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Stirrups have a greater impact on your riding than you might initially think. Your balance, seat, and connection to your horse while in the saddle are all influenced by the stirrups you use. To help you find the best stirrups for your rides, we tested a handful for you. Let us preface by saying that the difference between stirrups is noticeable. However, the extent of that difference can be a matter of debate. Here is Malgré Tout's review.
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Alongside the saddle and bridle, the stirrups have played a significant role in making horseback riding as widespread as it is today. Some even argue that its invention is as impactful for civilization as the wheel or the printing press. The stirrup makes it significantly easier for riders to maintain balance and control the horse. When it was invented around the year 300, it was initially only used as an aid to mount the horse – hence the name.
Later, it became an essential tool for riding and for communicating with the horse. Without the invention of the stirrup, horses might never have been used for warfare, transportation, and certainly not for sports as we know them today.
Today, stirrups are more advanced than ever before. The market has never been larger – or more expensive. A pair of stirrups is no longer just 30-40 EUR; they can cost several hundred. You can even find stirrups made of 24-karat gold and adorned with diamonds, priced at a whopping 900 EUR! Did someone say horseback riding is expensive? Those stirrups, however, we decided to skip in our tests. Instead, we tested four other types: S-stirrups, flex stirrups, and three other pricier but very popular models. Read on to see if you agree with our verdict or if you might consider swapping your old stirrups for a new pair.
S-stirrups resemble the classic stirrups but come with additional safety features. Their curved shape is designed to ensure the rider can quickly free their foot in the event of a fall, and the twisted attachment point for the stirrup leather makes it easier to catch the stirrup and harder to lose it. We were quite impressed with the latter feature, but we didn’t find that the curved design made it easier to free the foot in a fall. Our verdict is that these stirrups meet the expectation of being easier to catch and harder to drop than traditional stirrups – but no more than that. Whether they provide slightly more safety, we can’t say for sure, but the difference is not significant. Additionally, we don’t think there’s much reason to buy the more expensive models since the cheaper ones meet the basic expectations for this type of stirrup just as well.
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Price Range: 30-70 EUR
Rating: ★★★
Flex stirrups are not exactly a new invention, but they can be highly effective, if you avoid settling for the cheapest models. The quality difference between them is substantial. As a general rule, flex stirrups are shock-absorbing and safer to ride with than traditional stirrups because the flexible rubber allows movement in all directions. However, our experience has shown that cheaper models tend to lose their shock-absorbing capabilities over time or even break. This happens because the rubber hardens, deteriorates, or cracks. Luckily, the more expensive models are often made with higher-quality rubber, which is more durable and provides greater comfort for your ankles and knees. If you choose flex stirrups, we strongly advise against skimping on cost, otherwise, you might as well stick to classic metal stirrups. We tested a budget-friendly pair, but if you invest a little more, we believe you'll have a better experience than we did. Happy hunting!
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Price Range: 40-190 EUR
Rating: ★★★
Balance stirrups are an evolution of flex stirrups, incorporating technology also found in S-stirrups. Popular models like Herman Sprenger's Bow Balance and Flexcite are examples we tested. These stirrups are highly shock-absorbing and slightly angled at the hinge for the stirrup leather, making it harder to lose the stirrup and improving seat balance. They also provide support for the outer edge of your foot, which our test rider found helped them sit further back in the saddle. Additionally, the wide footbed offers a larger surface for balance. The shock absorption is unparalleled - thanks to the thick, soft footbed and high-quality rubber sides, riding becomes much more comfortable, with less strain on ankles and knees.
The only downside is the price, and they could be even safer compared to the safety stirrups below. However, if you buy them second-hand or on sale, they are absolutely worth the money!
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Price Range: 180-240 EUR.
Rating: ★★★★
Let’s clarify right away: Free Jump stirrups are not just for show jumpers. They are available in both jumping and dressage models. We tested the jumping model, Soft Up Pro, which can be used for any discipline. These stirrups are made from a plastic-like material with an extremely flexible outer side, making it easy to free your foot in case of a fall. The stirrups can be attached directly to the stirrup leathers without removing them from the saddle—a very convenient feature!
What stands out most about these stirrups is the wide footbed with small metal studs that make it nearly impossible to lose your footing. They are also relatively lightweight and require minimal maintenance. While some say they are very shock-absorbing, we found this claim debatable, perhaps because we had also tested the Bow Balance stirrups, which felt much softer to ride with. However, we fully agree that they offer more shock absorption than traditional metal stirrups.
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Price Range: 200-300 EUR
Rating: ★★★★
Flex-On stirrups are for the gear-loving rider who values top-notch comfort, exceptional safety, and customizable design options. Available in a variety of colors, they feature a magnetic piece at the top that can be swapped for different designs. These stirrups also boast a cutting-edge safety mechanism where the outer side releases under sufficient weight.
Made from ultra-light plastic, they include extremely shock-absorbing pads under the footbed, comparable to the softness of Bow Balance stirrups. We tested the Safe-On model, their bestseller, and were thoroughly impressed. It delivers on every promise, and our test rider even intentionally fell off to confirm that the safety mechanism works—and it does!
An additional feature is the slightly downward-angled footbed, which encourages a more secure, back-seated position. Like the Free Jump stirrups, the metal studs on the footbed make losing your grip virtually impossible. In short, Flex-On Safe-On stirrups combine the best features of all the other stirrups, making them worth every penny!
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Price Range: 280-300 EUR
Rating: ★★★★★
Malgré Tout’s conclusion is clear: you get what you pay for. The stirrup market is vast for a reason—there’s truly something for every need and preference. It’s undeniable that the more you’re willing to spend, the better quality stirrups you’ll get. Fortunately, there are also decent budget-friendly options if you can’t afford the pricier models.
However, we can’t deny that the high-end Flex-On stirrups are our absolute favorite. While few riders might be ready to spend 300 EUR on stirrups, it may just be a matter of getting used to the idea. We already spend significant amounts on fancy bridles, moisture-wicking saddle pads, and high-tech boots—so why not invest in equipment that improves our ability to connect with our horses? If you invest in a high-quality pair, we guarantee you’ll never want to ride with anything else!
It’s crucial to buy the right size stirrup. If they’re too wide, your foot might slip through and get stuck. If they’re too narrow, they could pinch your foot or make it difficult to fit winter riding boots.
Preferences vary between classic metal stirrups and modern, sporty plastic ones. For example, flex stirrups and Free Jump stirrups have very different designs, with plastic options often available in a wide range of colors.
The material also affects weight. Plastic and aluminum stirrups are often much lighter than steel ones. Some riders prefer heavier stirrups, as they’re easier to catch if lost, and they add a sense of stability. Lighter stirrups, however, tend to be more shock-absorbing and feel less cumbersome during riding.
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