In principle, healthy normally formed front hooves are shod with single-clip shoes and rear hooves are shod with 2-clip horseshoes (quarter clips). 2-clip horseshoes limit the hoof mechanism more than does a 1-clip shoe. Nevertheless, 2-clip shoes can be applied to the front hoof as well. In flat, long toed front hooves with weak hoof walls, on which it is difficult to reliably attach a horseshoe, 2-clip shoes (side clips) are the shoe of choice. The side clips provide the horseshoe with extra hold on the hoof and, as a result, the seat of the nails is put under less strain. The expansion of the hoof walls is limited to a certain extent and this helps the hoof retain its shape. In addition, the breakover point can be set further back.

Since every hoof, in particular the flat hoof, broadens at the weight-bearing edge over the course of the shoeing interval, it is particularly important not to leave too long a shoeing interval when using 2-clip shoes, so that the clips do not put excessive pressure on the hoof capsule, leading to capsular deformation.