Twin™ Shoe Benefits

Shoeing with Twin™ Shoe

The Twin™ Shoe offers 3 unique advantages, which combined, lead to healthier hooves:

1. Heel movement (normal hoof mechanism)

The Twin™ Shoe allows normal heel expansion during the stance phase of the stride (whereas traditional shoes reduce heel expansion by ca. 40% compared to barefoot and Twin™ Shoes). This improves: (a) shock absorption (dissipation of the ground reaction forces), (b) blood circulation (perfusion) of the lower limb, (c) biomechanics of the lower limb and (d) hoof horn growth and quality.

2. Lateral flexibility of the hoof (normal hoof mechanism)

The Twin™ Shoe allows independent 3D-movement of the lateral and medial heel which (a) reduces unilateral compression of the joints and contralateral tension of ligaments/tendons on circles and on uneven surfaces and (b) improves traction.

3. Sagittal flexibility (Backward-Downward movement)

Sagittal flexibility (normal hoof mechanism) and more equal hoof growth/wear balance at toe and heels: the hoof shod with Twin™ Shoes wears more equally across the entire hoof surface (versus traditional shoes where the wear is concentrated on the heel area). As such there is less alteration in Dorsal Hoof Wall Angle and Solar Angle of the coffin bone during the shoeing interval minimizing stresses/strains on distal joints, bones and tendons.

In Conclusion: with a Twin™ Shoe (as opposed to a traditional shoe) the hoof is not fixed/locked by the shoe which has a positive impact on each of the 5 factors influencing healthy hooves:

  • Hoof Mechanism: as the shoe is split, the flexible movement along the 3 dimensions is unobstructed.
  • Blood Circulation: the Twin™ Shoe allows the hoof to freely contract and expand creating a normal blood pumping function.
  • Hoof Growth, Quality & Shape: the normal blood circulation supports the transport of oxygen and nutrients and waste deportation improving hoof growth and quality. As the shoe (branches) move with the hoof there is less friction and hoof growth/wear is more balanced. In addition, the normal mechanical stimulus from the elastic deformation of the hoof capsule allows for additional proper hoof horn growth and quality.
  • Shock Absorption: as hoof expansion and blood circulation can function without obstruction, the hoof can absorb ca. 70% of the shock impact.
  • Biomechanics: as the proper balance (side to side and front to back) of the internal structures and especially the position of the coffin (hoof) bone is maintained, less stress/strain is transferred to these structures (bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments) decreasing the chance of injury.