Abstract: A method of supporting a press shoe in a shoe press for a paper or board machine, said press shoe forming together with a counter roll an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and for a flexible circulated belt. On the outside of the loading cylinder of the press shoe there is arranged a compartment, to which hydraulic fluid is supplied in such a manner that the hydraulic fluid in the compartment directly or indirectly exerts a force upon the press shoe in the direction opposite to that of the force exerted upon the press shoe by the loading cylinder. The cylinder part of the loading cylinder is movably arranged on the piston part. Said forces are dimensioned such that in operation they create a gap between the press shoe and the loading cylinder, or between the supporting beam of the press shoe and the loading cylinder, thereby allowing hydraulic fluid to flow out of the compartment.