Hand-forged vs. factory shoes on a wet track

I used factory keg shoes for years until I tried a set I forged myself on a client's horse with bad feet. The hand-fits held grip way better through a muddy spring - horse didn't slip once. Anyone else notice the difference in traction?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_drew1mo ago

That "didn't slip once" part really hits home. I had the same result with a set I heat-treated myself last season, worked way better than factory ones on wet ground.

lily571mo ago

My buddy Mark tried this two winters ago on a pair of beat-up Nikes. He used a regular kitchen torch, real low flame, and just went slow over the cleat pattern. First game after that, we got a surprise downpour and the field was basically a slip n slide. He told me he was the only one who could actually plant and cut without wiping out. The factory cleats on my own boots felt like ice skates that day, totally useless. Mark's been heat treating all his gear since then and swears by it, but he also says you gotta be careful not to mess up the tread shape. Your mileage may vary on how long the effect lasts though.

corap211mo ago

Well, I'll admit I used to be pretty skeptical about heat-treating cleats yourself. I always figured the factory knew what they were doing and it wasn't worth the risk. But after seeing results like @the_drew's and a few other folks on here, I'm starting to change my mind. It makes sense that a little extra heat could help them bite into wet ground better than the standard job. I might have to give it a try on my old pair that's about worn smooth.