Written by Donald Jacobsen, MSN, MBA, RN-BC (NI)
Many people don’t realize that balance starts to decline around age 40, increasing the risk of falls. The National Institute of Health reports that one in three seniors will experience a fall each year, often resulting in serious injuries. Using a walker can significantly reduce this risk, helping you maintain independence and safely continue your daily activities.
Standard walkers weigh between 5 and 6 pounds, while front-wheeled walkers usually weigh between 7 and 8 pounds. Bariatric walkers, with a reinforced frame and more robust components, typically weigh between 7 and 12 pounds.
A storage pouch lets you keep your hands free to carry something while using your walker. Keeping necessary and often used items close by while leaving your hands available to operate the walker safely makes a storage solution valuable for any walker.
Although walkers with wheels take less effort to propel forward, this design is slightly less stable. If you have significant balance problems, choosing a walker without wheels may be the best option.
Because handle height determines the fit, support, posture, and optimal function of the walker, correctly measuring is essential. With your arm extended, the handle height of the walker should be at the crease of your wrist, so a model that can be adjusted to accommodate your frame will provide you with the most comfortable and safest user experience.
There is quite a range in prices, from the most basic and inexpensive walkers starting around $50, with the most expensive models costing as much as $300. The average price is between $100 and $200.
Medicare Part B may pay for a walker as durable medical equipment (DME). The walker must be deemed medically necessary, and your medical provider must prescribe it in your home. Both your medical provider and the DME provider must participate in Medicare. Speak with your medical provider to determine how much you may have to pay out of pocket for a walker.
The most stable kind of walker, a standard non-wheeled model, is also the most common.
A cane may be best for people who experience slight balance issues, while a walker provides a higher level of stability for more significant balance problems, especially when combined with naturally occurring age-related conditions of pain and weakness.
Walkers are an excellent option for anyone who experiences shortness of breath or arthritic pain, who can't walk and carry something simultaneously, or who is at risk of a fall. Speak with your medical provider to determine whether a walker may be helpful.
There are advantages to both. A wheeled walker doesn’t require the user to lift the walker off the ground, so it may be the better choice for anyone who doesn’t have the strength or stability to complete the required lift. Wheeled walkers are not designed to bear a user’s weight, so anyone who has to lean on a walker for support rather than just balance should choose a model without wheels. Walkers with wheels are generally more maneuverable, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Walkers without wheels are usually lighter and easier to transport in a vehicle.
 | Folding Walker with Adjustable Height and 300 lbs. Capacity (Standard and Rolling) by Rhythm Healthcare View Product |
The Two-Button Height Adjustable Folding Walker by Rhythm Healthcare stands out as our number 8 choice for its sturdy design and versatility. This strong yet lightweight walker is crafted from hollow tubular aluminum, making it easy to maneuver and transport. Its ergonomic rubber handle grips and rubber leg tips provide added stability and comfort, preventing slips on smooth surfaces. With its ability to fold flat via an easy-to-use two-button locking system, it offers convenience for both storage and travel. Available in no-wheel and front-wheel models, this walker caters to a variety of user needs, ensuring reliable support for those with limited mobility.
 | Bariatric Folding Walker With 5" Wheels - Two Button Folding System View Product |
The Two Button Folding Walker with Wheels by Medacure comes in at number 7 on our top 8 list. This walker stands out for its affordability and sturdiness. It is designed to support individuals weighing up to 600 pounds. This walker is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring a height range of 32 to 39 inches. The double-sided wheels and rubber caps enhance performance on different surfaces, while multiple crossbars reinforce the frame for added durability. With an easy-to-use two-button folding system, this walker is convenient for transportation and storage, making it a practical tool for patients and caregivers.
 | Upright Folding Walkers by Medline View Product |
The Upright Folding Walker by Medline, our number 6 choice, is designed to improve your posture while providing stability and control. Ideal for users up to 300 pounds, this walker features two different hand grips to allow for position changes, enhancing comfort and support. The four front wheels ensure a smoother walking experience, and the walker can be easily folded with the push of two buttons for convenient storage and transport. This walker offers an easy assembly process that requires no tools. It is perfect for daily use at home, in the hospital, or on the go.
Number 5 on our list, the Stand Assist Folding Walker by Medline, has two levels of hand grips to help users independently pull themselves up from a seated position. This is an especially attractive feature while traveling to ensure safe mobility in an unfamiliar restroom, and it folds compactly to make it easy to take along wherever you go. This walker can also be used as a toilet safety frame for additional support.
Supporting users weighing up to 300 pounds, this walker has a 2-button folding design that makes it more maneuverable and comes with cross bracing to prevent any wobbling. Further adding to this walker’s stability, the rubber-tipped feet keep it from slipping on slick surfaces.
The lower handles prevent tipping when the walker is used to assist when standing. It has a 6-inch adjustable height range to provide appropriately positioned support.
 | Adult Hemi One Arm Walker / Sidestepper by Medline View Product |
Our number 4 pick on the top 8 list is the Adult Hemi One Arm Walker by Medline. An excellent solution for users who have limited use of one hand. This walker, also known as a sidestepper, offers greater stability than a quad cane, providing extra assistance when getting in and out of chairs. Its lightweight design makes lifting and maneuvering easy, and it folds to only 3 inches for effortless portability and storage. With height adjustments in 1-inch increments, it can be tailored to best fit the user’s needs. This dual-grip cane/hemi-walker offers reliable support and stability, making it a practical choice for those with limited dexterity in one arm or hand.
 | Bariatric Folding Walker with Wheels by Medline View Product |
With its 500-pound weight capacity and extra wide frame for larger users, the Bariatric Folding Walker with Wheels from Medline made our list at number 3 and is our top choice for a heavy-duty walker.
This walker is height adjustable and is a good fit for 5’5” to 6’6” tall users. Wheel-to-wheel, it’s 27 inches wide with a 20.5” inside width. It has an aluminum frame with dual side braces and a front cross brace to ensure stability, and its two-button folding mechanism allows the user to adjust the width for support moving through narrow spaces.
Two 5-inch front wheels add to this walker’s stability. It’s great for people who have had surgery that requires them to be non-weight bearing on one of their legs, as this walker’s heavy-duty design can provide the support needed to keep them mobile without resorting to crutches.
 | Two Button Folding Walker with 5-inch Wheels by Medline View Product |
Price is almost always an important consideration when making a big purchase. This lightweight Two-Button Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels from Medline made our list at number 2 and is our choice for the best walker on a budget. It has height adjustability to serve a wide range of users and portability that makes it easy to transport and store.
This walker moves smoothly with the help of 5-inch front wheels and folds flat for storage with the press of just two buttons. Its handle height is adjustable from 32 to 38 inches, and each side folds independently to help navigate narrow spaces. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Medline’s two-button folding walker has been thoughtfully designed, including latex-free construction for those who have a latex allergy. This walker is great for seniors and is a fixed 17-½ inches wide.
 | EZ Fold-N-Go Height Adjustable Lightweight Travel Walker View Product |
Earning our top spot is the EZ Fold-n-Go Height Adjustable Lightweight Travel Walker by Stander, Inc., which made the list of top walkers because of its ability to fold down four times smaller for easy traveling.
This portable, lightweight walker is easy to use and looks great. It comes in your choice of black, blue, or rose and weighs less than 8 pounds, even though it can support users on the go weighing up to 400 pounds. It fits easily into the backseat or trunk. You can adjust the height with one touch, and it will fit users from 4’10” to 6’8” tall.
Its slim design allows you to navigate tight spaces, including narrow doorways. It has 6-inch swivel wheels in front, making it easy to maneuver. The rear gliding feet travel smoothly over a variety of surfaces. It comes with a storage pouch to keep personal items close at hand and a lifetime warranty.
Walkers for seniors can reduce the risk of an injury from a fall and support independence by allowing users to continue traveling, keep up with daily chores and activities, and safely get around without relying on the assistance of caregivers.
Our list of top walkers includes high-quality mobility aids with features that address different user priorities. The EZ Fold-N-Go Height Adjustable Lightweight Travel Walker was our top choice overall because it is specifically designed to allow the user to continue participating in activities that require them to venture out of the house. It is super light and compact and can be taken along just about anywhere while traveling.
Thank you for reading about our list of top walkers. View our entire catalog of Walkers to shop for the one that’s right for you. Visit Caregiver University for more articles and buying guides to help you make the most informed purchasing decision when buying a walker.
Donald Jacobsen, MSN, MBA, RN-BC (NI)
Donald Jacobsen is a registered nurse and healthcare content writer who is passionate about patient education and quality improvement. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Donald has a wealth of knowledge to share with readers. He is board-certified in nursing informatics and holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis. He has also earned a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University.
