The present invention teaches a horseshoe including a plurality of calks for enhancing traction. The calks are located on sloped interior side wall portions of the horseshoe. Each calk includes a small rounded leading end and a rearwardly and outwardly tapered surface for permitting the horseshoe to slide forwards during the braking or planting phase of the gait cycle. Further, each calk includes a grab surface on the trailing end for enhancing traction during the propulsive or thrust phase of the gait cycle. The horseshoe of the present invention can reduce the magnitude of the shock loads experienced by a horse during the hoof planting phase by sliding slightly on the hoof lands, and improve traction with the rear grab surface during the propulsive phase of the gait cycle.