Fly boots serve as a crucial defense against irritating flies and other pests. However, not all fly boots are created equal in terms of durability. In this blog post, we'll explore the top five most durable fly boots, providing insights into their construction, features, and why they stand out as reliable choices for keeping your horse protected and comfortable during the pesky fly season.
What Are the Most Durable Fly Boots Made Of?
Durable fly boots are essential for horses that need long-lasting, all-day protection against biting insects. The best fly boots are constructed with:
- Heavy-duty mesh that’s both breathable and tough enough to withstand kicking, stomping, and pasture play.
- Structured stays or sewn-in supports that prevent sagging and help the boots maintain their shape.
- Double or triple hook-and-loop straps ensure a secure fit and minimize slipping.
- Soft fleece at the top and bottom helps prevent rubbing and enhances comfort.
- Contoured designs that follow the leg’s natural shape, improving fit and staying in place better than flat-cut designs.
Fly boots made with these materials not only reduce the stress and wear on your horse’s legs but also stand up to daily use through the peak of fly season.
The 5 Best Fly Boots for Durability
- Schneiders® Dura-Mesh II Non-Fitted Fly Boots
- Schneiders® Dura-Mesh II Non-Fitted Zebra Fly Boots
- Schneiders® Dura-Mesh II Striped Fitted Fly Boots
- Schneiders® Dura-Mesh BugGuard Fly Boots
- Shoofly Leggins™ Fly Boots
We put the Dura-Mesh II Non-Fitted Fly Boot through the ringer, testing it day in and day out, and it held up as the most durable fly boot we’ve seen. Not only is it extremely durable, but it’s an affordable pick for your horse,too. The heavy 1000D poly/vinyl mesh offers your horse maximum comfort and protection from bugs, with 70% UV protection - perfect for the horse that enjoys playing out in the pasture. They protect your horse from the bottom of the knee to the coronet band from stable flies and larger biting flies, with improved, comfortable elastic and fleece around the top and bottom for comfort. Comes in a set of 4.
These zebra print fly boots are made of the same extremely durable Dura-Mesh II heavy 1000D poly/vinyl mesh. Not only are they durable, but research studies have confirmed that the pattern confuses flies, keeping them from landing on your horse. Plus, they have 70% UV protection, fleece lining for added comfort, a hook-and-loop full-length closure, and flexible stays to prevent slouching. They come in a set of 4.
These Dura-Mesh II fly boots are another extremely durable option, but with a fitted style that’s perfect for horses notorious for stepping out of their boots and wraps. The new blue-striped pattern with four reflective hook-and-loop tab closures for safety is the perfect addition. The heavy 1000D poly/vinyl mesh is exceptionally durable, offering 70% UV protection and maximum comfort. It features hook and loop straps that secure the fitted fly boot across the front of the leg without adding pressure on sensitive areas, and it stays up without any plastic stays, making this mesh fly boot the perfect choice for horses that like to play hard in the pasture. Comes with a set of 2 boots!
These innovative fly boots were designed with improved sizing for better fit, providing your horse maximum comfort and protection from biting bugs. The 1000D poly/vinyl mesh material protects your horse from flies, offering 70% UV protection while out in the pasture, with a full-length reflective strip for added safety. These boots are flexible yet sturdy, featuring a hook and loop closure that keeps the boot securely in place on your horse's leg. They are tapered like a cone, adding shadowing and darkness to the horse's leg and creating movement as they move, which deters flies from landing on them.
These easy-to-use boots feature Velcro fasteners to ensure they stay securely in place, even during turnout. They prevent painful bites from flies and other biting insects while reducing the stress and swelling caused by fly bites. Not only that, but these boots also prevent botflies from laying eggs and causing botfly larvae infestation. The boots also help decrease the healing time of abrasions and wounds by allowing airflow and reducing joint irritation, hoof problems, and muscle fatigue caused by continuous stomping without restricting blood flow or range of motion.
