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know the game
Horseshoes, in one breath
Set two stakes 40 ft apart, pitch two shoes each, then score the inning. A ringer is worth 3 points; a close shoe can earn 1.
Get the yard ready
A set gets you the equipment. The court needs a little more.
All four sets below contain four shoes and two stakes. You still need a level outdoor area, suitable landing pits, a way to install the stakes securely and a tape measure. Keep people out of the throwing lane and wait until all shoes land before collecting them.
For an NHPA court, the stakes stay 40 ft apart. A 24-inch portable stake leaves only 9–10 inches below platform level when 14–15 inches is exposed. Soil and anchoring matter: do not assume an included stake is a permanent court foundation. The ¾-inch stakes in the Champion CG210 also differ from the NHPA’s 1-inch court specification.
These are comparisons of manufacturer specifications and identified merchant listings, checked September 12, 2026. We have not conducted a hands-on test of these sets. For sanctioned play, check the current NHPA approved-shoe list and the event’s requirements.
Horseshoes rules, scoring and court setup
Free horseshoes score sheet
NHPA equipment and court specifications (PDF)
The shortlist
Our top horseshoes picks at a glance
Choose by the players, the court and how you plan to store the set. The notes below explain each model's contents and limitations; these are researched selections, with no hands-on rating.
Regular pitchers Regular pitchers
Choose the complete AC5 outfit with the black plastic tote, not a replacement pair. The manufacturer lists the packed set at 26¾ × 7¾ × 2³⁄₁₆ inches and 18 lb; those are set dimensions and weight, not the dimensions of one shoe.
Manufacturer specifications
Pros - Four US-made forged-steel shoes, two 24-inch solid-steel stakes and a rulebook
- Black molded tote keeps the full outfit together between games
- Manufacturer identifies the American Professional design as NHPA-approved
Watch for - An 18 lb packed outfit is substantial to carry; it is not a lightweight children’s toy
- Pits, platforms and permanent stake anchors are not included
Who it's for For players who expect to pitch regularly and want an identified, forged-steel design with a rigid storage tote.
Forged shoes with a bag
CG210 is the forged-steel Elite set. It is different from Champion’s IHS100 powder-coated steel set and CG205 Tournament Series. The Amazon link opens the identified CG210 model; check the selected model and contents before buying.
Manufacturer specifications
Pros - Four forged-steel shoes, two black and two gray; Champion lists 2.25 lb per shoe
- Two steel stakes, each 24 inches long and ¾ inch in diameter
- 1680-denier nylon carry bag, instructions and rules booklet
Watch for - The included ¾-inch stakes do not meet the NHPA 1-inch court-stake specification
- Manufacturer instructions show a 3 × 3 ft casual pit; use NHPA dimensions when building a sanctioned court
- The Amazon listing says 2.5 lb per shoe while Champion lists 2.25 lb; confirm the weight if it matters to your purchase
Who it's for For regular backyard pitchers who want forged shoes in a fabric bag and can prepare a suitable outdoor court.
Casual adult games
This is HORSESHOES-STEEL-01, the red-and-blue version with a carrying case. Despite “Steel” in the product name, GoSports specifies cast-iron shoes and solid-steel stakes. Its case-free and other-color variants have different package contents.
Manufacturer specifications
Pros - Four shoes, approximately 7.25 × 6.5 inches and about 2 lb each
- Two 24-inch steel stakes and a carrying case in this variant
- Two colors make sides easy to tell apart
Watch for - Two-pound metal shoes are still heavy; this is not a soft set for young children
- A “regulation size” sales label does not establish current NHPA design approval
Who it's for For adults who want a complete metal kit for occasional cookouts and prefer an approximately 2 lb shoe. Prepare soft landing areas; do not throw onto paving or a deck.
Simple bagged kit
Choose model IHS100 with 24-inch stakes. The IHS20 Classic variant has shorter 20-inch stakes. Champion does not publish individual shoe length and width on the checked IHS100 instruction sheet.
Manufacturer specifications (PDF)
Pros - Four powder-coated steel shoes, 2.3 lb each, in silver and bronze
- Two 24-inch solid-steel stakes
- Reusable nylon carry and storage bag
Watch for - Champion describes steel construction; it does not identify these shoes as drop-forged
- The included instructions use a casual 12-inch exposed stake height, which differs from NHPA’s 14–15 inches
Who it's for For occasional outdoor players who want a straightforward set in a bag. Choose it for the listed contents, not for an unverified tournament claim or a promised price saving.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.
From the commissioner
How to choose a horseshoes set
- Pick the construction and weight you can comfortably pitch. NHPA specifies a maximum shoe weight of 2 lb 10 oz, with no minimum; 2.5 lb is not a compulsory weight for every regulation shoe. An approved design matters as well as size.
- Read the model and package contents before buying. AC5, CG210, IHS100 and HORSESHOES-STEEL-01 are the models compared here; a similar product name can lead to different stakes or no carrying case.
- Use metal shoes outdoors with prepared landing areas. A shorter throwing distance does not turn a heavy metal set into a soft children’s game. For younger players, choose a purpose-made soft set and follow its age guidance.
- Check stake diameter and anchoring, not just length. The rules page separates official court specifications from each portable kit’s setup instructions.
- Clean and dry the shoes and stakes before storing them under cover. Coatings can wear, so a carry bag is not a reason to leave damp equipment outdoors.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how horseshoes stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Horseshoes buying FAQ
Does every regulation horseshoe weigh 2.5 lb?
No. NHPA sets a maximum of 2 lb 10 oz and no minimum. Size limits and approval of the shoe design also apply. Do not treat a seller’s “official weight” label as confirmation that the whole kit makes a sanctioned court.
Which set comes with a case?
The St. Pierre AC5 has a black plastic tote. The red-and-blue GoSports HORSESHOES-STEEL-01 variant includes a case. Champion CG210 and IHS100 come with nylon bags. Check the selected variant and model before ordering.
Can I use these metal sets with young children?
These are substantial metal shoes, including the approximately 2 lb GoSports model. Choose equipment and a throwing distance suited to the players, follow the manufacturer’s age guidance and keep everyone clear of the pitching lane. A purpose-made soft set is a different product.
Do these sets include a complete court?
No. Each includes four shoes and two stakes, but you still need suitable landing areas and secure installation. Official pits, platforms, stake diameter and anchoring require more than a portable kit.
