Stirrup Treads: More Grip and a Steady Footing in the Stirrup
Fresh treads give your foot a firm hold again, even when sole and stirrup are wet. Here you will find flat and angled treads to suit different stirrups.
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Waldhausen Fillis Stirrup Pads, Rubber Tread for Stirrups, Pair, black 11 cm
Sale price: €4.94 Regular price: €4.95 (0.2% saved)
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BUSSE Slanted Rubber Stirrup Pads, 12 cm, Black, 1 Pair
Sale price: €11.50 Regular price: €12.50 (8% saved)
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Kerbl Angled Stirrup Tread Pad, 1 Pair, Improves Correct Foot Position
Sale price: €5.49 Regular price: €6.29 (12.72% saved)
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Waldhausen Stirrup Treads Wedge-Shaped, Black, 12 cm, Pair
Sale price: €8.79 Regular price: €9.95 (11.66% saved)
BUSSE Rubber Stirrup Treads GUMMI, Straight, Non-Slip Design, white, 10
Regular price: €4.18
Stirrup Treads: grip for every ride
Stirrup treads sit on the footbed of your stirrup and stop your foot slipping. Over time the rubber wears and becomes smooth, and then it is time for a change. Here you will find flat rubber treads, angled and wedge-shaped versions, and treads made to fit Fillis irons and Icelandic stirrups. A small swap that makes a real difference to your safety.
Flat, angled or wedge-shaped
The classic flat tread fits most standard stirrups. Angled treads are slightly lower on the inside than on the outside. This tips the foot gently outwards and keeps the knee more relaxed against the saddle. Wedge-shaped treads raise the toe and help you keep your heel down. Many riders notice the difference after just a few laps, especially if they are prone to knee pain or find it hard to get their heel down.
How the tread fits your stirrup
What matters is the width of the footbed. Measure the inside of your stirrup and compare it with the tread, as a glance at the size in centimetres is often enough. Treads for special irons such as the Icelandic stirrup are designed for exactly that model. To change them, push out the old tread and press in the new one firmly. A little soapy water makes the rubber more pliable. If you are unsure, compare the old and new tread side by side before fitting.
Frequently asked questions
When should I replace my stirrup treads?
When the pattern is worn smooth, the rubber shows cracks or your foot noticeably slips. If you ride regularly, that is often the case after one or two years. New treads are a small investment for more safety.
Do angled treads help with knee pain?
Many riders find them more comfortable because the knee is pushed inwards less. There is no guarantee, and if the pain persists you should have a doctor check what is behind it. They are well worth trying, though.
Do the treads fit any stirrup?
No, it depends on the width and shape of the footbed. Standard treads fit most classic irons, while special models need their own tread. So measure before you buy.
Treads for a secure footing
You often only notice worn treads when your foot keeps slipping out of the stirrup in trot or canter. New stirrup treads fix that quickly. Flat rubber treads are the standard for most stirrups and offer a grippy pattern, even with wet soles. Angled treads let the foot tip slightly outwards and so take strain off knees and hips, while wedge-shaped models help you keep your heel down. Icelandic riders will find treads made to fit the tölt stirrup exactly. Check the tread width of your stirrup before buying, and the new tread will sit securely and not pop out. Changing them takes just a few minutes and makes every ride safer. If you have several saddles, it is worth keeping a spare pair of treads in your grooming kit. Fresh treads also make an older pair of stirrups feel almost like new.