American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Too often a low toe box will deny the ability to flex the ankle and then one’s gait is compromised. The toe box in this shoe is at an appropriate angle.
Editorial note: This is the second in a three-part series in which human and equine chiropractor Patricia Bona explores the significance of proper shoe fit and how to achieve it.
Part 1: Footcare Fit for a Farrier
Part 3: A Shoe Fit for a Farrier
Few professions can compare the physical strength and prowess needed to stay physically sound as a farrier. You bend, lift and twist all day, often with your head at the level of your hips. All the while you are handling and being handled by a sizable animal with a mind of its own and under environmental variables of temperature, footing and lighting, as well as a third person, if you have a handler. The last thing you need is to have your feet weigh you down and trip you up.
A study by the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research in 2018 found that 63 to 72% of the population are wearing the wrong size shoe, most often too short, but also oftentimes too narrow. Odds are high that you are in the 63-70%. But how does this happen?