Frequently Asked Questions
How many boots come in an order?
Soft Ride boots come in pairs unless you specifically request a single replacement. The boots should always be worn together in sets of two or four depending on if you are using them on just the front hooves or on all four legs. Soft Ride Ice Spas are sold individually and should be used with a Soft Ride comfort boot on the opposite leg to ensure there are not counter-limb issues from the height difference.
Are Soft Ride boots made for shod or unshod horses?
Soft Ride boots are compatible with both shod and unshod hooves. They were originally designed with metal shoes in mind, so shoes won't damage the gel orthotic, and they are equally beneficial for barefoot horses to give them a little extra support and comfort when it's needed.
My horse has bar shoes/ pour-in pads/ wedges, can I still use Soft Ride boots?
Yes! Our deep gel orthotic is designed to compress under the weight of your horse and can form to different types of shoes. However, many people are using pads/bars/wedges for a specific reason or to correct a problem and prefer to remove the frog support portion of the orthotic. This is easily done with a belt sander or a hoof knife and does not change the integrity of the overall orthotic.
My boots are the wrong size, can I return them, and how do I do that?
Soft Ride products are returnable within 30 days of purchase as long as the products are in new, unused clean and dry condition. If used, horse forum sites are a good avenue for you to sell gentle used product.
If product is new and unused, but very slightly dirty when returned, up to a 25% restocking fee may be assessed to wash and prep for restocking, To prevent a cleaning fee, use clean measures as outlined on the fitting page and if needed, wash with gentle dish soap and water and dry before packing up. It is Soft Ride discretion on cleaning fee based on services needed. Allow a few weeks for inspection, cleaning, credit request and posting to cc (by your cc company.)
Included in the box with each order is a packing ship form that you return with the order, as well as the address to return it to. Soft Ride, 626 Grand Ave, Bacliff, TX 77518. Shipping costs are not refundable.
What is the warranty on Soft Ride Boots?
Soft Ride offers a limited warranty against specific defects in material and/or workmanship as determined upon inspection by Soft Ride. This warranty is valid for 6 months from date of verified original purchase only. This warranty is only valid if product is returned at customer’s expense with the Packing/Return Merchandise slip that was provided at purchase. Soft-Ride provides no refund or further warranty on warranty claims.
Items not covered by the Soft-Ride warranty include, but are not limited to:
Soft-Ride offers a limited warranty against specific defects in material and/or workmanship as determined upon inspection by Soft Ride. This warranty is valid for 6 months from date of verified original purchase only. This warranty is only valid if product is returned at customer’s expense with the Packing/Return Merchandise slip that was provided at purchase. Soft Ride provides no refund or further warranty on warranty claims.
Items not covered by the Soft Ride warranty include, but are not limited to:
- Normal wear and tear. Neither boot soles or gel orthotics are warranted against wear
- Damage due to misuse or improper storage
- Damage due to using the wrong size boot
- Damage due to sharing of boots among horses
- Damage due to neglecting to clean the product and follow recommended maintenance
- Damage due to using the product in a manner not recommended by Soft Ride
- Damage caused by customer altering the product in any manner
- Damage occurring outside of normal use
- Damage caused by animals biting or chewing on the product
- Soiled or improperly cared for products are not considered defective
Recommend sending Soft Ride an email with photos before sending back and we will assist to determine if applicable to return for inspection.
How should the boots fit, snug, loose, etc?
Ideally, we would like the boots to fit snugly with 1/8” or less showing around the outside of the orthotic. The closer the fit is, the better it will work for your horse. Much like people’s shoes, the boot should be the smallest size that isn’t too small. Issues can arise if the boots are too large or too small. Boots that are too small will tear out because your horse’s hoof will rest on the hard plastic and material seam of the boot instead of sinking into the gel orthotic. Boots that are too large will be sloppy on the hoof and can spin around, and there is also potential for the extra material to fold under the hoof as the horse walks, which will lead to a rub-through in the material.
My boots are fine, but I need new orthotics, can I just get those?
Yes, if you just need new orthotics, you can insert them into your current boots Verify the size of the orthotic by looking at the orthotics themselves, not the boots as may be narrows. Orthotics are sold in pairs unless otherwise specified and are $85 for standard turquoise and $110 for specialty orthotics.
Do you ever have sales or discounts?
We do all our sales directly off the website to ensure that all our customers are treated fairly and receive the boots at the best possible price point. We don't have sales or deal days on the boots because we believe in giving our customers the advantage of always being able to buy the boots without having to worry about the cost being lower or higher in the future. Professional vets and farriers contact Soft Ride.
How long can a horse wear the boots without taking them off?
The boots are designed to be worn continuously if needed except when doing recommended daily maintenance. They have openings on the sides to allow air flow and venting. This also means that debris can enter the boots, so they should be taken off once a day or two and cleaned out. Pull orthotic from boot and brush all debris out. Build up of debris can push hoof to the side or back and cause premature wear. When your horse is first acclimating in the boots you should keep him in a fairly confined area (ie not turned out in the back 40) because they can throw/mess with them at the beginning if they get frisky until acclimated to the boots.
Trailering, stall and small paddock turnout is recommended. Riding, exercise and pasture use is not a specified use and not recommended as premature wear or loss is possible.
Why do I need to check the orthotic size inside the boot when reordering?
Soft Ride provides narrow orthotics sizes that fit into the standard size boot, so a size 6L boot stamped on outside can be fitted with a standard 6L orthotic or a 6LN (narrow) orthotic depending on width size measurement provided. You will notice side clips on the sides of the narrow orthotic that take up some of the width of the standard boot size. When reordering, its best to check the size of the orthotic itself to verify if regular size or narrow size. Also, a side clip can be trimmed off if needed to accommodate in-between sizes or growth.
Do I need to keep my horse’s hooves trimmed to ensure a continued proper fit?
Recommend sending Soft Ride an email with photos before sending back and we will assist to determine if applicable to return for inspection.
Are Soft Ride therapy horse boots only for horses dealing with laminitis or injury??
All Soft Ride products are designed to work in a multifaceted way. Each product can be used as protective, preventative care to avoid injury or fatigue in sound horses as well as be used in rehabilitation environments for horses that have suffered from an injury or medical condition. Soft Ride hoof boots are widely recommended by veterinarians and farriers for rehabilitation — including laminitis, navicular syndrome, abscesses, and post-surgical recovery.
Soft Ride boots are equally valuable for everyday preventative care. Many horse owners use therapeutic horse boots during hauling and trailering to reduce road vibration, limit stocking up, and protect against road founder. Sound horses benefit too, especially during extended standing or long-distance travel.
How does the gel orthotic in Soft Ride horse boots actually help my horse, beyond basic cushioning?
The Deep Gel Orthotic inside Soft Ride boots is engineered to mimic the hoof's natural loading mechanics. It features a raised frog support that allows the frog to load slightly before the sole, which encourages the hoof's natural cyclical loading pattern. This stimulates internal vascular hoof structures and promotes healthy circulation, allowing oxygenated blood to move more effectively through the hoof capsule with each step. It is not passive padding — it actively supports the vascular function of the hoof.
To learn more about how Soft Ride’s Deep Gel Orthotics are designed for circulation, shock absorption, and supported hoof comfort read our orthotics article: https://www.softrideboots.com/newsletters.php?id=7
Will my horse need therapy horse boots on all four hooves, or just two?
The answer depends on why your horse is wearing therapy horse boots.
Because horses naturally carry approximately two-thirds of their body weight on their front end, the front hooves are often the first priority when providing therapeutic support and comfort. For many horses, a pair of Soft Ride Boots on the front hooves is sufficient to help cushion impact, support the hoof, and improve comfort during recovery or periods of increased stress.
However, there are situations where all four hooves may benefit from support. Horses experiencing any injury on the rear hooves or legs, whole-body soreness, systemic laminitis, fatigue associated with hauling, post-surgical recovery, or conditions affecting multiple limbs may be more comfortable wearing Soft Ride Boots on all four feet. Likewise, horses that travel frequently or participate in demanding activities may benefit from additional support behind, depending on the recommendations of their veterinary and farrier team.
Soft Ride Boots are sold in pairs and are designed to be used together as a set of two or four. The best choice for your horse depends on the condition being addressed and your horse's individual needs.
Why do Soft Ride therapy boots for horses weigh more than other hoof boots on the market?
Therapeutic hoof support is designed with a different purpose than performance riding hoof protection. Rather than prioritizing streamlined construction or minimizing materials, the focus shifts to cushioning impact, supporting vulnerable tissues, redistributing pressure, and helping horses remain comfortable enough to stand and move appropriately throughout recovery. The Soft Ride Deep Gel Orthotic is constructed from a resilient, non-crushable urethane designed to dissipate and redistribute concussion rather than concentrate it. The density of this dynamic orthotic is the primary difference between Soft Ride boots and other types of hoof boots with or without lighter foam inserts. Because foam compresses and bottoms out over time, gradually losing its protective value. Our solid gel responds dynamically with each step, encouraging blood flow and maintaining consistent support from the first day of rehab to months later.
Is there any risk of horse therapy boots causing moisture or heat buildup around the hoof?
Soft Ride therapy boots for horses are designed with ventilation openings on both the medial and lateral sides beneath the straps. These ports allow consistent airflow around the hoof, helping prevent excess heat buildup, moisture accumulation, and conditions like thrush. Proper airflow matters because overheating and trapped moisture can weaken the lamina and hoof structures — the very things therapeutic horse boots are meant to protect.
Can I use a different brand's orthotics inside Soft Ride therapy horse boots, or vice versa?
Soft Ride orthotics are specifically designed to work with the internal shape and depth of Soft Ride Boots. The deep gel insert provides enough volume to provide shock absorption between the hoof and the ground while weight-bearing without compressing enough for the hoof to contact the ground with jarring force. Additionally, the raised frog support is engineered to align correctly within the boot to engage the vascular hoof capsule.
Because of this specialized design, Soft Ride orthotics generally do not fit properly in other brands of hoof boots, and non Soft Ride inserts are not designed to provide the same therapeutic support inside Soft Ride Boots. For the intended fit, function, and comfort, Soft Ride Boots and orthotics should always be used together.
How do I know which orthotic is right for my horse's condition when choosing therapeutic horse boots?
Soft Ride boots for horses come with the standard comfort orthotic included which provides support, pressure distribution, and shock absorption. Soft Ride also offers several specialty deep gel orthotics designed for different conditions including chronic or sinking laminitis, navicular syndrome, and other hoof injuries or diseases. For heavier horses (generally 1,300 lbs or more), firmer dual-density options provide the additional structural support needed to prevent excessive gel compression inside the horse boot. Your veterinarian or farrier is the best resource for matching an orthotic to your horse's specific anatomy and diagnosis.
Soft Ride also provides a detailed explanation of each gel option and how they are used. To learn more please read our orthotics newsletter: https://www.softrideboots.com/newsletters.php?id=57
Do Soft Ride therapy horse boots require any special maintenance or storage?
Soft Ride Boot maintenance is easy and straightforward. Remove the orthotics regularly to check for and brush out any dirt, bedding, or debris. At this time the boots can be examined for any unusual wear patterns that may require accommodates like cuffing to increase their longevity. The boots and orthotics should be disassembled and washed periodically with mild soap, water, and a scrub brush, especially before storage or after prolonged exposure to urine. Allow all components to dry completely before reassembling or storing them. Regular cleaning helps maintain proper fit, maximize comfort, and extend the life of your Soft Ride Boots. Store Soft Ride Boots in a breathable gear bag or ventilated tack box — not an airtight container, which traps moisture. For prolonged storage, remove the gel orthotic from the outer horse boot shell. This prevents moisture from becoming trapped between the layers and helps both components maintain their integrity over time.
Will using therapeutic horse boots affect my horse's farrier schedule?
Horses wearing Soft Ride therapy horse boots should stay on their normal farrier schedule — typically every four to eight weeks, depending on hoof growth and condition. Keeping the hoof properly trimmed ensures a comfortable fit inside the therapy horse boot and allows the orthotic to function as intended. Soft Ride therapeutic horse boots are designed to complement professional hoof care, not replace it.
What sets Soft Ride therapy boots for horses apart when so many horse hoof boots claim to offer comfort and support?
Most horse hoof boots are designed primarily for trail riding or protecting barefoot horses on rough terrain. Soft Ride therapy boots were developed with a different purpose: therapeutic support and hoof comfort.
At the heart of the system are patented, interchangeable deep gel orthotics designed to conform to the hoof, support the sole and hoof wall, and provide dynamic frog support. The deep gel helps prevent the horse from bottoming out under weight-bearing while allowing subtle weight shifts that support the hoof's natural pumping mechanism and healthy circulation.
With 20 sizes and multiple orthotic densities available for both shod and barefoot horses, Soft Ride Boots can be tailored to a horse's individual needs. Rather than simply protecting the outside of the hoof, Soft Ride therapy boots are designed to support what is happening inside it—helping distribute weight through the center of the sole while promoting comfort and supporting the natural mechanics of the hoof.