Written by Megan Smith, PT
Avoid becoming another slip-and-fall statistic with the right walking cane for mobility support. As the most commonly used assistive device, walking canes improve balance and reduce the risk of falls by widening your support base. Whether for temporary or permanent use, our product experts guide you through the top walking cane options to find the perfect fit for your needs.
 | 1) StrongArm Comfort Cane - Self Standing Support View Product |
Foam or gel grips further reduce pain and fatigue, enhancing user comfort.
Cane shafts and bases come in various designs, providing varying levels of stability, support, and mobility assistance. Generally constructed to be lightweight, canes may be made with aluminum, steel tubing, carbon fiber, and other strong but lightweight materials. They may also be coated with a protective finish to extend durability. Shafts can be configured as straight poles or angled to offset the user’s weight. Some models are conveniently foldable for small, compact portability. Bases include a single standard tip, a pivoting tip, a 3-point tip, and a 4-point tip. Rubberized tips are typically the best option for optimal traction, while specialized tips, such as those designed for snow and ice, are also helpful for different situations.
The single standard tip is the most common cane design. Compact, sleek, and easy to maneuver. Pivoting tips are designed with a circular indentation near the tip’s bottom, providing greater stability and enabling the cane to pivot backward and forward without losing traction. For more unsteady users, 3-point or tripod cane bases and 4-point or quad cane bases deliver maximum stability and balancing support. They also stand upright on their own, preventing users from having to bend and reach the floor if their cane has fallen.
To ensure proper support from a cane, it’s important to take measurements. Stand up straight with your arms hanging straight at your sides and measure from the crease of the wrist to the floor to determine the best cane length. The elbow should bend at about a 15-degree angle when the cane is in your hand, although more of a bend may be necessary for people who are primarily using the cane for balance. When a walking cane is too short, it may cause side-leaning, which can impair balance. If it’s too long, it will make the user work harder to pick it up and move it, resulting in fatigue. Most quality canes are height-adjustable to ensure the perfect fit for every user.
Crucial for safety and secure support, be sure to choose a cane that can easily support your weight. Cane designs can vary in the weight capacities they accommodate. If the user weighs more than the walking cane can support, it may buckle, break, or fold, potentially causing injury. If the intended user’s weight falls on the maximum end of the cane’s capacity, it is best to choose the next size up. Bariatric walking canes offer much higher weight capacities, making them the best choice for larger, heavier users.
As a valuable tool that adds stability and balance support, a cane for walking may benefit adults of any age with temporary or permanent mobility impairments. While it may be difficult to decide when it’s time for a cane, there are certain conditions that people can experience that are indicative of requiring this walking assistance:
Medicare Part B medical insurance covers walking canes as DME (durable medical equipment). A healthcare professional must prescribe the equipment and be enrolled in Medicare for it to be paid for by Medicare. Rehabmart can supply you with the HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes you need to file your Medicare claim.
You use a walking cane on the side of the body that is uninjured or less affected. For walking support, set the cane about one stride ahead and step off on the injured leg, finishing the step with the good leg. To climb stairs, grasp the handrail with your free hand and step up with the good leg first, followed by a step up with the injured leg. To walk down the stairs, put the cane on the step first, followed by the injured leg, and then the good leg.
Although a walking cane may not help with every kind of back pain, it can be exceptionally effective for back pain related to the hips and legs, such as sciatica or hip replacement surgery. Back pain caused by a poor walking gait can also improve with the use of a walking cane. Canes also help people stay active and mobile without putting too much weight or pressure on the back, preventing and relieving stiff muscles and joints.
A walking cane helps prevent falls when used and sized correctly. People need to be trained on the safe use and correct ways to utilize the cane for walking and navigating stairs to prevent slips, falls, and other injuries. The cane also needs to be the correct height for the user. The best way that canes prevent falls is to use them. Studies show that among people who fall at home, 75 percent of them were not using their cane or walker when they fell.
To buy a walking cane that’s right for you and your unique needs, be sure to talk to your doctor about what kind of mobility support is best. It’s important to measure your wrist crease to the floor while standing to determine the best height for you, along with figuring out how much balance and stability support you require to determine the best base. We suggest reading our article that covers in-depth tips for how to choose the best walking cane to meet your needs.
Unlike a standard one-tip cane, a quad cane has a base with four small feet that are typically capped with rubber. It is often utilized following illness, injury, or surgery and offers more stability than a single cane. It’s a good choice for users with more involved mobility issues and those with two weak or affected legs.
You do not need a prescription for a walking cane unless you want Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance to pay for it.
 | Mabis Derby Handle Walking Stick | Lightweight Height-Adjustable Cane View Product |
Our number 9 choice, the Mabis Derby Handle Walking Stick, by Mabis HealthSmart offers walking support with its strong yet lightweight aluminum construction, supporting up to 250 pounds. Its ergonomic Derby handle provides a comfortable grip, which is especially beneficial for users with arthritis or other manual disabilities. The height-adjustable shaft ranges from 31 to 40 inches, ensuring a perfect fit for most users, while the slip-resistant rubber tip optimizes traction on indoor and outdoor surfaces. Available in various stylish, contemporary colors, this cane combines functionality with personal style, making it an ideal choice for seniors and adults seeking dependable mobility support.
 | Quad-Cane Hybrid Folding Cane by Medline View Product |
Coming in at number 8, the Quad-Cane Hybrid Folding Cane by Medline is designed for versatile and stable mobility support, and it conveniently folds up for easy storage in a backpack or under a seat when not in use. This ultra-stable quad cane features four non-skid rubber tips for a secure base, and its lightweight aluminum construction weighs only 1.5 lbs. Despite its lightweight, it is strong enough to support up to 350 pounds. The height-adjustable cane can be folded into four pieces, making it easy to carry, and it features a comfortable gel handle to reduce strain on the user's hands and wrists during extended use.
 | Drive Medical Height Adjustable Small Base Quad Canes View Product |
The Height Adjustable Small Base Quad Cane by Drive Medical is an ideal support tool for individuals with limited mobility, offering a customizable height range of 30 to 39 inches, three color choices, and three ergonomic handle designs. This cane combines durability and lightweight construction to support up to 300 pounds, ensuring reliable stability with its four-point base. The cane's one-button height adjustment with Tab-Lock secures the height in place, preventing rattling and enhancing user confidence. This quad cane is available in black, chrome, and bronze and provides sleek and dependable support for everyday use.
 | Height Adjustable Bariatric Quad Canes View Product |
The Height Adjustable Bariatric Quad Cane by North Coast, our number 6 choice, offers secure support and stability for individuals weighing up to 500 pounds. Designed with a high-strength frame, this cane ensures maximum stability and control during ambulation. It features an easy push-button height adjustment, allowing users to customize the cane to their optimal height. The quad cane’s design places the user’s weight more centrally over the strong, large base, providing better stability and reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, the rounded edges of the base help prevent accidental ankle bruises or scrapes.
 | Norco Adjustable Quad Cane View Product |
Ranking as our number 5 choice, the Norco Adjustable Quad Cane by North Coast provides a lightweight and balanced solution for individuals seeking stable and reliable mobility support. Crafted from high-quality anodized aluminum with a foam-covered handle, these canes ensure comfort and ease of use. With easy push-button height adjustment and various model options, including standard and quad-base models, this cane is designed to meet a range of user needs.
 | Offset Handle Bariatric Cane by Medline View Product |
The Offset Handle Bariatric Cane by Medline comes in as our number 4 choice. It is designed to provide sturdy support and stability for individuals weighing up to 500 pounds. Constructed with a strong dual-tubing steel design, this cane offers exceptional strength and durability while remaining lightweight. The offset handle is perfect for occasional weight-bearing needs, and the foam handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip. Ideal for stabilizing users who may be off-balance, this cane combines strength and comfort to support daily mobility.
 | Palm Grip Handle Walking Cane by Walk Easy View Product |
The Palm Grip Handle Walking Cane by Walk Easy is our number 3 pick, offering exceptional comfort and support with its orthopedic grip. Designed for durability and longevity, this cane features an epoxy-coated construction and a rubber tip at the base for enhanced traction. The adjustable height accommodates a range of users, and the grip can be customized for either the right or left hand. Available in several colors, this cane combines functionality with personal style.
 | Drive Medical HurryCane Folding Walking Cane View Product |
Coming in at number 2 on our top 9 list, the HurryCane Folding Walking Cane by Drive Medical offers dependable ambulation support with its strong, lightweight aluminum construction, capable of supporting up to 350 pounds. This innovative cane features a wide SteadiGrip base with three ferrule feet for optimal all-terrain traction and a 360-degree pivoting WhisperFlex base that enhances stability and balance. The cane is easily and quickly foldable to a compact size, making it convenient for transport and storage. Its shock-absorbing handle is designed for comfort and security, ensuring a reliable and comfortable walking experience.
 | StrongArm Comfort Cane - Self Standing Support View Product |
StrongArm Comfort Cane is our top choice for this list. It is innovatively designed to provide top-tier comfort and support. This height-adjustable cane features a unique around-the-forearm handgrip that ensures unparalleled stability and ease of use. Ultra-strong yet surprisingly lightweight, the cane supports up to 500 pounds, making it ideal for users needing extra stability.
Learning how to size and use a walking cane properly can help the elderly and adults of all ages with mild to moderate mobility impairments. A cane for walking optimizes balance and stability, helping to redistribute the user’s weight and lighten the load on the joints and muscles of the lower body, preventing falls, slipping, and other injuries.
Walking canes are available in various styles and sizes, offering different levels of support. It’s important to choose the right kind to fit your unique needs and safely accommodate your height and weight. Various handle types and base styles enable you to find the exact support you need for safe walking and a comfortable grip.
While the canes on our top 9 list could suit most users, the StrongArm Comfort Cane stands out as our number 1 choice with its innovative design. It provides a perfect blend of strength, support, and comfort, making it the top choice for those seeking a reliable, comfortable walking aid.
Thanks for reading. We invite you to check out more caregiving tips and learn more about tools for the job of living at Caregiver University!
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
