, sold in pairs. The Equi-Essentials Poly 9ft Standing Wraps are 5 inch by 9 foot polyester standing wraps, a set of four, to use over a pillow or quilted wrap. See all Back on Track horse boots.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Standing Wraps
Awarded to
Back on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe Pair
For stall and travel: a Welltex inner in seconds.
Price range $$$
Shop the winner
Runner-up
Equi-Essentials Poly 9ft Standing Wraps
Polyester standing wraps, set of four.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upBack on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe Pair
Have an old OTTB eventer who seriously injured his hind limb and developed lymphangitis as a result of infection and standing in on stall rest. His hind leg was always bigger than the other, even after the lymphangitis was knocked out. Tried standing wraps with braces, sweating his leg, and no matter what, after just a few hours of standing in a stall he would stock up. Saw these boots and figured I had nothing to loose and so glad I did. Not only did his hind leg not stock up, but it was actually smaller than it had been since he developed lymphangitis! Best money I have ever spent!! He wears them all the time now when he is in and hasn't swelled up since. Super easy to use, and anyone at the barn can put them on without having to worry about the same risks as a standing wrap. Definite believer!
Equi-Essentials Standing Wraps
I use standing wraps 3-4 times a week, and these are the longest lasting ones I've found. Machine washable and velcro holds up.
Best Shipping Boots
Best shipping boots: TuffRider Ripstop Waterproof Shipping Boots
The TuffRider Ripstop Waterproof Shipping Boots Set of Four win Best Shipping Boots because they cover all four legs in one tough, waterproof set. TuffRider makes them from 600D ripstop fabric over foam padding, with a soft polyester-cotton lining and four touch tape closure points on each boot.
The TuffRider 600 D Oxford Shipping Boots are the $$ runner-up, in water-repellent 600 denier polyester with 15mm foam and a fleece lining. The Shires Short Fleece Lined Travel Boots are a shorter boot with a tough nylon outer and a thick synthetic sheepskin lining, for horses new to travel boots.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Shipping Boots
Awarded to
TuffRider Ripstop Waterproof Shipping Boots Set of Four
For the trailer: waterproof ripstop over foam, set of four.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
TuffRider 600 D Oxford Shipping Boots
Water-repellent oxford with fleece lining.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Shires Short Fleece Lined Travel Boots
Short boots with a sheepskin-style lining.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upBest Hoof Boots
Best hoof boots: Cavallo Trek Boot
The Cavallo Trek Boot wins Best Hoof Boots because it keeps a barefoot or shoe-pulling horse going on rough ground. Cavallo gives it an all-terrain tread, drainage slots, a mesh upper, a foam-filled collar, a simple front fastening and a recessed sole center, and it fits either hoof.
Riders tell us their Treks hold up over miles of rocky trail and stay on without twisting. The Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot is the $$ runner-up, a close fitting stable boot with a Kevlar interior and a diagonal zipper, made to keep dressings and poultices clean. The Equine Fusion Ultra Jogging Shoe Hoof Boot Pair pairs a soft, breathable upper with an all-terrain sole.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Hoof Boots
Runner-up
Equine Fusion Ultra Jogging Shoe Hoof Boot Pair
Soft upper on an all-terrain sole.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upThis is my third pair of Cavallo Trek boots. I ride on some very rocky ground and these boots really hold up well. My last pair lasted 18 months and had many miles on them. I've never had an issue with them coming off or twisting.
I bought these boots since, like many I'm sure, our OTTB goes through shoes like they are going out of style! He's a forger and a mover and when he pulls a shoe, my daughter needs to be able to continue riding. Or if he abscesses, we needed something to go over his wrap when we could turn him out or even to keep the dressing clean in the stall. I called a rep at Cavallo and we went over all our options and came up with the Trek boots being out best one. She was right. Our TB keeps these boots on in and outside, the dressings stay on, and he doesn't mind being ridden in them. I would definitely recommend the Trek boots because of the drainage system in them too.
Best for Cold Therapy
Best for cold therapy: Ice-Vibe Leg Wraps
The Ice-Vibe Leg Wraps win Best for Cold Therapy because they combine cold and massage in one portable wrap. Ice-Vibe says its contoured wraps support tendon and ligament health and can be used with or without the cold packs, before or after exercise, on front or hind legs. The set includes two wraps, two cold packs, massage panels, a charger and a carry bag.
Riders tell us they use their Ice-Vibes every day after work. The Shires ARMA H20 Cool Therapy Boots are the $$$ runner-up: micro-crystals turn into a cooling gel when soaked in water, and one rider keeps hers in ice water to cool her horse after the show ring. The Lami-Cell Therapeutic Gel Ice Boots hold removable ice gel pads in an anatomical neoprene shell.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best for Cold Therapy
Runner-up
Shires ARMA H20 Cool Therapy Boots
Gel crystals that cool when soaked.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Lami-Cell Therapeutic Gel Ice Boots
Removable ice gel pads in neoprene.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upThe Ice-Vibes are amazing I have a pair and absolutely love them. Use them every day on a variety of horses after a variety of different types of work
Shires ARMA H20 Cool Therapy Boots
★★★★★
So easy to use. I keep them in ice water in the cooler so they are extra cold I use them to cool our horse when he comes out of the show ring and at home
Best for Turnout
Best turnout boots: Shires ARMA Mud Socks
The Shires ARMA Mud Socks win Best for Turnout because they cover the whole lower leg in wet fields. Shires designs them to help keep legs mud-free and to help prevent mud fever, in soft, shock-absorbing neoprene with airflow perforations and touch close straps, for front or hind.
The Woof Wear Mud Fever Turnout Boots are the $$$ runner-up, which Woof Wear designs to seal the leg from the knee to the heel, with a Kevlar-reinforced, waterproof, breathable build. The Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Turnout Boots are part wrap, part boot, in perforated neoprene with a close fit.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best for Turnout
Runner-up
Woof Wear Mud Fever Turnout Boots
Seals the leg from knee to heel.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Turnout Boots
Part wrap, part boot, perforated neoprene.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upBest for the Money
Best horse boots for the money: Shires ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots
The Shires ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots win Best for the Money because they give daily flatwork and training a well-made boot at the $$ point of our key. Shires gives them a neoprene lining, contoured strike pads and touch tape closures, in pony to full sizes.
Riders tell us their ARMA boots go on and off in a snap, clean easily and hold up, and one prefers their stitched edges to other neoprene boots. The Horze Tendon Boots are the $$ runner-up, with a hard outer shell over soft neoprene in many colors. The Equi-Essentials Economy Rib Bell Boots are pull-on rubber bell boots at the $ end of our key.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best for the Money
Awarded to
Shires ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots
For daily flatwork: neoprene and a contoured strike pad.
Price range $$
Shop the winner
Runner-up
Equi-Essentials Economy Rib Bell Boots
Pull-on rubber bell boots.
Price range $
Shop the runner-upShires ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots
★★★★★
Love these brushing boots! They are replacing my white Woof Boots because the outer layer of the Woof Boots keeps peeling away from neoprene. The Arma boots have stitching around the outside edges, preventing this from happening. This is my second pair of Armas, and I love the brand. FYI, the Pony size fits my 14.2-hand Welsh/TB ponies, but there is a Small Pony size available for smaller ponies.
These boots are great - I'm lazy and hate doing polos for quick flat rides and these give my mare superb protection and are on and off in a snap. Clean super easily. The full size fits my 16.3 mare perfectly.
Best for Young Horses
Best boots for young horses: Veredus Young Jump Vento Rear Fetlock Boots
The Veredus Young Jump Vento Rear Fetlock Boots win Best for Young Horses because Veredus makes them to the FEI rules for young horse classes. Veredus describes an anatomic, shockproof polyurethane shell, an Aerox breathable neoprene lining, 3D mesh, a waterproof build and a double hook-and-loop closure.
The EquiFit Young Horse Hind Boot w/ImpacTec Liner is the $$$ runner-up, a low-profile hind fetlock boot with an EverLeather shell and a stitched-in ImpacTeq liner, designed for young horses.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best for Young Horses
Awarded to
Veredus Young Jump Vento Rear Fetlock Boots
For young jumpers: built to FEI young horse rules.
Price range $$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
EquiFit Young Horse Hind Boot w/ImpacTec Liner
Low-profile hind boot for young horses.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upBest Statement Boots
Best statement boots: Dapplebay Airflow Brush Boots
The Dapplebay Airflow Brush Boots win Best Statement Boots because they finish a matching set. Dapplebay builds them from 3D mesh and open cell foam with suede strike zones and touch tape closures, in its Vintage Floral pattern.
The Dapplebay Bell Boots are the $$ runner-up, sueded bell boots with faux fur trim in the same pattern. The LeMieux Arika Mesh Brushing Boots come in fun colors with a ventilated, neoprene-free mesh shell and a strike guard.
The 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Best Statement Boots
Runner-up
LeMieux Arika Mesh Brushing Boots
Neoprene-free mesh in fun colors.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upAll 15 Winners
The 2026 horse boot winners compared side by side
Here are all 15 winners of the 2026 Horse Boot Awards in one table, with the build of each and the job it does best. Use the price key to compare: $ is the most affordable of this year's picks and $$$$ the premium end.
| Award | Winner | Build | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots | Air Motion mesh, strike pads | Everyday riding in any discipline | $$ |
| Best Brushing Boots | LeMieux Grafter Brushing Boots | Soft, light fabric, strike guard | Schooling and showing | $$ |
| Best Open Front Boots | Veredus TRPro H5 Front Boot | Polyflex shell, elastic straps | Jumping at home | $$$ |
| Best Fetlock Boots | Veredus PRO-JUMP Ankle Boots | Semi rigid shell, neoprene lining | Hind legs over fences | $$$$ |
| Best Bell Boots | Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots | 6mm rubber, touch close | Riding and turnout | $ |
| Best Dressage Boots | LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Boots | Molded TPU outer, mesh lining | Dressage schooling | $$$ |
| Best Polo Wraps | Woof Wear Vision Polo Wraps | Double layer bonded fleece | A coordinated look for flatwork | $$ |
| Best Standing Wraps | Back on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe Pair | Welltex inner, water repellent outer | Stable and travel | $$$ |
| Best Shipping Boots | TuffRider Ripstop Waterproof Shipping Boots Set of Four | 600D ripstop, foam interior | Trailering | $$ |
| Best Hoof Boots | Cavallo Trek Boot | All-terrain tread, drainage | Barefoot trail riding | $$$ |
| Best for Cold Therapy | Ice-Vibe Leg Wraps | Ice packs plus massage panels | After hard work | $$$$ |
| Best for Turnout | Shires ARMA Mud Socks | Full lower-leg neoprene | Wet, muddy fields | $$ |
| Best for the Money | Shires ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots | Neoprene, contoured strike pad | Daily flatwork on a budget | $$ |
| Best for Young Horses | Veredus Young Jump Vento Rear Fetlock Boots | Anatomic shell, FEI young horse sizing | Young jumpers | $$$ |
| Best Statement Boots | Dapplebay Airflow Brush Boots | 3D mesh, printed pattern | Riders who match | $$ |
Boot Types
Brushing, open front, fetlock or bell boots: which does your horse need?
Choose a horse boot by the job: brushing boots for everyday work, open front boots in front and fetlock boots behind for jumping, bell boots around the hoof, and close-fitting boots for dressage. Most riders own more than one kind.
For more on each type, read horse boots explained.
| Boot | Where it goes | What it is for | Our 2026 winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing boots | Front or hind, lower leg | Everyday schooling, front or hind | LeMieux Grafter Brushing Boots |
| Open front boots | Front legs | Jumping: the front stays open so the horse feels a rail | Veredus TRPro H5 Front Boot |
| Fetlock (ankle) boots | Hind legs | Jumping, on the hind legs | Veredus PRO-JUMP Ankle Boots |
| Bell (over reach) boots | Around the hoof | Riding and turnout; makers say they help keep shoes on | Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots |
| Dressage boots | Front or hind | Close fitting for flatwork | LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Boots |
Boots or Polos
Horse boots or polo wraps: which should you ride in?
Boots go on in seconds and shed water and mud; polo wraps take practice but give a classic look that matches a saddle pad. Many riders use boots for jumping and wet footing, and polos for flatwork in the ring.
Polos should be wrapped evenly and not too tight, from below the knee or hock to the fetlock. If you are new to them, ask your trainer to show you.
| Compare | Boots | Polo wraps |
|---|---|---|
| On and off | Seconds, with touch tape | Takes practice to wrap evenly |
| In wet footing | Shed water and mud | Soak up water and grit |
| Look | Sporty and technical | Classic, and coordinate with a saddle pad |
| Our 2026 winner | Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots | Woof Wear Vision Polo Wraps |
Stable and Travel
Standing wraps and shipping boots: legs at rest and on the road
Standing wraps and shipping boots are for the stall and the trailer, when the horse is not being ridden. The Back on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe Pair goes on in seconds in the stall, and the TuffRider Ripstop Waterproof Shipping Boots Set of Four cover all four legs for the trailer.
Traditional standing wraps go over a pillow or quilted wrap and need an even, firm wrap; quick wraps and shipping boots fasten with touch tape. Check that every boot or wrap sits flat with no wrinkles.
Brands Compared
Horse boot brands compared: what each brand is known for
Horse boot brands differ most in what they build for: Shires ARMA for everyday boots in many colors, Veredus and EquiFit for jumping, LeMieux for matching sets and dressage, Back on Track for Welltex wraps, and Cavallo for hoof boots. This table lines up the brands we carry with their 2026 awards.
| Brand | Known for | 2026 awards |
|---|---|---|
| Shires ARMA | Everyday boots and bell boots in many colors | Overall, Bell Boots, Turnout, Money; runner-up: Open Front, Fetlock, Cold Therapy |
| Veredus | Italian jumping and dressage boots | Open Front, Fetlock, Young Horses; runner-up: Dressage, Polo Wraps |
| LeMieux | Brushing, dressage and bell boots that match the line | Brushing, Dressage; runner-up: Fetlock, Bell Boots, Statement |
| Back on Track | Welltex boots and wraps | Standing Wraps; runner-up: Overall, Dressage |
| Woof Wear | Neoprene boots and polo wraps in many colors | Polo Wraps; runner-up: Overall, Hoof, Turnout |
| Weatherbeeta | Tough-Tec boots at everyday prices | Runner-up: Brushing, Bell Boots, Turnout |
| EquiFit | ImpacTeq-lined jumping boots | Runner-up: Open Front, Young Horses |
| Cavallo | Hoof boots for barefoot horses | Hoof Boots |
| TuffRider | Shipping boots | Shipping Boots (and runner-up) |
| Dapplebay | Printed boots that match its sets | Statement; runner-up: Polo Wraps, Statement |
| Ice-Vibe | Cold and massage therapy wraps | Cold Therapy |
Fit
How should horse boots fit?
A horse boot should sit snug enough not to spin or slip, with no gaps, and fasten front to back so the straps point toward the tail. You should be able to slide a finger under each strap.
Sizes are usually pony, cob, full and extra full, or small to extra large, and vary by maker. Check each maker's size chart on the product page, and fit new boots on a clean, dry leg.
How to Choose
How to choose horse boots: start with the job you need them for
The fastest way to choose horse boots is to start with what you need them for, then match the type and material. Use this table to find your starting pair among the 2026 winners.
| If you… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| School most days | Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots | Light mesh boots for every leg |
| Jump | Veredus TRPro H5 Front Boot | Open front boots in front, fetlock boots behind |
| Ride dressage | LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Boots | Close fitting boots for flatwork |
| Turn out in mud | Shires ARMA Mud Socks | Full lower-leg cover |
| Lose shoes in the field | Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots | Bell boots around the hoof |
| Trailer often | TuffRider Ripstop Waterproof Shipping Boots Set of Four | Padded boots for all four legs |
| Ride barefoot on rough ground | Cavallo Trek Boot | A hoof boot with a tread |
| Want value | Shires ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots | Neoprene brushing boots at the $$ point |
Our Method
How we picked the 2026 Horse Boot Awards
Every 2026 Horse Boot Award winner had to earn its place three ways: what riders say about it in their reviews, a build that does the award's job, and a style made in a full run of sizes so most horses can wear the winner.
We read reviews from riders across the brands we carry, weighed each boot's build from the maker's own specifications, from the shell and lining to the straps and closures, and favored styles made in a full run of sizes. Runners-up are the boots that came closest, often at a different price point or for a slightly different job.
Riders' views on fit, wear and comfort on this page are their own words. Specifications, and any claims about protection, therapy or mud fever, come from the makers. Prices are shown as a relative key, from $ for the most affordable of this year's picks to $$$$ for the premium end.
The 2026 Tack of the Day Awards
More 2026 award winners
What riders say about this year’s horse boot winners
Woof Wear Single-Lock Brushing Boot
I’ve tried so many different brushing boots and always go back to the old faithful Woofs! The cheap single locking ones. They wash well, last well, stay in place perfectly and cost nothing.
★★★★★
These boots fit my 13hand petite pony perfectly! They have the look of pricey tendon boots but at half the price. I use them daily in the arena and out in a field and they have held up wonderfully. I got the light pink color and it is super easy to clean with minimal discoloration (its a very light color so of course it will get dirty). Can't imagine ever buying another boot than these.
My chestnut gelding had destroyed numerous bell boots within days of putting them on until I tried EquiFit Overreach Bell Boots. He needs to wear bell boots 24/7 to keep his shoes on, and EquiFit went beyond my expectations. After one year, they finally disintegrated. Naturally, I bought another pair and they are looking almost new after months of torture. I love this product!
I have a pair of their bell boots that I’ve been using for over a year on my horse during daily turnout and they are the longest-lasting pair of bell boots I’ve ever owned. This horse was destroying bell boots left and right when I moved him to our new barn last year and the Veredus bell boots are the only ones that managed to survive his shenanigans
Horse Boot Awards FAQ
What are the best horse boots of 2026?
The Shires ARMA Air Motion Brushing Boots are our Best Overall for 2026, because their light Air Motion mesh and strike-resistant pads suit almost any horse in daily work. The LeMieux Grafter wins Best Brushing Boots, the Veredus TRPro H5 wins Best Open Front Boots, the Veredus PRO-JUMP wins Best Fetlock Boots and the Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots win Best Bell Boots. All 15 winners are compared in the table above.
What is the difference between brushing boots and open front boots?
Brushing boots wrap the lower leg for everyday work and can go on front or hind legs. Open front boots go on the front legs for jumping and leave the front of the cannon open, so the horse still feels a rail it touches. Our 2026 winners are the LeMieux Grafter Brushing Boots and the Veredus TRPro H5 Front Boot.
Should I ride in boots or polo wraps?
Ride in boots when you want them on in seconds, or in wet or muddy footing, since they shed water. Ride in polo wraps for flatwork in the ring when you want a classic, matched look, as long as you can wrap them evenly. The Woof Wear Vision Polo Wraps win Best Polo Wraps for 2026.
What are the best bell boots that stay on?
The Shires ARMA Over Reach Boots win Best Bell Boots for 2026, and riders tell us they last on horses that ruin other bell boots. Touch close bell boots such as these and the Weatherbeeta Tough-Tec Prime are easier to put on than pull-ons.
What size horse boots do I need?
Most horse boots come in pony, cob, full and extra full, or small to extra large, and sizes vary by maker. Check each maker's size chart on the product page, and choose the size that closes snugly with no gaps.