Cracks in Renegades

[Orangetrout]

Hi all,
I got Renegades for the first time in May (never used hoof boots before). I was really happy with them and they seemed to fit very well. I’ve been riding in them once or twice a week for an hour or two on trails that are gravelly but not extreme. I just discovered that both of them have long cracks from the corner down along the frog. The cracks are probably about 2/3 down the sole. I’m really disappointed to see this. I ordered a replacement shell for one before I realized that it was both of them, but now I’m really discouraged. Has anyone had this problem? Is there something that I could be doing wrong?

Thanks!

[gothedistance]

Can you post a photo? I’m having a hard time visualizing the crack.

I’ve had two sets of Renegades wear out from use, but never had any that cracked.

[katyb]

Yikes. That stinks. I would contact Renegade. Maybe they had a bad run.

[gothedistance]

Wow! That is bad! I agree with katyb - contact Renegades about this. It looks to be a defect.

[Orangetrout]

I checked with them when I thought it was just one (I’m not very observant unfortunately), and the most they would do is let me order a replacement shell without replacing the whole boot. They said cracks on the corner are usually because a horse caught or stepped on the boot edge. I’m waiting to hear back now that it is both boots.

[Orangetrout]

Sigh. Renegade pretty much just repeated that it is usually caused by the horse overreaching or interfering, particularly when the boot is tight. I’m bummed because I spent a lot of money on these boots specifically because I thought they would last a long time. And now I don’t know what to do. My horse interferes very occasionally, but not badly (I just hear a rare tap, he has never hurt himself or needed protection), and it just seems crazy that it could have damaged both boots so badly (and they were not particularly tight). I don’t know whether to try again (also not cheap, the replacement shell was $35 plus shipping, and I’d need to get a second), or switch to something else.

[katyb]

I am really liking Scoot Boots, and you can do a trial with tryscootboots.com. I wish I had tried them before investing in Renegades. Their customer service is amazing. (I lost a boot, and they gave me a 25% discount on a replacement.) They are simpler. I don’t know about sturdier, but there’s less to have an issue with, I think, with less parts and a softer, more forgiving material.

[gothedistance]

I second the Scoots. Try them. They don’t have that bulky captivator in the back, so less chance of a hind hoof catching a front boot.

I have replaced my Renegades with Scoots, and I’m very happy with the results.

[AshleyandAnnabel]

I’ve never had it crack in that spot but I’ve had the front panel crack on two different boots. I still love Renegades though.