Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. Normal wear and tear. Neither boot soles or gel orthotics are warranted against wear
2. Damage due to misuse or improper storage
3. Damage due to using the wrong size boot
4. Damage due to sharing of boots among horses
5. Damage due to neglecting to clean the product and follow recommended maintenance
6. Damage due to using the product in a manner not recommended by Soft Ride
7. Damage caused by customer altering the product in any manner
8. Damage occurring outside of normal use
9. Damage caused by animals biting or chewing on the product
10. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recommend sending Soft Ride an email with photos before sending back and we will assist to determine if applicable to return for inspection.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Yes, if you just need new orthotics you can insert them into your current boots as long as the inserts and boots are the same size. Orthotics are sold in pairs unless otherwise specified and are $85 for standard turquoise and $110 for specialty orthotics.

All Soft Ride Boots sizes 2-7 include a pair of standard turquoise orthotics, and sizes 8-10 include a pair of standard purple orthotics. Specialty pairs of orthotics can be purchased additionally.

We offer six different specialty orthotics that can be used with the Soft Ride boots to help provide comfort and support to horses suffering from chronic laminitis, sinking or medial rotating laminitis, acute laminitis with dorsal to palmer (planter) rotation, navicular syndrome, sesmoiditis, stone bruises, abscesses, stinging hooves, and a wide variety of other hoof conditions and disorders. Click here for details on each of the different gel orthotic options.

Our gel orthotic is designed specifically for the Soft Ride boot, and as such should not be used with any other brand of boot.

You’ll find complete, step-by-step sizing instructions, as well as a sizing video, here.

We do! You can input your horse’s measurements in our size calculator and it will generate the size boot your horse needs. When using the size calculator, be sure to input the size of each hoof on which you want to put a boot; this will ensure you get the correct size boots. You can find the size calculator here: Sizing Page .

Our largest boot is a size 2, which measures 6 ¾” wide by 6 ½” long. We can fit most warm bloods and some draft breeds, but it’s best to measure your horse to see if his hooves fit into the size restraints.

You should size your horse’s foot shortly after his hooves have been trimmed. It’s important that the boot is not too big. This will ensure that the Gel Orthotic massages the bottom of the foot and does not get squeezed up around the outer edges of the hoof.

Yes! To ensure a continued proper fit, we recommend that your horse’s hooves be trimmed regularly, roughly every six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly they grow.

Ideally, we would like the boots to fit snugly with 1/8” or less showing around the outside of the gel orthotic. The closer the fit is, the better it will work for your horse. Much like a person’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.

You can size your horse now and purchase a boot that will fit your horse’s untrimmed hoof. However, when you finally do trim his hoof you will likely need to purchase a smaller boot to ensure a proper fit.

Double check your measurement to ensure that it is precise. If your horse’s hoof is between two sizes, we recommend ordering the bigger size.

Our narrow option applies specifically to the orthotic inside the boot. The boot size will reflect the normal sizing (i.e. 6L) but the orthotic inside is shaped differently to provide a narrower opening. This is achieved by incorporating a sidewall of orthotic material around the front and sides of the gel orthotic. Narrow sizes must be ordered over the phone.

Sizing Soft Ride therapy horse boots is about precision, not estimation. Because the deep gel orthotic needs to contact the bottom of the hoof correctly to provide therapeutic support, the fit must be exact. There are four key things to consider: when you measure, how you measure, your horse's hoof shape, and how to verify the fit once the boots arrive. Each is covered in the questions below, and our sizing page includes step-by-step instructions, a sizing video, and an online size calculator to walk you through the process.

Measure shortly after a fresh trim. This gives you the smallest accurate measurement of the hoof and helps ensure the therapy horse boot fits correctly throughout the trim cycle. If you measure four to six weeks into growth, the hoof will be larger than it will be post-trim — and a boot sized to an untrimmed hoof will likely be too loose once your farrier visits, which can cause it to spin or the horse to trip. Getting the measurement right at the start of a trim cycle is the single most important step in sizing.

Use a flat ruler or a hoof tracing on a piece of cardboard — not a tape measure draped over the hoof. You need two measurements: width (the widest point of the hoof from side to side) and length (from the toe to the buttress line, which is where the hard hoof wall ends at the heel). One critical note: do not include the soft heel bulbs in your length measurement. Including them will result in a therapy horse boot that is too large, causing it to flop, spin, or fold under the hoof during movement. Measure each hoof individually — many horses have slightly different-sized hooves, and you may need a different size for the left versus the right.

The most reliable way to check fit is the orthotic test. Remove the gel orthotic from the therapy horse boot and place it flat against the bottom of the hoof. A correct fit means the hoof covers most of the orthotic with approximately 1/8 inch of gel visible around the edges — just enough room for natural hoof growth between trims. If the hoof wall hangs over the edge of the orthotic, the boot is too small and the hoof will rest on the hard plastic shell, which will tear the boot quickly. If there is more than 1/4 inch of visible gel around the hoof, the boot is too large and will be sloppy, potentially twisting or rubbing the pastern.

Snug. Ideally, there should be 1/8 inch or less of the gel orthotic showing around the outside edge of the hoof when the orthotic is placed against the sole. Think of it like a well-fitted shoe — the therapy horse boot should be the smallest size that is not too small. A boot that is too small will tear quickly because the hoof rests on the hard plastic shell and material seam instead of sinking into the gel orthotic. A boot that is too large will move around on the hoof, may spin, and can fold under the hoof during movement, wearing through the material prematurely.

First, double-check your measurement to make sure it is precise and that you have not included the soft heel bulbs in the length. If your horse's hoof is genuinely between two sizes after confirming the measurement, we recommend ordering the larger size. Use the orthotic test described above once the boots arrive to confirm the fit before regular use.

Yes. Soft Ride offers a narrow orthotic option designed for horses with oval-shaped hooves, which is common in hind hooves. It is important to understand that the "narrow" designation applies specifically to the gel orthotic inside the therapy horse boot — not to the outer boot shell itself. The boot shell will carry the standard size designation (for example, 6L), but the orthotic inside is shaped differently, with a sidewall of orthotic material running around the front and sides of the gel to create a narrower fit for the hoof. Narrow sizes must be ordered by phone. Contact Soft Ride customer service directly to place a narrow orthotic order.

Yes. Soft Ride offers an online size calculator on the sizing page. Enter your horse's hoof measurements for each hoof individually — width and length — and the calculator will generate the recommended size for each. Because hooves can vary slightly from one foot to another, measuring and entering each hoof separately ensures you order the correct size for every boot in the pair.

The largest Soft Ride therapy horse boot is a Size 2, which accommodates a hoof up to 6¾ inches wide by 6½ inches long. This size fits most warmbloods and some draft breeds. Because hoof size varies widely even within large breeds, the most reliable way to know whether Soft Ride therapy boots will fit your horse is to measure the hooves and compare them against the sizing chart before ordering.

You can measure and order therapy horse boots based on your horse's current hoof size, even if the hooves are untrimmed. The boot will fit the hoof as it is now and provide therapeutic support during recovery. However, keep in mind that once your horse is trimmed, the hoof will be smaller — and the boots that fit the untrimmed hoof will likely be too large at that point. Plan to re-measure and order a replacement pair after the first post-recovery trim to ensure a continued proper fit.

Yes. Keeping up with a regular farrier schedule — typically every six to eight weeks depending on your horse's hoof growth rate — ensures the therapy horse boot continues to fit correctly and that the gel orthotic can function as intended. As the hoof grows, it takes up more space inside the boot, which can reduce the orthotic's ability to properly support and stimulate the hoof. A well-trimmed hoof is the foundation of a well-fitting therapy boot.

The SoftRider shoe is a center-loading shoe, which means it takes the weight that usually rests solely on the hoof wall and distributes it across the entire hoof. The base of the shoe rests directly against the sole. This allows for loading and unloading of the sole (just like the Gel Orthotic in a Soft Ride Comfort Boot), which stimulates circulation throughout the hoof and leg when standing or moving. SoftRiders also allow multi-directional breakover, which minimizes ligament and tendon strain when moving in any direction.

SoftRiders can be cast, glued, or nailed on like a traditional shoe by a vet or farrier. In most cases, they will first wrap the shoe in place to assure proper placement. They will then will mark nail locations that are most beneficial to the horse. They’ll remove the shoe to pre-drill nail holes and then nail the shoe like a traditional shoe. Finally, they will seal the back of the shoe with farrier silicone (or a similar material), leaving an open cavity in front of the frog to allow for loading and unloading of the hoof sole.

Your vet or farrier can best determine which SoftRider model is best for your horse. The SoftRider Gel Max has a taller profile than the Gel Arena. This allows more breakover, which enables a horse to find the most comfortable resting position for the foot, and is thus more suited for laminitic and navicular horses. The SoftRider Gel Arena has a lower profile and aggressive tread pattern, which makes it a great choice for competition, trail, pleasure and general riding.

Yes. SoftRiders are specifically designed to be worn for work and performance. Several NFR riders use the SoftRider Gel Arena on horses competing in roping, barrel racing, cutting, reining and more. English riders use the Gel Arena for dressage, jumping, and other equestrian events. And everyday owners use the SoftRider for activities like work, ranch and trail riding.

Not yet. We are working on developing a special gel orthotic for the Soft Ride Comfort Boot that would work specifically with the SoftRider shoe.

Here is some general sizing information about the Ice Spa, which can be used on fore or hind legs:

• The Ice Spa Pro 17" has a 17" colling column and will need leg length of approx 25" to fully secure spa to the leg.

The Soft Ride Ice Spa comes as a single boot for use on any leg (fore or hind). They are available in one size currently, Ice Spa Pro 17". When using the Ice Spa Pro on your horse, we highly recommend putting a Comfort Boot on the opposite foot to offset the height difference created by the Ice Spa.

The Ice Spa orthotic uses the same material as the gel orthotic that’s found in our Soft Ride boots. However, the Ice Spa orthotic features grooves that allow cold water to flow to the bottom of the hoof and cool the frog without allowing potentially damaging ice chunks to get under the hoof.

You’ll find a video on how to use the Ice Spa here.

Yes. We sell an adaptor that can attach your air compressor to the Ice Spa drain line and control the pressure of the air being used in the Spa. For more details, click here. Minimum compressor specs should be 3.5 HP, 135 psi. Decrease flow initially so horse can adapt to the sensation of flow.

If you prefer, Soft Ride offers a portable Aerator that is great when you have multiple horses, locations or are on the road.