Sizing FAQ
Q: How can I tell whether I have the correct size?
A: Refer to our Fitting page.
Q: How can I tell if my Scoot Boots are too large?
A: When you first fit your Scoot Boots you need to do the “wriggle test”. Gently twist them clock wise and then anti clockwise and if there is movement you have a size too large. Do not try and force the boot to turn. The top of the boot that sits around the hoof below the coronary band should fit snug against the hoof wall and there should be no gap between the boot and the upper hoof wall below the coronary band. The following images depict boots that are too large:
This photo shows a hoof too wide for Scoots due to lack of contact below the coronet band When you first fit your Scoot Boots you need to do the “wriggle test”. Gently twist them clock wise and then anti clockwise and if there is movement you have a size too large. Do not try and force the boot to turn. The top of the boot that sits around the hoof below the coronary band should fit snug against the hoof wall and there should be no gap between the boot and the upper hoof wall below the coronary band. The following images depict boots that are too large:
This photo shows a hoof too wide for Scoots due to lack of contact below the coronet band
Q: How can I tell if my Scoot Boots are too small?
A: When you first fit your Scoots after a fresh trim you should be able to comfortably slip your horses hooves into the boots. If effort is required to get them on then you have boots too small. The fit should be snug but not tight.
The following photos clearly indicate that the boots are too SMALL due to the front of the boot being forced open by the toe of the hoof. The maximum amount of opening should be no more than 10 mm (3/8") at the END of the trimming cycle and 6 mm to 7 mm (1/4") at the START of the trimming cycle.
It is important to note that this is the best indicator of when your horse is due for a trim.
The image below shows a freshly trimmed hoof with a large opening at the front of the boot. This is an obvious sign that the boot is too small for this hoof as this is at the start of the trimming cycle for this particular hoof.
Q: My horse has heels that are high, am I still able to use Scoot Boots?
A: If you want to use Scoot Boots you will need to contact your local barefoot trimmer to correct hoof form. The following photos depicts excessive heel height of the hoof.
Due to excessive heel height the rear heel straps are sitting too low over the horse’s bulbs.
The following photos clearly indicate:
- a hoof with excessive heel and wall height preventing proper securement
- the heel bulb straps are sitting too low over the bulbs
- there is a excessive distance at the front and sides between the top edge of the boot and the coronet
- the ground parallel hair line clearly indicates excessive heel height making the trim/hoof unsuitable for Scoot Boots.
The distance between the top of the boot and the coronet should be no more than 10mm (3/8"). This horse requires a correct barefoot trim before wearing Scoot Boots.
Q: Does the horse require the same size boots front and back?
A: If you decide you require boots both front and back the best way to ensure the correct size is to initially select a size for the front. Once you have the correct size for the front then use this pair to size up the back feet, as you may require a smaller size for the back.
Q: Are Scoot Boots easy to fit?
A: The Scoot Boot is probably the quickest and easiest hoof boot on the market to fit up. They are as simple to put on as slipping on a sandal:
Q: When I boot up my horse the front of the Scoot Boot is being forced open. What is wrong?
A: There are three reasons for this to occur. The first reason is you have selected a size too small and the toe of the hoof is forcing the boot open at the front. With a freshly trimmed hoof this opening should be no more than 5 mm (1/4 inch). The hoof should slip comfortably into the boot without placing excessive pressure on the toe of the boot. The second reason is your horse is at the end of a trimming cycle and is due for a trim. The third reason is the hoof is too wide for the boot.
Q: My Scoots fit well when I first received them but now seem too loose. Why is this?
A: Your horse's hooves have dried out and reduced in size. It is very important that your horse has been trimmed correctly before you first measure, with all excess hoof wall removed, as hooves can reduce or increase up to half a size at a minimum. This is because a horse's hoof is made up of 70% water so when the ground conditions dry out hooves actually shrink in size as moisture is lost. When ground conditions become continuously wet the hooves will swell as they absorb water and become larger. This results in boots becoming too tight or too loose. If your boots have become too loose we recommend you use Scoot 'glue in' pads which will improve fit. Alternatively, many riders have two different sizes of Scoots for summer and winter.
Q: When fitted should the correct size boots allow for any rotation on the hoof?
A: When sized correctly our Scoot Boots should not rotate on the hoof, or at best, very limited movement.
Q: Scoot Boots Twisting?
A: This could be for a number of reasons. Please contact us for further advice at info@tryscootboots.com. If you are confident you have the correct size, we recommend using Mueller tape which will prevent the boot turning on the hoof and provide extra security. Mueller tape may also assist if your Scoots twist in wet conditions. Also see the question "My Scoots fitted well when I first received them but now seem too loose. Why is this?" for further information.