YOU KNOW THE SCIENCE, NOW LEARN ABOUT AIRSTRIDE
Our boots have scientific testing and evidence to back up our claims - not something that many brands can do.
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AIRSTRIDE® 2025 STUDY
BREATHABILITY TESTED: AIRSTRIDE® COMPARED TO OTHER "BREATHABLE" BOOTS
In September 2025 Airstride® conducted a structured study measuring heat buildup in equine limbs using temperature sensors, and documented consistent results. The study followed a defined methodology, and findings are supported by objective data that is currently under professional veterinary review for validation.
PERFORMING RESEARCH
CONDUCTING THE STUDY
The objective of this study was to compare the thermal regulation and airflow properties of Airstride® boots against two commercially popular equine leg boots that advertise breathability & breathable construction.
A structured methodology was applied, including defined controls, standardised measurements, and the use of professional grade surface temperature sensors.
OVERVIEW
AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE
At the commencement of testing, each temperature gauge displayed a slightly different baseline reading, averaging 18 °C. All sensors were securely attached using the same materials to ensure consistency.
SENSOR POSITIONING AND CONSISTENCY
Temperature sensors were positioned horizontally across the region of the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT), Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT), and Suspensory Ligament. This placement ensured measurements were taken from comparable anatomical sites on each limb.
To avoid external bias, all boots tested were the same colour, preventing variation caused by differences in solar absorption (as lighter colours absorb less heat than darker ones).
METHODOLOGY
Boots were applied to the horse inside the stable for 10 minutes, allowing sensors to equalise with the ambient temperature of the horse’s lower leg.
Initial recordings were taken with the horse at rest.
INITIAL TEMPERATURES AT REST
After 10 minutes of equalising with ambient temperature of horses lower leg.
TEMPERATURES AFTER 30 MINUTES EXERCISE
The horse was then ridden in the arena by a Professional FEI rider for 30 minutes at walk, trot, and canter.
Following exercise, the horse was cooled out at walk for 5 minutes, immediately after which recordings were taken.
RESULTS & OBSERVATIONS
Both Airstride® boots demonstrated a drop in temperature immediately after exercise, indicating effective convection cooling.
The two comparison boots, despite being marketed as “breathable,” increased in temperature, rising well above their starting point.
INITIAL TEMPERATURES AT REST
- Airstride® Original Tendon Boot: 31.0 °C
- Airstride® PRO Tendon Boot: 30.9 °C
- “Breathable Neoprene” Boot: 32.0 °C
- Mesh Outer with “Breathable Mesh Lining” Boot: 31.2 °C
TEMPERATURES AFTER EXERCISE
- Airstride® Original Tendon Boot: 25.7 °C
- Airstride® PRO Tendon Boot: 26.0 °C
- “Breathable Neoprene” Boot: 35.8 °C
- Mesh Outer with “Breathable Mesh Lining” Boot: 36.0 °C
BONUS SECTION
SWEAT PATTERN ANALYSIS
Airstride® Original Tendon Boot
Light sweat restricted to the shape of the leather trim.
Airstride® PRO Tendon Boot
Small, localised damp patch (approx. strawberry size).
“Breathable Neoprene” Boot
Large, visibly wet sweat patch across the measured region.
Mesh Outer with “Breathable Mesh Lining” Boot
Significant wetness across a large portion of the booted area.
CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrated that Airstride® boots actively reduce heat buildup through convection cooling, while the two comparison boots labeled “breathable” trapped heat and moisture, resulting in elevated tendon temperatures and sweat saturation.
It is important to note that this study measured temperatures immediately after exercise. It is reasonable to expect that in the absence of convection cooling, skin temperatures under the Airstride® boots may equilibrate upward toward the horse’s core body temperature during rest post-exercise.
E. WALFISH - AIRSTRIDE® 2024 STUDY
"AMAZING PRODUCT... ALMOST NO HEAT ACCUMULATION'
A on-going 2024 study done by Elisa Walfish (MSc. Biology) from The Data Driven Equestrian conducted a test of Airstride® boots against a traditional fleece wrap to discuss heat accumulation under different types of leg protection during ridden work.
Results from the first series of testing:
- Airstride Boots Max Temp: 30° C
- Fleece Wrap Max Temp: 38° C
- Nearest Boot Competitor Max Temp: 34° C
Walfish found that Airstride® boots had virtually no heat accumulation and were 4 degrees cooler than the nearest boot competitor she has tested in this first round.
We look forward to sharing more detailed information as E. Walfish's testing continues.
SCIENCE SAYS AIRSTRIDE IS COOLER.
SEE HOW AIRSTRIDE COMPARES
Discover the ultimate in cooler leg protection for your horse.
| AIRSTRIDE | OTHER BRANDS | |
|---|---|---|
| Various Protection Levels | Coming Soon! | |
| Zero Neoprene or Fleece | ||
| Real Airflow Your Horse Feels | ||
| Cares About Horse Welfare | ||
| Designs Based on Science | ||
| Backed By Vets |
INSPIRED BY SCIENCE
Shop the boots that truly keep their legs cool.
