Horseshoe Pitching Shoes

NHPA Horseshoe Requirements:
 The NHPA sets specifications for horseshoes. (Start at page 36) The weight of a horseshoe cannot be more than 2 pounds, 10 ounces, but there is no minimum weight. The sanctioned horseshoe specifications list the dimensions of the outer shoe, the opening of the shoe, the height of the shoe, and more.

When buying horseshoes, I suggest getting them from the below list of NHPA-sanctioned horseshoes (some are no longer made).

Here is a list of horseshoes sanctioned by the NHPA.

Now, armed with the list of NHPA-sanctioned shoes, which ones to use?

On the menu on my main horseshoe web page I have a link to as many horseshoe product distributors that I could find. If you throw a "turn" shoe, you will want to buy a shoe designed for a "turn" pitcher. Or if you toss a "flip" shoe, you will want to get a shoe designed for that type of toss. A few shoes can be used for either type (turn or flip), but that may be like a sofa bed, not a great sofa and not a great bed, but works for both.

Weight and Hardness/Softness
 You may also want to decide on the weight (2 lbs, 8 oz, or a little lighter, or maybe a little heavier?) and the "hardness" rating of the shoe (ex, "dead soft," "medium soft").
The "usual" weight of a horseshoe is 2 lbs, 8 oz., but for some models you may be able to choose a heavier or lighter shoe. This aspect is up to you to decide, but I would offer that you consider getting the heaviest horseshoe that you can pitch with success and without strain or discomfort. The heavier the shoe is, the more heft it has, making it less likely to be bounced around by your opponent's shoes. If you are an elder or have arm or shoulder issues, you might want to try a shoe less than 2.5 lb. When I am helping a beginning pitcher who is struggling with getting the shoe the required distance, I offer a pair of some of my lighter horseshoes. Those 2-3 ounces can make quite a difference in a successful pitch, especially when one is learning the basics.

I was asked recently to expand on what "hard" and "soft" means for a horseshoe. It means the hardness of the metal of which is it made. When a horseshoe hits the hard metal stake, the harder the metal, the more bounce back or recoil the horseshoe will have when it strikes the stake. If we can't get a ringer out of a pitch, the next best option is to get a shoe within point range (6"). A harder shoe may rebound further than a softer shoe would. In terms of wear and tear on a horseshoe, a harder shoe will not get as many dings and burrs as a softer shoe will. A softer horseshoe may require the pitcher to do shoe maintenance more frequently -- file or rub out sharp rough edges or burrs. After every inning, I do a quick check of my shoes for new sharp edges as well as clumps of mud or dirt before I take my pitching position. I don't want to cut my fingers or hands on a sharp metal point and I want to have the shoe clean of debris and be in balance.
Hardness choices are usually "hard," "soft," or "dead soft," with "dead soft" being the softest.

Once you have seen the models of shoes that work for your way of pitching, then which to choose? How to decide?

It would be easier to make a decision if one had a chance to try out a horseshoe. I own several types of horseshoes and sometimes offer a horseshoe clinic just before our summer horseshoe pitching league begins in Moscow, Idaho (check the summer Moscow Parks and Recreation brochure). I bring along several types and weights of shoes so that pitchers can see the differences and try them out for a few pitches.

These are the horseshoes I currently own:

If you can find a horseshoe club in your area, perhaps some of the pitchers would be willing to allow you to try out their shoes.

Lighter Weight Horseshoes for Children, Youth, or Elders:
 The "normal" weight of a horseshoe is two pounds, eight ounces. That's quite a heavy shoe for kids, or even elders. Since there is no minimum weight to a horseshoe, there are a few "lighter" weight horseshoes I've found that may work well for people wanting a lighter NHPA-sanctioned horseshoe. If that's what you are looking for, the lightest option I've found is the 1.5 pound Cadet available at the Omega Horseshoe Company. I've also found the Glory GXL (Glory Extra Light) horseshoe that weighs one pound, 14 ounces; it's a thinner version of the Glory shoe. One of these two might be just right for the younger pitcher to start with

Then there is the light Pony shoe at two pounds, five ounces, which is no longer made, but might still be available at some distributors (I managed to buy the last pair that a distributor had). The Lasso shoe is a blend of features of the Mustang and Challenger; it weighs 2# 5 oz and has a Lasso XL model that weighs just two pounds. There also are lighter versions of the Cal-Flip and Ted Allen at two pounds, six ounces. (May no longer be available in light weights) All are NHPA-sanctioned horseshoes.

The above photos are of the pair of GXL shoes and pair of "Pony" shoes that I use for the kids/families horseshoe pitching clinics I do. (I like to paint the tips of my horseshoes.)

Sharing Horseshoes:
 If you are buying horseshoes that will be used by pitchers who differ in their pitching style (one is a "turner" and one is a "flipper"), you may have to compromise on what works all right (but not great) for both of you. In our summer doubles league, my partner and I have to pitch with the same shoes. I use his Gordon shoes since it's easier for me to pitch (flip) his shoes than for him to "turn" a shoe (Sue Snyder EZ-Flip II) designed for a "flip." [Note: There are "walking doubles" leagues that have pitchers pitch their own shoes and "walk" behind them to the opposite pit so that shoes do not have to be shared. The NHPA Guidelines section III, 1, B on page 29 describes walking doubles.]