As of January 2026
1. Type of Shoes
Please note that shoes for racing must be 10 millimeters or less in thickness, 25 millimeters or less in width and 150 grams or less in weight. The JRA will inspect all brought-in shoes upon arrival in Japan to ensure compliance with these standards.
The following shoes are strictly prohibited during a race:
- a)Shoes whose calk is exceeding 2 millimeters in height from the ground-contact surface, or shoes with sharp-ended calks (i.e. Toe grabs) (Calks of exactly 2 millimeters are permitted)
- b)Shoes where the difference in thickness between the inner and outer lines (divided by the center groove) exceeds 3 millimeters, or those with an uneven ground-contact surface.(i.e. Rim shoes)
- c)Shoes that may pose a danger to other Horses such as those with protruding object(s) attached to the bottom of the shoe, typically crampons and notches (i.e. Blocks and sticker heels)
- d)Shoes whose ground-contact surface is uneven along the circumference or not on the same arc. (i.e. Bent shoes)
Shown below are the typical images of such banned shoes;
2. Nails and Nailing
A nail with a sharp head must not be used for shoeing. Nail heads must not protrude more than necessary (protrusion must be less than 2 millimeters).
3. Shoeing
JRA Farriers are available to provide shoeing services upon request. The JRA recommends that Connections bring their own spare shoes and nails, as the existing stock may not accommodate all specific requirements. Further inquiries should be directed to the respective JRA Representative Office.
