The Best Breathable Brushing Boots - Buyers Guide
Posted on May 23 2025
Breathable brushing boots are designed with perforated and naturally wicking materials to minimise heat accumulation on the leg.
Why is breathability important?
The horse’s tendons are elastic. They stretch and relax during exercise, releasing heat as a waste product. Repeated high temperatures associated with strenuous exercise may compromise tendon integrity over time. Horses have evolved with these structures being close to the surface of the leg, helping them to cool as air flows over the limb in motion. Using any form of leg covering will greatly reduce this natural cooling.
Brushing boots are a go-to for basic protection against knocks and scrapes. Breathable brushing boots are designed to provide the necessary compromise, ensuring protection whilst allowing the leg to breathe and cool as much as possible.
Breathable brushing boots can also be useful for sensitive horses, helping to reduce irritation from sweat.
Here are some of our favourite, highly breathable brushing boots, and what we like about them.
Kentucky 3D Spacer Brushing Boots
RRP £73.99 (May 2025)
Despite being a little pricier, these are our favourite breathable brushing boots. They tick every box, look smart and wash easily.
Kentucky were the first brand to use the innovative 3D spacer technology in their boots. This comprises a fully breathable mesh, shock-absorbing perforated foam and quick-drying lining that is comfortable against the skin. The result is an incredibly lightweight, breathable, and protective boot.
We find the fit excellent as they mould to the horse's leg; we have never known these to slip or rub. They’re quick and easy to get on and off, perfect for young or sharp horses.
One of our favourite things about the Kentucky 3D Spacer is how well they cope with mud, we turn out in them routinely, hose them off, and they instantly look smart again.
Kentucky Solimbra Brushing Boots
RRP £73.99 (May 2025)
The perfect solution for sensitive horses, everything we love about the 3D Spacer is true of the Solombra. The fleece lining offers extra protection with minimal compromise on breathability thanks to its uniquely short pile and loose-knit breathable structure.
Equilibrium Tri-Zone Brushing Boots
RRP £34.99 (May 2025)
The Tri-Zone range from Equilibrium has been designed specifically with breathability in mind. Tri-Zone boots have been fully tested for impact absorption, offering an excellent combination of breathability and protection. They’re a great choice and budget-friendly.
Tri-Zone brushing boots have a unique, open honeycomb structure for ultimate breathability. This is lined with a thin material that prevents debris from entering the boot.
The honeycomb foam is highly flexible, allowing Tri-Zone brushing boots to fit comfortably without rubbing. We have seen similar boots with a more rigid structure that can rub.
The fully water-repellent foam makes Tri-Zone Brushing Boots practical in all weather and easy to wash with a hose. The holes can gather mud, but it comes away easily enough.
Being hyper-critical, we questioned the narrow shape covering the fetlock. Equilibrium explained that this is an intentional design, minimising the size of the boot so that only the necessary strike zone is covered.
Tri-Zone brushing boots are available in a good range of sizes. The white version would be a good summer turnout boot as it will absorb less heat from the sun.
Equilibrium Stretch and Flex Flatwork Wraps
RRP £54.99 (May 2025)
A soft flatwork boot that is also handy for summer turnout (consider using white to help reflect the sun). Equilibrium Stretch and Flex Wraps are highly breathable, stretchy and great for protection against knocks and scratches.
Importantly, the updated Stretch and Flex (new in 2024) offers extra protection in the form of breathable spacer mesh that lines the splint bone area. This breathable foam ensures effective shock absorption in the brushing zone.
Stretch and Flex Flatwork Wraps are made from Stomatex, a four-way stretch fabric. Each dome in the material has an open pore, helping to actively pump hot air and moisture away from the leg with movement.
Equilibrium Stretch and Flex Training Wraps (RRP £69.99 May 2025) are also available, these extend beneath the fetlock for greater coverage, similar to a sports medicine style boot.
Eskadron Mesh Brushing Boots
RRP £42.95 (May 2025)
For those who love the look of traditional fluffy brushing boots but want to use them all year round, Eskadron Mesh Brushing Boots provide the perfect solution.
These breathable brushing boots are made from mesh, with a faux fur trim for look and comfort.
We think Eskadron still takes the podium for the smartest-looking brushing boots, they're always good value and quality.
Complete the look with Eskadron Faux Fur Bell Boots.
Veredus TRC Vento Brushing Boots
RRP £85.00 (May 2025)
If you would like a higher level of protection from your breathable brushing boots, the Verdus TRC Vento is for you. The strike zones are made from strong and lightweight carbon fibre. An air vent in the strike some, and highly perforated mesh elsewhere, ensures good breathability.
Veredus are a technical jumping boot specialist, their boots are entirely made in Italy.
This buyer's guide highlights some of the best breathable brushing boots, chosen to meet different preferences and price points. You can view all brushing boots here.
