There is a lot of a different equipment horse riders need to think about before they get on their equine, but stirrups are often overlooked. After all, you put your feet on them, so how important can they really be?
The truth is, English stirrups are very important! They can affect your performance as a rider just as much as a saddle, horse tack or a bit, so it’s necessary that you get them right. But what should you be looking for in a stirrup? Are there different kinds? And what about the size?
Fortunately for you, we have compiled a buying guide below giving you all the information you need on the best English stirrups. We’ve even included some of our top picks on the market today, so you can feel your best when riding. If you want to find out more, keep reading on.
Best English Stirrups – Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) Shires Composite Premium Profile Stirrups | Stylish: Elegant, lightweight and strong, the sleek Premium Profile Stirrup can be customized to coordinate with the rider's colors | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 2) Acavallo Arena AluPro Safety Stirrup | Help to absorb any shock Stirrup locking and release mechanism Easy and reliable | 5 out of 5 |
 | 3) Compositi Reflex 3D Swivel Action Wide Track Stirrups | High resistance to shocks and damp, even at low temperatures. 3D swivel action treads Relieves tension on knees and ankles | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | Equinez Tools Flex Stainless English Saddle Stirrups Iron Pads Knee Ankle Stress Pain Relief | Comes with Rubber Foot Pads. Provides Relief to Riders Ankle and Foot Made of durable Rust Free Stainless Steel Dress up your saddle with these Beautiful Stirrups | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 5) HEEPDD Children Stirrups for Saddle Safety | Great tool for Horse Riding Durable Material Anti-skid Slot Design | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 6) Sheens Premium Stirrups for Saddle | Anti-skid Slot Design Great Tool for Horse Riding Comfortable and Keep Stable | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 7) Lift Sports Rainbow Multi Color Stirrups | Irons Gloss Finish Stainless Steel Rainbow Multi Color | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 8) Coronet Premium Fillis Stirrup Irons | Hand polished stainless steel Classic design Rubber pads | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 9) Lift Sports Rainbow Horse Flexible Safety Stirrups | High quality stainless steel Optimum comfort and performance Rubber treads that support your feet | 5 out of 5 |
 | 10) Shires Lightweight Stirrup | Versatile and lightweight Two tread options Rubber grip for general purpose | 4 out of 5 |
What Are English Stirrups?
English stirrup irons are flat-bottom rings suspended from both sides of a saddle by English stirrup leathers. They were originally made from iron, but are now available in a variety of materials and designs to suit the needs of every rider.
Horse stirrups offer a base of support for the rider’s foot while mounted, helping to stabilize their legs and maintain their balance. They ensure you stay in the correct position, as well as alleviate joint pain. They also help rider’s to mount their horse, acting as a step onto the saddle.
One of the biggest benefits to stirrups is that they can save your life during an accident. If you fall from a horse, your foot should be easy to remove from a stirrup, otherwise more injuries could take place.
Types Of Stirrups
There are a few different types of riding stirrups out there to choose from.
Traditional Fillis Irons
Traditional fillis Iron stirrups are the simplest and cheapest type of stirrup on the market. They are made from stainless steel shaped in a simple ring with a flat, padded bottom to hold the foot. The simple design means they are excellent for a range of different disciplines.
Peacock Quick Release Safety Stirrup
A peacock stirrup has a quick release safety design that allows you to stay safe while riding. With a similar shape to fillis iron stirrups, one side consists of a rubber band and leather attachment that breaks away in the event of a fall, freeing the riders foot and increasing safety.
These stirrups are usually used during events and racing, where falling is more likely to take place.
Flexible Stirrups
Flex stirrups contain a pliable material like rubber that allows the iron to move with the rider, which may help absorb shock and relieve pressure, giving a more comfortable ride.
The downside to these stirrups is that they don’t help improve stability necessary for a correct position. However, they are still great for all disciplines.
New-Technology
Some manufacturers have developed new stirrups that combine the original concept of stirrups with extra safety and comfort. Some of these stirrups are wider which can help with stabilization, and others are lighter because they are made of materials such as titanium. Other designs provide better tread and shock absorption, too.
What To Look For In The Best English Stirrups
There are a few different things you should watch out for in English stirrups to ensure you get the right ones for you.
Discipline
The type fo riding you are going to be doing greatly impacts the type of stirrups you will want to buy. Fillis iron stirrups are the best for general horse riding, while jumpers prefer lighter stirrups. Dressage riders like stirrups that stabilize the lower leg and help achieve the best leg position necessary.
Comfort
Stirrups can help to alleviate pain that many riders feel, such as back or joint pain. They can help to absorb any shocks and ensure you are in the correct position for riding. Stirrups that have flexible sides also ease the strain on sore ankles because they move with the joint.
Safety
As we have mentioned above, stirrups provide excellent safety while horse riding. You should always make sure the stirrups fit you properly. The best stirrups will encourage feet to withdraw during a fall or will have collapsable sides that break in response to the pressure of a trapped boot.
Stirrups Size Guide
The size of a stirrup is very important — just as important as the fit of a riding boot. A stirrup needs to be large enough to quickly recover on a horse as well as allow the foot to release during a fall. A stirrup that is too small could cause further harm if you cannot remove your foot easily were you to fall off your horse.
Stirrups come in a range of different sizes, but the typical adult size ranges from 4″ to 5″ and depends on the size of the shoe an equestrian wears. Stirrups that are correctly fitted will allow room for one index finger on either side of the boot when the foot sits in the middle of the footrest.
Now you know all about the types of stirrups, what to look for and how stirrups should fit, it is time to take a look at the best English stirrups on the market. All of the stirrups below are available to you on Amazon.
The Best English Stirrups — Reviewed
1) Shires Composite Premium Profile Stirrups
These stirrups from Shires are composite stirrups that are designed to be extra lightweight. Extra strong and durable with a reinforced grip, these stirrups have a high resistance to stress and help to keep you secure on your horse. What’s more, the stirrup irons are interchangeable, so you choose the correct color for your horse and customize them to your riding outfit.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stylish: Elegant, lightweight and strong,
- the sleek Premium Profile
- Stirrup can be customized to coordinate with the rider’s colors
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Acavallo Arena AluPro Safety Stirrup
These stirrups from Acavallo are safety stirrups, meaning they open if you were to fall of the horse and will allow you to remove your foot more easily to prevent injury. The stirrup bow is made of aluminum, while the opening arm is made of a special polyamide material. There is an easy and reliable “one-click” re-engagement of the stirrup locking and release mechanism, and, because of the flexible polymers the stirrups are manufactured with, they convey a less rigid and much more comfortable feeling to the rider. They also help to absorb any shock, great for those who have back or joint pain.
KEY FEATURES:
- Help to absorb any shock
- Stirrup locking and release mechanism
- Easy and reliable
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Compositi Reflex 3D Swivel Action Wide Track Stirrups
These stirrups from Compositi are made from some of the strongest hi-tech polymers for durable and easy use. The polymer also means the stirrups have a high resistance to shocks and damp, even at low temperatures. These stirrups feature 3D swivel action treads and help to relieve tension on the knees and ankles. What’s also great about these stirrups is that they have a wide sole, great for those with wider feet or those who have trouble finding stirrups that fit. The sole is non-slip, yet allows for a quick release in an emergency, too. They come in a range of different colors.
KEY FEATURES:
- High resistance to shocks and damp, even at low temperatures.
- 3D swivel action treads
- Relieves tension on knees and ankles
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Equinez Tools Flex Stainless English Saddle Stirrups Iron Pads Knee Ankle Stress Pain Relief
This Equinez Tools Flex Stainless English Saddle Stirrups Iron Pads Knee Ankle Stress Pain Relief is made of durable rust-free stainless steel and is one of the products with a beautiful design. They made the outside of the stirrup longer than the inside to relieve pressure on your knees while walking with your feet parallel to the ground. One feature I liked was that it came with rubber foot pads to provide relief to the rider’s ankle and foot.
Key Features:
- Comes with Rubber Foot Pads.
- Provides Relief to Riders Ankle and Foot
- Made of durable Rust Free Stainless Steel
- Dress up your saddle with these Beautiful Stirrups
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) HEEPDD Children Stirrups for Saddle Safety
These stirrups from HEEPDD are designed for children and are made of cast aluminum material. These means they are resistant to rust and very durable, while still being lightweight. These stirrups help to keep your child positioned on the horse correctly and keep them comfortable while riding, as well as keeping them safe with an anti-skid design, so you don’t have to worry about their feet slipping as they ride. As these stirrups are designed for kids they are small, so please check the sizing before purchasing.
KEY FEATURES:
- Great tool for Horse Riding
- Durable Material
- Anti-skid Slot Design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Sheens Premium Stirrups for Saddle
These stirrups from Sheens are made of iron and are very thick and strong. Both durable and practical, you don’t need to worry about these stirrups rusting and the high quality rubber pad allows for safe and comfortable riding without the worry of your feet slipping. These stirrups help to keep you in the correct position, they can also help with aches and pains and help you to maintain your balance. As these stirrups are smaller than average adult stirrups, they are best used by children or those who are on the petite side.
KEY FEATURES:
- Anti-skid Slot Design
- Great Tool for Horse Riding
- Comfortable and Keep Stable
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) Lift Sports Rainbow Multi Color Stirrups
These stirrups from Lift Sports are another stirrup designed for children. They are safety stirrups, allowing the foot to quickly be released from the stirrup should you fall off the horse. They are made with stainless steel and are very durable and not prone to rust. The tread is made of rubber, giving a sturdy hold for your foot that makes you feel secure on your horse. They also provide optimum comfort for the legs and keep you in the right position when riding.
KEY FEATURES:
- Irons Gloss Finish
- Stainless Steel
- Rainbow Multi Color
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Coronet Premium Fillis Stirrup Irons
These fillis stirrup irons from Coronet are made from hand polished stainless steel and are perfect for all types of riding. With a classic design, they not only help to keep you balanced but also help to position you correctly on the horse and can alleviate pain in your knees and back. The rubber pads gives excellent traction, but also allow you to safely and easily remove your feet should you fall from the horse.
KEY FEATURES:
- Hand polished stainless steel
- Classic design
- Rubber pads
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Lift Sports Rainbow Horse Flexible Safety Stirrups
These stirrups from Lift Sports are made from high quality stainless steel. They are flexible, allowing the stirrups to move with your feet and ankles for optimum comfort and performance when riding. The material means they will not rust, and they are durable and strong with rubber treads that support your feet. They also also ensure you are in the correct position for riding and are perfect for all types of riders. What’s more, they come in a unique rainbow color, great for standing out in the ring!
KEY FEATURES:
- High quality stainless steel
- Optimum comfort and performance
- Rubber treads that support your feet
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Shires Lightweight Stirrup
These stirrups from Shires come with interchangeable tread options — one has a rubber grip for general purpose, while the other has a metal grate for when extra grip is required. Therefore, depending on your technique, you can feel safe while riding and feel secure on your horse. The stirrups themselves are very lightweight and sturdy, and many users have reported that they also allow for a wider fit, which is great for those with bigger shoes.
KEY FEATURES:
- Versatile and lightweight
- Two tread options
- Rubber grip for general purpose
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Summary
Stirrups are a very important part of horse riding. Not only do they give you somewhere to rest your feet while riding, but ensure you are in the right position, can help to alleviate joint pain, and can also save you from badly injuring yourself if you were to fall off the horse. The best English stirrups also help with your balance and stabilize your legs, so getting the right ones is crucial.
We hope you have been able to find a pair of stirrups you love in our list above. Remember, always ensure they fit before getting on your horse, otherwise you could cause yourself harm. Happy riding!