Flex Hoof Boots - Lifespan?

[MuddyMonster]

I'm looking to upgrade my Cavallo's to a more performance type hoof boot as we are doing a lot more miles these days on stony ground and the Cavallos have a tendency to rub if not careful.

My barefoot trimmer thinks Flex Boots will tick our boxes but did mention they are not as hard wearing as other performance style boots.

I know it does depends on so many factors but does anyone have a pair of Flex Boots that could me give me an idea on the lifespan they've experienced?

Thanks

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I haven’t used them but I did fit some on DP as I was considering changing but they are very soft and just wouldn’t have suited him as he is heavy on the toes of his Vipers. Size wise and shape he is in 125x120 in front and the 120 Flex boots fit his shape and foot perfectly.

 

[cauda equina]

Depending on where your Cavallos rub, their pastern wraps work well and are about 20 quid a pair

 

[MuddyMonster]

Depending on where your Cavallos rub, their pastern wraps work well and are about 20 quid a pair

Thank you!

I've tried their pastern wraps one winter a few years ago and found they rubbed, but to be fair it was wet. Perhaps I'll get another pair and see.

At the moment we're alternating between vazeline, tubi grip and the least amount of vet wrap we can get away (and a lot of crossing fingers it stays in place - which it often doesn't) with for each ride, but he's on the cusp of sizes so too much padding makes them snug but the next size up is too big. We also have the issue of having to water crossings so find a lot of things get wet - I found socks rub as they get wet and stay wet!

I'm happy to upgrade and keep Cavallo's as spareas as we do hack a lot & it's beginning to become a bit of a PITA making sure rubs don't stop play!

I haven’t used them but I did fit some on DP as I was considering changing but they are very soft and just wouldn’t have suited him as he is heavy on the toes of his Vipers. Size wise and shape he is in 125x120 in front and the 120 Flex boots fit his shape and foot perfectly.

Thanks

Barefoot trimmer took measurements for me but not sure what sizes that equates too - they are going to let me know. Typically they have every fit kit but the Flex Boots at the moment ? If I don't go for Flex Boots we'll try other fit kits but they were confident they'd fit on their experience of them & his feet.

Intresting about you thinking they were too soft. He doesn't seem to have overly worn his Cavallo's in any way but might send my poor barefoot trimmer a picture to see if they pick up on any wear patterns that might affect us.

 

[Dexter]

Mine have no signs of wear. They were used 24/7 for a month initially, then 24/7 for a further 5 weeks spread out over 4 months, plus around 200 miles of actual riding over stony surfaces.

 

[Gloi]

I haven't used Flex but I get about 700 -1000 miles roadwork from Scoots.

 

[bluehorse]

I bought a pair of flex for my horse‘s hinds. I liked them but they didn’t wear at call well, only lasted about 6 months before wearing out at the toe. I wouldn’t get another pair.

 

[Peglo]

I’ve got flex for all 4. Went for a gallop up a field and one hind came off and ripped the glove bit. So that will be £45 to replace and I don’t trust them 100% to stay on for faster work. Although I do really like them for road hacking. They are grippier than barefoot.

I’ve not had them very long so can’t say how long they last.

 

[PapaverFollis]

Scoots last very well. A pair of Cavallos wore right through on my roads in about 3 months! I've had Scoot boots on the same pair of hooves with a similar level of road hacking for two years...

Just got a pair of Flexes for the same pair of hooves... so we'll see!

Our roads are particularly abrasive here so the boots really get tested. So if they aren't very hard wearing then we'll see very soon!

 

[Peglo]

Scoots last very well. A pair of Cavallos wore right through on my roads in about 3 months! I've had Scoot boots on the same pair of hooves with a similar level of road hacking for two years...

Just got a pair of Flexes for the same pair of hooves... so we'll see!

Our roads are particularly abrasive here so the boots really get tested. So if they aren't very hard wearing then we'll see very soon!

i actually wanted scoots but they didn’t work on my girls hooves. I thought they looked really good.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Thank you all

Scoots look a great boot but don't think they would suit him as he's a rub prone pony.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

MM if he rubs then have a look at the Renegade Vipers. They do a huge range of sizes and the captivator bit that sits on the heel moves with it so doesn’t rub at all. DP is extremely thin skinned and very sensitive and in 7 years they haven’t rubbed once. They need to be set up properly but once on they don’t move at all.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I ride mine (profile pic) with Flex's on the fronts.

I had a professional fitter come and we looked at a few other options, and then decided the Flex Boots were going to be the best choice.

I haven't had them for that long and so can't comment on their longevity. However I DO find them a tad fiddly; there are little studs that you use to fasten them with - two sets - one where the "Cuff" goes around the fetlock where there is (surprisingly and disconcertingly IMO) only ONE stud-hole; then on the sides of the actual hoof there are double-inserting ones each side.

I have had one pop open when I'm riding on one or two occasions. Friend who uses these very same boots on hers says they have to be TIGHT and that possibly I hadn't got them tight enough, but the fact there is only the one stud on the fetlock Cuff does concern me a little if I'm honest.

The other thing I'd say is that come winter - on a nippy winter's morning - I know I'm gonna cuss and swear a bit trying to get the dang things on with cold fingers........... I have seen Cavello's and dare say they would be easier.

Other than that they seem robust enough; you can also get different cuffs and straps for them which is definitely helpful.

 

[Marigold4]

I have Equine Fusion Allterrains. Softer than Cavallo so no rubs, easy to put on - no fiddly bits, good grip, hard-wearing. Never had one come off. Not as attractive as some boots but do the job really well. I've been using them for years. I've tried others but they weren't as good. Like your horse, Scoots weren't a good fit.

 

[paddy555]

MM if he rubs then have a look at the Renegade Vipers. They do a huge range of sizes and the captivator bit that sits on the heel moves with it so doesn’t rub at all. DP is extremely thin skinned and very sensitive and in 7 years they haven’t rubbed once. They need to be set up properly but once on they don’t move at all.

my money nowadays is on vipers. Don't like the velcro overmuch but they wear well on the roads and are absolutely solid for staying on over rough ground.
My horse in 4 vipers got loose on the common and spent 30 minutes galloping around flat out in waist high gorse, over rocks, through gullies and over terrain that would have been far to difficult to ride over let alone at that speed. I had forgotten about the boots by the time we had caught him and got him home. Looked down and all 4 still there. If they coped with that they would cope with anything.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Further to my post above: on a hack today one of mine came undone as we were cantering........... thank goodness my little'un is a sensible girl - what actually came undone was one of the side-straps, the gaiter round the fetlock remained intact and the whole thing was just hanging round the back of her heel-bulb. We were going a goodly pace on a rare piece of soft ground and pony immediately reacted to something around her feet - my first thought was is this a snake. Well nope it wasn't, it was the Flexi pinging undone.

OP was asking re. their longevity: frankly they won't be with me much longer as I am not impressed with the dang things, not any more I'm not.

I've tried inserts in them or using them without; I've tried tightening them up too (friend uses them and she says they have to be TIGHT). They are the same at the beginning of the trimming cycle as they are in the end. They very easily shift around on the foot even in walk. And ping off when it suits them, in walk.

I've had enough of them.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Thanks for the update MJA2BT

It actually looks like he's in between sizes in the Flex Hoofboots.

Since posting this the Cavallo's havent actually rubbed ( ?) but I've also discovered Mac and Scoot do neoprene gaitors that go under the hoof so hoping they won't ride up, so think I might try these and if that doesn't work, hire some fit kits & see where we end up!

 

[Reacher]

I’ve been reading this with interest as my cavallos rub if I do to much cantering. ( I’ve not tried pastern wraps.) I gave up on the Renegades as I had a cable snap twice. (Don’t know why I’ve had problems when the endurance people seem to like them?)

Flex boots were going to be my next attempt but the reviews above aren’t very encouraging!

Maybe I’ll try some pastern wraps instead...

 

[Regandal]

I got a fit kit from the hoof bootique, flex boots made it onto the list as a ‘possible but not likely fit’. Took pics of them all on the horse, Scoots wouldn’t go on at all. Renegades would need cutting back.
Went with the Flex boots and absolutely love them. Never move, plus I can put them on in seconds.
I have no idea how long they will last, I don’t do a lot of mileage.

 

[tda]

Anybody use Flex boots with a feathered pony? I don't think I'd be able to get the gators on

 

[JoA]

I know this is an old post but it is now relevant to me and I'd appreciate more input from boot wearers. I had my Connie's hind feet measured by farrier/boot fitter and the flex boots fitted perfectly on his hinds. The scoot boots not so well. However, rode for second time two days ago on the roads in new flex boots.. a grand total of 4 miles previous day and half a mile second day. He had a slight spook and the left hind was left hanging around his fetlock by the neoprene gaiter having torn the TPU gaiter, bending the rivets and breaking the elastic on the neoprene gaiter. I can't believe so much damage and such an expense to repair on such a simple spook. My gut feeling when looking at boots was vipers but I don't know anyone who fits these or can help with fitting

Advice much appreciated

 

[GinaGeo]

Hoof Boutique will advise on for re. Vipers

 

[HappyHollyDays]

If you take photos and measurements of all feet and send them to The Hoof Boutique Liz will tell you which brand of boots are the best ones for his shape. She has fit kits you can hire so you buy the right size first time. I have one pony in Vipers all round and he has beautifully round feet, my Connie has the same size feet but they are a completely different shape and the Vipers just don’t fit.

 

[Gloi]

I know this is an old post but it is now relevant to me and I'd appreciate more input from boot wearers. I had my Connie's hind feet measured by farrier/boot fitter and the flex boots fitted perfectly on his hinds. The scoot boots not so well. However, rode for second time two days ago on the roads in new flex boots.. a grand total of 4 miles previous day and half a mile second day. He had a slight spook and the left hind was left hanging around his fetlock by the neoprene gaiter having torn the TPU gaiter, bending the rivets and breaking the elastic on the neoprene gaiter. I can't believe so much damage and such an expense to repair on such a simple spook. My gut feeling when looking at boots was vipers but I don't know anyone who fits these or can help with fitting

Advice much appreciated

That's the problem with a few makes with neoprene gaiters. When I used easyboot gloves I destroyed new ones when they were left hanging by the gaiter and torn. Scoots fortunately have never been damaged by coming off.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Flex were rubbish on my horses hinds, they twisted so much the straps dug in and she came back bleeding, would often look down and they would be hanging off .
i got cavallos instead and they are brilliant on all 4s.

 

[lynz88]

Flex has been great for mine. I've got a heel-toe landing without them now however, at the time I bought, I didn't. I got immediate heel-toe landing once he realized I didn't put flippers on him. I still use them as he is generally more comfortable. I had one strap undo itself once in the almost 2 years I've had them but then again, I don't do a lot of fast work and won't do semi fast work if the footing isn't ok as I find the boots to be a bit slippery.

 

[ycbm]

I know this is an old post but it is now relevant to me and I'd appreciate more input from boot wearers. I had my Connie's hind feet measured by farrier/boot fitter and the flex boots fitted perfectly on his hinds. The scoot boots not so well. However, rode for second time two days ago on the roads in new flex boots.. a grand total of 4 miles previous day and half a mile second day. He had a slight spook and the left hind was left hanging around his fetlock by the neoprene gaiter having torn the TPU gaiter, bending the rivets and breaking the elastic on the neoprene gaiter. I can't believe so much damage and such an expense to repair on such a simple spook. My gut feeling when looking at boots was vipers but I don't know anyone who fits these or can help with fitting

Advice much appreciated

Vipers, I can help you through the adjustment if you are close to me, Cheshire/Staffs, or guide you on the forum. They are very fiddly to set up and utterly brilliant when done. If you look at sizings and need a 3 135x135 or a shortened 4, 140 wide 135 long let me know as I have a pair of each I can sell you for a donation to the RDA.

 

[JoA]

Thank you all and thank you ycbm. I'll check him out this weekend. The farrier who did the boot fit for me is not my usual farrier/trimmer and I didn't get the measurements. Connie is fitting very nicely into a 125 flex.
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