Walking canes are one of the most effective lightweight mobility aids on the market. For individuals who need additional support in order to properly navigate their day-to-day activities, walking canes can offer a solution that causes minimal intrusion while maximizing user independence. Whether you need a cane due to the rigors of age or you are dealing with the rehabilitation of an injury, there are many canes available to assist you.
Walking Canes for Stability
We looked at the top walking canes available on the market in order to find the top 5 options around.
It should be evident by now that not all walking canes are made equally. HugoMobility is one of the top walking cane creators on the market and they’ve worked hard to develop a product that you can lean on, no pun intended. The HugoMobility Adjustable Cane features a solid aluminum build and a dark ebony finish. This mixture of lightweight build and visual aesthetic makes the HugoMobility Adjustable Cane incredibly popular for everyday use.
This cane can be adjusted to 12 different height settings thanks to a push pin feature. This model also features an ergonomic cane handle which was designed with long-term use in mind. The handle itself is also coated in a special shock absorbing cushion with a reflective strap for use outside at night.
Duro-Med is one of the premium movement assistance product manufacturers in the world. Their Wooden Walking Cane is aesthetically pleasing while remaining durable and lightweight. This cane is made of wood with a metal insert that adds a layer of durability to the product. The entire product is stained, sealed and coated with a rich glossy finish.
This model features a curved handle that provides comfort and convenient maneuvering. This lightweight cane weighs under a pound and looks good in just about every occasion. In order to make sure that this is the right cane for you, pay attention to your wrist-to-floor ratio. Since this cane does not adjust like some of our other models, you need to measure twice before ordering.
This is a simple walking cane that is meant for casual use on a daily basis. Users can expect to increase their ability to move while reducing hand and wrist stress. With that being said, there are no frills or bonus features with this cane.
The Hugo Quadpod Offset Cane is the Cadillac of walking canes. This cane features an aluminum build with an adjustable height feature. Users can change the height of the cane for users that are anywhere from 5′ to 6’5″ tall. This is a feature rich model that focuses on stability and durability above all else.
Users will immediately notice that this cane features a small four-leg base. While smaller bases are typically considered less stable, the opposite is true in this situation. Thanks to the ‘Ultra Stable Cane Tip’, users can expect a lighter, more compact and more stable base for supporting their weight.
Finally, users can enjoy the shock absorbing cushion design. With all of the features that anyone could want and an adjustable height mechanism, the Hugo Quadpod Offset Cane is one of the best options available for users who want to find stability and comfort in their day-to-day activities.
Who says that a walking cane has to be boring looking in order to function? NOVA is one of the top providers of medicinal instruments in the world. Their NOVA Designer Offset Handle Cane comes in a variety of different designs with our favorite being the elegant Maui Flowers model. This cane is filled to the brim with neat features, including a locking silencer and a 300lb weight capacity.
This cane features a lightweight body with an offset handle. The height of the Designer Offset Handle Cane can be adjusted as needed. Users ranging from 4’11 to 6’4 can find appropriate height levels in order to use this cane. The handle itself features a chip-resistant finish and a molded foam grip that is soft and comfortable for daily use. With a convenient carrying strap, you’ll never be far from your favorite walking cane.
While EZ2Care isn’t a major brand, they packed a ton of punch into their designer walking cane. This specialty cane is probably the most feature-rich product on our list as well as one of the most impressive. This lightweight cane features a quad base, a metallic black finish, and a height-adjusting mechanism so as to maximize your comfort and usability of the product.
The body of this walking cane is made out of aluminum alloy. The cane is padded with specialty contouring foam and an ergonomic handle. The quad base setting allows you to get your grip in any element and walking condition, from stairs and carpet to concrete and vinyl surfaces. This cane can fold down or extend based on your specific needs. This is the ideal cane for users who are worried about their stability and want to know that they are safe and secure while walking around.
Walking Canes Types
Choosing a walking cane is a little more difficult than simply picking an option out. In order to get the best canes for walking support, you’ll need to know what exactly it is that you are looking for. Choosing your walking cane is a personal task, so pay attention to the different aspects that go into making your decision.
There are four core types of walking canes available for sale. These canes are all designed to assist your movements and improve your balance, thus giving you the safe stability that you require. Each cane offers its own host of benefits which we will outline below:
One of the most popular medical canes on the market, folding canes are ideal for people who are always on the go. These canes can fold down into four small sections that can fit comfortably inside of a carrying case. This type of cane is typically going to be lightweight in structure while still operating as one of the best canes for elderly users.
Offset canes are the ideal type of cane for old people with wrist problems. Offset canes provide an angled handle and body that assist the user’s grip. Thanks to the contouring action of the offset cane, users can hold the item for longer while distributing their body weight in a more even fashion. This type of cane is ideal for individuals suffering from carpal tunnel or degenerative arthritis.
The best cane for balance will likely be found in the Quad Cane category. Quad canes feature a wide base with four different individual legs meeting the ground. Quad canes have some of the best types of canes for elderly users thanks to their sturdy build and huge stability boost.
Finally, there is a certain subset of cane that is ideal for use outside and in the elements. Whether you are hitting the hiking trails or merely handling a walk outside through adverse conditions, All-Terrain canes provide the best walking cane for stability. These canes are typically highlighted by physical textured grips that work to keep your cane steady as you plant it in adverse elements.
While the body of the cane is important, the handle is just as integral to the overall operation of the product. In order to enjoy the proper benefits of a walking cane, you’ll need to know about the different types of handles and what they do:
The crook cane features a rounded handle that is reminiscent to an umbrella. Crook canes are easy to hang on hooks or over your arm while offering the additional benefit of acting as a grabbing utility. If you need to pull open a car door, a crook cane can help.
This elegant looking cane is known as the T-Handl or ‘straight-handle’. If you have strength issues with your hands, T-Handles are the type of grips that you will be interested in. You can reduce the effort that goes into holding your cane by embracing this model.
A Fritz cane go a long way toward relieving pressure in your hands, fingers, and wrist. Fritz canes are slightly curved and genuinely pleasing to look at. This is one of the most popular styles of cane handle on the market.
An offset cane handle is shaped like a big question mark with a grooved out area for users to grip. These canes are ideal for individuals who want the best folding cane possible without sacrificing their need for stability. Offset cane handles are typically attached to Quad Canes as they work well together in order to enhance your stability.
How To Choose a Walking Cane
While it can be easy to dismiss canes as similar to one another, the truth is that there are actually many unique differences between the different models available. We’ll highlight a few key components that you need to focus on when making your cane purchase.
- Material Quality
The most important aspect of your walking cane is the type of material that it is made out of. Walking canes come built in just about every variety of material. From aluminum to wood, and everything in between, your walking cane can be as unique as you want it to be. The different material options all offer different benefits, so look carefully at your options.
- Grip Type
We’ve talked about handles and cane bodies, now let’s talk about grip. The handle’s grip is one of the most important features on your cane as it will be relied upon every time you touch the movement-assisting device. There are four typical types of handle grips:
- Foam Grips – Soft and comfortable, foam grips are easy to use for everyone.
- Large Grips – If you suffer from joint paint or issues resulting from arthritis, this is the cane for you.
- Gel Grips – These cane grips mold themselves to your hand, thus helping you to fight back against hand fatigue.
- Orthopedic Grip – These grips are made specifically for your hand.
- Extra Features
There are many different types of canes available and some come fully loaded with additional features. Whether you want an adjustable walking cane, a retractable cane or a weather-proof cane, the choice is yours.
- Weight Capacity
While most canes are rated to handle extremely heavy loads, you do want to make sure that you are finding something that is perfect for your specific needs. The average cane supports around 300lbs.