The Base Shoe

The construction of the Slypner Athletic Horseshoe system is based on extensive studies of

Want a horseshoe designed from biomechanical studies of natural hoof movement?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated June 2026

Horse and rider on the trail, Slypner Gear Claremont New Hampshire

The construction of the Slypner Athletic Horseshoe system is based on extensive studies of the biomechanics of the horse, the function of the hoof, and the locomotive system involved in movement. These variables were studied using all research techniques available in this field at the time. The structure and function of the Slypner Athletic Horseshoe System has been designed to closely simulate the natural conditions of the hoof and assist the pattern of movement.

The Base Shoe

Slypner Gear Athletic Horseshoes
Slypner Athletic Horseshoes can reduce the stress on your horse's legs by more than 80%! Shown here with "Old Mac" Multi-purpose Horse Boots!

What Is The Construction Of The Slypner Horseshoe?

The Base Shoe

The base shoe is made from a "sandwich-construction" of stainless steel plates surrounding a hard plastic center. A stamping process makes the individual parts, with very strict control of the properties of the materials used. These individual parts are then joined together by welding before the shoes are soldered in a special process, which ensures that all surfaces butting up to each other are 100% soldered together. This gives the product strength equal to that of the stainless steel itself.

The Slypner Athletic Horseshoe System satisfies the veterinary demand for reduction of damage and injury to the hoof and leg. The horse must be better protected from the stresses of concussion and poor traction while ensuring that its natural freedom of movement is maintained. The Slypner Athletic Horseshoe system meets these modern demands.

The Insert

The insert is made from polyurethane, which has great resistance to wear and tear. The geometry of the insert exactly matches that of the base shoe. The elasticity of this material allows them to be fitted to a base plate that has been shaped to fit the horses hoof. Wearing soles come in front and hind patterns and 6 different sizes to match the appropriate base shoe.

The Locking System

The toe area of the base shoe consists of a Locking Coupling that holds the wearing sole at the toe. The nail holes are individually angled allowing the nails to follow the slope of the hoof and give the optimum shoeing. The hard plastic material that is injected between the top surface and bottom surface provides a tight grip on the horseshoe nails. This ensures great strength when the shoe is fitted to the hoof. The heels have Locking Slots that hold the wearing sole at the heel.

Why ShouldMy Horse Wear Slypner Horse Shoes?
The idea behind Slypner Horseshoes is quite simple: a stainless steel base shoe anchors a replaceable urethane wearing sole to the hoof. If you've ever worn sneakers or athletic shoes, you already know some of the advantages Slypner Horseshoes can offer. A flexible wearing sole provides better traction and reduces impact shock - the force generated when your horse's hoof strikes the ground. A flexible, interchangeable wearing sole offers you a unique advantage: you can change soles yourself, in between hoof trimming response or changing weather conditions. Our interchangeablewearing sole is an essential part of what makes Slypner Athletic Horseshoes so unique. The wearing sole is physically flexible, obviously, but it also offers you, the rider or trainer, more flexibility in attending to your horse's shoeing needs. With Slypners you can choose a wearing sole with a specific tread pattern. . For example, our 2-inch caulks or 2-inch caulk with carbide studs for demanding terrain or as a great alternative to traditional Borium shoes. Keep several sets of wearing soles with different tread configurations on hand. If terrain or weather conditions change, you can change the wearing soles yourself - without waiting for the farrier .

Note: The purpose of the Slypner Athletic Horseshoe System is to protect the horse's locomotive system and, at the same time, to ensure the optimum freedom of movement.

In order to reach this goal it has been necessary to undertake thorough studies of the hoof and of the locomotive system of the horse that is concerned with its movement.

Another Great Product From Slypner: "Old Mac" Multipurpose Hoof Boots!

Aimed at improving your horse's soundness, well-being, and performance, Old Macs are a genuine alternative to metal shoes. They facilitate the natural shock absorbing, weight bearing function of the hoof. The innovative outsole design allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the hoof. Old Macs are very suitable for rehabilitation, transportation, and breeding applications. Designed to be used when riding and removed when horse is pastured or stalled. Available in 8 sizes with a 6-month warranty from the manufacturer.

Order Your Slypner Athletic Horseshoes Today!

Why let your horse's feet take a pounding when they don't have to? Slypner Gear makes it easy to keep your horse comfortable so that he can perform his very best! We are happy to answer any questions you have, please call us today

What exactly is the Slypner Athletic Horseshoe System?

The Slypner Athletic Horseshoe is a two-part shoeing system built from a stainless steel base plate paired with a polyurethane wearing sole. Rather than the single rigid bar of a conventional steel shoe, this layered design separates the structural nailing surface from the ground-contact cushion, so the metal carries the load while the polymer manages impact. The result is a shoe engineered for excellent shock reduction and increased traction across pleasure, sport, and therapeutic work.

Protective horse hoof boots offered by Slypner Gear

Who makes the Base Shoe and where does the name come from?

The product is offered by Slypner Gear of Claremont, New Hampshire, with the original athletic horseshoe having been designed and developed in Denmark. The name is drawn from Norse mythology: Slypner (Sleipnir) was the legendary eight-legged horse said to walk on water, in the air, and over the ground. Today the company is located at 57 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743, and can be reached toll-free at (800) 759-7637 or locally at (603) 543-8977.

Horze reflective riding blanket and rug for safe trail visibility from Slypner Gear

What materials go into the two-part construction?

The upper component is a stainless steel base plate that provides the rigid, nailable foundation and resists the corrosion that plagues ordinary steel in wet trail and arena conditions. The lower component is a polyurethane wearing sole, a resilient polymer chosen for its energy-absorbing and grip properties. Independent equine biomechanics research has likewise shown that polyurethane composite shoes alter hoof acceleration on hard footing compared with bare steel, which underpins the cushioning rationale behind a layered design like this one.

Rambo Supreme lightweight horse turnout blanket sold by Slypner Gear

How does the system reduce shock and add traction?

According to Slypner, the construction is based on extensive studies of the biomechanics of the horse, the function of the hoof, and the locomotive system involved in movement. The polyurethane sole flexes and compresses at impact to dampen the concussive forces that travel up the limb, while the same compliant surface grips the ground more readily than slick steel for surer footing. Because the wearing sole is the consumable layer, the stainless base plate can remain in service while the cushion takes the abrasion.

Which horses and riders is it built for?

Slypner positions the shoe for pleasure, sport, and therapeutic needs, making it relevant to trail and endurance horses, performance competitors, and animals recovering from concussion-related soreness. The company says its team strives to offer products that enhance the well-being and health of each horse, as well as riders who are weekend warriors and seasoned competitors. Horses worked on hard or uneven ground, where impact and slip are constant concerns, are natural candidates.

How do you order or learn more?

Slypner Gear sells online through its storefront at store.slypnergear.com and takes orders and questions by phone at (800) 759-7637. You can request a catalog or use the contact form at slypnergear.com, or. The shop keeps hours of Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed Sunday.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

How does The Base Shoe help horses or owners?

These individual parts are then joined together by welding before the shoes are soldered in a special process, which ensures that all surfaces butting up to each other are 100% soldered together.

What does The Base Shoe offer?

The Locking System The toe area of the base shoe consists of a Locking Coupling that holds the wearing sole at the toe. The nail holes are individually angled allowing the nails to follow the slope of the hoof and give the optimum shoeing.

How do you use The Base Shoe?

The elasticity of this material allows them to be fitted to a base plate that has been shaped to fit the horses hoof. The Locking System The toe area of the base shoe consists of a Locking Coupling that holds the wearing sole at the toe.

What is the Slypner Athletic Horseshoe System?

It is a two-part horseshoe system made up of a stainless steel base plate and a polyurethane wearing sole. The steel plate provides the rigid, nailable foundation while the polyurethane layer cushions impact and grips the ground. Slypner describes it as delivering excellent shock reduction and increased traction for pleasure, sport, and therapeutic use.

What is the Base Shoe made of?

The Base Shoe combines two distinct materials. The upper structural component is stainless steel, chosen as the base plate for strength and corrosion resistance, and the lower ground-contact component is polyurethane, a resilient polymer that absorbs concussion and improves footing. This layered metal-plus-polymer build is what distinguishes it from a single-piece steel shoe.

Where did the Slypner horseshoe originate?

The Slypner Athletic Horseshoe was designed and developed in Denmark. It is now offered in the United States by Slypner Gear, based in Claremont, New Hampshire. The product was brought to the North American farrier and trail-riding market from its Scandinavian roots.

What does the name Slypner mean?

The name comes from Norse mythology. Slypner, more commonly spelled Sleipnir, was a mythical eight-legged horse said to be able to walk on water, in the air, and over the ground. The company chose the name to evoke a horse that moves effortlessly across any terrain.

How does the two-part design reduce shock?

At the moment the hoof strikes the ground, the polyurethane wearing sole flexes and compresses, dampening the concussive forces that would otherwise travel up the leg through a rigid steel shoe. The stainless steel base plate stays firm to carry the structural load and hold the nails. Separating the cushioning layer from the structural layer is the core of the shock-reduction concept.

Is the design based on actual research?

Yes. Slypner states the construction is based on extensive studies of the biomechanics of the horse, the function of the hoof, and the locomotive system involved in movement, using the research techniques available in the field. Broader equine science supports the principle, as published studies have measured how polyurethane composite shoes change hoof acceleration on hard surfaces compared with steel shoes.

What kind of horses is the Base Shoe good for?

Slypner positions the shoe for pleasure, sport, and therapeutic needs. That makes it suitable for trail and endurance horses, performance and competition horses, and horses that need extra concussion relief for soundness reasons. It is especially relevant for animals working on hard or slippery ground where both impact and traction are concerns.

How is the Slypner shoe attached to the hoof?

As a two-part system, the stainless steel base plate is fitted to the hoof in the manner of a conventional shoe by a farrier, with the polyurethane wearing sole forming the ground-contact surface. The original Slypner horseshoe was specifically noted as a two-part shoe that was easier to put on the horse. For exact fitting on your horse, consult your farrier.

Does the polyurethane really improve traction?

A compliant polyurethane surface conforms to the ground and grips more readily than slick, hard steel, which is why Slypner cites increased traction as a key benefit. Equine gait research has also found that composite polyurethane shoes change how the hoof loads and accelerates on firm footing. The combination of cushioning and grip is the central selling point of the system.

Who makes and sells the Base Shoe today?

It is offered by Slypner Gear, located at 57 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. The company specializes in trail-riding products and equine supplies and operates an online store. You can reach them toll-free at (800) 759-7637 or locally at (603) 543-8977.

How do I contact Slypner Gear?

You can call toll-free at (800) 759-7637 or the local line (603) 543-8977, or email [email protected]. The website at slypnergear.com also has a contact form and a request-a-catalog option. Their address is 57 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743.

What are Slypner Gear's business hours?

Slypner Gear is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The business is closed on Sunday. These hours apply for phone orders and inquiries.

Where can I buy Slypner products online?

Slypner Gear runs an online storefront at store.slypnergear.com, accessible through the SHOP NOW link on slypnergear.com. You can also request a printed catalog through the website. For product questions, call (800) 759-7637 during business hours.

What other products does Slypner Gear carry besides the horseshoe?

Beyond the athletic horseshoe heritage, Slypner Gear specializes in trail-riding products including horse boots, reflective safety gear, blankets and turnouts, grooming supplies, supplements, saddles, heart rate monitors, and rider apparel such as the Winter Rancher glove. The store carries recognized brands including EasyCare, Ortho-Flex, ReactorPanel, Zilco, Kerrits, Horze, Ariat, Noble Outfitters, and Wintec. This makes the company a one-stop source for trail and endurance riders.

Why choose a stainless steel base plate over ordinary steel?

Stainless steel resists the rust and corrosion that ordinary mild steel suffers in the wet, muddy, and abrasive conditions common to trail and endurance riding. A corrosion-resistant base plate keeps the structural foundation sound over the life of the shoe. It also pairs cleanly with the replaceable polyurethane wearing sole, which takes the brunt of ground abrasion.

Is the Base Shoe a therapeutic option for sore or recovering horses?

Slypner explicitly lists therapeutic needs among the uses the shoe is designed to serve. The shock-absorbing polyurethane sole is intended to reduce the concussion transmitted to the hoof and limb, which can benefit horses dealing with soreness or concussion-related issues. As with any therapeutic shoeing decision, work with your veterinarian and farrier to determine whether it is right for your horse.

What makes the Slypner system different from a standard steel shoe?

A standard steel shoe is a single rigid piece that offers durability but transmits concussion and can be slick on hard ground. The Slypner Athletic Horseshoe separates the job into two layers: a stainless steel base plate for structure and a polyurethane wearing sole for cushioning and grip. That layered, biomechanically informed approach is what sets it apart and underlies its shock-reduction and traction claims.