20% OFF COUPON CODE = SAVE2026
Do You Put Baluster Shoes on Top and Bottom?
Baluster shoes aren’t required, and most people only use them at the bottom. A shoe is a small metal cover that slides down the baluster and hides the hole where it goes into the tread. Top shoes, where the baluster meets the handrail, are optional and mostly a style choice. Use one shoe per baluster at the bottom, and match the shoe to your baluster size. Shop all baluster shoes.
What Baluster Shoes Do
Holes for iron balusters are drilled bigger than the bar so you can turn each baluster to line up with the others. That leaves a gap around the bar, plus any chips from drilling. The shoe slides down over the hole and covers it all for a clean, finished look. Shoes don’t hold the baluster in place. Epoxy does that.
Do You Need Them at the Top and Bottom?
| Where | Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom (at the tread or floor) | Usually, yes | This hole is easy to see, so most people cover it |
| Top (under the handrail) | Optional | The hole is hard to see from below. Some people add shoes up top to match |
If you do use top shoes, plan on two per baluster instead of one.
Are Baluster Shoes Necessary?
No, but skipping them means hiding the hole another way:
- Cut a square hole that fits the bar exactly, with a mortising bit. See how to cut square holes for balusters.
- Use a shoeless install kit. Our T-Plug kit screws 1/2″ square hollow balusters straight down onto the tread with no hole at all.
For most people, a drilled round hole plus a shoe is the easiest way to get a clean look.
Level vs. Angled Shoes
- Level shoes go on any flat surface: treads, landings, balconies and the floor.
- Angled shoes are pitched to sit flush on a sloped surface, like under the handrail or on a sloped shoe rail.
How to Install Baluster Shoes
- Slide the shoe onto the baluster first. It has to go on before the baluster goes into its holes.
- Install the baluster in epoxy. See how to install iron balusters.
- Slide the shoe down to the tread. Most shoes have a small set screw on the side. Tighten it with an Allen wrench, or set the shoe with a little epoxy for a cleaner look with no set-screw gap.
Which Size Shoe Do I Need?
| Baluster | Shoes |
|---|---|
| 1/2″ | 1/2″ base shoes |
| 9/16″ | 9/16″ base shoes |
| 9/16″ Tuscan Hammered | 9/16″ Tuscan base shoes |
| 5/8″ | 5/8″ base shoes |
| 3/4″ MEGA | 3/4″ MEGA base shoes |
Most of our shoes cost about $2 to $5 each. See every style on our baluster shoes page.
Baluster Shoe FAQ
Do you put baluster shoes on top and bottom?
Usually just the bottom. Top shoes under the handrail are optional, since that hole is hard to see.
Are baluster shoes necessary?
No. They cover the drilled hole for a finished look. You can skip them by cutting square holes or using a shoeless install kit.
Do baluster shoes hold the baluster in place?
No. Epoxy holds the baluster. The shoe just covers the hole.
How many baluster shoes do I need?
One per baluster for the bottom, or two per baluster if you also want shoes at the top.
Do I put the shoe on before installing the baluster?
Yes. Slide the shoe onto the baluster first, install the baluster, then slide the shoe down.
