They come with an assortment of labels: “high-tech hoof pads,” “comfort system pads,” “hoof support systems,” etc. They come in a variety of thicknesses and materials. But by whatever they’re dubbed, these designer pads have two things in common: They are constructed of space-age materials, and they’re used for addressing various physical problems.

“High-tech hoof pads fit between the shoe and the hoof to absorb concussion and dissipate force,” explains Derek Poupard, CJF (Certified Journeyman Farrier), Equine Services Overseas, Inc., The Plains, Va. “They differ from regular pads by their composition and thickness. They are more cushioned with more shock-absorbing qualities.”

Generally, he says, the softer and thicker the pad, the more force it will absorb.

Most “traditional” hoof pads are constructed of a thin piece of leather, plastic, or Styrofoam for the general purpose of preventing a shod hoof from becoming bruised from rocks or uneven hard surfaces. A high-tech pad is composed of materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polystyrene, netting-encased pour-in compounds, soft gels, hard plastic, honey-combed plastic, polymers, thermoplastic olefins, etc. Some will mold to the foot’s shape and retain that shape for an extended period, rather than compressing. Robert M. Bowker, VMD, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at Michigan State University, says, “They appear to represent a continuation of the industry to produce materials that can better withstand the loads imposed upon the foot by the horse as well as not become permanently deformed once the loads of the horse have been imposed upon the pads. Because these pads do not seem to become permanently compressed as some others may, they hopefully would provide a ‘softer’ type of support, especially for the severely laminitic foot