Walking Sticks and Canes
At Walkwel we have a large selection of walking sticks and canes and accessories, to suit the needs of most people and eventualities.
Our staff are trained to offer the best advice on which walking sticks are best suited to your individual needs and circumstances.
We are happy to help you adjust, or where necessary cut, the walking stick to the optimum height to ensure that you get the best possible support from your chosen walking aid, and where necessary fit new ferrules and accessories.
Types of Walking Sticks
Walking sticks can be categorised by the type of support they offer, such as single-point, three point (tri), four-point (quad), and seat sticks, or by their features like adjustable height, folding capability, or specific handle types such as crook, derby, ergonomic.
They can also be classified by purpose, like orthopaedic, hiking, or trekking sticks, and by material, including wood and aluminium.
By support and stability
- Single-point: The most common type, providing moderate support and easier mobility through narrow spaces.
- Four-point (Quad): Offers the most stability, distributing weight over more points of contact.
- Three Point (Tri): Offers three points of contact with the ground.
- Seat sticks: Have a built-in seat that can be used for resting.
By features and design
- Adjustable: Allow for customisation of height to fit different users.
- Folding: Designed for portability and easy storage.
- Orthopaedic: Specifically designed for medical use, often with ergonomic handles for arthritis or other conditions.
- Walking poles/staffs: Typically longer and sturdier than canes, used for activities like hiking and Nordic walking.
By handle type
- Crook: A classic, curved handle that can hook over the arm.
- Derby: An elegantly shaped handle providing excellent support.
- Ergonomic/Fischer/Arthritis grip: Designed for comfort and support, especially for users with arthritis.
- Pistol grip: Resembles the handle of a pistol and offers a comfortable grip.
- Knobstick: A rounded handle on a stick that is a single piece of hardwood.
- Thumbstick: Has a natural shape that is held with the thumb and fingers.
By purpose
- Hiking/Trekking: Robust poles designed for navigating uneven terrain.
- Shooting sticks: Used by hunters or observers to provide a stable rest.
- Wading sticks: Designed for use in water.
- Umbrella canes: A walking stick that conceals a folding umbrella.
By material
- Wooden: Traditional and authentic-looking, but can be heavier.
- Aluminium: Lightweight and strong, often adjustable.
- Carbon fibre: Strong, lightweight, and durable, also a common material for sporting sticks.
Walking Stick Accessories
Common walking stick accessories include ferrules (rubber tips) for grip, wrist straps to prevent dropping, and holders for convenient storage when not in use. Other items like bags, lights, and ice grips are also available to enhance functionality and safety.
Ferrules (Rubber Tips)
These are crucial for providing traction and stability on various surfaces, which helps to reduce the risk of slipping. They are available in different styles, including standard rubber, heavy-duty, tripod/quad-pod.
Wrist Straps
Straps that loop around your wrist, providing added convenience by allowing you to let go of the stick without it falling to the floor. They come in various materials and colours, including leather and nylon.
Holders and Clips
These accessories allow you to secure your walking stick when it’s not in use, preventing it from falling over. Options include tabletop clips to balance the stick on a surface and holders to attach the stick to a table or a mobility aid like a wheelchair or rollator. Clips are available to secure folding walking sticks in the closed (folded) position to enable it to fit securely in a bag or scooter basket.
Ice Grips
For use in slippery winter conditions, which can be fitted to the ferrule end of the walking stick to provide extra stability on ice and snow.
Bags and Pouches
Folding walking stick bags or pouches, that are useful for neatly storing and transporting foldable canes, protecting them from scratches or damage when packed away.
Lights
Clippable LED lights can be attached to the stick to improve visibility and safety when walking outdoors at night.