Davis bell boot alternatives

I’ve been a die hard fan of the Davis bell boots for years and now that the company is going out of business I’m looking for alternatives to use on a horse that wears them for turnout.
What I have liked about the Davis:

  1. Durable
  2. Easy on/off (velcro)
  3. Don’t attract burrs or hold water
  4. Don’t rub
    Any and all recommendations appreciated!

I just bought a bunch of pairs of Davis in hopes they’ll last forever :sob:

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I tried the ovation rubber ones with the big velcro strap. He managed to tear the rubber part from the top down right alongside the velcro. In his stall. So that kind is a nope.
I’m trying centaur next.

The Dover knock offs are closest

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Mine blows through Davis and any brand in about two cycles at best. The shires arama have been a good alternative for us. The rubber is a little softer so they actually give a bit and this seems to help keep the Velcro from getting demolished.

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These are great!

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Same here. I use Arma, and they’re cheap enough that I just buy a bunch.

Apparently the smartpak pull on boots are a PIA to get on but are nearly bulletproof, if a pull on is an option.

Same. Arma work well. I can usually find them for under $20, they come in bright colors (so I lose 25% fewer boots).

Bright colors are a must for finding the castaways in the field :joy:

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I have honestly thought about doing this :weary:

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Thanks everyone! Sounds like Arma may be the way to go!

Seems I’m in the minority but I really hate the Arma bell boots, won’t buy them anymore. I’ve had probably 6+ pairs. Initially I thought they were great, but the large velcro flap seems to go bad and then they don’t stay on well for me. I actually prefer Dover’s cheapies over the Arma.

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I use the KL Select bell boots and they seem to stay on and last fairly well

Just bumping the thread since Schneider’s is running a pretty good sale on these right now. I just ordered a few pairs since they look similar to the Davis ones. At $10 a pair, can’t hurt to try.

https://www.sstack.com/dura-tech-ez-clean-bell-boot/p/16719/

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I actually just ordered and received a pair of these last week! You read my mind lol!
Planning on putting them to use when my last pair of Davis wear out (which will be soon :expressionless:!)

I know they are not velcro like OP wanted, but I am a die hard KL Select/Italian Rubber pull on bell boot fan. I have had pairs last me years and they almost never get lost in the field. They are fairly stretchy so not the hardest to get on and off, but I will be honest in that I rarely remove them unless we are doing a dressage test. Never cause rubs or other issues. I find the black ones last best, the natural colored ones are not as strong.

Have you had the same luck with new ones? I asked a similar question in a FB group and SO MANY people said the quality went to crap and they aren’t lasting anymore.

I’ve used the Schneider’s and they’re okay, the Velcro tends to fail fast. For $10 I’ll buy a bunch and just resign myself to picking them up ahead of the mower. I still like the Arma’s the best with the single top tab covering the velcro… I think it gives fewer spots for the stitching to catch. Or something. For $20, it’ll do :joy:.

I just bought a new pair of black ones this winter/spring and they are holding up well so far. My mare did rip a huge chunk out of one (because she likes to step on herself with her other front foot) but otherwise they are still holding on strong (got to be at least 6 mo of 24/7 wear at this point).

The Armas are a suitable alternative–they’re lasting me about 3mo, which is about the same as the Davis did. They come with fleece at the top, too, which has been handy for a horse that gets rubs.

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Following up on my quest for a Davis bell boot replacement:
I saw an ad for these on Instagram, they are not available yet but may be another to consider:

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