Frequently Asked Questions
What type of hoof problems can I use Vibram Hoof Pads for?
We've received feedback from farriers and horse owners who have used our pads to help treat: laminitis, navicular, stone bruises, thin hoof wall, cushing's disease, medial-lateral imbalance, under-run heels (long toe, low heel), sore soles and soreness prevention. When seeking to treat or manage a foot condition, always consult your farrier and veterinarian to form a compehensive treatment plan.
Can I use Vibram Hoof Pads as a replacement for horseshoes or hoof boots?
For severe therapeutic uses, dual compound pads can be glued directly to the hoof without a shoe. This reduces concussion experienced by the hoof on impact and eliminates the transfer of vibration from a steel shoe to the hoof through horseshoe nails. However, this type of application should only be used on horses that are fairly inactive due to severe therapeutic needs. In most instances, Vibram Hoof Pads should not be used as a replacement for a horseshoe or hoof boot.
Can I use Vibram Hoof Pads as a hoof boot insert?
Yes. We have had positive feedback from a number of riders that use our pads as inserts in hoof boots to reduce concussion.
How long will a pair of hoof pads last?
Most people are able to reset our pads mutliple times (based on a six week shoeing cycle). However, results on pad durability vary greatly and are influenced by size of the horse, level of activity and terrain. For highly active horses that require light therapy or preventative use of hoof pads, Champion Pads are recommended for longevity. For horses that are only somewhat active but that require more aggressive therapeutic treatment, Dual Compound Pads are the best option.
Will the two layers of rubber in Vibram Dual Compound pads peal apart?
No. The layers of rubber are molded to each other (co-molded) during the manufacturing process and are not glued together.
Will Vibram Hoof Pads break down due to moisture, hoof packing or barnyard waste?
No. Our hoof pads are compatible with any hoof packing and will not absorb moisture or break down in ammonia.
Should the Vibram Quarter Crack Patch Kit be used on any toe or quarter crack?
No. While our patches will help grow out many cracks and will stop cracks in their early stages, severe cracks may require more extreme measures such as a hoof wall resection. Consult with your farrier on the best approach to addressing a quarter or toe crack.
Where are Vibram Hoof Pads made?
Vibram Hoof Pads are manufactured in North Brookfield, Massachusetts by Vibram's North American manufacturer, Quabaug Corporation. You can find more information about Vibram and Quabaug on the About Us page
How are Vibram Hoof Pads made?
Our hoof pads are made using a compression molding process. To learn more about the manufacturing process click here.
We've received feedback from farriers and horse owners who have used our pads to help treat: laminitis, navicular, stone bruises, thin hoof wall, cushing's disease, medial-lateral imbalance, under-run heels (long toe, low heel), sore soles and soreness prevention. When seeking to treat or manage a foot condition, always consult your farrier and veterinarian to form a compehensive treatment plan.
Can I use Vibram Hoof Pads as a replacement for horseshoes or hoof boots?
For severe therapeutic uses, dual compound pads can be glued directly to the hoof without a shoe. This reduces concussion experienced by the hoof on impact and eliminates the transfer of vibration from a steel shoe to the hoof through horseshoe nails. However, this type of application should only be used on horses that are fairly inactive due to severe therapeutic needs. In most instances, Vibram Hoof Pads should not be used as a replacement for a horseshoe or hoof boot.
Can I use Vibram Hoof Pads as a hoof boot insert?
Yes. We have had positive feedback from a number of riders that use our pads as inserts in hoof boots to reduce concussion.
How long will a pair of hoof pads last?
Most people are able to reset our pads mutliple times (based on a six week shoeing cycle). However, results on pad durability vary greatly and are influenced by size of the horse, level of activity and terrain. For highly active horses that require light therapy or preventative use of hoof pads, Champion Pads are recommended for longevity. For horses that are only somewhat active but that require more aggressive therapeutic treatment, Dual Compound Pads are the best option.
Will the two layers of rubber in Vibram Dual Compound pads peal apart?
No. The layers of rubber are molded to each other (co-molded) during the manufacturing process and are not glued together.
Will Vibram Hoof Pads break down due to moisture, hoof packing or barnyard waste?
No. Our hoof pads are compatible with any hoof packing and will not absorb moisture or break down in ammonia.
Should the Vibram Quarter Crack Patch Kit be used on any toe or quarter crack?
No. While our patches will help grow out many cracks and will stop cracks in their early stages, severe cracks may require more extreme measures such as a hoof wall resection. Consult with your farrier on the best approach to addressing a quarter or toe crack.
Where are Vibram Hoof Pads made?
Vibram Hoof Pads are manufactured in North Brookfield, Massachusetts by Vibram's North American manufacturer, Quabaug Corporation. You can find more information about Vibram and Quabaug on the About Us page
How are Vibram Hoof Pads made?
Our hoof pads are made using a compression molding process. To learn more about the manufacturing process click here.
Installation & Usage Tips
- Always rivet hoof pads to the heel of the shoe. Copper rivets will easily countersink into the solar surface of the pad.
- When using a belt sander, our pads grind best at a lower RPM setting. If you have a variable speed motor try grinding at 1800 RPMs.
- When using a rim pad, do not pare/trim the pad completely to the shoe on the interior side. For best results, allow the pad to protrude a quarter inch from the shoe on the interior aspect.
- Pads will cut easily with a pad cutter or with nippers. In very hot weather, dual compound pads will become more difficult to cut. Try keeping them in a cooler or putting a pair in the freezer before application on very warm days.
- The Vibram logo is consistently centered in our pads . The logo can be a useful tool for centering the pad to a shoe or, when using wedge pads, to orient the pad for medial lateral imablance.
