Stirrup Irons
Stirrup irons are the metal (or composite) foot supports that hang from your stirrup leathers and give you balance, security and control in the saddle. The main types are traditional fillis irons for everyday riding, safety / quick-release irons (peacock and bent-leg) that help your foot come free in a fall, wide-track and competition irons for a stable platform, and flexi irons with a jointed arm to cushion your ankles and knees. Just Horse Riders stocks over 50 pairs of stirrup irons from Shires, Sprenger, Premier Equine, Korsteel, Lorina, Rhinegold and more, in stainless steel and lightweight composite, from £15.82.
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Stirrup-fitting advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 12 July 2026.
In a hurry? Quick guide:
- Everyday & general riding → a classic fillis iron (Windsor Stainless Steel Fillis, from £15.82)
- Extra security in a fall → a safety stirrup such as the Lorina Bent Leg Safety Iron
- Lightweight & colourful → a composite iron (Shires Compositi Premium Profile)
- Kinder on knees & ankles → a flexi iron with a jointed arm
Your stirrup irons are one of the few bits of kit taking your full weight every stride, so they need to be the right size, the right material for your riding, and in sound condition. We've helped riders choose stirrups since 2010, so here's how to pick a pair that fits your boot and your discipline.
Which type of stirrup iron do I need?
| Type | Best for | From our range |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional fillis | Everyday riding, showing, all-round use | Windsor Stainless Steel Fillis, Shires Fillis |
| Safety / quick-release (peacock, bent-leg) | Beginners, children, riders wanting extra fall protection | Lorina Bent Leg Safety, Shires Fillis Peacock |
| Wide-track / composite | A broad, stable foot platform; lightweight everyday use | Shires Compositi Premium Profile, Korsteel Aluminium |
| Flexi / jointed | Cushioning stiff or aching ankles and knees | Rhinegold Flexi, Premier Equine Stainless Steel Flexi |
How to choose stirrup irons
How do I size stirrup irons to my boot?
Sit the widest part of your riding boot in the iron: you want the iron a little wider than your boot, with roughly 1.25cm (½in) of clearance on each side — so the iron is about 2.5cm (1in) wider than your boot overall. That gap lets your foot move freely and slide clear in a fall. Too small is the real danger — a tight iron can trap your foot — so if you're between sizes, size up rather than down. As a rough guide, most adults take a 4.75in (120mm) iron, with 4.25–4.5in for smaller feet and children.
Stainless steel or composite?
Stainless steel irons (Windsor, Sprenger, Korsteel) are strong, hard-wearing and hold their shine for years, though they're heavier. Composite irons such as the Shires Compositi range are much lighter, won't rust, come in colours and often have a little built-in flex — ideal for everyday schooling and younger riders. Avoid unbranded nickel-alloy irons, which can bend under load. Whichever you choose, a good stirrup tread gives grip in the wet.
When should I replace my stirrup irons?
Check your irons regularly and replace them if you see cracks, deep grooves worn into the eye or tread, any bending or distortion, or a perished rubber tread. On safety irons, make sure the quick-release band, joint or bent leg still moves freely — a stiff mechanism can stop it working when it matters. If your irons have taken a heavy fall or been crushed, retire them; metal fatigue isn't always visible.
Which are the best stirrup irons?
- Best value / everyday: Windsor Stainless Steel Fillis Irons — from £15.82, classic stainless fillis.
- Best lightweight all-rounder: Shires Compositi Premium Profile Stirrups — from £24.30, light and strong.
- Best for extra safety: Lorina Bent Leg Safety Stirrup Irons — from £39.08, angled leg to release the foot.
- Best for stiff joints: Premier Equine Stainless Steel Flexi Stirrups — from £61.20, jointed arms to absorb shock.
Frequently asked questions
What size stirrup irons do I need?
Choose an iron a little wider than the widest part of your riding boot — about 1.25cm (½in) of clearance on each side, so the iron is roughly 2.5cm (1in) wider than your boot overall. That lets your foot move and slide clear in a fall. Never pick one that grips your boot tightly, as a too-small iron can trap your foot. Most adults take a 4.75in (120mm) iron.
What is the difference between fillis and safety stirrups?
Fillis irons are the classic solid stainless-steel design for general riding. Safety stirrups — such as peacock and bent-leg irons — add a quick-release band or an angled leg so your foot can come free more easily if you fall, which many beginners, children and nervous riders prefer. You can see the full range in our safety stirrups collection.
Are stainless steel or composite stirrups better?
Both are good — it depends on what you want. Stainless steel is strong, durable and traditional but heavier. Composite irons are lighter, rust-proof and come in colours, with a little flex that suits everyday schooling and younger riders. For safety, avoid cheap unbranded nickel-alloy irons, which can bend under load.
How do flexi stirrups help?
Flexi irons have a jointed or sprung arm that flexes as your foot moves, which can help absorb shock and ease pressure on stiff or aching ankles and knees. Many riders find them more comfortable over long rides. If you have a persistent joint problem, it's worth checking with your instructor or a physiotherapist on what suits you.
When should I replace my stirrup irons?
Replace irons that show cracks, worn grooves in the eye or tread, any bending, or a perished rubber tread. On safety irons, check the release band, joint or bent leg still moves freely. If a pair has taken a heavy fall or been crushed, retire them, as metal fatigue isn't always visible. Fresh treads restore grip if the irons themselves are sound.
Do stirrup irons come with leathers and treads?
Usually not — irons, leathers and treads are bought separately so you can match them to your saddle and boots. You'll find matching stirrup leathers and replacement stirrup treads alongside this collection.
Not sure which irons suit you? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and the team will help you choose.