Dura-Tech® Shoe Boil Boot

A shoe boil boot is a protective device designed to keep your horse's hoof from rubbing against their elbow when lying down, which is the primary cause of capped elbows and painful sores. The Dura-Tech® Shoe Boil Boot features a spongy rubber donut design that wraps around the pastern, creating a comfortable barrier that prevents direct contact between the hoof and elbow during rest. This innovative design has helped many horse owners successfully treat and prevent elbow injuries without invasive measures.

The Dura-Tech Shoe Boil Boot has a pastern hole diameter of 3¼" and an overall diameter of 8½" with a 3" thickness, making it a standard size that fits most horses. The smooth 2½" wide spongy rubber donut adjusts comfortably around the pastern with a single buckle strap for a secure fit. If you're unsure about sizing for your specific horse, our team at Schneider Saddlery can help guide you on fit.

While many horse owners use the shoe boil boot at night when horses are lying down—which is when elbow rubbing typically occurs—you can wear it during the day if needed for additional protection. Most customers find that nighttime use is most effective since that's when horses rest and when contact between the hoof and elbow is most likely to cause injury. Your veterinarian can recommend the best usage schedule based on your horse's specific condition.

The Dura-Tech Shoe Boil Boot is constructed from durable, smooth rubber with a heavy-duty web strap and single buckle, designed to withstand regular use and horse activity. Customer reviews confirm it holds up well to daily wear, and one owner reported their rambunctious OTTB wore one for over a month despite frequent biting and rough handling. The lightweight design means it won't burden your horse while providing lasting protection.

Results vary depending on the severity of the elbow issue, but one customer reported that after veterinary treatment combined with wearing the boot nightly for four weeks, their horse's shoe boil completely disappeared and hasn't returned. Most owners find that starting use as quickly as possible after noticing signs of a boil produces better outcomes, as the boot prevents further irritation while the injury heals. Consistency with nightly use appears to be key to preventing recurrence.

Yes, the Dura-Tech Shoe Boil Boot features a lightweight design with a single buckle strap that makes application effortless for daily on-and-off use. The simple buckle system means you can quickly put it on before your horse lies down at night and remove it in the morning without complicated adjustments. This convenience makes it practical for consistent nightly use, which is essential for preventing elbow injuries.

Yes, the shoe boil boot is effective for horses with chronic elbow issues and has been successfully used by owners with horses suffering from hygromas and other chronic injuries. Customers report that horses requiring long-term elbow protection benefit significantly from nightly boot use as part of their ongoing care routine. One rescue OTTB owner confirmed their horse will need the boot permanently to stay healthy, and they continue to purchase replacements as needed.

The smooth rubber construction of the Dura-Tech Shoe Boil Boot makes it easy to rinse clean with water after use to remove dirt and debris. Simply wipe it dry before storing in a cool, dry place, and the durable materials will maintain their protective properties through regular use. The heavy-duty web strap and buckle should be checked periodically to ensure they remain secure for continued safe use.