Shock Absorbing Unclipped Hybrid Urethane Horse Shoe with Internal Steel Insert
Generally speaking, opinions differ on whether a clipped or unclipped horseshoe is superior. The advantage of an unclipped horseshoe is that the risk of injury is lower and the hoof capsule has more freedom of movement than with a clipped hoof protection.
Nevertheless, the quarter clips have become popular for many reasons. First and foremost, of course, they make the farrier's job easier when customizing and shoeing, since the horseshoe is already relatively stable during the shoeing process. An unclipped horseshoe, on the other hand, is somewhat more difficult to place on the hoof.
A horseshoe without clips - whether it is a steel horseshoe, a purely urethane horse shoe or a hybrid horse shoe - has higher forces acting on the hoof nails, which can result in shortened durability of the hoof protection on the hoof. Especially for an unclipped horseshoe, it is therefore important to ensure proper riveting .
No matter what you choose, a clipped or unclipped hybrid urethane horse shoe: We certainly have something suitable for you in our assortment. Even though almost all our other horseshoes are equipped with two quarter clips, they can be easily removed if you prefer an unclipped horseshoe.


The Knob Arrays - the "Ace in Our Sleeve" for an Unclipped Hybrid Urethane Horse Shoe
If you choose our unclipped hybrid urethane horse shoe - by the way, the first model from our company - we have good news for you!
Especially when it comes to the secure fit of the horseshoe on the hoof, the quarter clips are usually advantageous. An unclipped horseshoe is less protected from twisting or slipping on the hoof, especially towards the end of the shoeing period. This is where our knob arrays come into play.
The knobs are made of a relatively hard urethane material and press into the bearing edge of the hoof. This leads to additional stabilization on the hoof and thus reduces the risk of the shoe twisting on the hoof. So, if the unclipped horseshoe is carefully nailed to the hoof, these inconspicuous colored 'plastic tips' help that the horseshoe stays longer where it belongs.
Unclipped Urethane Horse Shoe with Integrated Steel Insert – Photos

Our hybrid urethane horse shoes without clips are available in front and hind patterns as well as in the special STS shape with a slightly straightened toe area.

The versions of our unclipped hybrid urethane horse shoe with steel insert are available in both hardness degrees Standard and Extra.

Small "plastic tips" with a big effect: our knob inserts in detail.

With an unclipped horseshoe, the correct fit is crucial for durability on the hoof.

The view from below: Our unclipped horseshoes have an open sole area.

Thanks to knobbed inserts and good workmanship, a secure hold is possible even under difficult conditions.

Our unclipped horseshoes are available for both small and larger hooves.

Other unclipped urethane horse shoes in our range are the Nailless , the open-toed horseshoe and the Classic without metal core.

To make it easier to remove the nailed-on hybrid urethane horse shoe, we lightly sharpened a nail puller with the belt sander.
Application and Safety Instructions for Unclipped Horseshoes – Video
Thanks to the soft material of the urethane sheath and the rounded edges, the risk of injury in the herd is lower with a hybrid urethane horse shoe. When using an unclipped horseshoe, another safety risk is eliminated.

However, with a horseshoe without clips, even more attention must be paid to the correct fit of the shoe during the shoeing period. This is the only way to avoid losing a horseshoe.
Even if the horse cannot step into any quarter clips if a horseshoe has been lost on the pasture, the risk of a nail penetration injury remains. We therefore always advise to look for the horseshoe - no matter what kind of hoof protection it is.
No matter which horseshoe from our range you want to use - whether is is a clipped or unclipped horseshoe, please read and observe our security information. The safety instructions are addressed not only to the farrier, but also to the horse owner and rider.
Hybrid Urethane Horseshoe – the Advantages of a Solid Metal Inlay and a Urethane Sheath on the Hoof
Hubert Frank has gained extensive experience since qualifying as a farrier in 1995. From early on, he questioned the idea that only the traditional steel shoe could work on a horse’s hoof. He kept wondering why, even today, we still use almost the same type of horseshoe as 1,000 years ago, while in so many other areas of life we constantly develop new solutions.
We were often faced with this question, especially in our early days, when we entered the market with the "original model" of our current hybrid (composite ) horseshoes. This is how the history of today's Duplo Composite Horseshoe began around the year 2000.
The goal behind the development was (and always will be) the well-being of the horse and associated with it a healthy hoof. So we will never be categorical promoters of the alternative horseshoe ! Our product is a product "from farriers for farriers". We know about the positive characteristics of the horseshoe and about areas of application where a traditional horsehoe is necessary. Nevertheless, we would like to offer our customers a 'modern' alternative to the 'traditional' steel shoe.
Today's composite horseshoe is a kind of hybrid product: the stabilizing metal core stands for the traditional horseshoe, the urethane sheath with its concussion absorption powers for the pure plastic or synthetic shoe. Our hybrid horseshoe combines the advantages of both types of shoeing on the horse's hoof. In the area of the bony structures of the hoof, the metal core stabilizes; in the area of the soft structures, i.e., among others, in the area of the frog, the digital cussion and the bulbs, you will find the shock-absorbing, soft urethane coating. We have prepared a video for you that illustrates the functionality and structure of our hybrid horse shoe.
Application Guide – Nail-on Hybrid Urethane Horse Shoes
In our video, Stephan Becker explains the general application of our hybrid horse shoes - an urethane horse shoe with an integrated steel insert. What applies to the clipped horseshoes naturally also applies to an unclipped horseshoe.
The correct barefoot treatment, in particular achieving a straight, even planar bottom surface of the hoof through correct rasping and the customization of the horseshoe to the hoof are even more important when you nail-on an unclipped horseshoe. Even if our knob arrays provide some support: even they cannot prevent an improperly fitted shoe from getting lost.
Glued Application of an Unclipped Horseshoe
If you want to apply our horseshoe with glue, we recommend to use the Nailless. The Nailless is designed without a separate knob array and is therefore better protected against the tractive forces that increase during the shoeing period due to hoof growth.
The development of the Nailless is based on experience reports which show that the pressure acting on the shoe in the area of the knobbed inserts has a different effect on a glued horseshoe than on a nailed one.

In the case of a model with knobbed inserts, the plastic may crack in the area of the knobs and the horseshoe can therefore not be reused. For this reason, the Nailless is being produced without knobbed inserts.
If you are unable to purchase the Nailless in the size or shape you need, remember to be sure to grind off the knobs of the horseshoe before welding. This will help you to achieve an ideal form closure for your adhesive horseshoe.
As always, be careful not to inhale sanding dust during all sanding operations.
Product Features
Product Details and Delivery Information | |
---|---|
Model | unclipped hybrid urethane horse shoe with knob arrays for a secure fit |
Brand | Duplo |
Article Number | 100, 101, 410, 411, 300, 500 |
Function | hybrid urethane hoof protection, concussion absorption, stimulation of the Hoof mechanism |
Riding Styles and Disciplines | e.g. leisure riding, trail riding and orienteering, western disciplines, dressage, driving, gaited horse riding, baroque riding, groundwork, cross-country riding, working equitation |
Therapy Shoe / Rehab | The model is also suitable for supportive use in orthopedic and therapeutic applications. Our products do not diagnose or cure any conditions; we strongly recommend cooperating closely with your local hoof specialist or veterinarian. |
Horse Breeds | e.g. Warmblood, Thoroughbred, Haflinger, Icelandic Horse, Arabian, Andalusian, Hanoverian, Missouri Foxtrotter, Norwegian, Welsh Pony, German Riding Pony, Konik Pony |
Shoeing | with nails, glue-on tabs, or cast hooks |
Shoeing Instructions | available under FAQ → Instructions |
Safety Advice | available under FAQ → Safety Information |
Made in | Germany |
Available Shapes | round / oval / STS |
Sizes Round | 102mm, 106mm, 110mm, 114mm, 118mm, 122mm, 126mm, 130mm, 134mm, 138mm, 142mm, 146mm, 150mm, 154mm, 158mm |
Sizes Oval | 98mm, 102mm, 106mm, 110mm, 114mm, 118mm, 122mm, 126mm, 130mm, 134mm, 138mm, 142mm, 146mm, 150mm, 154mm |
Sizes STS | 102mm, 106mm, 110mm, 114mm, 118mm, 122mm, 126mm, 130mm, 134mm, 138mm, 142mm, 146mm, 150mm, 154mm |
Size Interval | in 4mm steps |
Sizing | based on hoof shape and widest part of the hoof (after trimming); sizing template available under FAQ → Sizes and Shapes |
Hardness Degrees | Standard / Extra |
Season | year-round |
Temperature | Use Standard model in colder months; Extra model in warmer temperatures |
Weight | 170g–495g depending on size |
Length | depends on size – see FAQ → Sizes and Shapes |
Width | matches the selected size in mm |
Thickness | 15mm |
Knob Arrays | designed to grip the hoof wall and prevent rotation; Extra version may vary depending on size (legacy or revised version) |
Integrated Steel Insert | adds durability and reduces pressure on the hoof |
Urethane Cover | absorbs concussion |
Debris Guard | synthetic lip minimizes debris and snow accumulation (snowballing ) |
Nailing Slots | 6–8 slots depending on size, integrated into the steel core |
Nail Size | varies by size and hoof shape – see recommendations in our shop |
Open Sole | allows breathability for frog and sole |
Bar (Urethane) | may promote healthy blood circulation in the hoof |
Toe Area | round/oval: regular STS: straight toe |
Breakover | can be adjusted by grinding or bending |
Profile | standard profile; reinforced profile can be added manually |
Additional Traction | use spikes (quick studs); adjust speed to surface conditions |
Injury Risk in Herds | minimized vs. traditional metal horseshoes or sharp bare hooves |
Hoof Mechanism | flexible urethane supports natural hoof movement |
Customizing | use angle grinder, belt grinder, nippers or toeing knife |
Modifications | can be trimmed narrower/wider or closed up depending on needs |
Accessories | e.g. glue-on tabs, Extensions , plates, colored strips, cast hooks , Hoof Sole Protector |
Packaging Unit | sold individually |
Exchange and Return | Possible under certain conditions within 3 months within the European Union (EU). For returns from outside the EU, please contact our Customer Service Team. See FAQ → Service & Conditions for details. |
Tips and Tricks:
The Right Size and Shape
You are not sure what hoof shape your horse has or you do not know exactly what size you need? For this purpose you may print out the template for our hybrid urethane horsehoes.


Abrasion and Durability of Urethane Horseshoes
When it comes to a good horseshoe - whether clipped or unclipped - durability is crucial in addition to functionality. In terms of Abrasion and durability, the following factors, among others, play a role:
- the horse and its behavior in the box and in the herd situation
- the horse's gait behavior
- the riding discipline and frequency of training
- the ground conditions on which the horse is walking - whether it is being ridden or in the non-training period
- the temperature and climate
So when it comes to the durability of a horseshoe, we get very different results depending on the horse, riding style and region. While some leisure riders can reset a horseshoe several times, endurance riders need a new set every few weeks. Unfortunately, we cannot make a general statement at this point. You can find more information on this topic in the FAQ section.
Removing the Clips
You can easily modify a clipped horseshoe into an unclipped version.
For this purpose, it is best to use an angle grinder. Because of the heat generated, it is advisable to remove the clips piece by piece and in turns to prevent the urethane material from melting. In the process, try to maintain the knob arrays as best as possible, if you want to nail-on the shoe.
Also on the bottom side of the horseshoe, you can grind the metal part of the clips to round off any edges.
If you want to glue-on the modified shoe, please note that you cannot create a welding seam between the horsehoe and the glue-on tab in the area where you have removed the clips.


Modifications
Our unlclipped horseshoes are available in 4mm steps and can easily be adapted to the respective hoof shape. So there is a suitable shape and size for almost every horse. Sometimes, however, it still happens that no size seems to fit quite right. In this case, with a little craftsmanship, you can modify the horseshoes at your own discretion. You can make a horseshoe narrower or wider, or even lengthen or widen it with our Extensions. Of course, especially when working with the Extensions, you must always keep an eye on the correct position of the metal core on the hoof.
Shelly Huber and Sandy Frank, the next generation of farriers in the Frank family, can report a very
special "DIY " challenge:
With the help of an unclipped horseshoe, Wolf Busch® glue-on tabs and
our Extensions, they made the modifications necessary for donkey hooves and helped a donkey feel
comfortable on his hooves again.



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Manufacturer in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR)
Manufacturer in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR)
Name: H. Frank Kunststofftechnik GmbHElectronic Address: info@duplo-frank.de
Physical Address: Vorderfreundorfer Straße 20
ZIP Code: DE-94143
City: Grainet
Country: Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)8585/96926-0
Responsible Person in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR)
Name: H. Frank Kunststofftechnik GmbHElectronic Address: info@duplo-frank.de
Physical Address: Vorderfreundorfer Straße 20
ZIP Code: DE-94143
City: Grainet
Country: Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)8585/96926-0