Comprehensive Walking Sticks & Canes Buying Guide
Choosing a Walking Stick
If you have suffered an injury or suffer from a chronic mobility condition, a walking stick may be your only option to move around safely and with stability.
However, there are a few different types of walking sticks that you can choose from that will help you walk comfortably and regain independence. Browse the range to select what’s best for you.
What are the Different Types of
Walking Sticks?
Wooden Walking Sticks
The wooden walking stick is the classic style of walking stick. Strong and coming in a range of different types of wood, you can saw a wooden walking stick at the base to suit whatever length you would like. However, make sure you double and triple measure before cutting your walking stick to size, because it won’t grow back.
We don’t sell wooden walking sticks in our stores.
Aluminium Walking Sticks
Perhaps less stylish than the wooden walking stick, aluminium walking sticks are extremely strong and lightweight. Most aluminium walking sticks are adjustable, so they are suited to any sized individual. They also come in a range of colours so you can style your walking stick to whichever outfit or theme you’d like.
Folding Walking Sticks
If you don’t need to use your walking stick all of the time, then you should consider a foldable option. A folding walking stick can be easily stowed away when travelling or commuting, and brought out only when you need it.
Tetrapod or Quad Base Walking Sticks
These walking sticks have three or four feet touching the floor, as opposed to just one like regular walking sticks. These additional legs offer extra support to the user and the stick is less likely to slip away when being used – they are particularly useful for those that are unsteady on their feet.
You can choose a walking stick with 4 legs or simply remove the cane tip from a regular cane and add an aftermarket tri-tip or quad-tip base.
All these sticks can also stand up on their own, which makes them useful for those who are prone to dropping their sticks.
What are the Different Types of
Walking Stick Handles?
Crook Handle Walking Sticks
The crook handle walking stick is your classic curved handle that looks like a candy cane. While you’re not using your walking stick, you can easily hook it over your arm to carry it.
Swan Neck Handle Walking Sticks
This style of handle allows for a strong grip while keeping your centre of effort directly over the walking stick’s base. This means you can load a lot of weight on the walking stick, suitable for those that are unbalanced on their feet.
Derby Handle Walking Sticks
The derby handle is another classically designed walking stick. It is like an uneven T at the top of the stick, where the stick goes between your index and middle fingers while holding it.
Fischer/Ergonomic Handle Walking Sticks
A fischer handle is an ergonomic design that helps distribute weight across your entire palm. These handles are perfect if you suffer from arthritis or if you have weakened strength in your wrists.
Petite Handle Walking Sticks
Petite handles are the same as derby handles, however as the name suggests, they are smaller.
The Different Types of Canes
Standard Canes
The standard cane is the lightest and simplest mobility aid, and often the first device users consider when assistance with mobility becomes necessary.
Canes allow the user to support the weight of one side of the body while standing or walking. Having a third point of contact with the ground provides additional balance for users who are capable of moving independently but feel they require support.
As cane users may rely on the device for long periods of time, it is important that a cane has a comfortable handle to protect the wrist, is adjusted to the correct hight to preserve the user’s posture, and has a solid rubber foot for grip and balance.
Standard canes, which consist of a handle, shaft and single foot allow the greatest degree of movement for the user, typically being small and light enough to assist even around tight corners and up staircases, etc.
How To Choose A Walking Stick?
When selecting a walking stick, there are two ways to find out which one is best for you:
- Speak with someone who can advise which one will suit your needs. This could be a health professional or a trained team member at a mobility aid store.
- Visit The Mobility Store and try the range of walking sticks, so you know which one feels the most comfortable.
Why Is It Important To Have The Right Walking Stick?
It should be quite clear, but if you need a walking stick it is important to have the right type and size. If you don’t:
- You will be uncomfortable
- You could be in pain
- You could make your condition or injury worse
- You could trip and fall, significantly injuring yourself
Let’s say you’re a small human, and you are using a fischer handled walking stick designed for a 6”4 behemoth. You are not going to be able to use this walking stick, and it could actually make it harder for you to walk than if you had no walking stick at all.
How To Measure Your Walking Stick?
It is important to measure your walking stick and have it the right length so you are comfortable while using it, and aren’t likely to trip and fall. To measure it:
- First, put on your shoes that you typically wear for walking
- Then, place your arms straight by your side
- Next, get someone to measure from your wrist bone to the floor
- Whatever that length is, that is the length your walking stick should be
Where To Buy Walking Sticks In Australia?
A dedicated mobility store will have the widest and most helpful range of walking sticks, so if you’re searching for walking aids near me, or any daily living aids for that matter, pop into The Mobility Store.
By visiting The Mobility Store today, you can get access to one of the most comprehensive ranges of mobility aids in Melbourne, Perth, and across all of Australia.
While here, you will be able to speak to one of our friendly and highly-trained mobility team who will closely discuss your needs and help match you with the best product.
If you can’t make it into our store, you can give us a call and we can help you navigate our online shop, so that you can get your mobility aid sent to you from the comfort of your own home.
Get in touch with us so that you can improve your mobility today. This article is for information only. We may not have all types of walking canes in our stores.
