6 Best Mesh Fly Boots For Horses With Leg Allergies That Stop Stomping
Stop hoof-damaging stomping from fly bites. Our guide reviews the 6 best mesh fly boots designed to protect horses with sensitive legs and skin allergies.
That constant, rhythmic stomp, stomp, stomp from the pasture is more than just an annoying sound; it’s a sign of misery. For horses with leg allergies, fly season isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a painful cycle of bites, hives, and irritation. The right fly boots can break that cycle, saving your horse’s joints and your sanity.
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Why Mesh Boots Stop Allergy Stomping
A horse stomps for one simple reason: to knock a biting insect off its leg. When a horse has a hypersensitivity to insect saliva, like with sweet itch, a single bite can trigger an intense allergic reaction. This leads to constant, frantic stomping that can damage hooves, strain tendons, and cause serious long-term soundness issues.
Mesh fly boots work by creating a physical barrier. They prevent flies, gnats, and midges from ever landing on the skin in the first place. No bite means no allergic reaction, and no allergic reaction means no need to stomp.
It’s a simple, non-chemical solution to a complex problem. Instead of just repelling insects, the boots completely block access to the sensitive skin on the lower legs. This provides 24/7 relief, allowing the skin to heal and breaking the cycle of irritation and stomping for good.
Kensington Fly Boots: Top for Durability
If you have a horse that is tough on its belongings, Kensington is often the first stop. Their boots are typically made from Textilene, a PVC-coated polyester mesh that’s known for its incredible toughness. It resists tears from playful pasture mates, fence snags, and a horse’s own attempts to remove them.
This durability comes with a tradeoff. The material can be stiffer than other options, especially when new. For a horse with extremely sensitive skin, you’ll want to watch closely for any signs of rubbing during the break-in period.
However, for the average horse in a turnout situation, that robust construction means you’re not buying a new set of boots every month. They also offer excellent UV protection, which helps prevent sun bleaching on dark legs and protects sensitive pink skin from burns. This is your go-to for a 24/7 turnout horse that lives life to the fullest.
Cashel Crusader Guards: Best Contoured Fit
Cashel is known for its thoughtful, horse-centric designs, and their fly boots are no exception. The Crusader Leg Guards are heavily contoured to match the natural shape of a horse’s leg. This anatomical shaping is key to preventing the boots from sagging or twisting.
A good fit is everything, and Cashel’s design helps ensure the boot stays where it’s supposed to—from the knee or hock all the way down to the pastern. This is especially useful for horses with finer cannon bones or defined joints, where straighter boots tend to slip. The darts and seams that create the shape are the magic here.
The downside of a highly contoured fit is that you have to get the size exactly right. There’s less room for error than with a simpler, tube-like design. Measure carefully before you buy, but the reward is a secure, comfortable fit that moves with the horse.
ShooFly Leggins: Unique Loose-Fit Design
At first glance, ShooFly Leggins look a bit strange. They don’t wrap snugly around the leg; instead, they stand away from it, held in place by plastic stays. This unique design is their greatest strength.
Because the mesh doesn’t touch the leg, air circulation is phenomenal. This is a massive advantage for horses prone to fungal or bacterial skin issues (like scratches) that thrive in warm, moist environments. The loose fit also means there’s virtually no chance of rubbing, making them an excellent choice for horses with existing sores or swelling.
The main consideration is your pasture environment. The open bottom can scoop up mud or debris in messy conditions. And while the stays are flexible, a horse that really bangs its legs around could potentially damage them. But for airflow and preventing rubs, their design is brilliant and effective.
Shires Airflow Boots: Maximum Breathability
For those in hot, humid climates, heat buildup under a fly boot is a real concern. Shires addresses this head-on with their Airflow boots, which use a 3D "air motion" mesh. This material creates a cushioned, breathable layer that allows air to move freely against the skin.
This technology helps wick away sweat and keep the leg cool and dry, reducing the risk of skin funk. The boots are also incredibly lightweight and flexible, which many horses seem to appreciate. They feel less restrictive than some of the heavier, more rigid options.
The tradeoff for all that breathability can be durability. The finer, lighter mesh may not stand up to a truly destructive horse as well as a heavy-duty material like Textilene. Think of these as the high-performance athletic wear of fly boots—perfect for comfort and climate control, but not for extreme roughhousing.
Pro Choice Fly Boots: Secure Fit, Less Slipping
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a brand-new fly boot stomped into the mud because it slipped down. Pro Choice tackles this problem with a focus on secure closure systems. Their boots often feature a combination of heavy-duty hook-and-loop fasteners and a contoured design to keep them locked in place.
The top of the boot is often designed to fit snugly (but not tightly) below the knee, creating an anchor point that prevents the boot from sliding down the cannon bone. This is a lifesaver for active horses or those with a straight "stovepipe" leg conformation that doesn’t offer much to hold a boot up.
The key is to get the tension right. The secure fit is only a benefit if it isn’t constricting blood flow. You should always be able to slide a finger comfortably between the boot and the horse’s leg. When fitted properly, they offer a great balance of security and protection.
WeatherBeeta Wraps: Built-In Insect Shield
WeatherBeeta takes protection a step further by infusing their mesh with insect-repelling technology. Their boots often feature an EPA-approved permethrin treatment bonded to the fabric fibers. This creates a "halo" effect that deters insects before they even land.
This dual-action approach—a physical barrier combined with a chemical repellent—is a game-changer for horses with severe allergies. It’s an extra layer of defense that can make a huge difference in their comfort level. The repellent is odorless and invisible, so your horse won’t even know it’s there.
The primary consideration is that the treatment has a limited lifespan. It typically remains effective for a certain number of washes (often 25-70, depending on the product). For a boot you’ll be hosing off daily, this is an important factor to weigh against the cost.
Sizing and Fit for Maximum Leg Protection
You can buy the best, most expensive fly boot on the market, but if it doesn’t fit, it’s useless—or worse, harmful. A poorly fitting boot can cause serious rubs, create pressure sores, or even pose a tripping hazard. Getting the fit right is non-negotiable.
Start by measuring your horse’s leg. You’ll need two key measurements, and each brand has its own sizing chart:
- Length: Measure from just below the knee (or hock) down to the coronet band.
- Circumference: Measure around the widest part of the cannon bone.
When you put the boot on, check for three things. First, it shouldn’t spin easily around the leg. Second, you should be able to slide one or two fingers between the boot and the leg. Third, when the horse walks, the boot shouldn’t sag or bunch around the pastern. Check your horse’s legs daily for any signs of chafing, especially during the first week of use.
Ultimately, the best fly boot is the one your horse will wear comfortably and safely. By matching the boot’s features—be it durability, breathability, or fit—to your horse’s specific needs and environment, you can finally put an end to the stomping. That quiet pasture is the surest sign of a comfortable, happy horse.
