Below you will find guidelines for evaluating Scoot Boot fit. It's important to consider all the relevant factors when determining the best fit and not rely on one indicator alone. That being said, we've found the the fit at the heel bulbs is the most telling indicator so pay special attention to that area when evaluating fit.
If you have any questions evaluating the fit on your horse, please don't hesitate to contact us.
How hard is it to put the boot/shell on?
The right size should require a little effort to put on your horse’s hoof, about the same effort you would use to put on a pair of well-fitted cowboy boots.
If the boot/shell just slips on like a pair of slippers, that suggests it may be too big.
If you have to wrestle with it to get it on, that suggests it may be too small.
What does the gap in the front look like? This is a less reliable indicator, so don’t focus on it too much.
Fasten the front straps to evaluate with boots or hold the sides together to evaluate with sizing shells. Ideally the gap in the front should be roughly parallel.
If the gap closes and the sides touch at the top, that suggests it may be too big.
If the gap widens and creates a stretched-open V, that suggests it may be too small.
Are the heel bulbs filling the heel area? Important! This is what keeps the boots stable.
The heel bulbs should protrude out and fill the space between/below the heel strap. Also, it's important for the middle vertical thong piece to sit snug in the cleft between the heel bulbs.
If the heel bulbs aren't protruding out and the middle vertical thong piece isn't making good contact in the cleft between them, that size is probably too big or you may need a shim in the front.
If the heels are pushing against the heel strap so that it's not sliding up over the heel bulbs, that size may be too small or your horse's heels are too tall for Scoot Boots.
*Is the heel strap loose enough across the top of the heel bulbs?* This is the most important factor!
You should be able to get a finger under the top of the heel strap so that it’s not overly tight and there’s enough room for a gaiter.
Extra room under the heel strap is fine as long as the vertical thong piece is making good contact in the cleft between the heel bulbs.
If you can’t get a finger in there at all, that size is too small or your horse’s heels may be too tall.
How does the bottom of the hoof fit in the base of the boot?
Check in the window on the sides of the boot - there should be enough room at the base to accommodate growth across the trim cycle without there being excess boot to add bulk.
If you can fit a whole finger between the boot and the bottom side edge of your horse’s hoof, you may need the next size down or a Slim size.
If the boot is stretched tight or bulging at the base, then you may need the next size up or your horse may have extra wide hooves that will be tricky to fit.
With all of the straps fastened, pick up your horse's hoof and try to twist the boot - it's fine if it rocks/wiggles a little, but it should not twist more than about ¼”.
If you can turn it all the way sideways, that size is definitely too big.
Pro Tip: take into account where your horse is in the trim cycle. For example, a boot that seems too big at the end of the trim cycle will probably be much too big right after a trim.
Fitting and taking off your Scoot Boots