3D-Printed Hoof Boot Kligo: Click and Go, an Alternative to Traditional Horseshoes

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March 6, 2026 Applications 9664

Kligo 3D-printed TPU hoof boot with folding mechanism offers custom-fit alternative to horseshoes.

Although horseshoes are standard equipment, they have limitations from a biomechanical perspective: they are rigid, provide poor shock absorption, and restrict the natural deformation of the hoof. Industrial designer Egzona Acifi has launched an alternative—the "Kligo" hoof boot—developed in collaboration with 3D printing service provider MAKRA PRO, with the first prototypes produced using Formlabs systems.

Kligo utilizes additive manufacturing because it perfectly adapts to the geometry of each individual horse's hoof. Currently, measurements are still taken manually, with future plans to complete them via a scanning app. For tech-savvy users, 3D printing not only accurately replicates the contour but also integrates functional details such as detents, flexible zones, and wall thicknesses.

Structurally, it features a modular design, allowing wear-prone parts to be replaced individually, saving materials and reducing waste. The wearing experience has also been significantly improved: a folding mechanism automatically closes under the horse's weight, eliminating the need for the pulling and tugging required by traditional boots. The product name, Kligo, is derived from "Click and Go."

The material chosen is TPU, which offers both toughness and flexibility, with adjustable hardness. The core challenge lies in load-bearing—a riding horse weighs approximately 500 kilograms, requiring the material and closure to withstand repeated stress. In the long term, Acifi expects costs to be lower than traditional farriery, as the ongoing need is primarily hoof care rather than frequent visits from a farrier.