1. n. [Drilling]

The bottom of the casing string, including the cement around it, or the equipment run at the bottom of the casing string.

Synonyms: casing shoe

See related terms: bullhead,  float shoe,  plug and abandon

2. n. [Drilling]

A short assembly, typically manufactured from a heavy steel collar and profiled cement interior, that is screwed to the bottom of a casing string. The rounded profile helps guide the casing string past any ledges or obstructions that would prevent the string from being correctly located in the wellbore.

Synonyms: casing shoe

See related terms: float shoe,  guide shoe

3. n. [Drilling]

A tapered, often bullet-nosed piece of equipment often found on the bottom of a casing string. The device guides the casing toward the center of the hole and minimizes problems associated with hitting rock ledges or washouts in the wellbore as the casing is lowered into the well. The outer portions of the guide shoe are made from steel, generally matching the casing in size and threads, if not steel grade. The inside (including the taper) is generally made of cement or thermoplastic, since this material must be drilled out if the well is to be deepened beyond the casing point. It differs from a float shoe in that it lacks a check valve.

Synonyms: guide shoe

See related terms: casing point,  casing string,  check valve,  float shoe,  washout