Are you looking to invest in safety stirrups but unsure which model to choose? With different safety mechanisms, grip levels, tread widths and angles, weights and shock-absorbing systems available, it can be difficult to understand what really sets one pair of stirrups apart from another.
The first thing to remember is that there is no single ideal stirrup model for every rider. Beyond their design, stirrups influence how your feet feel in the saddle: some riders look for plenty of grip and stability, while others prefer greater freedom of movement. Some favour lightweight stirrups, while others prefer heavier models to help stabilise their feet.
This guide will help you understand the main criteria to consider when choosing safety stirrups according to your riding and personal preferences.
What to remember before choosing
Grip, weight, tread design and shock absorption are primarily a matter of personal feel. A feature that one rider loves may not suit another. Use these criteria to guide your choice rather than automatically looking for the model with the “most” technology.
Contents
- Which safety mechanism should you choose?
- Which level of grip should you choose?
- Which stirrup tread should you choose?
- Lightweight or heavier stirrups: which should you choose?
- With or without shock absorption?
- What about stirrup customisation?
- Which safety stirrups should you choose according to your preferences?
- Comparison of the main safety stirrups
- What if you could try your future stirrups?
- How to choose safety stirrups: summary
1. Which safety mechanism should you choose?
Safety stirrups feature a system designed to help release the rider's foot in the event of a fall. However, not all manufacturers use the same type of mechanism.
Some stirrups feature a hinged outer branch that can open when pressure is applied against it. Others use a flexible outer branch designed to create more room for the foot to be released. There are also mechanical release systems and specific technologies, including magnetic systems. The mechanism, how it works and the conditions under which it activates therefore vary between models. The important thing is to understand how your chosen stirrup works, feel comfortable using it and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Which level of grip should you choose?
The grip of the stirrup tread is probably one of the differences you will notice most quickly in the saddle. The more pronounced the studs are, the more securely the sole of your riding boot grips the tread.
A high level of grip can be appreciated if you are looking for a very stable foot position and plenty of traction. Conversely, some riders find this feeling too restrictive when they want to be able to reposition their foot easily. A lighter level of grip offers more of a balance between stability and mobility, making it ideal for riders looking for greater freedom of movement underfoot.
More grip is not necessarily better
The ideal level of grip depends on your personal preferences. One rider may love a very pronounced grip, while another may feel that their foot is held too firmly in place. The sole of your riding boots can also influence how the grip feels.
3. Which stirrup tread should you choose?
The width and angle of the stirrup tread directly influence the support you feel underfoot.
A wide tread provides a larger contact area under the sole and can offer a greater feeling of stability and support. A more compact tread is closer to the feel of a traditional stirrup and may feel less noticeable underfoot.
The angle of the tread is another factor to consider. A flat tread provides relatively neutral support. An inclined tread changes the orientation of the foot and, depending on the rider and the stirrup design, may help encourage the heel to drop. However, this angle should not be considered an automatic correction for the rider's position. The rider's conformation, ankle mobility, saddle and stirrup leather length can also influence how the stirrups feel.
| Feature | Feeling generally sought |
|---|---|
| High grip | Plenty of traction and stability |
| Medium grip | A balance between stability and mobility |
| Wide tread | Large support area and a supportive feel |
| Compact tread | A feel closer to a traditional stirrup |
| Flat tread | Relatively neutral support |
| Angled tread | Different foot orientation that may help encourage the heel to drop depending on the rider |
4. Lightweight or heavier stirrups: which should you choose?
The weight of the stirrups also affects how they feel. A lightweight stirrup, particularly one made from aluminium or certain composite materials, can feel discreet and light underfoot. Conversely, some riders prefer a heavier stirrup because they like to feel more weight beneath their foot. The weight can also affect how the stirrup behaves when the rider loses it and how easily they can find it again with their foot.
The material can therefore play a part in your choice: metal stirrups may be made from stainless steel or aluminium, resulting in very different weights and riding sensations. Lightweight does not necessarily mean more comfortable or higher performing: the right weight is primarily the one that suits your preferences.
5. With or without shock absorption?
Some shock-absorbing stirrups incorporate systems designed to provide additional cushioning and flexibility. Depending on the manufacturer, these may include elastomers or a shock-absorbing structure. These technologies are designed in particular to limit the direct transmission of certain forces and vibrations to the joints of the foot, ankle or knee. They may therefore be of interest if you are looking for greater comfort. Stirrups without a shock-absorbing system, on the other hand, provide a firmer and more direct feel underfoot.
6. What about stirrup customisation?
Once you have chosen the technical features you want, design can naturally help you decide between several models.
Many customisable stirrups are available in a range of colours. Depending on the brand, you may be able to choose the colour of the frame, outer branch, tread or certain decorative components. This is notably the case with Flex-On, Freejump and Horsena stirrups.
Some ranges also allow you to choose between several technical configurations, such as different treads or grip levels. This allows you to select stirrups that suit your riding preferences while coordinating them with your saddle or the rest of your equipment. It is also worth checking the availability of stirrup accessories and spare parts: replacement treads, branches, grips and customisation components can allow certain models to be modified or maintained over time.
Which safety stirrups should you choose according to your preferences?
Ultimately, to find the stirrups best suited to your needs and preferences, ask yourself what kind of feeling you are looking for in the saddle.
| You are mainly looking for... | Focus primarily on... |
|---|---|
| A very stable foot position | High grip and possibly a wide tread |
| Greater freedom underfoot and a lightweight feel | Light grip and possibly lightweight stirrups |
| More presence underfoot | Heavier stirrups and high grip |
| Greater comfort | A wide tread and/or shock-absorbing system |
| Helping to encourage the heel to drop | An angled tread, to be tested according to your personal feel |
Comparison of the main safety stirrups
To help you compare the different models more easily, here is an overview of some of the safety stirrups available from Vestride. This table highlights their main technical features.
| Model | Tread | Grip | Weight | Shock absorption | Safety mechanism | Customisable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe-On Flex-On |
Flat, angled or endurance | Your choice Grip or Ultra Grip |
≈ 500 g / stirrup | Yes Elastomers |
Removable outer branch designed to open under pressure | Yes +++ Frame, tread, grip, elastomers, branch and stickers |
| Soft'Up Pro 2 Freejump |
Flat with a slightly angled raised edge | High Replaceable stainless-steel studs |
520 g / stirrup | Yes Double shock absorption |
Flexible Elastollan® outer branch designed to facilitate the release of the foot | Yes Several colours available |
| Swap 2.0 Horsena |
Flat | High | — | No | Polyurethane outer branch opening laterally to 90° | Yes Interchangeable branches and several colours |
| Ophena S Pro Ophena |
Flat | Very high Diamond grip + magnetic foot support |
≈ 650 g / stirrup | No | Open-sided design + magnetic connection designed to disengage during a fall | Limited Black or silver |
| Plus Classique Rid'Up |
Slightly angled | High Steel studs |
440 g / stirrup | Yes Dynamic compensation system |
Automatic release: the stirrup detaches from the stirrup leather in the event of a fall | Yes Several colours available |
| Vector Control LeMieux |
Flat | High Hardened steel studs |
419 g / stirrup | No specific shock-absorbing system | Hinged outer branch with a dual safety release system | Yes Several colours available |
How should you use this comparison?
This table allows you to compare the main features of each model, but the information relating to grip and riding feel remains indicative. How a stirrup feels depends on each rider, their position and their footwear. Use this comparison to narrow down your selection before, where possible, trying the different models in the saddle.
What if you could try your future stirrups?
Technical specifications are primarily useful for narrowing down your selection. Your riding experience can then help you decide between the models that meet your criteria. At Vestride, we know that comparing different stirrups without having tried them can be difficult. This is why we offer you the opportunity to test your stirrups before buying them.
Seven different models and brands are available to try. You will have 15 days to test them in real riding conditions and determine which ones provide the best feel for you in the saddle.
How to choose safety stirrups: summary
When choosing your safety stirrups, several factors should be taken into account: grip, tread width and angle, weight, shock absorption, design and customisation. There is no single best stirrup for every rider: the right choice depends on your riding, your position and, above all, your personal preferences.
This comprehensive guide will now help you compare our selection of adult safety stirrups with these different criteria in mind. For a young rider, choose safety stirrups designed for children, with dimensions and, where applicable, release conditions suited to their body shape and size.
If you are hesitating between several models, trying them allows you to directly compare their grip, tread, weight and shock absorption to determine which riding sensations genuinely suit you best.