SmartPak Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for EquiFit Gel Bands

EquiFit Gel Bands

EquiFit Gel Bands protect rider's heels, ankles and legs from rubs and irritation while riding. Gel Bands stay in place while riding and fit comfortably and unobtrusively under tall boots, chaps and half chaps. Gel Bands are ideal for breaking in new boots. **If you have any circulatory problems or diabetes, pelase consult your physician before use. Discontinue use if irritation, rash or pain occurs.
Average Customer Rating:
4.29 out of 5
4.3
 out of 
5
(31 Reviews) 28
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 31 reviews
5 Stars
19
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
2
1 Star
1
27 of 31(87%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for EquiFit Gel Bands
Review 1 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

NOT sold in pairs!

May 2, 2013
BySportingGoodFarm
fromCaldwell, Tx
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Trainer
Riding Style:Eventing
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"Had I read I would have realized this, I was just so desperate for something to make my boots work I took the advice of other reviewers and bought these but over$50 for both feet! I am glad I ordered the tall. I was able to cut it and use it for both feet. Saddly with them on my boots don't fit, they didn't rub though! lol I will be keeping these as I had to mutilate them to make them work. Maybe they will work for something in the future..."
Review 2 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

I Wear Them Every Day!

April 26, 2013
ByDJNadeau
fromWaterloo, Ontario
I have used this product for:2-5 years
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Just right
Runs large
Just right
"The only way I can wear my dress boots is with these gel bands. I put them under my breeches and socks and they stay in place well! I've hand washed them and they came out well. I have basically worn them every day (including in the winter with my winter boots) for 2 years and they are a bit stretched out now so I'm considering replacing them soon. I also use them on my horse's legs to prevent rubs on his cannon bone!"
Review 3 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Awesome!

April 20, 2013
ByVaneesa
fromNH
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Just right
Runs large
Just right
"I love these! The help a lot. The only thing is that they deform quickly. But other the that I LOVE them!"
Review 4 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Good for breaking in boots but wear out quick

March 18, 2013
ByPapyruse
fromAtlanta, GA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
"I am overall happy with my purchase as they have allowed me to break in my new tall boots without developing blisters. However after about 4 uses they have become ripped and I don't suspect they will hold up much longer which is disappointing considering the price of the tall style, of which I bought two. I wear mine on the outside of my sock as they're easier to adjust while getting your boot on, which may have contributed to the ripping. I would deffinately recommend these if you have a pair if tall boots that are simply to painful to break in."
Review 5 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

On the fence with this one...

January 29, 2013
ByAimeee
fromCalifornia
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
2 of 5
2 of 5
"At first I LOVED this product. Great idea...feels great on your ankle/feet/wherever. BUT...wear thru & deform QUICKLY. If they were less expensive, I'd recommend them and buy more."
Review 6 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Meh...

January 25, 2013
ByCamaroGirl1990
fromSouth Carolina
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Durability:
1 of 5
1 of 5
"I had ordered the short pair in order to wear around my ankles because I was getting really bad blisters on the back of my heels. I wore them once for about 4 hours just standing and walking around at work and when I got home, there was a hole all the way through them from where my heels had rubbed against my boot. They do feel fantastic and work, but they wear through REALLY quickly. It probably wouldn't be so bad if you wore them around your calves for tall boot rubs and stuff like that.
If you have a problem similar to mine, I'd just recommend thicker socks and big band aids around your heels because it would be far cheaper and just as effective.
"
Review 7 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Fabulous item!

January 22, 2013
BySB14
fromYorktown NY
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"Great item to get you through new boots, rubs from breeches, anything that needs protection. Perfect size for around ankle, knee, heel or forefoot! Absolutely a great idea that really works!"
Review 8 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great idea!

January 22, 2013
BySB14
fromYorktown NY
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I returned these but they are a great idea! Decided to just keep the short ones for around my ankles with new boots and around knee that had a rub. But it's a great great product with bad marketing because I never heard of them until a few weeks ago!"
Review 9 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
1 of 5
1 of 5

Would NOT recommend

January 18, 2013
ByBarngoddess2
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Other - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Value:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Durability:
1 of 5
1 of 5
"This product wore thru after a very few times of wearing. It was way over priced and way over rated."
Review 10 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Saved my boots!

October 9, 2012
ByCalikid
fromPennsylvania
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"I bought these because my boots were too big in the ankle and really rubbing. I was about to give up on those boots but then I found the Gel Bands.
They have completely solved the problem. My boots fit great now. And the Gel Bands themselves are very comfortable and they stay in place.
I only gave the durability a 4 because I have only had these for about a month and don't know how they will last.
"
Review 11 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Exactly what I needed!

August 15, 2012
ByScooper
fromBend, OR
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"When I trail ride for a few hours doing a fair amount of trotting I always get a rub on the front of my ankle/shin area from my half chaps. Although it doesn't hurt it looks awful and lasts several days then I do it again. I didn't even know this gel band product existed until I was browsing the SmartPak website. This is another example of what a great resource SmartPak is for all things horse & rider. I've used the bands three times now and they are just the ticket and even in hot weather I don't notice them. I can't say how durable they will be but I'm pretty sure I'll get at least one season of use."
Review 12 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

No more rubs!

August 13, 2012
ByZacksMom
fromPetaluma, CA
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"I have suffered many stirrup leather rubs while jumping and got into the habbit of wrapping my calfs with guaze to prevent them. I was skeptical that these would work, but they do, no more rubs! I have worn them under 1/2 chaps and in 90 degree heat, with complete success. You do have to order 2, but they cover from knee to ankle. Can't say how long the elastic will last. Will have to do an update."
Review 13 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Saved my legs

July 2, 2012
ByTiggs
fromWorthington, OH
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"The inside of my knees rub really bad on occasion (we're talking 1/2 inch wide, 1 inch long# and my britches look like a bloody mess #especially white ones!). I got these and LOVE them. They have saved my legs. I've already recommended them to friends."
Review 14 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Can't live without them

June 28, 2012
BySmithereens
fromNew England
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"I constantly get rubbed/pinched on the back of my knee and these have been a lifesaver! Before I would have to use large bandaids that often fell off. I use these everyday, and my first band lasted me 2 months plus, and now has stretched out too much to use. So while they are pricey, if you care for them as instructed they are well worth it!"
Review 15 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

They Really Work

June 26, 2012
ByAllInFavor
fromPensacola, Fl
I have used this product for:1-2 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I purchased my first pair of these over a year ago and wore them under my tall boots at least 8-9 shows before they had to be replaced. They really work and don't add bulk to even the snuggest fitting boots. They releive the pressure at my heel where the zipper bunches and allows me to walk around in my show boots all day with no pain. I was recently at a show and a friend was complaining about knee pressure-I suggested a pair which we found in one of the tack trailers and he loved them! You just need to try them for yourself."
Review 16 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

May 21, 2012
Byanimallover
fromMI
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"Can wear my tall boots with no back of the heel rubbing any longer! I might have liked them longer but they were not available when I ordered, but they protect well. Great product."
Review 17 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Must have for breaking in Boots

May 14, 2012
ByJRSELLE
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Dressage
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"I bought this product because breaking in tall boots is not fun. My ankles killed where the leather was droping at the ankle and behind my knees didn't fell the greatest either. My friend saw these in a smartpak catalog and suggested I try them, glad i did! I noticed a difference the first time I wore them, but didn't know if they made that much of a difference, so the next time i rode, I rode without them....yea huge difference, from then on out I have worn them everytime. Next time I have to break in boots, I might get a pair for behind my knees as well!!
I subtracted a star because I wish they were longer."
Review 18 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

NECESSITY!

May 4, 2012
ByHS
fromWadsworth, IL
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"I have had the unfortunate experiance of having to break in 6 pair of boots in less than a year, needless to say my feet hate me, I stumbled upon these in the cataloge and just HAD to try them, my new pair of boots are killing me and these make them tolerable! Wonderful fit, they do their job tremendously and I can't ride without them now! THANK YOU for an amazing product."
Review 19 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Big help for uncomfortable boots!

March 12, 2012
ByMyMoPony
fromWoodland, CA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I dreaded wearing my old tall boots for the rubs they gave me around my ankles and achilles tendon, so I thought I would try these out for the new show season. They make life so much more comfortable! No more painful rubs, and although the "gel" texture felt a little weird at first, I quickly forgot about it when I was able to walk and ride in comfort. I've only had them for a few weeks, but so far they are holding up well."
Review 20 for EquiFit Gel Bands
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Worth A Try

December 13, 2011
ByAbbi266
fromColorado
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Fit
Average
Excellent
"You should give these a try if you are getting ankle rubs from your tall boots or spurs. I no longer get blisters and I can actually walk in my tall boots. I can't ride without them now. They do not always stay in place and get slippery when they're sweaty. They also tend to stretch out overtime. I find that they're a little pricey, but a lot cheaper than new boots!"
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