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Best Walking Canes

Updated July 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
HoneyBull Walking Cane
HoneyBull
Walking Cane
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

This cane has a sturdy base and can be folded up, making it a helpful and space-saving pick.

Pros

Has a pivot base for walking different types of terrain, and the nonslip material provides additional safety. Other features include an ergonomic-shaped handle, adjustable height, and folding ability. Available in multiple colors.

Cons

The cane tends to be a bit noisy, and the handle was reported to be flimsy.

Best Bang for the Buck
Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Cane Seat
Drive Medical
Deluxe Folding Cane Seat
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

This cane features a seat for anyone needing rest while on the go.

Pros

A lightweight, stable cane that provides added walking security and a handy seat. Tripod legs are easy to open. Made with adjustable aluminum tubing on the legs.

Cons

Though rated for 250 pounds, the weight limit of the seat is questionable. It's too small for many individuals.

RMS Adjustable Walking Cane
RMS
Adjustable Walking Cane
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Versatile Convenience
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A walking cane that can be rotated to fit between the left and right hand to prevent fatigue on one side.

Pros

Made with a quad-prong base, with each tip covered in anti-slip rubber to increase the sturdiness and encourage better traction. Has a padded foam handle, corrosion-resistant shaft, and comes with the ability to adjust the height.

Cons

The rubber feet at the bottom seem to occasionally fall off, and it is slightly clunky to carry around.

Medical King Walking Cane
Medical King
Walking Cane
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Ergonomic Design
Bottom Line

The handle of this cane has a special design to help with grip, posture, and balance.

Pros

Has 10 different height adjustments ranging from 40 to 49 inches. Can be folded to save space, comes with a carrying strap, and can be used for right- or left-handed individuals. The unique shape of the handle lends to a comfortable grip and prevents one from having to lean over to grasp it.

Cons

Because of the different shape, the handle does take getting used to.

RUNZI Folding Cane with LED Light
RUNZI
Folding Cane with LED Light
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

With its built-in LED headlight, this cane works well for anyone who could benefit from additional light while walking.

Pros

The pivot base has 4 supportive pads and the ability to turn 360 degrees for increased traction and flexibility of use. Has 5 height adjustment options and a soft handle with a wrist strap. The cane’s shaft is made with aluminum. Can be folded.

Cons

Some customers wished that the cane's lightweight feel was more sturdy. The built-in light can be finicky.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best walking canes

A walking cane lends support and improves balance for those with minor to moderate mobility issues.

Also known as a walking stick, a cane provides more freedom than a set of crutches but not quite as much support as a walker.

At BestReviews, we combine rigorous product research, expert interviews, consumer feedback, and independent lab testing to provide you with an unbiased review of the best products available.

Please see the above product list for five of the market’s top walking canes.

And if you need help finding the right cane for your needs, please check out the information below.

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Visually impaired consumers may want to use a cane with highly visible graphics or lights. Weaker patients who frequently require rest may benefit from a walking cane that features a small stool. Some walking canes are designed to collapse and fold for quick and easy storage.

Selecting a cane

You know you want a walking cane, but what type of material suits you best?

Almost all canes are made of materials known for their tensile strength and light weight. Some materials excel in terms of durability and/or weight capacity; others stand out when it comes to appearance and/or comfort.

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Did you know?
Very rare canes, from older years, came with ivory or whale bone heads. These were considered not just precious, but also very fashionable at the time.
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Wooden canes

People have been leaning on wooden canes for centuries. Perhaps you want an aesthetically pleasing cane with carvings or other decorative elements. Perhaps you want a sturdy cane with a comfortable grip and supportive shaft. In either case, solid wood is a viable material that provides medical-grade stability.

On the downside, wooden canes cannot be adjusted after they’re made. You get one opportunity to customize a new wooden cane, so we advise you to choose wisely.

Aluminum canes

While not as handsome as wood, aluminum is a popular choice for medical-grade mobility aids. Aluminum provides the same level of support and durability as steel, but it weighs half as much.

Any mobility aid can fatigue your muscles over time, so employing a lightweight aluminum cane makes sense. Another advantage is adjustability. For maximum balance and comfort, aluminum cane owners can choose from a menu of different height settings.

"Some single-point wooden canes don’t have a rubber cap on the end and therefore provide very little traction. These canes should be used only for decoration — not as a medical device."
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Steel canes

Many manufacturers incorporate lightweight materials into their canes these days, but canes of steel are still found in medical supply stores. Steel wields several advantages over aluminum and wood, including its higher weight capacity.

What’s more, a rigid steel walking cane provides the extra support needed for heavy-duty users. Those who regularly tackle stairs or other rough terrain may also feel more comfortable with a steel cane in hand. On the down side, a steel cane weighs more and could eventually cause discomfort or muscle fatigue.

Carbon fiber canes

Combining the strength of aircraft-grade aluminum or steel with the lightweight qualities of wood or plastic, carbon fiber has grown in popularity in recent years. While not as easy to find on medical supply store shelves, it is commonly used to make folding or travel canes. These collapsible canes store easily, yet when assembled, they support weight just as well as their aluminum and wooden counterparts.

Finding the right length

A cane that is too short will cause the user to bend with each step, creating muscle strain and balance issues. A cane that is too tall will be difficult to control and won’t support the user’s full weight. The ideal cane complements the user’s height, matches natural wrist movements, and is, in effect, an extension of his or her organic stride.

To determine the ideal height of a walking cane, grab a measuring tape or yardstick and enlist the help of a volunteer. Wearing street shoes, stand on a flat, level surface with your arms at your sides.

Your assistant should measure the distance from the floor to your wrist — ideally at the spot where your wrist bends. This is the preferable length of a customizable walking cane; most adjustable walking canes should have a setting that closely matches that measurement.

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For your safety
A medical-grade walking cane is designed for people with mild to moderate mobility issues, not severe or permanent disabilities. Before you buy a cane, make sure your personal physician agrees with your purchase.
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Choosing a handle

The choice of a handle for a walking cane may seem like an afterthought at first, but a cane’s handle affects user comfort as well as aesthetics. Most walking cane handles hail from three schools of design:

Round handles exemplify the traditional wooden walking cane.The end of the shaft features a C-shaped curve, which is the handle. The handle might be reinforced with metal or padded with foam for comfort. People who use this type of cane need a strong grip for maximum control. Those with arthritis or other hand/wrist issues may wish to consider a cane with a derby or offset handle.

Derby handles sport a stylized L-shape that extends back toward the user. Some derby handles are made from pricey materials such as pearl or precious metal. Others, comprised of strong polymers, focus solely on function. People with limited grip strength may fare better with a derby handle than a round handle. One drawback to this design is that the user’s hand falls behind the cane’s shaft, reducing the amount of body weight the cane can bear.

Offset handles solve the weight-bearing problems suffered by most round and derby handles. The offset handle curves away from the shaft in a gooseneck, then curves back to form the user’s actual grip. This design places all of the user’s weight on the shaft, maximizing stability and reducing hand/wrist fatigue. Some walking canes carry this a step further by employing clamps that fit over the user’s forearms for additional support.

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Expert Tip
When choosing a walking support, make sure your hands can grip it comfortably, and that it will not hurt your palms upon long use.
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Choosing the feet

While the handle and shaft are both important elements to consider, shoppers should look closely at the place where the rubber meets the road: the cane’s feet. At all times, a walking cane must remain stable and secure.

Consider these foot styles:

Single point

Many wooden and aluminum walking canes feature a single point of contact between the shaft and the ground. Medical-grade walking sticks with a single point are usually capped with rubber or polymer for traction. These caps wear down over time and should be replaced periodically.

Quad feet

Some aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber walking canes feature a set of three or four rubberized feet. With every step, these feet make solid contact with the ground, enhancing stability. When not in use, the cane remains upright and easy to access. However, the additional weight at the bottom of the cane can cause problems for some users.

Specialty attachments

Sometimes a rubber tip (or four) isn’t enough. Thankfully, specialized walking cane attachments can help address this issue. For example, a set of feet with ice grips improves user safety during the slippery winter months.

"Feeling dapper? Some people use a decorative walker as a stylish prop rather than a mobility aid."
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How to use a walking cane

Using a walking cane is like adding a companion leg to your walking process. Your weaker leg should always be supported by the cane.

  • Hold the cane firmly in the hand opposite your affected or weak leg.
  • Plant the cane firmly on the ground, allowing most of your body weight to rest on it.
  • Extend your stronger leg forward, then shift your weight and balance to that leg.
  • Pull the cane forward and plant it a few inches ahead of the strong leg. Meanwhile, move your weaker leg forward at roughly the same time as the cane.
  • Repeat this process as you walk.
     

You should gain the approval of your personal physician before buying a cane. You may also want to consult a physical therapist for expert advice and instruction. Using a walking cane is not an easy skill to learn, so in addition to the above pointers, we recommend watching a video, reading a how-to guide, or getting face-to-face help from a professional.

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Did you know?
Always test to see how well it plugs onto the floor or ground to aid your balance.
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FAQ

Q. Can I use a decorative walking cane for medical purposes?
A.
 Definitely not. Decorative/novelty walking canes aren’t designed to support your full body weight. They’re often made of cheap materials such as bamboo, plastic, or wood composite. Most are “one size fits all” and cannot be adjusted properly. If you need a medical mobility aid, don’t settle for a cheap alternative; it simply isn’t safe.

Q. Can I use two walking canes at the same time?
A.
 Yes, it is possible to use two walking canes at the same time. Many people with limited mobility use two canes with arm supports in order to avoid the complications associated with long-term wheelchair use. This is an issue you’ll want to discuss with your physician or a physical therapist, because the biomechanics required for two canes differ from that of a single cane.

Q. Is a proper fit really that important?
A.
 If your walking cane is merely a fashion accessory, finding a proper fit is not essential. But most medical mobility aids (crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs) require customization for maximum effectiveness. Using an improperly fitted walking cane can result in painful side effects.