Equine veterinary journal2026; doi: 10.1002/evj.70336

Heel movement and foot biomechanics in aluminium nail-on and indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes in horses.

Roa, FJ
·
Santonastaso, A
·
Burns, TD
·
De Vita, R
·
Burns, LT
·
Funk, RA
·
Werre, S
·
Byron, CR

Abstract: Heel movement is critical to shock absorption and vascular perfusion of the equine digit. Conventional horseshoeing techniques are suspected to restrict natural hoof deformation, affecting hoof biomechanics. Several studies have explored the effects of shoeing on hoof function, though many have been limited to artificial conditions, cadavers, or homogenous populations. Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of two aluminium shoeing techniques, nail-on versus indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes, on heel movement in horses. Our objective was to determine which technique allowed greater heel movement on hard and soft footing. Methods: A controlled in vivo experimental study using a repeated-measures design. Methods: Fifteen healthy horses underwent three trials: (1) indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes, (2) barefoot, and (3) aluminium nail-on shoes. A displacement sensor was affixed to the heels of one forelimb. Measurements were taken on hard and soft footing. Data were analysed using mixed-model ANOVA to determine differences in heel movement. Results: Heel movement was significantly greater when barefoot (p < 0.0001). Mean heel displacement for the walk on hard ground was highest in barefoot horses (3.03 ± 0.67 mm), followed by glue-on shoes (2.23 ± 0.58 mm), and aluminium nail-on shoes (1.96 ± 0.48 mm). At the trot, mean heel movement was greatest in barefoot horses (3.29 ± 0.62 mm), followed by glue-on shoes (2.56 ± 0.55 mm), and aluminium nail-on shoes (2.12 ± 0.47 mm). Conclusions: The two main limitations were: (1) The lack of an absolute zero baseline measurement, preventing differentiating between heel expansion and contraction. (2) Low heel conformation in some horses prevented recordings on soft footing, reducing the statistical power. Conclusions: This study reinforces previous findings that shoeing restricts heel movement. Indirect glue-on shoes allow for more heel movement than nail-on shoes at the trot; both techniques limit heel movement compared to barefoot.

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Publication Date: 2026-10-11 PubMed ID: 42860532DOI: 10.1002/evj.70336Google Scholar: Lookup

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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

This study compares how two types of aluminium horseshoes—nail-on and indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes—affect heel movement in horses, which is crucial for shock absorption and blood flow in the hoof.
It finds that barefoot horses exhibit the greatest heel movement, glue-on shoes allow more heel movement than nail-on shoes, but both types of shoeing restrict heel movement compared to being barefoot.

Introduction and Background

Heel movement in horses is important because it helps absorb shock when the horse’s hoof strikes the ground and supports blood circulation within the hoof.
Traditional horseshoe techniques may limit the natural deformation of the hoof, potentially affecting biomechanical function.
Previous studies often used artificial setups, cadaver limbs, or uniform horse populations, limiting applicability to live horses under real conditions.

Study Objective

To compare heel movement in horses wearing two different types of aluminium shoes: nail-on shoes versus indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes.
To test these shoe types during movement on two types of terrain: hard ground and soft ground.
To determine which shoeing technique allowed greater heel movement during walking and trotting gaits.

Methods

Participants: 15 healthy horses participated in the study.
Experimental Design: A repeated-measures, controlled in vivo experiment where each horse was tested under three conditions:
- Wearing indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes
- Barefoot (no shoes)
- Wearing aluminium nail-on shoes
Measurement: A displacement sensor was attached to the heel of one forelimb for each horse to measure heel motion during movement.
Data Collection: Trials were conducted on both hard and soft footing surfaces during walking and trotting.
Data Analysis: Mixed-model ANOVA was used to analyze differences in heel movement across shoe conditions and footing types.

Results

Barefoot horses showed the greatest heel displacement, indicating the most natural heel movement.
Comparative heel displacement during walking on hard ground (mean ± SD):
- Barefoot: 3.03 ± 0.67 mm
- Glue-on shoes: 2.23 ± 0.58 mm
- Nail-on shoes: 1.96 ± 0.48 mm
During trotting on hard ground:
- Barefoot: 3.29 ± 0.62 mm
- Glue-on shoes: 2.56 ± 0.55 mm
- Nail-on shoes: 2.12 ± 0.47 mm
Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found showing decreased heel movement due to shoeing, with nail-on shoes restricting movement most.

Study Limitations

No absolute zero baseline was established, so the study could not differentiate whether sensor readings represented heel expansion or contraction.
Some horses had low heel conformation which prevented reliable recording on soft surfaces, limiting data completeness and statistical power for those conditions.

Conclusions

The study confirms that shoeing restricts natural heel movement in horses relative to barefoot conditions.
Among shoe types tested, indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes allow more heel movement than traditional aluminium nail-on shoes, especially noticeable at the trot.
Despite this, both shoeing methods limit heel flexibility compared to barefoot horses, which could have implications for hoof health and shock absorption.
This research highlights the importance of considering shoe type with regard to maintaining natural hoof biomechanics in equine care.

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APA

Roa FJ, Santonastaso A, Burns TD, De Vita R, Burns LT, Funk RA, Werre S, Byron CR. (2026). Heel movement and foot biomechanics in aluminium nail-on and indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes in horses. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1002/evj.70336

Publication

Equine veterinary journal

ISSN: 2042-3306

NlmUniqueID: 0173320

Country: United States

Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Roa, Fabian Jimenez

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Santonastaso, Amy

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Burns, Travis D

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

De Vita, Rafaella

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Burns, Lauren-Trager

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Funk, Rebecca A

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Werre, Stephen

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Byron, Christopher R

Virginia-Marland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Grant Funding

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

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