Best Bell Boots

Last Updated on September 1, 2020

Are you searching for the best bell boots for your horse?

I have tried a number of models and styles over the years and I have reviewed the top bell boots on the market. After reading this article you will know my recommendations.

Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my best bell boots picks, or read on for the full review:

1. Professionals Choice Equine Ballistic Hoof Overreach Bell Boot
2. Weaver Leather No-Turn Bell Boots
3. Centaur PVC Ribbed Double Hook and Loop Bell Boots
4. Classic Equine Dyno No Turn Bell Boots
5. Tough 1 Performers 1St Choice No Turn Bell Boots
6. Perri’s Double Velcro Fleece Bell Boots
7. Professional’s Choice Easy-On Rubber Bell Boots
8. Professional’s Choice Magnetic Bell Horse Boots

Bell boots offer incredible protection for horses and ensure that their ankle, heels, and back of their pastern are protected. While they are important, they are also tricky to buy. If you’re looking for the best bell boots, then you’ll appreciate the help that this guide provides so you can choose the right ones for your horse.

How to Select the Best Bell Boots for Your Horse

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for bell boots is the style of boot that you want for your horse. One popular type are pull-on bell boots, as they offer a lot of protection for the horse, especially when on a ride. However, they can be a little tricky to take on and off.

Another style of bell boots are open boots. They wrap around the hoof and are incredibly easy to put on and take off, but they don’t always offer the best protection.

Finally, bell boots are available in a no-turn style, which will prevent the boot from turning. There is a molded area of the boot that rests on the pastern to keep it from slipping in place.

I also think that you need to strongly consider the material of your new bell boots, as what the boots are made from will play a huge role in how durable they are and whether or not they are very comfortable for your horse. Common boot materials include gum, rubber, nylon, PVC, neoprene, and open cell foam.

Remember that not all horses are going to be happy with boots made from the same material, so it may be necessary to try out a few different types of bell boots to find the right ones for your horse. This will ensure that they are comfortable and willing to wear the boots you provide.

The Benefits of Great Bell Boots

The main reason to put bell boots on a horse is that they offer protection for the entire hoof by encircling the pastern. They can be worn either while in the paddock or stall, or even when on a ride.

When a bell boot is put on a horse correctly, then it will actually help to protect the coronary band of the horse. This part of their body can easily be damaged, which can lead to major health problems in the future.

Additionally, bell boots also help keep horses from being able to pull off their front shoes.

Features to Look For

Some bell boot can be trickier than others to put on a horse, but ones that have hook and loop closures are significantly easier to put on. This is really important to consider if you are new to using bell boots or have a horse that doesn’t like to wear them, as it makes putting them on the horse correctly much easier.

It’s also a good idea to look for bell boots that have an additional lining that is designed to help absorb energy and reduce problems from shock. These bell boots may be more expensive than other options on the market, but they are a great choice as they can help to reduce energy that is created from overreaching.

How to Use Bell Boots

Once you have bought bell boots, then you need to make sure that you put them on the horse correctly so that they won’t be uncomfortable and so that they’ll provide the protection that your horse needs. After choosing the right size for your horse, then you will put them on in one of two ways, depending on whether they are open or pull-on boots.

Open boots are easy to put on, as the horse’s foot can be left on the ground. Cup the bell boot in the hand and place it on the back of the horse’s foot. You can then easily attach the Velcro to itself in front of the boot on the top of your horse’s hoof.

Pull-on boots are a little trickier. I find that flipping the boot inside out first and then lifting the horse’s foot so the bottom is facing up makes this job easier. You then slide the bell boot onto the horse’s hoof, stretching it to pull it all the way on. After it’s on, release the hoof, flip the bell boot into its shape, and move on to the next hoof.

Precautions to Consider

One of the main problems that you can run into when using bell boots with your horse occurs when you leave them on for long periods of time. Pull-on boots can be left on the hoof, but it’s important that they are not so tight that they will restrict blood flow.

Additionally, some horses tend to get mouthy and will pull the boot up over the ankle, which can cut off blood flow in the leg. If you do decide to keep your bell boots on your horse for longer periods of time, then it’s important to make sure that the horse is safe and won’t run into these issues.

Top Rated Bell Boots

Having a quality set of properly fitting bell boots will provide great protection for your horse. The key is ensuring that they are effective, durable and fit well. I have reviewed the top bell boots on the market today for performance, quality material, and durability.

Professionals Choice Equine Ballistic Hoof Overreach Bell Boot

These are high-quality bell boots that are designed to offer plenty of protection for the horse wearing them, not only because of how they are made and the materials used in their construction, but also because of their shape. They are relatively easy to put on and to take off of a horse, which is great for people who don’t have a lot of experience using bell boots or have skittish horses who don’t want anyone to be touching their feet for long periods of time.

Pros

• Durable nylon outer cover
• Durable nylon binding
• Improved lining to help absorb energy and prevent damage
• No-turn knob prevents the boot from turning

Cons

• Can be difficult to size
• Velcro closure can be easily damaged

Weaver Leather No-Turn Bell Boots

These bell boots are the perfect marriage of comfort and protection and are designed to not only look great but to keep your horse from being injured. They feature a neoprene lining that is very comfortable and forgiving, as well as a 2520D ballistic nylon outer layer that can stand up to years of heavy use and abuse without showing any signs of wear and tear.

Pros

• Features double-ply loop and hook closure to help ensure a secure fit
• Many colors to choose from, making it easy to find boots dropped in the field
• Designed to be extra comfortable for the horse
• Anatomical positioning bulb prevents turning

Cons

• Difficult to size
• Colors aren’t true to what is shown on the computer

Centaur PVC Ribbed Double Hook and Loop Bell Boots

These ribbed bell boots don’t just look sturdy, they offer a ton of protection and stability for any horse wearing them. Because of how durable they are, they can easily stand up to regular use without showing signs of damage or cracking. Even though they are made from PVC, they are surprisingly comfortable for horses to wear. This means that they can be easier for newbies to put on their horses without problems.

Pros

• Designed from PVC to be sturdy and secure
• Sizing options make it easy to find the right fit
• Velcro closure is fast and easy to use
• Last for years without being damaged

Cons

• Not great for a lot of jumping and hunting
• Can be uncomfortable for some horses and will take some getting used to

Classic Equine Dyno No Turn Bell Boots

Not only do these bell boots come in a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from, which means that the horse wearing them will look great, but they are also incredibly comfortable for them to wear for long periods of time. This makes them ideal for all riding situations, as you won’t ever have to worry about whether or not the horse will be comfortable or if the bell boot will be chafing and rubbing their legs.

Pros

• No-turn design to prevent the horse from being injured
• Stain resistant and water repellent to look great for years
• Made from 2520 denier DynoHyde material
• Soft jersey lining prevents irritation

Cons

• Tend to run small
• Inside heel stitching isn’t as high-quality as other stitching and can come apart

Tough 1 Performers 1St Choice No Turn Bell Boots

These bell boots are perfect for the beginner who doesn’t have any experience using bell boots. Thanks to their single Velcro tab, they are incredibly easy to put on and take off, which means that they are also great for the horse who doesn’t want their feet touched for long periods of time. The multiple colors make it easy to choose bell boots that will match an outfit or show up in the pasture if they do come off.

Pros

• Wide single fastener makes it easy to put these boots on
• Features double layer of neoprene for comfort and air flow
• Lightweight enough for horses to wear them comfortably
• Lots of colors to choose from

Cons

• Runs very small
• Velcro tends to wear out rather quickly

Perri’s Double Velcro Fleece Bell Boots

These bell boots are sturdy and come true to size. I like the double velcro design. There is a strap on the inside and the outside allowing for solid fit without being thrown off easily. These bell boots are fleece lined to prevent discomfort and rubbing on your horse. These are a very good value set of bell-boots.

Pros

• Solid construction
• Double velcro straps
• Fleece lined

Cons

• Only comes in black

Professional’s Choice Easy-On Rubber Bell Boots

I really like these bell boots. The ribbed rubber design is durable while being flexible as well. The rubber used is high quality making them ideal for long term use. They feature a double hook and loop closure that is easy to use and a rolled collar that is comfortable for your horse. These bell boots are ideal as turn out boots, for trailering, and schooling.

Pros

• Ribbed rubber design
• Rolled collar for comfort
• Ideal for turn out, trailer, and riding
• Protects from overreaching
• 30 day manufacturer money back guarantee

Cons

• Only comes in black

Professional’s Choice Magnetic Bell Horse Boots

These bell boots feature magnets that are placed directly on the horse’s hoof. The bell boots themselves are high quality and constructed of long lasting nylon with a comfortable cotton lining. They offer a secure double hook and loop closure to prevent being thrown. These bell boots come only in medium and large sizes.

Pros

• Magnet therapy
• Double hook and loop closure
• Durable nylon construction
• Comfort cotton lining

Cons

• Only comes in medium and large

Magnetic Bell Horse Boots These bell boots now make the healing benefits of the magnets easier to apply directly to the hoof. Constructed of durable of durable nylon with a soft cotton lining. Fastens securely with a double hock and loop closure. Matching tendon boots pictured are sold separately (see item # PL1-U0). Sold in pairs. Sizes: Medium and Large.

For more horse equipment guides and tips read these articles:

• Stressed Out? Calming Paste for Horses
• Leg Injury? Ice Boots for Horses
• Stay in Control: Great Horse Halters
• No bit no probelem: Top Rated Bitless Bridles
• Show and more: Professional Horse Bridles
• Trailer Safe: Leg Wraps and Leg Boots

While all of the bell boots on this list are sure to be a great option for most any horse and rider, the Professional’s Choice Equine Ballistic Hoof Overreach Bell Boots are the best choice for a few reasons. Not only do they feature a protective lining that makes them comfortable for long periods of use, but they are designed specifically to offer plenty of protection to the bulbs of the horse’s heel. They won’t easily turn and are also incredibly simple for most people to put on their horse, which reduces the stress that some horses feel when their feet are being touched.

Here is the quick list with the bell boot recommendations one more time. To view prices and customer reviews see the links below.

1. Professionals Choice Equine Ballistic Hoof Overreach Bell Boot
2. Weaver Leather No-Turn Bell Boots
3. Centaur PVC Ribbed Double Hook and Loop Bell Boots
4. Classic Equine Dyno No Turn Bell Boots
5. Tough 1 Performers 1St Choice No Turn Bell Boots