Flex-On Stirrups - Balls of feet going numb??

[trixyandned1]

I was thinking of buying myself a pair of Flex-On stirrups, as I like the idea of the little grippy spikes and angled position of the tread. However, after having ridden a friend's horse who has flexons on his saddle, I've found the balls of my feet go almost numb, like a pins + needles type of feeling. I've never had this feeling with any other type of stirrup, and I'm wearing the same boots etc as always.

Just wondering if anyone else had experienced this before? And whether it's related to the pressure of the little spikes combined with the angle of the tread?

 

[blitznbobs]

Nope love mine but like every bit of kit they are not for everyone/

 

[thatsnotmyname]

I was thinking of buying myself a pair of Flex-On stirrups, as I like the idea of the little grippy spikes and angled position of the tread. However, after having ridden a friend's horse who has flexons on his saddle, I've found the balls of my feet go almost numb, like a pins + needles type of feeling. I've never had this feeling with any other type of stirrup, and I'm wearing the same boots etc as always.

Just wondering if anyone else had experienced this before? And whether it's related to the pressure of the little spikes combined with the angle of the tread?

Yes.
These are my favourite stirrups and i don’t like the lack of stability I feel (due to my various ailments) in other stirrups.
I’ve spent a fortune trying different ones and these are the most comfortable - long hacking, hunting, eventing.
But I do also suffer with pins and needles/numb but I think it’s when I am riding really short. I don’t get it when I ride at a GP length.

I wouldn’t swap them though - for me the pros outweigh the cons.
Edit - I do think it’s for the reason you suggested, where the grippers are etc. I ride short in other folks saddles and don’t get the same! Just mine.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I was thinking of buying myself a pair of Flex-On stirrups, as I like the idea of the little grippy spikes and angled position of the tread. However, after having ridden a friend's horse who has flexons on his saddle, I've found the balls of my feet go almost numb, like a pins + needles type of feeling. I've never had this feeling with any other type of stirrup, and I'm wearing the same boots etc as always.

Just wondering if anyone else had experienced this before? And whether it's related to the pressure of the little spikes combined with the angle of the tread?

My feet go numb when my stirrups are too short, that’s the only time. I only use flex ons but if I ride a bit shorter it does tingle my foot

 

[McFluff]

No, I find mine super comfy. Can you try them on your saddle before you buy? Just wondering if it’s your friends horse/saddle combo?

 

[eggs]

Flex-ons have been a game changer for me having had a number of operations on my right ankle and left knee.
I have never had numbness or pins and needles but only ride at dressage length due to serious knee pain if I try to ride any shorter

 

[MereChristmas]

I got stiff knees and ankles and numb feet with ordinary stirrups. I replaced them with cheap bendy metal stirrups a long long time ago. They have a flat tread. I’ve had no problems since.

For completely different reasons I have recently needed lighter stirrups. I bought Royal Rider Perfect Flex. They also have a flat tread. You can change the tread from cheese grater or rubber. They are fine.

I have never used stirrups with a sloping tread but I feel without any proof that the slope would exaggerate the ankle bend and possibly cause pain. My instructor hates them so maybe I’ve been influenced.

 

[sbloom]

Stirrups are very individual, and you may well find that what suits for one saddle/horse combo doesn't for another. Borrow stirrups where you can, but also it's worth having a few biomechanics lessons (worth it for everyone) to see what might suit you from a new pair of stirrups. Some people for example need a 90 degree slot for the leather, some are much better with traditional slots that sit inside the top of the stirrup as usual (Fillis etc), and that's just one aspect.

 

[MereChristmas]

Stirrups are very individual, and you may well find that what suits for one saddle/horse combo doesn't for another.

This. ^^^^
You can only speak as you find and we all find differently.
There are lots of stirrups brands in use at my yard.