Measuring feet for handmade shoes is a complicated and controversial subject. As is so often true in this industry, any way you get a well-fit shoe on a horse’s hoof is the right way.

But how do you get to that point? What is the magic formula that will make you right every time? I hope this article helps you down the path to the measurement formula that fits you. No one can give you an exact recipe, but I hope to show you something about how you can control the finished result of your handmades.

Finding Your Own Style

Every farrier struggles with this area of shoe building. I certainly did. I researched the subject thoroughly, yet my shoes did not always fit the formulas.

At some point the process finally came together, but the measurement formula that resulted was unique to me. Your formula will be unique to you and it will take some practice to get it completely worked out.

If you try to become an American Farrier’s Association (AFA) Certified Journeyman or take any of the Worshipful Company of Farriers exams, your ability to make an exact shoe size will often be the difference between success and failure.

Unfortunately, many farriers second-guess themselves out of the right length of bar stock because they don’t trust their system. If that’s you, it’s time to get a measurement system that works for you.

Get Rid Of Guesswork

One of the things I don’t like with many formulas is…