The best walking canes are sturdy devices that are easy to use, adjustable, and have a comfortable handle. There are a number of types of canes on the market, such as a straight cane, quad cane, and Hemi Walker. We spoke with a physical therapist about the most important features and researched options for the top brands.
Here, the best walking canes on the market.
We like that this model comes with an adjustable frame to accommodate a variety of heights. Another plus: the handle, which is made with rubber and aluminum, is ergonomic and shock absorbent, so it should feel comfortable against your palm while walking around.
Price at time of publication: $30
We also like that there is a wristband attached to the handle helps keep it close should you need it when handling keys, your phone, or another item that may take your grasp off your walking cane momentarily. And for easier transport or storage, it folds up.
Price at time of publication: $26
Each of the four legs on this walker have rubberized caps at the bottom, reducing concerns of slipping or losing balance while using the device. The Hemi Walker is also lighter than the standard walker and also foldable, making it easy to transport or store away when you do not use it. Additionally, the Hemi Walker holds up to 300 pounds and is adjustable from 28.5 to 35.5 inches, so it should work for a wide range of body types.
Price at time of publication: $46
When it comes to stability, this base features a flat, three-point base to distribute the weight evenly. We like that it can has rubber grips on the base and a 360-degree pivoting head that makes it even easier to use without interrupting your stride. Plus, it can support individuals up to 350 pounds and has eight different height settings (that you can alter at the push of a button) to accommodate users of different heights.
Price at time of publication: $40
We like that this cane from Honeybull has an ergonomic handle and a pivoting base that will help keep you steady on every surface. The four-pronged base provides the stability you would expect from a quad-cane without the extra weight—and it can stand up when not in use. Plus, it can fold up nice and compact for easy storage when traveling or in between uses.
Price at time of publication: $35
Both the seat and the handle of this device are adjustable for optimal support and comfort when using the device. The only downside is that the device is designed with taller people in mind—this one isn’t intended for users shorter than 5 foot 2.
Price at time of publication: $34
We like that this cane was made for both right-handed and left-handed people. And the soft foam padding on the handle makes it easy and comfortable to grip. It’s lightweight and sturdy, but won’t fold up so it might not be ideal for traveling.
Price at time of publication: $50
While there’s a lot to like about this can, it’s a straight cane and doesn’t have a four-legged base or even a larger, flatter base. This means it won’t provide as much support as other devices on this list and won’t stand up on its own when not in use. Another thing to keep in mind is that this one won’t fold up on itself to become more compact for storage or traveling.
Price at time of publication: $40
What to Look For
Type of Cane
Selecting the right type of cane often depends on the individual and their personal needs for the device. “Which cane someone will use depends on their balance and support needs,” says Theresa Marko, DPT, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and founder of Marko Physical Therapy, PLLC. She recommends visiting with a physical therapist, as the expert can assist you in determining what type of cane might work best.
There are several types of canes to choose from, including Hemi Walkers, quad canes, and straight canes. Hemi Walkers and quad canes tend to be the most stable for individuals because they have a wider base. A Hemi Walker mirrors that of a regular walker but it is used on just one side of your body, while a quad cane involves a four-pronged base. The straight cane, which you often see in a drug store, will provide the least amount of stability. “A quad cane provides more stability and support while a straight cane provides less,” Dr. Marko says.
Handle
Another important consideration when shopping for a walking cane is the handle. Canes created with a softer foam on the handle can be more suitable for individuals and increase comfort. “There are models that have an orthopedic grip on them,” Dr. Hornyak says. “If you have arthritis, it might adapt to your hand better and be easier to hold onto.” Other handles are created with a palm-shaped design to provide support for the wrist and prevent hand fatigue.
Handles can also aid in stability. “The handles can vary in that they can be a straight handle or a rounded, ‘candy cane handle,’” Dr. Marko says. “This preference varies by user, but some might feel more stable with one over the other.” Considering the handle when selecting a walking cane will help increase the usability of the device for yourself and your needs.
Sturdiness
You are relying on these devices for support, so they must be sturdy enough to provide that balance and support when used. One way that the device increases its sturdiness is the size of its base. The wider the base, the more the device will provide balance support as you walk. Also, the material used at the bottom of the cane’s feet is important for sturdiness. “You always want to make sure that your cane has a rubber tip on the bottom so that it has good traction to the floor to not slip out from under you while you are using it,” Dr. Marko says.
Ease of Use
There are several features to walking canes that can aid in their usability, including the ability for the device to stand up on its own. “A standard straight cane does not stand up on its own,” Dr. Hornyak says. “So if you are sitting in a chair and you need to have the cane near you to get up, you are going to have to lean it on something.” In comparison, a quad cane or Hemi Walker can stand up on its own without the risk of falling over. “One adaptation that I have seen is a cane that has a tiny base of support specifically so it will stand up on its own,” Dr. Hornyak says. “That is not supposed to bear a lot of weight on it but it is a nice addition to give you some convenience of not having to lean the cane or pick it off the floor.”
Additionally, some canes are foldable to assist with easy transport or storage. “Folding canes are made out of aluminum and have interconnecting segments that pop out of one another to be folded up,” Dr. Marko says. “These are able to be put into a bag or pocket when folded.” Depending on your own needs, a cane that stands on its own or can fold could be helpful addition that will make the device easy to use.
Adjustable
Walking canes need to be altered towards your height for best use, otherwise using the device could cause pain or discomfort. “The standard measurement guide is that the handle should fall, when you are standing next to the cane, right at the crease of your wrist,” Dr. Hornyak recommends. “Then when you put your hand up on the handle of the cane, that creates about a 30-degree angle at your elbow. That has been shown to provide a nice base of support.”
If the cane is not adjusted to your height, then it could cause discomfort in your body. “Many people have the cane at the wrong height, either too high or too low,” Dr. Marko says. “This can start to cause pain in places like the lower back and the neck.” She recommends bringing your walking cane to your physical therapist, as the individual can adjust the cane to the right height for you.
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As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
However, a cane’s placement does not matter as much if you are using it for balance. “If one is using a cane for balance, it does not matter which side you hold the cane on,” Dr. Marko says. “Generally, people probably will use their dominant hand to hold it.”
