Stirrup leathers

[Equestrian24]

I’m looking for a longer pair of stirrup leathers (around 57" or so), and am looking around online at the options. I think I’m going to go with nylon lined and would like half holes if possible. I’d also like for them to be made of soft, high quality leather. I’d like ones that are soft and easy on my saddle, yet not too twisty/flimsy and hold up nicely. I’m just looking at the simple, traditional kinds, not the stability or FreeJump style leathers. Does anyone have a favorite they like?

I do notice some lined leathers are harder to adjust and take on and off than others, and would like some that are less so if possible, though I get that all lined leathers are going to be bulkier than non-lined.

So far, I’ve looked at Stübben, CWD, Antarès, Luc Childéric, Prestige, Arc de Triomphe, and Freedman’s. I’ve never seen any of these in person, so have no experience with them. For those who have experience with these, how do you like them? Do you have any others you like better?

[Ponyplusaninch]

Interesting timing as I just wore a hole through one of my stirrup leathers (CWD).

I like the CWD ones–they break in easy, they’re not bulky, they will hold their shape for a long time and not stretch out in unusual ways. I’ve been happy with the spacing on the holes (a little narrower than traditional holes)

I got just a hair over 3 years’ use out of my leathers before I wore a hole through the right one. That does tend to be the leg that swings more, so not too surprised. I could I figure out how the duck to get my right leg to be as still as my left, I probably could have gotten another couple years out of the leathers.

All this said, will be following to see what others say.

[Janet]

I am pretty happy with my Passier lined leathers. I have been using them on my jumping saddle about 3 years. Easy to put on and easy to adjust. The holes are about 7/8 inch apart (as opposed to 1 3/8 inches on my previous leathers. So not quite “half holes”, but closer than “regular”.

[LCDR]

Me too - Passier. Over 25 years using them.

[DiamondJubilee]

I did get a new pair of Antares leathers for my saddle, and though I’ve only had them for about 2 years now, they are buttery soft and are holding up well.

[Bristol_Bay]

My CWD leathers seem insubstantial and twisty compared to my Voltaire leathers. I recently sold the Voltaire and got another CWD but kept the Voltaire leathers. They still look new after two years.

[foursocks]

I was going to suggest Passier, too! I have the Tech jumper stirrups on both of my saddles, which did a number on my lovely Voltaire leathers (the pads are sort of like the cheese grater ones). I got a couple of pairs of the Passier lined leathers and so far the leathers look perfect. They are thick, but not as bad as some of the other lined ones I’ve tried, and they are relatively inexpensive.

[ZuzusPetals]

@Bristol_Bay

My CWD leathers seem insubstantial and twisty

My experience as well, although the pair I was using had serious mileage. For my own saddle I got a pair of lined Nunn Finer, which started out quite stiff but have softened. The holes weren’t numbered, which I didn’t know prior to ordering, but I fixed that with a $12 leather-stamping kit from Harbor Freight.

[outside_leg]

My experience with CWD leathers has been different. They’ve by far been the longest lasting, softest leathers I’ve had. I found Passier bulky and plasticky. Likewise with Voltaire, and that was surprising given the price tag. I have mixed feelings regarding CWD saddles, but in my experience, their strap goods can’t be beat. Your mileage may vary.

[ZuzusPetals]

Interesting. Wonder whether the distinctions are the result of supply-chain changes, and we all have stock from different times. Or perhaps a lot of the manufacturing is left to subcontractors, and the stock varies according to region. Gosh, I miss consistency.

[NaturallyHappy]

I’ve had great luck w Butet leathers.

[HJdaydream]

Remarkable Leather Goods! They are American made, sturdy, but still soft leather. Plus the company is owned and run by an adult ammy equestrian.

RLG Double-Layered, Nylon Lined Stirrup Leathers

Before these I had CWD ones that lasted a solid 8 years and are still going strong, so I definitely recommend those too.

[Angel_Undercover]

I love my Butet leathers. The leather is gorgeous and they aren’t bulky like some of the other lined leathers. I’ve been using my current pair for about a year and they are wearing extremely well.

[pryme_thyme]

Prestige and Passier hands down.

I have CWD but because they came with the saddles… not nearly as soft as the above.

[LavenderHaze]

I had a pair of Butet leathers for about 15 years. I highly highly recommend them if they fit your budget.
After a lot of deliberating this time around, I got the Prestige leathers and I’ve been happy with them.

[WavyRider]

Another vote for Passiers!