Horse Tack
Best Western Stirrups
Best English Riding Stirrups
By Riding Warehouse Staff
Last Updated July 17, 2025
• 7 min read
No matter whether you're trotting down centerline or jumping through a tricky combination, a good pair of stirrups can make all the difference in your ride. However, we know that picking a stirrup can be a daunting task with the extensive amount of options.
From traditional steel to lightweight composite, the English stirrup market has transformed over the last decade to include new technologies and materials, all designed to enhance your riding experience. To help you sort through the plethora of choices, the RW community has pulled together their favorite stirrups to aid you on your quest to find the perfect stirrup for your needs and wants!
Best Stirrups for Equitation
MDC 'S' Classic Aluminum Tread Stirrup Irons
"While they appear as a traditional aluminum stirrup at first, the angle of the top bar allows for a comfortable and secure leg position...making it the ultimate equitation stirrup."
- Alisha, General Manager - California USA
With their unique, patented 45 degree "S" creating an improved stirrup and leg position, the MDC 'S' Classic features a design that equitation riders are sure to appreciate. In addition to providing added comfort and security, these stirrups boast a that classic look perfect for the show ring while providing equestrians everything they need for a confident ride.
Key Takeaways: |
'S' Design: Eye Positioned at Patented 45 Degrees Wide Footbed, High-Traction Tread Improves Leg Position and Provides Joint Relief Durable, Lightweight Aluminum Construction |
Best Stirrups for Dressage
Flex-On Aluminum Ultra Grip Stirrups with Incline
"Having the stirrup at an angle helps to put less stress on my lower back, and the ultra grip keeps my foot in a better position - especially in sitting trot exercises."
- Christine - California, USA
The thoughtfully desinged Aluminum Grip Stirrups from Flex-On are an ideal option for dressage riders looking to keep their joints comfortable. Elastomer springs absorb vibrations and help decrease muscle fatigue, so keeping your position in the saddle throughout long days schooling or showing is made easy. Plus, the aluminum frame reduces bulkiness while still allowing you a secure feel throughout your ride!
Key Takeaways: |
Elastomer Springs in Footbed Absorb Shock Inclined, Aggressive Tread Keeps Foot in Stirrup Aluminum Frame Reduces Weight Prevents Muscle Fatigue and Supports Position |
Best Stirrups for Cross Country
Tech Stirrups Venice Plus EVO Sloped Safety Stirrups
"I love the aggressive tread which holds my foot nicely while the slight slope encourages me to keep my heels down. I also really appreciate the quick release arm!"
- Katie, Web Content - California, USA
Featuring an exceptional combination of performance and safety, the Venice Plus EVO Sloped Safety Stirrups from Tech Stirrups are specially crafted to help riders conquer any course! The subtle five degree incline keeps your feet in position (and keeps you balanced) as the unique triangle-shaped teeth offer superior traction. Complete with four advanced shock-absorbing inserts and a safety mechanism, these stirrups are packed full of the features that keep you steady in the saddle as you soar over fences.
Key Takeaways: |
Five Degree Incline Assist Positioning Shock Absorbing Inserts Reduce Fatigue Replaceable Triangle-Shaped Tread Automatic Safety Mechanism |
Best Quick Release Stirrups
Acavallo Arena AluPlus 2.0 Aluminum Stirrups
"Best safety stirrups on the market! These are also very attractive and comfortable. They have a good weight to them, yet are low profile. I would definitely buy them again."
- Jennifer - California, USA
Lightweight and sleek, Acavallo's Arena AluPlus 2.0 stirrups are have everything you could need when it comes to safety, style, and security. The highlight comes in the form of a unique, stress-actuated locking and release mechanism. With its placement a centimeter higher from the treads, it helps to prevent accidental slipping of your feet as you ride. Thoughtfully placed holes in the tread keep sand and dirt from building up on the footbed, adding further security and stability.
| Key Takeaways: |
High-Grade Aluminum Stainless Steel Grip Tread Stress-Actuated Locking and Release Impact Absorption for Joint Comfort 5 Degree Inclination of Tread |
Best Lightweight Stirrups
Royal Rider Perfect Stirrups
"The lightweight build is durable and keeps my horse and I comfortable, no matter what we're doing when riding. The name doesn't lie, these stirrups are perfect!"
- Katie, Web Content - California, USA
Though they're our top pick when it comes to a lightweight stirrup, the Royal Rider Perfect Stirrups are more than a one trick pony! A construction of a high-strength techno-polymer makes the stirrups not only lightweight, but strong and durable as well. The wide top arch is ergonomic and creates plenty of space for the foot, while the stainless steel grip plate is resistant to excessive wear. Finished with soft and elegant lines, these stirrups have that classic look that is always in style.
Key Takeaways: |
Made from Dupont Techno Polymer Construction Wide Arch and Footbed for Greater Support and Stability Non-Slip Grip Footbed Easy Maintenance Durable and Lightweight: Only 9oz |
Best Stirrups for Ankle Pain
Freejump Air'S Off-Set Eye Stirrups
"These versatile stirrups are a great choice for anyone who experiences lower leg pain, as they feature a patented Air Cushion system that absorbs shock and concussion."
- Katie, Web Content - California, USA
Sore ankles are a woe of the past in the Freejump Air'S Stirrups! A patented air-cushioned footbed makes them an ideal choice for riders who eperience lower leg pain, as they help with shock absorption. Feet can stay secure throughout your ride with the supergrip studs. Perhaps best of all, the stirrups are made of 100% recyclable materials, so you can feel great during your ride for more reasons than one.
| Key Takeaways: |
Patented Air Cushion System Absorbs Shock Polyamide Top Headband Releases Under Pressure Supergrip Studs Keeps Feet Secure 100% Recyclable |
Best Selling English Stirrups
Compositi Reflex 3D Swivel Wide-Track Stirrups
"No pain, no issues of losing my stirrups to slippage, no tingling balls of feet. I just bought a new pair after four years of constant use, as the old had just started losing their footbed grip."
- Anonymous
Tried and true, it's certainly no mystery why the Compositi 3D Swivel Wide-Track Stirrups are one of our best selling stirrups! The unique "swivel" sole footbed flexes up and down as you move throughout your ride, helping reduce stress and tension in the lower leg. The Reflex 3D creates a rigid sole, offering excellent traction, while the lightweight hi-tech polymer composite design keeps them unaffected by moisture and temperature. Available with bright and colorful soles, these stirrups are a true standout through every ride
| Key Takeaways: |
Ergonomically Shaped Swivel Wide Footbed Made from Hi-Tech Polymer Composite Provides Tension Relief for Knees, Lower Leg, and Ankle Bright, Colorful Footbed |
Best Stirrups for Kids
Centaur Traditional Fillis Stirrups
"They're truly a great go-to that I always feel stable and secure in whether riding on the flat, over fences, or even on the trail."
- Lindsay, Web Content - California
Available in sizes all the way down to 4", the Traditional Fillis Stirrup Irons from Centaur are a great choice for younger riders just learning the ropes. Their solid stainless steel construction makes them both durable and dependable, while the rubber treads are perfect for keeping little feet comfortable and secure. With their classic style and secure design, these stirrups can help provide aspiring equestrians a solid and reliable foundation.
| Key Takeaways: |
Durable and Comfortable Classic Style Solid Stainless Steel Rubber Treads |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size stirrup do I need?
Stirrups are measured along the footbed, from branch to branch. The right size stirrup should be one inch wider than the widest part of your foot. An easy way to measure this is to put your boots on and step on a tape measure, then add one inch (1/2 inch on each side) to that width. If the stirrups you are interested in don't come in the size you need, it is better to size up rather than down. We recommend having a stirrup that is slightly too big rather than too small.
Do I need specific stirrups for certain disciplines?
There are some rules regarding legal tack for different disciplines, but those clarify what you can't use rather than what you have to use. If you're concerned about the legality of your stirrups, it's always a good idea to check your discipline's rule book!
Do different stirrup leathers go with different stirrups?
Many stirrup brands also produce stirrup leathers. Some stirrups have features that pair with their associated leather, such as a wide leather port or a narrow leather port. You don't have to buy from the same brand, but do take the dimensions of your stirrup into consideration and buy leathers accordingly. To learn more about sitrrup leathers and how to pick the perfect pair for you, check out our article on How to Choose Stirrup Leathers!
Closing Thoughts
Having so many choices for stirrups can be intimidating. Some riders still find a plain Fillis iron to be enough, but there are a multitude of other options—depending on what you want out of your stirrup. Some riders may opt for a stirrup that combines comfort with safety or maybe fun with function. With so much variety, you'll never have to settle for a stirrup that doesn't let you be the best rider you can be! We hope that this guide of our favorite English stirrups helps you in your shopping endeavors. As always, feel free to contact our friendly customer service at 1-800-620-9145 or at info@ridingwarehouse.com if you have any questions. Happy riding!
