Walking Canes and More for Trekking Through the Day

• Best overall cane: HurryCane Freedom Edition Folding Cane
• Best walking cane for balance and stability: Nova Sugarcane Walking Cane
• Best folding walking cane: HealthSmart Folding Walking Cane Stick
• Best walking stick: Brazos Fitness Walker Walking Stick
• Best trekking pole:Cascade Mountain 3K Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles

Walking canes are assistive devices that make it easier to walk safely and more comfortably. They can improve mobility, speed, and help you to confidently perform your daily tasks while reducing your risk of falling. Walking canes are valuable if you have vision, balance, or mobility concerns.

You can use a walking cane or another assistive device such as a trekking pole or hiking stick to support your agility, stability, and gait. Walking devices can also reduce knee pressure, which is useful if you have a medical condition or are recovering from surgery or an injury.

Read on to learn more about the different types of walking devices and check out our list of the best products on the market.

We created our list using the following criteria:

• Design considerations. We selected a variety of walking devices that support different weights, offer a comfortable grip, and suit various surfaces. Some products have tips, while others have a prong base. The foldable designs are easy to use.
• Materials. The canes are made of high quality, durable materials that offer plenty of support and stability.
• Customer reviews. The products on this list have mostly positive customer reviews.

Best overall cane

HurryCane Freedom Edition Folding Cane

• Price: $$
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds (159 kilograms)
• Height adjustable between: 30.5–37.5 inches (77–95 centimeters)

The easy-to-fold design of the HurryCane Freedom Edition Folding Cane stands on its own and offers support without being cumbersome. It features an ergonomic rubber handle and an attached wrist strap.

The aluminum cane is equipped with a three-prong base that uses innovative technology to pivot, which boosts stability, balance, and traction. The flex feature adapts to inclines and uneven terrain.

A few customer reviews mention that the cane isn’t suitable for carpets or rugs. Others report that the base is too small or doesn’t work properly.

Best walking cane for balance and stability

Nova SugarCane Walking Cane

• Price: $$
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
• Height adjustable between: 29–39 in. (74–99 cm)

The Nova SugarCane walking cane features a wide quad base that stands upright on flat surfaces and provides stability, leverage, and traction on uneven ground. The durable, aluminum cane comes in black and several colorful patterns, which are chip-resistant.

The lightweight cane has an attached carrying strap and a non-slip handle that offers comfort while preventing hand and wrist strain.

According to reviews, a few customers had difficulty adjusting the height while others mention the base could be more stable.

Best folding walking cane

HealthSmart Comfort Grip Folding Cane

• Price: $
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs. (113 kg)
• Height adjustable between: 33–37 in. (84 to 94 cm)

The collapsible design of this cane easily folds into four sections, convenient for storage and travel. It’s made of high-quality aluminum that offers stability and features an attached wrist strap and ergonomic rubber handle that offers comfort.

Available in purple and gray, the cane has a rubber tip that offers traction and prevents skids. Among the negative reviews, customers complain that the handle is too small and the paint scratches and chips easily.

Best wooden walking stick

Brazos Walking Sticks Fitness Walker Walking Stick

• Price: $$$
• Weight capacity: unspecified
• Heights: 48, 55, or 58 inches (122, 140, or 147 cm)

Ideal for strolling through the park or walking on trails, each Brazos Fitness Walker Walking Stick is handcrafted in the United States from a single piece of solid oak wood.

You can use the walking stick on its own or as a pair, which works your upper body. It’s available in brown, tan, and red, and Brazos offers customized laser engraving. You can add accessories such as a thermometer, strap, or case. Spike and rubber tips are also available.

Reviews are mostly positive, though one customer commented that they found the walking stick to be too heavy.

Best trekking pole

Cascade Mountain 3K Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles

• Price: $$
• Weight capacity: unspecified
• Height adjustable from: 26–54 inches (66–137 cm)

Designed with durable carbon fiber, these lightweight trekking poles provide stability and feature comfortable sweat-wicking cork grips. These poles perform well on uneven terrain and going up and down steep hills.

The pair comes with tungsten carbide tips as well as rubber boot tips, small rubber tips, mud baskets, and snow baskets.

Negative customer reviews complain that the poles broke and are noisy.

A limitation of carbon fiber is that it’s more brittle than other materials like aluminum. So the same stressors that might bend an aluminum trekking pole are more likely to snap a carbon fiber pole.

If you plan on purchasing a walking cane, consider the following:

• Type of cane. Choose a design that offers the right amount of stability for your needs.
• Design. Think about the type of grip, how much the device weighs, and adjustment options. Decide what kind of tip or base you prefer and whether you want a portable, foldable design. Make sure the model is suitable for your height and weight.
• Material. Make sure the device is made of high quality, durable materials that will support your intended use.

There are also different types of mobility aids to consider for short-term or long-term use, including the following:

• standard walkers
• rolling walkers
• crutches
• wheelchairs (manual and electric powered)
• motorized scooters

Many insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of approved walking devices if they involve a medical need.

Medicare considers walking canes and walkers to be durable medical equipment (DME), which Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover. However, Medicare does not cover white canes for blind people.

Whether you need a cane on a permanent or regular basis, there are many options to consider. Consider your strength, stability, and overall fitness as well as how you plan to use the device. Choose a model that is suitable for your height and the type of terrain or surfaces you’ll cover.

Reach out to your doctor or physical therapist if you want advice on the best cane for your needs or how to use it correctly.