Which stirrups are the safest? 2026 buying guide

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5 STAR SAFETY STIRRUPS

We get this question in our consultations almost every week: Which stirrup really protects you in an emergency when the horse stumbles or the rider falls? Most customers first think about the material—aluminium versus stainless steel—and overlook the factor that actually matters in a fall: what happens to the foot in the stirrup when the rider falls from the saddle.

That is precisely the difference between a stirrup that releases the boot in the event of a fall and a rigid model that remains closed. Both have their place, depending on whether someone rides out every day, works with children in pony sport, or rides quiet dressage lessons in the arena.

Below, I explain what matters when it comes to the safety mechanism, the material, and the correct size, and show how to check the condition of your stirrups yourself before mounting.

• Safety depends on the opening mechanism in the event of a fall, not on the material of the stirrup.
• A folding safety mechanism releases the foot sideways, while rigid stainless steel Fillis models remain closed.
• Aluminium, plastic, and stainless steel differ mainly in weight on the foot and durability in everyday stable use, not in fall safety.
• The correct stirrup size is based on the boot size, with about a finger's width of clearance on either side of the boot.
• The leather stirrup leather acts as a deliberate breaking point and must therefore be checked regularly for brittleness and properly maintained.

Which stirrups are considered the safest in 2026?

The SAFETY STIRRUP 5 STAR is considered the safest design because it opens sideways at the hinge as soon as one-sided pressure is applied to the stirrup during a fall. This is the crucial moment: if the rider tips to the side, the weight of the foot suddenly pulls on the stirrup, while a rigid model remains closed.

With the folding mechanism, the stirrup yields and opens at that moment instead of holding the boot in place. This prevents the foot from becoming trapped in the stirrup and being dragged along, which is one of the greatest risks in a fall.

I particularly recommend this mechanism for three groups: show jumpers, because more uncontrolled movement occurs in the saddle during takeoff and landing than during calm basic-gait training; children in pony sports, because their seat is not yet as secure as that of experienced riders; and returning riders who are rebuilding their balance and equilibrium in the saddle after a long break. In all these cases, the safety benefit in the event of a fall outweighs every other selection criterion.

What is the difference between safety stirrups and classic Fillis stirrups?

FILLIS STIRRUP and FILLIS ASYMMETRICAL STIRRUP are made of stainless steel and follow the classic, rigid Fillis design without any release mechanism. The stirrup remains firmly closed in every situation, whether during a quiet trail ride or a fall.

The asymmetrical shape of the FILLIS ASYMMETRICAL STIRRUP serves a different purpose than safety: It guides the foot into the correct position in the stirrup and helps maintain even pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. Riders who have problems with a twisted foot position in the saddle benefit from this shape during everyday riding. However, it does not provide an emergency release in the event of a fall.

Stainless steel offers its own advantages here: It is very durable, withstands moisture and daily use in the stable without any problems, and barely deforms. However, this very stability becomes a disadvantage in a fall because the stirrup remains rigidly closed and the boot does not release on its own in an emergency. Riders who have a secure seat from experience and rarely fall may consciously accept this compromise.

Which material is right for which rider—aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic?

When choosing stirrup material, the main considerations are how much weight should rest on the foot and how often the stirrup will be used in everyday riding. STIRRUP TECHNOLOGY is made of aluminum with an anatomical design that provides the foot with stable support while keeping the stirrup lightweight.

Anyone who wants to feel as little weight as possible on their feet, for example during long rides or frequent mounting and dismounting, will be well served by aluminium. COMPOSITE STIRRUP goes a step further: the stirrup body is made entirely of plastic, making it correspondingly lightweight, and it comes with non-slip stirrup treads that provide additional grip in the saddle.

Stainless steel Fillis models, on the other hand, are noticeably heavier but make up for it with their durability. For everyday stable use, where stirrups must withstand rain, mud, and frequent use, the heavier stainless steel is the more robust choice. Ultimately, the right material depends less on riding style than on whether lower weight on the foot or long-term durability in daily use is more important.

STEIGBÜGEL-VERBUND

How important is the correct stirrup size for safety?

Stirrup size also helps determine whether the foot can come free in an emergency, regardless of the model being used. Stirrups that are too narrow increase the risk of the boot becoming wedged during a fall because the foot does not have enough lateral clearance to slide out.

Stirrups that are too wide create another problem: the foot slips through, cannot find a firm foothold, and the rider loses stability and control in the saddle, especially when the horse makes sudden movements.

The correct fit is based on the rider’s boot or shoe size, not on the saddle or leg length. As a rule of thumb, there should still be some space on either side of the widest part of the boot—approximately the width of a finger. Anyone who rides in thicker boots or additional socks in winter should take this into account when choosing the stirrup size and, when in doubt, choose one size larger rather than smaller. For children in pony sports, checks at shorter intervals are worthwhile because their shoe size grows faster than the rest of their equipment is replaced.

How do I inspect and maintain stirrups properly?

Stirrups should be given a quick check before every ride: the hinge, rubber insert, and strap can be inspected in less than a minute and reliably show whether everything is still working properly. This visual inspection does not replace thorough maintenance, but it covers exactly the parts that determine safety in the event of a fall.

The leather stirrup strap is deliberately designed as a predetermined breaking point: under extreme stress, it should tear so the rider can free themselves from a dangerous position instead of remaining caught in the stirrup. That is precisely why it must never be brittle or cracked; otherwise, it may tear too early during normal riding or fail to tear at all in an emergency.

Regular leather care of the loop keeps the material supple and preserves its tear resistance over time. Dry, neglected leather loses flexibility and becomes brittle, making the breakaway function unpredictable.

Stirrup components: What to check during inspection

Who particularly benefits from a safety stirrup?

Beginners and returning riders who still have an insecure seat benefit most from a safety stirrup with a folding mechanism. Anyone who is not yet firmly seated in the saddle will lose their balance more quickly if the horse stumbles, and that is precisely when every second counts for the foot to come free from the stirrup without resistance.

Show jumpers and eventers face a higher risk of falling than riders who only do dressage in the arena. Jumps, uneven terrain, and higher speeds significantly increase the likelihood of a fall, which is why I generally recommend a folding mechanism for these disciplines, even for experienced riders.

In my view, children and teenagers in pony sports should always be equipped with safety stirrups. Children often do not yet have a secure seat, react more slowly in stressful situations, and weigh less, which increases the risk of getting caught in the stirrup. For this group, I would never choose a rigid model, regardless of how calmly the Pony usually goes.

Stirrup models compared

Which stirrup is right for your riding routine?

Beginners, riders using a jumping saddle, and those supervising children in pony sports should choose the SICHERHEITSSTEIGBÜGEL 5 STAR. In these situations, the folding mechanism in the event of a fall outweighs every other criterion.

Experienced riders with a secure seat who mainly ride dressage or enjoy calm hacks and value durability will also do just as well with STEIGBÜGELFILLIS or FILLIS STEIGBÜGEL ASYMMETRISCH in stainless steel. However, this only applies as long as terrain, jumping, or an insecure seat are not factors. As soon as that changes, for example because of a new discipline or a longer break from riding, I would switch to a safety mechanism without hesitation.

Before committing, check the hinge, rubber insert, and loop on your current stirrup. This inspection often shows whether a replacement is actually necessary or whether the stirrup simply needs maintenance.

This quick check is worthwhile before your next ride and before buying:

• Before every ride, check that the hinge or folding mechanism moves freely
• Check the rubber inserts for cracks and wear
• Check the stirrup leather and its loop for brittleness, and replace them if cracked
• Choose the right size: there should be some space beside your foot
• Before buying safety stirrups, check your own federation’s competition regulations
• Choose the material according to your riding style: aluminum for a lightweight feel, stainless steel for daily stable use, and a plastic composite for versatility