Walking Cane FAQs

Answers to the questions we hear most from cane users and the people shopping for them. Still have a question? Call or text us at (888) 311-9255 or email hello@walkingcanes.com, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern.

Choosing a cane

How do I choose the right walking cane?

Start with three things: the right length, a handle that is comfortable for your hand, and a tip suited to where you walk. If your height may change or you are buying for someone else, an adjustable or folding cane is the safest choice. After that, choose a style you will be happy to be seen with. You are more likely to use a cane you actually like. Our complete buyer's guide walks through every step.

What length cane do I need?

Put on your everyday shoes, stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, and have someone measure from the crease of your wrist to the floor. Round up to the nearest half inch. That is your cane length. You can also measure an existing cane that fits well from the top of the handle to the bottom of the tip, or use half your height in inches as a rough estimate. See our sizing guide.

What is the difference between a derby handle and a Fritz handle?

A derby handle is a curved handle that extends forward over the shaft and ends in a small hook, so it sits securely under your palm and can hang on your arm or a table edge. It is our most popular handle. A Fritz handle is shorter and rounder, with a gentle curve that rests in the palm and spreads pressure across more of the hand, which is why it is often recommended for arthritis or a weak grip. Compare every style on our Types of Handles page.

Which cane handle is best for arthritis?

Handles that spread pressure across the whole hand are usually the most comfortable: Fritz, palm grip, offset and cushioned ergonomic handles. Read Best Walking Cane Handles for Arthritis for a full comparison.

What wood are your canes made of?

Unless the product description says otherwise, our wood canes are made from beechwood, a dense and strong hardwood. Canes made from other woods, such as ebony, walnut or chestnut, name the wood on the product page. Browse all wood canes.

Can I personalize a cane?

Yes. We laser engrave a metal plate with up to 3 characters, such as your initials, and apply it to the shaft of the cane. Personalization is $14.99, and engraving takes 1 to 2 business days before your order ships. Browse Personalized Canes.

Should I get a quad cane or a standard cane?

A standard single-point cane is lighter and works well for most people who need help with balance. A quad cane stands on four points, adds stability on level ground and stands up on its own. See Single-Point vs. Quad Canes, and ask your doctor or physical therapist if you are recovering from surgery.

Do I need a cane or a walker?

A cane helps when you need a little extra balance or support on one side. A walker or rollator spreads your weight across both arms and is usually better if you need more support, tire quickly or want a seat to rest on. Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you which is right for you. We sell both: see Walkers and Rollators.

Which hand should I hold my cane in?

Hold the cane in the hand opposite your weaker or injured leg. If your right leg is weak, hold the cane in your left hand, and move the cane forward together with the weaker leg. Read Which Hand Should You Hold Your Cane In?

Do you sell canes for tall or heavy users?

Yes. Our Heavy-Duty Canes are all rated for at least 250 lbs, and the Hercules derby canes are rated to 400 to 500 lbs. The Hercules canes are 44 inches long, recommended for users up to 7 feet, and can be custom cut. See Extra-Tall Canes for more long options.

Does WalkingCanes.com sell walkers and rollators?

Yes. We carry rollators and walkers from Rollz, ByAcre and Vive, including carbon fiber rollators under 11 lbs, lightweight folding walkers and a three-wheel rollator. See Walkers and Rollators.

Who makes your canes?

Many of our canes are our own WalkingCanes.com house brand. Our walkers and rollators come from Rollz, ByAcre and Vive.

Do you sell sword canes?

Yes. We sell a range of collector's sword canes with chrome, gold, eagle, cobra and dragon head handles. Laws on sword canes vary by state and city, so check your local rules first. Our guide to U.S. sword cane laws is a good starting point.

Do you sell canes with college logos?

Yes. Our officially licensed Collegiate Canes include Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss and South Carolina, with more teams coming soon.

Are folding canes safe?

Yes, when they are the right height, locked fully into place and kept in good repair. Check that every section clicks in before you put weight on it, and replace a worn tip promptly. Read Are Folding Canes Safe?

Paying for your cane

Can I use my HSA or FSA to buy a cane?

Yes. Our canes, walkers, rollators and accessories are HSA/FSA eligible. Pay with your HSA or FSA debit card at checkout, the same way you would use any other card.

Does Medicare cover canes from WalkingCanes.com?

No. Our products are not covered by Medicare. Many customers pay with their HSA or FSA debit card instead.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, HSA and FSA debit cards, and Klarna if you would like to pay over time.

Shipping, returns and warranty

How long does WalkingCanes.com take to ship?

Most orders ship within 1 to 2 business days. Orders placed after 12pm on Friday ship the following Monday. Alpacca and exotic wood canes are drop shipped from Harvy Canes and ship every Friday, as noted on those listings. After your order ships, delivery usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Orders over $75 ship free within the USA. Shipping on smaller orders is calculated at checkout based on weight and delivery address. See our shipping policy.

What is your return policy?

You can return new, unused items in their original condition within 30 days. To start a return, call (888) 311-9255 or email hello@walkingcanes.com. Refunds go back to the original card. Shipping charges are not refunded, and restocking fees apply to some items, for example $12.99 for folding and adjustable canes, $17.99 for custom-cut canes and $19.99 for sword canes. Items marked Final Sale can't be returned. Full details are in our returns and exchanges policy.

Can I return a walking cane if the height is wrong?

If the cane has not been cut and is still new and unused, yes, within 30 days (restocking fees apply to some items). Canes that we custom cut to your length can only be returned for store credit, with a $17.99 restocking fee. If you notice a sizing mistake right after ordering, email or call us within 24 hours to correct it. The easiest way to avoid the problem is to measure with our sizing guide or choose an adjustable cane.

Do your canes come with a warranty?

Yes. All items are covered for 6 months from the delivery date against manufacturer defects. Damage from dropping the cane, scratches and dents are not covered by the warranty, but they are covered by Cane Insurance (see below). A cane wrist strap helps keep your cane from falling.

What does Cane Insurance cover?

Cane Insurance covers loss, theft and damage for 3 years from the date of purchase. It costs 25% of the item's price, and you can add it to your cane at checkout. Full Stride Club members get 20% off Cane Insurance too.

Will I pay extra fees if I order from outside the USA?

Duties and taxes may apply when shipping outside the USA. They are set by the destination country and are not something we control, so check with your local customs office before ordering.

What is the Full Stride Club?

The Full Stride Club is our membership program. For $1.99 a month (regularly $2.99) or $19.99 a year, members get 20% off every order (including Cane Insurance), early access to new products and Sticks and Stones, our monthly members-only newsletter with cane care tips, product picks and a serialized story. Benefits start as soon as you join, and the monthly plan can be canceled anytime.

About WalkingCanes.com

Who runs WalkingCanes.com and where are you located?

WalkingCanes.com started more than thirty years ago in Fairhope, Alabama, when W.E. Slay began making custom canes topped with antique doorknobs. Derbie Mobility Solutions, LLC acquired the business from the Slay family in 2023 and owns and operates it today from 2016 North College Avenue, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730. We specialize in stylish walking canes that don't look medical, along with walking sticks, hiking staffs, cane accessories, and walkers and rollators. Read our story.

How do I contact customer service?

Call or text (888) 311-9255 or email hello@walkingcanes.com. We are available Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern. You can also use our contact form.

Cane care

How do I clean my cane?

Wipe it with a microfiber cloth dampened with mild, soapy water, then dry it. This works for most wood, acrylic, metal and carbon fiber canes. For more, see cleaning and caring for wood walking canes.

When should I replace my cane tip?

Replace the rubber tip when the tread is worn smooth, the rubber is cracked, or the cane starts to slip. We stock Nev-a-Slip, quad, tripod, ice and low-profile replacement cane tips, and it takes about two minutes to swap one yourself.