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. On this page, our experts can help you choose wisely.

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

While we have tested mobility scooters and rollators in our lab, please note that we haven't reviewed walking sticks at the time of writing. However, we have plenty of useful, expert advice to help inform your buying decision – keep scrolling for the details.

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What type of walking stick is best?

Folding walking sticks

• Typical price: £15 to £40
• Pros: Discreet, compact, 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. These walking sticks are typically made from lightweight materials such as aluminium and some are height-adjustable.

Look for a model that’s light, easy to fold and unfold, and reasonably compact when collapsed. You'll also need to check the weight allowance specifications provided by the manufacturer to ensure it can provide adequate support. The unfolded stick should feel robust and the handle comfortable to grip.

Folding walking sticks often have cushioned grips, plus straps that wrap around your wrist to prevent accidental drops. They're reasonably affordable, too.

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 or have a balance disorder, you could try a tripod (three-footed) or tetrapod (four-footed) walking stick. Most are equipped with a non-slip handle and boast a height-adjustable design.

The feet on these walking sticks are spaced apart to give them a wider base, while the neck is either straight or swan-necked – the right style can help distribute your weight effectively. A Swan neck design ensures the user's weight is directly over the cane and reduces strain on the wrist and arm.

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. They're chunkier than other types, though, so consider where you'll store the walking stick when not in use.

Walking sticks with folding seats

• Typical price: £30 to £50+
• Pros: Convenient
• Cons: Needs to be set 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. If you enjoy the great outdoors but want the reassurance of being able to rest your legs when needed, consider shopping for a walking stick with a seat.

A walking stick equipped with a foldaway seat (sometimes known as folding seat canes or stick seats) can be a savvy investment – we suggest looking for one that’s height adjustable. Some feature a tripod design (as shown above), while others feature three legs.

When shopping for a walking stick with a folding seat, consider comfort. Some models will have a hard plastic top you rest on, while alternatives use a contoured seating surface that's comfier over a long period.

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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?

Your walking stick must be 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.

How to use a walking stick

Walking sticks can aid stability and comfort if used properly. It's worth familiarising yourself with walking stick usage tips from the NHS to ensure you're using it correctly.

• When standing up – remember to push up from the surface you're sitting on. Your walking stick can be held in one hand or placed to the side within reach.
• When sitting down – Turn so the chair or bed touches the back of your legs. Reach back with your hands and sit down slowly, holding the stick in one hand.
• When walking – If you're using a single walking stick, place it on the same side as your stronger leg so it moves at the same time as your weaker leg. When using two sticks, move both with your weaker leg or together with the opposite leg.
• When climbing stairs – Hold on to the handrail if possible and step up with your stronger leg. Push up on the stick and bring your other leg up to the same step.

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Can you get a walking stick on the NHS?

You might be able to borrow some types of walking stick from the NHS depending on your circumstances. If so, there's a chance you'll 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.

See also:

• Apply for equipment for your home if you're disabled (NHS website)
• Care and support you can get for free (NHS website)

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:

• Amazon has plenty of styles to choose from and many basic walking sticks are on offer for less than £20. The retailer also sells packs of ferrules for under £10.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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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