Buying the best walking stick

If you're feeling less steady on your feet but are mobile enough to get around then a walking stick or cane can be a big help in maintaining independence.

While we have tested mobility scooters and rollators, please note that we haven't tested walking sticks but we do have lots of useful, expert advice to help inform your buying decision.

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What type of walking stick is best?

There are a wide range of walking sticks to choose from and they all have different functions – some are best for occasional use, and can be folded discreetly away, while others are designed for everyday use and even come with a handy seat attached.

Folding walking sticks

• Typical price: £15 to £40
• Pros: Discreet, compact and easy to store
• Cons: Unfolding can be a bit fiddly on certain models.

You can carry a folding walking stick in a bag or shopping trolley, or keep it in the car. 

Look for a model that’s light, easy to fold and unfold, and reasonably compact when collapsed. The unfolded stick should feel robust and the handle comfortable to grip.

Tripod and tetrapod walking sticks

• Typical price: £20 to £45 
• Pros: Robust, self standing so you won't need to stoop to pick it up
• Cons: Bulkier than a traditional walking stick.

If you need a little more support, you could try a tripod (three-footed) or tetrapod (four-footed) walking stick. The feet are spaced apart to give the walking stick a wider base. The neck of the stick is either straight or swan-necked – the right style of neck can help distribute your weight effectively.

One advantage of tripod and tetrapod walking sticks is they can be left standing up by themselves, so you’re less likely to have to bend down to pick it up from the floor.

Walking sticks with folding seats

• Typical price: £30 to £50+ 
• Pros: Convenient, especially if you're likely to want to rest and won't be near a seat – for example, if you're taking a walk in the countryside
• Cons: You'll need to make sure you're setting it up on a reasonably sturdy surface to avoid it falling over.

Walking longer distances can be tiring and can also put a strain on sensitive muscles or joints. 

A walking stick that has a foldaway seat (sometimes known as folding seat canes or stick seats) can be useful so you can sit down if you need a rest. Look for one that’s height adjustable.

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What materials are walking sticks made from?

Walking sticks are generally made from wood or metal but you can also find lightweight carbon fibre options too. 

Metal and carbon fibre sticks tend to be stronger than wooden ones, and some are height adjustable. They can also be used on all types of terrain and should offer a solid support.  

Traditional wooden sticks are still good quality but will need to be cut to the correct height. Look for a stick made of hardwood such as beech, hazel or chestnut. 

Prices will vary regardless of the material your walking stick is made from, though you're more likely to find cheaper aluminium models than wooden. 

If your stick has a more complicated design, such as a custom handle or a decorative pattern, you can expect to pay more.

What height walking stick do I need?

It’s very important that your walking stick is the right height for you, otherwise it can be potentially unsafe. 

If the stick is too high, it won’t give you proper support. If it’s too low, you’ll be forced to stoop. 

Follow these steps to get the right fit:

1. Wearing your normal walking shoes, place the base of the stick on a flat floor, around 15cm from the side of your foot. 
2. Stand in a natural, upright position.
3. Let your arms hang by your side with a normal, slight bend at the elbow. 
4. The top of the stick should be level with your wrist joint.

Different handles will suit different people – some are better for those with painful joints or a weaker grip, for example – so it’s a good idea to try out different types before settling on one.

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Walking stick ferrules

All walking sticks and walking frames without wheels have rubber feet on the legs, known as ferrules. These tend to be quite cheap to buy, with a standard option usually costing around £5.

Check the ferrules regularly to ensure they haven’t become worn or damaged.

Replacements are available in different diameters from hardware shops, chemists, mobility shops and online. To stay safe, replace them regularly.

Can you get a walking stick on the NHS?

You may be able to borrow some types of walking stick from the NHS depending on your circumstances. You might have to pay a small deposit.

If you think you could benefit from additional support at home, it might be worth applying for a home assessment through the adult services department of your local council. You can do this online or on the phone.

An occupational therapist will visit you at home to see what you might need. If the assessment finds you need a change to your home or a piece of equipment that costs less than £1,000, the council must provide it free of charge.

Visit the NHS website for more information.

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Where to buy a walking stick

If you're interested in buying or renting walking aids or other mobility aids, it's worth discussing your options with your GP,  an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

But if you already know what you're looking for, see some popular retailers below:

• Argos sells a selection of budget-friendly walking sticks – its cheapest sticks are £15. You can opt for free in-store collection, or home delivery starts from £3.95.
• Medicalsupplies.co.uk stocks a selection of walking sticks, ferrules and other accessories. Some sticks come in different colours and designs including tartan, floral and paisley. It also offers exchanges or refunds on unused items within 30 days.
• Complete Care Shop is a specialist retailer that offers more than 100 competitively priced walking sticks from under £10, additional accessories and ferrules. You can get free delivery on orders over £70 and returns on unused items can be made within 30 days. 
• The Mobility Aids Centre has a moderate range of tripod and adjustable walking sticks starting at under £15. Delivery is free with orders over £50, though the flat standard delivery rate on orders less than this is £9.95.

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