Stirrup Treads
Stirrup treads are the removable rubber pads that sit in the base of your stirrup irons — they give your boot grip and add a little cushioning, helping keep your foot steady and comfortable in the stirrup. They're sized and shaped to match your iron (standard, fillis, knife-edge or two-bar), and swapping worn treads is one of the cheapest ways to refresh your stirrups. Just Horse Riders stocks 15 stirrup treads and covers from brands including Shires, Lorina, Korsteel, Bitz, Hy Equestrian and Perry Equestrian, from £1.80.
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Stirrup and tack advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 12 July 2026.
In a hurry? Quick guide:
- Everyday riding & standard irons → rubber treads — Shires Compositi Premium Profile (from £2.02, adult & child sizes)
- Fillis irons → Lorina Fillis Treads (from £5.39) or Bitz Fillis (from £5.74)
- Knife-edge irons → Korsteel Knife Edge Treads (from £3.59)
- Cold mornings & comfort → Hy Equestrian Fleece Tread Covers (from £5.24)
Stirrup treads are a small part with a big job. They're the bit of your stirrup your boot actually rests on, so getting the right shape and a fresh, grippy surface makes a real difference to how secure your foot feels. Here's how to match treads to your irons, what the different shapes are for, and when it's time to fit a new pair.
Which tread fits my stirrup iron?
Treads are shaped to drop into a specific style of iron. Match the tread to the iron you ride in:
| Iron type | Tread to choose | From our range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / general-purpose irons | Standard rubber treads | Shires Compositi Premium Profile, Perry Equestrian Rubber |
| Fillis irons | Fillis-shaped treads | Lorina Fillis, Bitz Fillis |
| Knife-edge irons | Knife-edge treads | Korsteel Knife Edge (black or white) |
| Dressage irons | Dressage treads | Lorina Dressage |
| Any iron, cold weather | Fleece tread covers | Hy Equestrian Fleece Covers |
If you're not sure which iron you have, measure the inside of the footplate from one side to the other — most adult treads are around 4.75", with children's treads around 4". Treads sit inside the iron only; if you're refreshing your whole setup it's worth checking your stirrup leathers and stirrup irons at the same time.
What do stirrup treads do?
Two things, mainly. First, grip — the ridged rubber surface helps stop your boot sliding around on the metal footplate, which supports a steadier lower leg. Second, a little shock absorption — the rubber cushions some of the road and jump-landing vibration that bare metal passes straight up into your foot. A worn, shiny tread does neither well, which is why they're treated as a wear part rather than a fit-and-forget one.
Standard or wedge/angled treads?
Most treads are standard flat treads — a level footrest that feels familiar and suits everyday riding. Some riders prefer wedge or angled treads, which are raised slightly on one edge to encourage a deeper heel and a more open ankle. Whether an angled tread helps your position is very individual, so if you're working on your leg it's best to try one alongside advice from your instructor rather than relying on the tread alone.
When should I replace my stirrup treads?
Replace treads when the grip pattern has worn smooth, the rubber has gone hard, cracked or perished, or a tread has split or worked loose in the iron. Because a secure footing matters for safe riding, it's worth checking them each time you clean your tack and swapping them at the first sign of wear. At a couple of pounds a pair, treads are one of the cheapest upgrades in the tack room — and if you'd like the extra reassurance of a foot that releases in a fall, take a look at our safety stirrups.
Which stirrup treads should I buy?
Match the tread to your iron first, then to your budget — here are the pairs riders reach for most:
- Best all-rounder: Shires Compositi Premium Profile Stirrup Treads — from £2.02, in adult (4.75") and child (4") sizes. A durable, grippy standard tread for general-purpose irons.
- Best for fillis irons: Lorina Stirrup Treads – Fillis — from £5.39. Shaped to seat neatly in fillis irons.
- Popular fillis alternative: Bitz Stirrup Treads Fillis — from £5.74, well stocked and hard-wearing.
- Best for knife-edge irons: Korsteel Knife Edge Stirrup Treads — from £3.59, in black or white.
- Best cold-weather comfort: Hy Equestrian Fleece Stirrup Tread Covers (Pair) — from £5.24, a soft fleece layer over the tread for chilly mornings.
Frequently asked questions
What are stirrup treads for?
Stirrup treads are rubber pads that clip into the base of your stirrup irons. They give your boot grip on the footplate and add a little cushioning, helping keep your foot secure and comfortable. As a rubber wear part, they're designed to be replaced once the grip wears smooth.
How do I know what size stirrup treads I need?
Measure the inside of your stirrup iron's footplate from one side to the other. Most adult treads are around 4.75" and children's around 4". Just as important is the iron style — standard, fillis, knife-edge or dressage — as treads are shaped to fit a particular type.
Can I use any tread with any stirrup iron?
Not quite — treads are shaped to seat securely in a specific iron type. A fillis tread won't sit right in a knife-edge iron, and vice versa. Check which style of iron you ride in and choose the matching tread; if you're unsure, measure the footplate and compare it with the size on the product page.
What are fillis and knife-edge treads?
They're treads cut to fit two common iron styles. Fillis irons are the traditional rounded eye stirrups most riders use, so fillis treads suit those. Knife-edge irons have a narrower, angled bar, so knife-edge treads are shaped to match. Choosing the right one keeps the tread seated and stops it slipping.
How often should stirrup treads be replaced?
There's no fixed timescale — replace them when the grip pattern has worn smooth, the rubber has hardened or cracked, or a tread has split or come loose. Because secure footing matters for safe riding, check them when you clean your tack and swap them at the first sign of wear. At a couple of pounds a pair, it's a cheap job.
Do stirrup treads improve grip in wet weather?
A fresh, ridged rubber tread grips a wet boot far better than bare metal or a worn, shiny tread, so it certainly helps. No tread makes a stirrup completely slip-proof, though — in very wet conditions, well-treaded boots and a considered riding position matter too. If you want extra security, our safety stirrups are worth a look.
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