I don’t usually like to explain something to others until I know for sure that it works for me. That’s why it has taken me so long to get this up. I have glued pads into Renegades previously, and have now done enough miles and AERC competition in them to know that it worked. I’m putting this up to help others that have asked me questions about it. Click on photos to enlarge.
First, get together all of the items that you are going to need: Boots, pads, scissors (if you need to trim the pads to fit), pen, wire brush, alcohol, cotton balls, contact cement and a paint brush of some sort. Before you start, read the instructions on the can of contact cement and be sure to follow those instructions!
Now it is time to fit your pads into the boots. I like using EasyCare dome shaped comfort pads. They last the longest. I start with a larger size; that way when they are trimmed down there is less ‘dome’ to them. Trim toe to toe - the toe of the pad goes on the bottom of the toe of the boot, then trace around the outside of the pad with a pen. Trim with scissors. You want to have a snug fit, so be careful not to trim too small. The boots used in these photos are size 2 Renegade hoof boots in the color burgundy blitz and the pads are size large EasyCare dome pads.
Next, take the wire brush and rough up the bottoms of the pads. The bottom is the flat part. Now rough up the bottom inside of the boot. You can also use sand paper. When that is done, use the alcohol to clean everything up. Allow to dry.
Stir up the contact cement well. Now apply to each surface that you want to glue - the bottom of the pad, and the bottom inside of the boot. Be sure to read the instructions on the can of contact cement - especially the part that tells you to wait 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry before applying the pieces that you are gluing together.

Practice this next part ahead of time, prior to using the glue to make sure you can do it! After you’ve waited 15 to 20 minutes for the glue to dry, go ahead and put the pads inside the boots. Fold the pad up into your hand, kind of like a horseshoe shape or an upside down taco. Place the toe of the pad in towards the toe of the boot and press down. Be sure to get it in all of the way - if it sticks together inbetween you’ll have to pull it out and reapply the glue and start over.
Now that the pad is inserted into the boot, apply pressure on the pad. I pull the heel captivator up and stand in the boot with my foot and rock back and forth. Again, be sure to read the instructions on the can of contact cement.

Allow everything to dry for several days before use and then when you use your boots for the first time be sure to carefully break the pads and boots in - check frequently while riding to make sure everything is staying in place. I always need to put quite a bit of riding on a new set of pads with Chief, or else his boots will turn. Doesn’t matter what boots - it’s because he has very round feet, and moves the way he does. After the pads get broken in, the boots can be adjusted snugger and things stay in place perfectly well. So remember that and whatever you do, DON’T glue pads into new boots and use them for the first time on an endurance ride!!
Misc. info: For now, I’m just gluing pads into my front boots and using the hinds how they come. I usually get about 350 miles or 7 endurance rides out of a set of pads and think that with having them glued in they may last a little longer. The pads will wear down around the edges - that is okay, the pad is still doing it’s job by providing cushioning, frog stimulation and absorbing concussion on my barefoot horses. If your horse is flat footed then a flat pad would be a better choice - I use the domes because my horses all have concavity. Other Renegade users have told me that they don’t ‘need’ the pads in their boots. I don’t think I ‘need’ them either, but want them in there to help reduce the wear and tear on my horses, especially on rides that have lots of rocks and hard packed footing. If your pads are wearing unevenly, that is a sign similar to having the tires on your car wear unevenly. Something needs aligning somewhere - use it as a tool to help you further fine tune your horses trim.
November 15th, 2008 | Tags: hoof boot tips, Hoof Care, renegade hoof boots | Category: education, hoof boots, useful tips | Comments (12)