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 $70 for standard turquoise and $90 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.