Glue-on Horseshoes: Help or hinderance?

As more horse owners revert away from traditional metal shoes, the barefoot movement continues to gain traction, backed by increasing research and real-world success stories. Alongside this shift, a growing number of alternatives have emerged to help support and protect hooves – especially during the transition phase or when navigating challenging terrain.

Among these options are hoof boots, designed to offer temporary support when barefoot hooves need extra protection. But another, more permanent alternative has been catching attention: glue-on horseshoes. As the name suggests, these shoes are attached using adhesive rather than nails and are often made from lightweight plastics or composites designed to offer more comfort and flexibility than traditional metal shoes.

But what’s the real story behind glue-on shoes? Are they the game-changing solution they promise to be – or are there hidden downsides that owners should know about before making the switch?

In this blog, we take a balanced, research-backed look at the pros and cons of glue-on horseshoes to help you make an informed decision for your horse. 

Why Opt for Glue-on Shoes?

There are several reasons why glue-on horseshoes might be recommended for your horse. They’re especially useful if your horse’s hoof wall is too damaged or brittle to withstand traditional nails, but you’re not ready to go fully barefoot. They can also be helpful during the transition period away from metal shoes, allowing the hoof wall time to grow and strengthen without the trauma of nails.

For example Garret Ford, developer of EasyCare Glue-on shoes, claims ““Our glue-on EasyShoes provide constant protection to the hoof while still supporting the benefits of a barefoot horse. This revolutionary composite shoe allows the hoof to expand and contract, both laterally and vertically as nature intended. Utilizing the latest urethane technology, the EasyShoe offers maximum durability and protection in addition to dramatically reducing concussion on hard surfaces.”

These shoes are often used in therapeutic situations, too – for example, they can help horses with laminitis or hoof sensitivity return to regular work, offering protection and support without further compromising the hoof wall.

Pros of Glue-On Shoes:

• Less invasive: No nails means less damage to the hoof wall.
• Better shock absorption: Plastic or composite materials often absorb concussion more effectively than metal.
• Secure fit: They can provide a snug, custom fit with less risk of rubbing or twisting compared to temporary hoof boots.

The Downside of Glue-on Shoes

However, glue-on shoes aren’t without drawbacks. Their fixed structure can restrict the natural expansion and contraction of the hoof, which may reduce circulation and compromise natural hoof function. They also tend to be more expensive than traditional shoes due to the cost of materials and the need for regular professional reapplication. Additionally, incorrect application or removal can lead to issues such as abscesses, thrush or further hoof wall damage.

Cons of Glue-On Shoes:

• Reduced circulation: Less natural hoof function than going fully barefoot.
• Harder to monitor hoof health: You can’t easily check for signs of thrush or white line disease.
• Bacteria risk: The shoe creates a warm, dark environment that can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth.
• Higher upkeep: They need replacing more often than a metal shoe and requires specialist tools and adhesives.

The Application Process

Glue-on shoes are typically attached using an acrylic adhesive and a glue gun. The process should always be carried out by a qualified professional to ensure proper fit and avoid damaging the hoof.

Glue-on horseshoes typically stay secure for around 4–8 weeks, though this can vary depending on the horse’s workload, hoof type, and the conditions they’re kept in. Factors like heavier work, softer hooves or challenging environments may shorten their lifespan.

The Difference Between Glue-on shoes and Glue-on boots

While both glue-on shoes and glue-on boots aim to protect the hoof without using nails, there are key differences in their design, materials and intended use.

Glue-on shoes

Glue-on shoes are typically applied directly to the hoof using an adhesive and are designed to mimic the shape and function of traditional horseshoes. They often remain in place for several days or weeks at a time and are ideal for horses that require continuous support, especially during rehabilitation.

Some popular types include the Easyshoe One Glue which uses urethane cuffs and glue to bond to the hoof wall. Also available is the Sound Horse Sigafoos shoe, which uses a fabric cuff bonded to the hoof wall, and Glushu, which features an aluminium horseshoe encased in a flexible rubber cuff to reduce concussion while maintaining structure.

Glue-on boots

On the other hand, glue-on boots are more like a hybrid between a hoof boot and a horseshoe. They offer full-coverage protection over the entire hoof and are often used for specific rides or short-term use rather than continuous wear. These are especially useful for horses transitioning to barefoot or navigating particularly rocky or abrasive terrain. Examples include the Renegade Pro-Comp Glue-On boot, known for its flexible sole and tread pattern that supports traction, and the Easyboot Glue-On, which is lightweight and conforms closely to the hoof for a snug fit.

In short, glue-on shoes are more of a semi-permanent solution, offering a closer experience to traditional shoeing, while glue-on boots are a removable or temporary alternative designed for performance, hacking on rough terrain or transitioning barefoot horses. However the technology is changing rapidly with new products entering the market regularly with updated performance and longevity.

Your choice will depend on your horse’s hoof health, workload and the terrain they encounter.

Is a Horse with Semi-Permanent Shoes Truly Barefoot?

It’s a common debate in the hoof care world: can a horse wearing glue-on or semi-permanent shoes still be considered barefoot? While glue-on options are often seen as a more hoof-friendly alternative to traditional metal shoes, they still alter the natural function of the hoof and prevent full ground contact. In that sense, a horse in glue-on shoes isn’t truly barefoot.

However, glue-on shoes can be a valuable compromise – especially in cases where the horse’s environment or hoof condition makes going fully barefoot unrealistic. Compared to nailed-on metal shoes, glue-ons offer more flexibility, better shock absorption and less structural damage to the hoof wall.

For owners who want to maintain a barefoot lifestyle but occasionally need extra protection for their horse, temporary hoof boots are an excellent option. These are only used when necessary – such as for hacking on rough ground – and can be removed as soon as the task is complete.

In Conclusion

In theory, the best-case scenario is a horse that can go completely barefoot, allowing the hoof to expand, contract and function as nature intended. But in practice, not every horse can thrive barefoot in every environment.

In these kinds of cases, glue-on shoes can offer a more sympathetic alternative to traditional shoeing and act as an important middle ground between shoeing and barefoot.

Here at Red Horse Products, we’re passionate about supporting you in the daily care and long-term health of your horse’s hooves. Our hoof care range is specially formulated to work in harmony with the hoof’s natural functions and we’re always on hand to help if you need further guidance.

References

Ferreira, C.M.C., Simões, B.D., Marques, E.A.S., Carbas, R.J.C. & da Silva, L.F.M., 2024. Exploring adhesive performance in horseshoe bonding through advanced mechanical and numerical analysis. Biomimetics (Basel), 10(1), p.2. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010002.

Nakagawa, Y., Yoshida, K., Kaneko, D. & Ikeda, S., 2023. Degradation behavior of glue-on three-dimensional printed plastic horseshoes in equine stables. Eng, 4(4), pp.2991–3006. https://doi.org/10.3390/eng4040168.

Yoshihara, E., Takahashi, T., Otsuka, N., Isayama, T., Tomiyama, T., Hiraga, A. & Wada, S., 2011. Heel movement in horses: comparison between glued and nailed horse shoes at different speeds. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement, (38), pp.431–435. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00243.x.