15 February 2022
Written by Hannah Ownsworth,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
If you, or someone you care for, is finding it difficult to walk without help, a walking stick can provide simple and convenient support. A walking stick can help you to keep your balance and remain stable when moving around, reducing the risk of trips or falls.
A walking stick can make a real difference to not just your mobility, but your confidence, encouraging you to get out and about more, or even just move with more independence. However, one of the key factors in getting the very best results from using a walking stick is choosing the right type first – and then understanding how to use it.
This guide will look at the various designs and styles available – from wooden walking sticks to aluminium walking sticks and many more – to help you choose the right type for you.
With so many different types and styles of walking stick available, you may find the range of choice a little overwhelming. There are lots of different styles and designs to consider, but when choosing the right walking stick for you there are two main factors to prioritise – the handle, and the height of the walking stick.
Choosing the right handle is vital for making sure that you, or the person using the walking stick, is comfortable when using it. Here are some of the most popular, and common, types of walking stick handles:
There are lots of other styles of walking stick handles to choose from, too – you can see our full range of designs here.
Making sure a walking stick – whatever style or type you choose – is the right height for you is probably the most important part of buying one. If the walking stick isn’t the correct height for you, or whoever is planning to use it, it’s likely to lead to problems with your posture or balance – or both.
If the walking stick is too short, you’ll inevitably stoop or bend when using it, which can cause back pain. If it’s too high, there’s a risk that it won’t provide the support you need, and you’ll probably find your arm will be in an uncomfortable position when using it.
There are simple steps to go through to help find out what height a walking stick should be for you:
If you don’t already have a walking stick, measure up at home using the same steps as above. Set your stance in the same way, and measure from the floor to your wrist bone. Record the dimensions and use these to check available height dimensions before you order, if the walking stick you want comes in a range of sizes. Be sure to check these from time to time; as we get older there may be some decrease in our height.
Helpfully, there are also a number of adjustable walking sticks available. These can be easily adjusted to suit the height you need.
If you prefer a wooden walking stick, we have styles in different sizes – the Coopers Wooden Walking Stick is available in 965mm and 1067mm options – while others come in a standard size and can be easily trimmed to the height you need.
We have a large and varied collection of walking sticks for you to choose from, depending on your needs. You can see our full range here, where you’ll find styles to suit all tastes and preferences.
As well as standard types such as classic wooden walking sticks, aluminium walking sticks and our bespoke selection of ladies walking sticks – which come in a variety of patterns, including zebra print and floral designs – we have some specialist models that might be of interest too. These include:
Instead of a standard walking stick, which has a single point of support, a quad walking stick has four individual feet on the base. This provides further stability for you, as the weight is more evenly distributed and managed. It’s a useful option if you need more support than a standard walking stick provides. Tripod walking sticks are also available, providing three individual feet.
Flexyfoot walking sticks and walking aids have a flexible foot or ferrule that has been specially designed to adapt to different terrains – it’s not fixed in place like those on standard walking sticks. These are particularly suitable for use on bumpy, uneven or rough ground; great if you’re looking for support while hiking.
For those who love brisk and bracing hikes in the countryside, Nordic walking poles can be a great asset as they provide excellent support. These can be widely used by people who might not need a walking stick for everyday use, but would benefit from the extra stability for hiking trips.
A walking stick with a built-in seat? Yes, that’s right – walking stick seats are walking sticks that operate in the standard way but with a seat that can be folded out when needed. If you tire easily when walking, or are in a situation when you’re standing and waiting for a period of time, rest your legs by setting up the seat and taking the weight off.
Walking stick ferrules are the ‘feet’ on a standard walking stick. These are usually made of rubber. The ferrules fit onto the bottom of the walking stick and it’s these that make contact with the ground as you walk with the stick.
Because they’re in constant use, ferrules are affected by wear and tear and, over time, will inevitably need replacing. The good news is that you can just replace the ferrules, instead of needing to buy a new walking stick. We have a wide range of walking stick ferrules available, including longer-lasting hard wearing PVC versions for extra durability. Some also have shock-absorbing qualities, to provide additional comfort.
Available in multipacks for better value – and to ensure you always have spares available – walking stick ferrules come in a selection of different sizes, so you can be confident of a perfect fit.
Walking sticks aren’t the only type of walking aid available. If you need more support than a walking stick provides, you might want to consider a walking frame instead.
Walking frames can help you if you require more support when walking around and need that extra reassurance and stability. There are various designs available, but usually fall into two main categories – walking frames, with four legs and four ferrules, or wheeled walking frames, which have two legs with ferrules, and two legs with wheels on, for smoother motion.
You can see our range of walking frames here and other mobility aids, including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and rollators, here.
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