For safety stirrups stainless steel is the metal of choice, due to its strength and ease of maintenance. Nickel had been used in the past. However, it can easily bend or break and should be avoided. Stirrups may also be made of synthetic materials and various metallic alloys. Some variations include:

Standard malleable iron: The most common stirrup iron, consisting of a tread, with two branches, and an eye at the top for the leather to run through. These are called fillis irons. The only advantage to iron fillis irons are the cost . Stainless steel does not rust and is less brittle. Therefore does not tend to break as easily.

Foot Free™ stirrups are safety stirrups on which the outside branch is bent, rather than straight, to help the foot to release in the event of a fall. Foot Free Stirrups are made of stainless steel. There are many copies of the original Foot Free Stirrups,. However, most are made of malleable iron and do not include pads

Safety Stirrups or Peacock irons: The outer branch of these stirrups are composed of a strong, thick rubber band and a leather loop, which will detach with sufficient pressure. However, rider must check them regularly for wear.