The 8 Best Walking Canes

How We Selected

When selecting the best walking canes, we spoke with physical therapists and spent hours researching the best and most effective products. Those we consulted included:

• Victoria Hornyak, DPT, physical therapist and associate professor in the department of physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh
• Theresa Marko, DPT, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and founder of Marko Physical Therapy

We evaluated each device for the type of cane, its weight, sturdiness, ease of use, and adjustability. Other nice-to-have features included soft, padded handles, folding designs for storage, and wrist straps, which help keep the cane nearby when your hands are busy with keys, a wallet, or other items.

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. 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.

Why Trust Verywell Health

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.