Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot

A unique close fitting hoof boot designed to keep wounds, poultices and dressings clean. This boot is suitable for use in the stable and can be used on sensible horses in the paddock. The boot is designed using flexible and light materials to enable easy fitting and as a cost effective alternative to adhesive bandage and tape. Bearing this in mind exuberant horses and those having undertaken a period of box rest may damage the boot by standing on it or doing racing stops. In these situations you may wish to consider placing an overreach boot on top of the medical hoof boot or using a more traditional poultice for the first day turned out.

Featuring a grooved sole for extra grip and a Kevlar interior for durability it also has an asymmetric zip to give the boot a really close fit (and prevent it opening) stopping bedding and other debris from getting inside.

Available in 9 different sizes, the boot is designed for use with or without a shoe. It can assist in a number of ailments to the foot such as abscesses, punctured sole or bruised sole.

To get the best out of your Medical Hoof Boot:

1. Overreaching
   Do not use the Medical Hoof Boot (MHB) in place of an overreach boot to prevent shoe loss. The MHB is not designed for this application and will not protect against overreaching.
   If your horse is inclined to overreach, or stands on its own hooves, then an overreach boot should be used over the MHB to protect both the horse and the MHB from damage.
2. Measure - The MHB is designed to be a snug fit so it doesn’t fall off. If you do not measure accurately or buy a size too big it can result in damage to the MHB due to the boot being trodden on by the other foot. 
   Measuring Rules: 
   i) Measure width carefully before bandaging, with or without shoe 
   ii) Choose size per guide (don’t go to next size up) 
   iii) No need to add extra for dressings

• Close fitting medical hoof boot
• Keeps wounds, poultices and dressings clean
• Reduces the amount of bandage needed
• Can be used for stable or turnout
• Durable - suitable for repeated use
• Grooved sole for improved grip
• Kevlar® interior for durability
• Asymmetric zip to prevent the zip opening
• Machine washable
• Not suitable for riding
• Not to be used instead of an overreach boot

FAQ's

How long will they last?

They should last for 2 – 3 weeks turn out or longer if stabled. The biggest danger to the longevity of the boot is if the horse were to stand on it and damage it – they are not indestructible!

Can they be used shod or unshod?

Yes. The boot is designed for use with or without a shoe.

How do you know how to buy the right size?

Check the 'Sizing' chart  to find everything you need to know about choosing the right size. The Woof Wear Medical Hoof boot has been designed to fit closely around the hoof and be a stretch fit around the pastern. If this is achieved, the boot will not fall off and is less likely to be trodden on with the other foot.

Can I ride in these?

No.

Can I turnout in these?

Yes. Ground conditions must be reasonably dry and for the benefit of the horses comfort, fairly flat. We would not recommend you try and use them in very wet and muddy conditions. 

How easy are they to put on?

These boots should be a snug fit (think wetsuit), you may need a couple of goes to get the hang of it but after that it should be very straight forward.  

View the fitting guide video here

NOTE - If your horse has specialist or remedial shoes, or large shoes such as Eggbars or Heartbars, you may need to go up a size to accommodate these. We recommend working with your farrier to ensure you get the most applicable size for your horse.

If it is your intention to use on both front, or hind feet, and your horse is particularly ‘active’ or a bit close in his action, the risk of standing on the boot with the opposite foot is higher due to the decreased distance between the two feet. In this case you can use an overreach boot over the top of the Medical Hoof Boot to protect it.

1. If your horse requires a poultice, put it on the affected area in the normal way and secure it in place with some adhesive bandage. You will not need to use additional materials to keep it in the place as the hoof boot will do this.

2. Undo the zip fully and open the boot up as much as possible. 

3. Lift up the horse’s foot and pull the boot up and over the front of the hoof. Use the ‘V’ shaped indent (in the moulded part of the boot at the front) as a guide to where the middle of the boot is. 

4. Once you have pulled the boot onto the foot, let the horse put his foot down as this will help push the foot further into the boot.  

5. Ensure the boot is fitted centrally on the foot – you may find it easier to pick the foot back up and check that the moulded sole is straight and not crooked. If it appears crooked undo the zip, pick up the foot and gently swivel the boot around the foot until you are satisfied it is straight. The ‘V’ indent will help guide you with this.

6. Check that the edge of the foot reaches the side of the boot and the bulbs of the heels are also encased within the moulded area, and not overhanging it. 

7. When happy with the fit, pull the zip up ensuring it is covered by the neoprene zip cover

8. The stretch neoprene upper should fit snugly around the pastern area to ensure no bedding or mud etc can get inside the boot. If the upper is too tight, it is unlikely you will be able to do the zip up fully and this will be an indication that you have the incorrect size.

9. If turning the horse out, ensure he is happy with the feel of the boot first. In the unlikely event the horse is nervous of the boot, walk him gently around his stable so that he can get used to it. They will soon realise it is comfortable and will not impede movement.

Hints and tips for fitting

How long can you leave them on for?

Common sense must prevail! The boot is not breathable as its designed to be water resistant so we would suggest that the maximum length of use during any one ‘fitting’ is one week. 

Are they waterproof?

The zip is not waterproof. 

Are they breathable?

No.

My horse has a Keratoma – can I use it for that?

Medical Hoof Boot is designed to protect dressings and keep them clean, dry and free from dirt and bedding etc, so would be suitable for use with a Keratoma. However, with an injury of this nature we strongly advise you use the boot in accordance with, and guidance from, your Vet and/or Farrier.

Is it suitable for use to prevent mud fever?

The boot will cover the foot and pastern so will keep them free from mud, but as it only goes up to just below the fetlock joint, it will not be suitable if the field has deep mud. Common sense must prevail with regards to the length of time the boots are fitted and the environment the horse is turned out in.

Can I use in the case of laminitis?

The Medical Hoof Boot is designed to protect dressings etc and the foot in the event of shoe loss. However by its nature it does offer some support and certainly some relief for the foot. If wishing to use in cases of laminitis, we recommend that you use the boot in accordance with, and guidance from, your Vet and/or Farrier.

My horse suffers from Thrush and/or Seedy Toe (aka White Line Disease) – can I use it?

The Medical Hoof boot provides protection to the foot from foreign material such as dirt and bedding. This gives a controlled environment for topical medication to be applied to the foot and to keep it clean. The Medical Hoof Boot will not cure Thrush or Seedy Toe but it can help in the treatment of it. We recommend that you use the boot in accordance with, and guidance from, your Vet and/or Farrier. 

Can I use instead of Overreach boots when my horse is turned out?

No, we do not recommend this as if your horse is prone to standing on himself, this will damage the boot. If you are concerned your horse will stand on the Medical Hoof Boot during use, we would recommend fitting an overreach boot over the top to protect it. It’s is still important that you purchase the correct size of Medical Hoof Boot for your horses foot, particularly if you are using boots on both front or hind feet and if your horse is particularly active/close coupled.

Care

Washing Instructions: 

• Close all straps prior to washing
• Machine wash max 30°C, gentle spin
• DO NOT tumble dry
• DO NOT leave boots in strong sunlight