The best walking sticks in the UK 2023

Among people over 80 years old, one senior citizen out of two suffers from loss of balance. As a result, it is not uncommon to see elderly people, people with reduced mobility or those undergoing rehabilitation using a walking stick. Between the foldable, adjustable, fixed length, telescopic and tripod models, the bow, T-shaped, square and derby handles, as well as the accessories (strap, cane hook, folding seat, etc.) offered, it is difficult to choose. Follow the guide to find out everything.

Harrington Marley Brown 1
9/10

Best value for your money

Harrington Marley Brown

The best walking cane

Both a seat and a walking stick, the Harrington Marley Brown allows you to take a break between two walking sessions. Practical for catching your breath, it relieves the joints at the knee level.

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The quality of the Harrington Marley Marron will surprise you. Indeed, it has a brown leather seat with an excellent flexibility. Like the seat, its handle can be adjusted according to your needs. Thanks to its base plate, the seat cane is not likely to sink into the ground. This accessory is very practical for outdoor use.

The Harrington Marley Brown is suitable for all sizes since its height is adjustable. It is strongly recommended to all those who have problems of cardiac or respiratory insufficiency. Note that it also helps to relieve the joints at the level of the knees.

BeGrit 8536 2
7/10

Best value for your money

BeGrit 8536

The best entry-level walking cane

Unisex, the BeGrit 8536 can be easily stored in a bag. This foldable walking stick has an adjustable height of 85 to 100 cm. Once folded, it can be used as a flashlight. Note its aluminum structure.

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The BeGrit 8536, ideal for all those who suffer from arthritis, is distinguished from other models by the presence of an LED lamp with a lighting distance of 20 m. Compact, it folds easily into 4 parts and takes up very little space when stored. Its foam and ABS handle and aluminum frame ensure comfortable carrying.

This walking cane has an adjustable height between 85 and 100 cm, which should suit most seniors. As light as it is practical, the BeGrit 8536 offers maximum safety in use. It owes its durability to the quality of its construction materials. The best part? This walking cane comes with a lifetime warranty.

Kmina Pro Left Unit 3
7/10

Best value for your money

Kmina Pro Left Unit

The best high-end walking cane

The Kmina Pro Left Hand Unit is both comfortable and light. This model has everything to please. In addition to its comfort, we appreciate the quality of its materials, its stability on the ground and its optimal support.

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The Kmina Pro Unit is handled with the left hand. It has a particularly interesting shock absorption system. As a result, the forearm will feel less stress, which favors the adoption of a more neutral position. Your weight will also be better distributed. As a result, its use puts very little strain on the biceps. Note that the more balanced your spine is, the straighter you will walk!

With the Kmina Pro Walking Cane Left Unit, you can move forward quickly and safely. Also, you won't have to put in a lot of effort like you would with a traditional crutch. Its wide and flexible tips are ideal to guarantee a better grip on the ground.

Kmina Pro Fiber 4
9/10

Excellent

Kmina Pro Fiber

The best telescopic walking cane

The Kmina Pro Fibre telescopic walking cane's bar is adjustable in height from 73 to 98 cm. Practical and easy to use, this model is especially suitable for people measuring 140 to 190 cm.

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The Kmina Pro Fibre offers a comfortable grip. In addition to being safe, it allows you to walk independently. The telescopic walking stick has a high quality nylon strap for easy carrying. Made of carbon fiber, this model is very durable. Moreover, it can support a maximum load of up to 100 kg.

The Kmina Pro Fibre English Walking Cane stands out from the crowd with its elegant design. Its black color suits all styles. Adjustable in height, it is recommended for all people measuring between 1.40 and 1.90 m. It is suitable for daily use.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best walking stick

Any specific needs?

The best walking cane

The best entry-level walking cane

The best high-end walking cane

The best telescopic walking cane

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best walking sticks

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Harrington Marley Brown 5
9/10
BeGrit 8536 6
7/10
Kmina Pro Left Unit 7
7/10
Kmina Pro Fiber 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Harrington Marley Brown
BeGrit 8536
Kmina Pro Left Unit
Kmina Pro Fiber
Both a seat and a walking stick, the Harrington Marley Brown allows you to take a break between two walking sessions. Practical for catching your breath, it relieves the joints at the knee level.
Unisex, the BeGrit 8536 can be easily stored in a bag. This foldable walking stick has an adjustable height of 85 to 100 cm. Once folded, it can be used as a flashlight. Note its aluminum structure.
The Kmina Pro Left Hand Unit is both comfortable and light. This model has everything to please. In addition to its comfort, we appreciate the quality of its materials, its stability on the ground and its optimal support.
The Kmina Pro Fibre telescopic walking cane's bar is adjustable in height from 73 to 98 cm. Practical and easy to use, this model is especially suitable for people measuring 140 to 190 cm.
Style
Cane seat
Folding and height adjustable walking stick
English Cane
Telescopic walking stick
Material
Metal and leather
Aluminum
Aluminum
Carbon fiber
Weight
950 g
480 g
996 g
240 g
Height adjustable
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Size
68.5 x 3 x 14.5 cm
28 x 18 x 9 cm
-
-

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Buying guide - walking stick

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How to choose your walking stick

A walking cane is an assistive device that is purchased either on medical prescription or when walking or hiking regularly. To find the best walking cane, here are some parameters to consider.

#1 - The weight

Insofar as moving around with a cane is not easy, opt for an aluminum or carbon cane which is certainly more expensive but will provide you with excellent comfort of use due to its lightness.

#2 - The comfort

Before

you buy a walking cane, make sure it's adjustable in height to fit your height and non-slip to prevent slipping or padding. Also, make sure your cane has an ergonomic handle and that its knob fits snugly in the palm of your hand. You should also know that there are models adapted to the left hand. If you are left-handed, choose your cane carefully for comfort.

#3 - The material

As

the

cane is used to support a certain weight, it is essential that it is sturdy. To this end, opt for a carbon fiber or aluminum cane. There are also models made from beech, chestnut and rosewood.

#4 - The practical side

Some

walking sticks come with a folding or collapsible seat that allows you to sit in a place that doesn't allow you

to.

Others have a wrist strap that keeps the cane from slipping out of the user's hands. There is also a wall-mounted cane holder that allows the cane to be hung on the wall, a base plate that allows the cane to stand upright on its own especially on slightly sloping surfaces, or a stabilizing cane tip that allows the cane to be stabilized when the user is standing for extended periods.

#5 - The aesthetic side

On the

market, walking canes come in a variety of colors from extravagant to plain. Therefore, for everyday use, choose the cane that best suits your taste and that will effectively bring out your style.

#6 - Good to know

The

use of a cane is definitive when it aims to relieve a permanently painful joint in daily life or when there is a permanent neurological deficit. On the other hand, it is temporary during an acute attack of osteoarthritis, following a trauma that caused a fracture or during rehabilitation following a neurological disease (paralysis after a stroke, multiple sclerosis, etc...)

The handle, the main element of comfort

The handle of your cane will determine the good grip of this one and will spare you the inconveniences related to the articular and/or muscular pains.

The T-shaped handle is the classic handle of walking sticks. As its name suggests, it is T-shaped and provides a very good support. The longer part of the handle should be positioned towards you, in the palm of your hand.

The Derby handle has a shape quite similar to the T-handle. The Derby handle cane is recommended for people who need light to medium support and balance.

The rounded arc handle is a handle that offers a good fit to the curvature of the user's palm. Ideal for people who need light support, however, it is not suitable for people who are overweight, arthritic or have rheumatism as the hand may slip.

The anatomical handle is a handle that provides a high level of comfort and safety for people with arthritis, rheumatism or joint problems. However, canes with anatomical handles are not recommended for people with finger deformities.

The different types of walking sticks

With all the different types of walking sticks out there, it's normal to have trouble finding your way around. So let's sift through them to see more clearly.

The adjustable cane

As its name suggests, this cane is easily adjusted by means of small holes in the tube and a system of lugs.

Benefits:

  • Easily adjusts to the user's size
  • Equipped with an interchangeable non-slip rubber tip
  • Very practical

Disadvantages:

  • Cane adjustment in 2.5 cm increments only

Who is it for?

The adjustable cane is especially recommended for people suffering from a minor loss of balance and who use it daily.

The telescopic cane

It

is a cane whose adjustment system is based on a clamping ring.

Advantages:

  • Very fine adjustment of the height of the cane, to the nearest millimeter
  • Saves space when retracted

Disadvantages :

  • Its not very aesthetic side: limited patterns and colors

Who is it for?

The telescopic cane is suitable for people prone to minor balance loss.

The folding cane

This

type of cane has a foldable design that gives the user optimal comfort in use. In addition to being foldable, this assistive device is also adjustable in length.

Advantages:

  • Available in a wide variety of patterns: classic or fancy
  • Saves space when retracted
  • Very practical and space saving thanks to its folding design
  • Adjustable in height

Disadvantages:

  • Quite fragile

Who is it for?

The folding cane is suitable for people with mild disabilities.

The English cane

Also

known as a "crutch", the English cane is a medical device that can be used in pairs or alone, axillary or not. It allows you to move around while limiting your support on the immobilized or weakened limb.

Advantages:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to handle
  • Adjustable

Disadvantages:

  • Can cause up to paralysis of various forearm and hand muscles over time

Who is it for?

The English cane is mainly used by people undergoing rehabilitation following an illness or an accident or by people with a cast on their leg.

The cane seat

It is

a cane equipped with a seat that offers its user the possibility of sitting down during prolonged walking or standing

.

Advantages:

  • Very convenient to use especially in a place where you don't have the possibility to sit
  • Comfortable

Disadvantages:

  • Can cause a fall if the material of the ring holding the cane to the seat is not strong enough

Who is it for?

The seat cane can be used by everyone but especially by people suffering from heart failure and who therefore get out of breath faster.

The tripod or quadripod cane

Assuming

a function quite similar to a cane with a stabilizing tip, the tripod or quadripod cane is a cane with three or four legs that offers a larger support surface compared to other types of canes. Very practical to use, it stands upright at the user's side to provide more stability.

Advantages:

  • Very practical
  • Comfortable
  • No risk of slipping on the floor

Disadvantages:

  • Quite bulky

Who is it for?

The tripod or quadripod cane is mostly used by people with fairly severe balance loss.

The walking stick

It

is very popular in sport walking such as trekking, hiking or Nordic walking. On this topic, it is important to distinguish between hiking pole which is adjustable in height, and Nordic walking pole which is of fixed height.

Advantages:

  • Allows you to take big steps
  • Less tired legs
  • Relieves the knees when going downhill as well as uphill

Disadvantages:

  • Can cause muscle inflammation when used incorrectly

Who is it for?

The walking stick is recommended for hikers and power walkers.

Why buy a walking stick?

Works your core

Your abs tighten up every time you push off with your poles. That's the equivalent of 1,000 abdominal contractions per kilometer or 1,800 per mile. The walking stick promotes good posture, stability and balance, increases walking speed and distance and promotes increased core strength and functional independence.

Gentle on your joints

Your knees and hips will thank you. Sticks allow you to shift the weight from your hips and knees to your upper body. You can walk farther, faster or even pain-free. This reduces the impact on your knee and hip joints, prevents falls and increases walking speed. This is perfect for the elderly, as walking with a cane will work all your joints.

Burns calories quickly

It speeds up the burning of calories. Research proves this time and time again. The walking stick exercises 90% of your muscles and reduces stress on your lower joints. Plus, it burns up to 47% more calories than walking unsupported.

Tones the upper body

It sculpts your arms and shoulders. The cane uses 90 percent of your muscles, especially the underused upper body muscles. Hello short sleeves! It is therefore very beneficial because it promotes mobility and strength in the upper limbs. But also, it increases blood flow throughout the body.

Keeps your blood sugar balanced

It helps balance your blood sugar, promotes healthy blood sugar management, promotes healthy weight loss and reduces pain caused by poor blood flow during exercise. So if you are diabetic, walking with a cane will also be a great asset for you.

Tips

Furnish the interior of your home well

To prevent the risk of falling, clear the pathway and arrange the interior of your home properly by removing any obstacles that could cause you to trip.

Hold your cane on the right side

If you use a cane because of a deficient leg, hold it in the hand opposite the injured or deficient limb. On the other hand, if you use it for a balance problem, hold it on the side of the hand you use less.

Have several canes to make your style stand out

Having several canes will allow you to match them to your outfits and you will, in all circumstances, have the one that suits you best because it is the cane that must adapt to your needs and not the other way around.

How to walk up and down stairs safely with your cane

To climb stairs, the functional leg goes up first, then the cane and the injured leg follow. To go downstairs, put the cane down first, then the affected leg and then the other leg last.

The maintenance of a cane

Think about regularly checking the wear level of the non-slip tip of your walking cane to avoid any risk of falling. Do this check every year on the same date.

FAQ

Which walking stick to choose?

In our opinion, the best walking stick for most people is the Sueh Design. To find out more, read our buying guide.

How to choose the right size of a cane?

To estimate the size of your walking stick, stand up with your arms at your sides. The handle of the cane should reach your wrist joint. To make sure the cane fits you, hold your hand on your cane, stand and bend your elbow 15 to 20 degrees.

How to choose the right size of a cane?

To estimate the size of your walking stick, stand up with your arms at your sides. The handle of the cane should reach your wrist joint. To make sure the cane fits you, hold your hand on your cane, stand and bend your elbow 15 to 20 degrees.

Can a walking stick help my back pain?

Yes, although back pain can have many causes, walking with a cane can be a good way to relieve back pain and pressure. You can use it temporarily until you discover the cause of your back pain.

What is the point of using a cane?

As well as providing extra stability for people with reduced balance, the cane also helps to relieve pressure on your joints, reducing muscle fatigue during walking and helping to reduce mobility-related pain.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , consumerreports.org
  3. , masanteausommet.com
  4. , weareonline.fr
  5. , randonner-malin.com
  6. , yespod.over-blog.com
  7. , mayoclinic.org
  8. , quechoisir.org
  9. , aveclesaidants.fr
  10. , techniciendesante.fr
  11. , mistercanne.fr
  12. , ma-canne-de-marche.fr
  13. , couleursenior.com
  14. , tousergo.com
  15. , amazon.co.uk
  16. , harmonie-medical-service.fr
  17. , naturabuy.fr
  18. , couleursenior.com
  19. , boutique-cannes-fayet.com
  20. , cannes-fayet.com
  21. , manufrance.fr
  22. , chapellerie-traclet.com
  23. , pharma-gdd.com
  24. , mistercanne.fr
  25. , ma-canne-de-marche.fr
  26. , france-couteaux.com
  27. , mediconfort.com
  28. , april.fr
  29. , etsy.com
  30. , auvieuxcampeur.fr
  31. , indesmed.com
  32. , mediconfort.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Harrington Marley Brown 9
Harrington Marley Brown
BeGrit 8536 10
BeGrit 8536
Kmina Pro Left Unit 11
Kmina Pro Left Unit
Kmina Pro Fiber 12
Kmina Pro Fiber

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