Walking Sticks: Types, Heights and How to Choose

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 22 October 2026.

Who Is a Walking Stick For?

A single stick suits people who need a little extra balance or want to take some weight off one painful leg, hip or knee. It is held in the hand opposite the weaker side. If you find yourself leaning heavily on a stick, catching your balance often or needing support on both sides, a quad stick, a pair of crutches or a frame may be safer. A physiotherapist can advise you.

Which Type of Stick Should You Choose?

Adjustable Walking Stick: Setting the Height

1. Wear your everyday shoes and stand up straight.
2. Let your arms hang relaxed by your sides.
3. Set the top of the handle level with the crease of your wrist.
4. Hold the handle and check your elbow bends slightly.
5. Make sure the push button clicks fully through its hole.

A stick that is too long pushes your shoulder up; one that is too short makes you lean over. Recheck the height if you change to shoes with a different heel.

Folding Walking Sticks: Are They Safe?

Good folding sticks are fine for everyday use as long as each section locks firmly and the elastic cord is in good condition. They are handy for people who only need a stick some of the time, such as on long walks or at busy stations. Check the joints for wobble regularly and replace the stick if a section starts to slip. People who lean heavily on a stick all day may prefer a one-piece adjustable design.

Handles and Grip

The crook handle is traditional and hooks over your arm, but it puts pressure on a small area of the palm. A Derby or Fischer-style handle spreads weight more evenly, which suits people with arthritis or weak grip. Ergonomic handles are shaped for one hand, so check you order the correct side. Soft-grip coatings feel warmer in winter.

Choosing a Walking Stick for Balance

For balance, a stick with a large, flexible ferrule grips better than a narrow tip, and a self-standing base or quad stick gives more support. A wrist strap stops the stick dropping if you let go, and a reflective band helps on dark evenings. Most importantly, the stick must be set to the right height.

Ferrules, Straps and Small Extras

The ferrule is the rubber foot, and it does more for your safety than any other part of the stick. A wide, flexible ferrule keeps more rubber on the ground when the stick is at an angle, which helps on wet pavements and shiny floors. Ice grips that flip down over the ferrule are worth having in winter, as long as you flip them up again indoors. A wrist strap stops the stick falling when you open a door or pay at a till, and a small clip lets you hang the stick on a table edge in a café. Some people add a reflective band or a small light for dark evenings.

Walking Sticks for Ladies and Gents

Patterned, floral and coloured sticks are popular and often sold as walking sticks for ladies, while darker wooden and metal finishes are marketed to men. The style is up to you; the function is the same. Check that a decorative stick still has proper height adjustment and a good ferrule.

Can I Get a Walking Stick on the NHS?

Yes, often through a physiotherapist, especially after an injury, operation or fall. Many people simply buy their own, as sticks are inexpensive and widely available. The NHS walking aids guide explains how to get assessed. If you also use a wheelchair, our guide to wheelchair walking stick holders shows how to carry a stick on the chair.

The sticks below cover adjustable, folding and ergonomic designs that were in stock when we checked each listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hand Should I Hold My Stick In?

Usually the hand opposite the weaker or painful leg, so the stick moves forward with that leg.

How Often Should I Replace the Ferrule?

Check it every few weeks and replace it once the tread is worn or the rubber is cracked.

Can I Use a Walking Stick on Stairs?

Yes. Hold the handrail with one hand and the stick in the other. Go up with the stronger leg first and down with the stick and weaker leg first.

Are Wooden Sticks Adjustable?

Most are fixed length and must be cut to size, so measure carefully before cutting.

How Often Should a Walking Stick Be Checked?

Look it over every few weeks. Check that the push button locks fully, the handle is firm and the rubber ferrule still has tread. Replace the ferrule as soon as it wears smooth or cracks, because a worn tip slips easily on wet pavements.