7 Best Full Length Shipping Boots For Maximum Protection Old-Timers Swear By
Ensure safe travels with the right gear. We review 7 full-length shipping boots favored by seasoned horsemen for their superior, full-leg protection.
There’s nothing quite like the low-grade anxiety of hearing a scramble from the horse trailer as you take a corner a little too fast. Every bump and sway on the road is a reminder of the precious cargo you’re hauling. That’s why skimping on leg protection is one of the most common, and riskiest, mistakes a horse owner can make.
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Why Full-Length Boots Matter for Safe Hauling
A horse in a trailer is essentially an athlete trying to stay balanced on a moving platform. Sudden stops, sharp turns, or even just a bumpy road can cause them to lose their footing and strike their own legs. Full-length shipping boots are the only piece of gear designed specifically to handle this.
They protect the entire lower leg, from the delicate coronary band at the top of the hoof all the way up to and over the knee or hock. This is crucial. A simple splint boot leaves the most vulnerable joints completely exposed, and polo wraps can slip, bunch, or come undone, creating a hazard worse than no protection at all.
Think of full-length boots as insurance. You hope you never need them to absorb a serious impact, but their presence provides immense peace of mind. They guard against scrapes, cuts, and serious impact injuries that can happen in a split second, turning a routine trip into a veterinary emergency.
WeatherBeeta Deluxe Boots: All-Around Durability
When you need a set of boots that just works, year after year, WeatherBeeta is the name that comes up. Their Deluxe Travel Boots are built with a tough, durable nylon outer shell that resists tears and scuffs from horses that paw or lean. They’re the workhorses of the shipping boot world.
The design is straightforward but effective, with a dense foam inner lining for impact absorption and three wide, secure Velcro straps. This simple closure system makes them quick to put on and take off, which is a blessing when you’re trying to get on the road early.
The fit is generally generous, which is great for stockier breeds or horses with thick bone. However, this can mean they might be a bit bulky on finer-boned horses like Arabians or Thoroughbreds. It’s a classic tradeoff: you get bombproof durability in a design that prioritizes coverage over a finely contoured fit.
Pro Choice Shipping Boots: The Veterinarian’s Pick
There’s a reason veterinarians often point people toward Professional’s Choice. Their boots are engineered with anatomy in mind, providing not just protection but also a degree of support. They tend to fit more like a glove than a blanket.
These boots often feature a more contoured shape, especially around the fetlock and hock, which helps prevent them from twisting or slipping down during a long haul. The materials are typically higher-grade, offering excellent impact protection without being overly rigid, allowing the horse’s joints to flex naturally.
Because they are designed for a more precise fit, getting the right size is critical. This isn’t a boot where "close enough" will do the trick. Taking the time to measure your horse’s legs according to the manufacturer’s chart will pay off in a boot that stays put and does its job effectively.
Dover’s Rider’s International: A Budget-Wise Classic
Not every trip requires a top-of-the-line, technologically advanced boot. For the hobby farmer who trailers a few times a year to a local show or trail, the Rider’s International boots from Dover Saddlery are a smart, practical choice. They offer solid protection without the hefty price tag.
These are your no-frills, get-the-job-done boots. They typically feature a standard nylon outer, a simple fleece or foam lining, and reliable hook-and-loop closures. There are no fancy features, but they cover the leg and absorb impact, which is the core mission.
Their value is undeniable. They’re the perfect "first set" for a new horse owner or a reliable backup to keep in the trailer. While they may not have the longevity or contoured fit of premium brands, they provide more than enough protection for casual, local hauling.
Cashel Travel Boots: Superior Contoured Protection
Cashel has a reputation for thoughtful design, and their travel boots are a prime example. They stand out for their exceptional contouring, which provides a snug, secure fit that moves with the horse. This is especially noticeable in the way they cup the hock and knee.
A key feature on many Cashel models is a reinforced scuff plate or kick plate at the bottom of the boot, right above the hoof. This is a game-changer for horses that are restless travelers, paw in the trailer, or tend to scramble. It drastically increases the lifespan of the boots by protecting the area that sees the most wear and tear.
This focus on an anatomical, secure fit means the boots are less likely to shift or turn, even on a long and winding road. For horses that are difficult to fit or for owners who want maximum security, the extra design considerations in a Cashel boot are well worth it.
Shires Arma Travel Boots: Tough and Easy to Clean
Shires Arma boots are built for the realities of farm life: mud, manure, and constant use. Their standout feature is a tough, ripstop outer shell that seems to shed dirt and shavings. This makes cleanup incredibly simple—a quick spray with a hose is often all they need.
Despite their rugged exterior, these boots are surprisingly lightweight and not overly bulky. They strike an excellent balance between providing robust protection and allowing the horse to move comfortably. The inner padding is substantial enough to absorb impacts without creating excessive heat.
This combination of durability and easy maintenance makes them a favorite for people who haul frequently. You don’t have to be precious with them. They’re designed to be used hard, cleaned fast, and ready for the next trip without a fuss.
LeMieux Grafter Boots: Premium Comfort for Long Hauls
For those long-distance journeys or for horses with sensitive skin, comfort becomes as important as protection. LeMieux Grafter Boots are the premium choice, focusing on high-quality materials that prioritize the horse’s well-being over several hours of travel.
The linings are often made of incredibly soft fleece or advanced breathable fabrics that wick moisture and prevent rubs. The outer shell is still protective but designed to be more flexible, conforming to the horse’s leg without stiff pressure points. Every detail is geared toward reducing travel stress.
This level of quality comes at a higher price, making them a true investment. But for the serious competitor, the horse that practically lives on the road, or one prone to stocking up, the superior comfort can mean the difference between arriving fresh and arriving sore and stressed.
Back on Track Boots: Therapeutic Travel Support
Back on Track takes shipping protection to the next level by integrating therapeutic technology. These aren’t just passive wraps; they are designed to actively support the horse’s legs during and after travel. This makes them a unique and highly functional option.
The boots are lined with Welltex, a proprietary fabric infused with ceramic particles. This material reflects the horse’s own body heat back as far-infrared energy, a therapy known to help increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease tension in muscles and joints. It’s like giving your horse a therapeutic treatment while it travels.
These boots are an excellent choice for a wide range of horses:
- Performance horses who need to arrive at a competition loose and ready to work.
- Older horses with arthritis or chronic stiffness.
- Any horse recovering from a minor leg injury or strain.
While they provide excellent physical protection from bumps and scrapes, their primary selling point is this dual-purpose therapeutic benefit. It’s proactive care, not just passive protection.
Ultimately, the best shipping boot is the one that fits your horse, your budget, and your hauling needs. Whether you choose a rugged workhorse or a high-tech therapeutic boot, you’re making a wise investment in your horse’s safety and soundness. Proper leg protection is non-negotiable, and a good set of full-length boots is the cheapest vet bill you’ll ever pay.
