Walking sticks: how to measure and choose one

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

A walking stick is the simplest mobility aid there is, but only if it is the right height. Measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist while standing in your usual shoes, and check the rubber tip regularly.

Who a stick suits

A stick helps with mild unsteadiness, a sore hip or knee, or simply the confidence to go out on uneven pavements. It takes only a modest share of your weight. If you find yourself leaning heavily, reaching for furniture or needing a stick in each hand, ask your GP for a referral to a physiotherapist: a walking frame or rollator may be safer.

The main types

Fixed wooden sticks. Traditional, sturdy and cut to length once. Good value if you only need one height.
Adjustable metal sticks. Usually aluminium, with a push-button or pin to change the height. Useful if you swap between shoes or are not sure of the right length yet.
Folding sticks. Fold into sections to fit a bag. Handy for occasional use, travel and restaurants.
Tripod and quad sticks. Three or four small feet at the base, so the stick stands up on its own and gives a wider footing. They are heavier, and all the feet need to be flat on the ground to work properly.
Seat sticks. Open out into a small perch for resting in a queue. Check the weight limit and try sitting on one before you buy.

Handles

Crook handle. The classic curved shape. Hooks over your arm, but concentrates pressure in the palm.
Derby or T-shaped handle. Easier to grip and still hooks over a chair back or forearm.
Moulded (anatomical) handle. Shaped to spread the load across the whole palm, which many people with arthritis find more comfortable. These are made for either the left or the right hand, so buy the correct one.

How to measure for a walking stick

Put on the shoes you normally wear outdoors.
Stand upright on a hard floor with your arms hanging loosely by your sides. Do not stoop.
Ask someone to measure from the floor to the crease on the inside of your wrist. That is the usual guide to the right height for the top of the handle.
With the stick at that height, your elbow should be slightly bent when you hold it.

A stick that is too tall pushes your shoulder up; one that is too short makes you lean. The NHS advises getting advice on the correct height when you collect or buy a stick. Wooden sticks can be cut down by a mobility shop, and some will do it while you wait.

Tip: Which hand should hold the stick depends on why you need it. A physiotherapist will show you, and will also teach you how to manage steps and stairs with it. Ask your GP surgery about a referral.

Ferrules: the part that matters most

The ferrule is the rubber tip on the end of the stick. It is what stops the stick slipping, and it wears down like the tread on a tyre.

Turn the stick over every few weeks. If the pattern on the base has worn smooth, the rubber has split or you can see metal or wood showing through, replace it.
Ferrules are sold by diameter in millimetres. Measure the width of the stick's shaft at the bottom, or take the old ferrule to the shop.
They cost very little, typically a few pounds, so keep a spare.
Wet leaves, ice and smooth shop floors are slippery whatever the ferrule. Ice grips that flip down over the tip are sold for winter, but flip them up indoors.

What to look for: a checklist

The right height, or adjustable to it.
A handle that is comfortable for the hand you will use.
A maximum user weight that covers you.
A weight you can lift comfortably all day.
A good ferrule, firmly fitted.
A wrist strap if you tend to drop things, and something reflective if you walk at dusk.

Rough price guide

The NHS says walking sticks cost about £15 to £50 to buy online or from mobility shops. As a rough guide, plain adjustable sticks are at the lower end, and folding, moulded-handle and seat sticks cost more.

Getting one free or cheaper

The NHS says you can borrow some types of walking stick: ask a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or hospital staff. You may have to pay a small deposit. If you have a long-term illness or disability, some sticks designed for disabled people can be bought free of VAT; see VAT relief on mobility aids. Sticks often turn up in charity shops too, though you will usually want a new ferrule. See our guide to charity shops and second-hand buying.

Mistakes to avoid

Borrowing a late relative's stick without checking the height.
Buying a moulded handle for the wrong hand.
Using a hiking pole as a walking stick. Poles are designed for balance on rough ground, not for taking weight through the handle.
Carrying on with a stick when you have started to need more support. Speak to your GP.

Common questions

How do I know if my stick is the right height?

Stand upright in your normal shoes with your arms by your sides. The top of the handle should be about level with your wrist crease, and your elbow should bend slightly when you hold it.

How often should I replace the ferrule?

There is no fixed time. Check it every few weeks and replace it as soon as the tread has worn smooth or the rubber has cracked. Heavy daily use on pavements wears one out far faster than occasional use.

Are folding sticks as strong as ordinary ones?

A well-made folding stick is fine for everyday use within its stated weight limit. Check that the sections snap firmly together and do not rattle.

Can I take a walking stick on a plane?

Walking aids are normally allowed in the cabin, but it is sensible to check with your airline before you travel. A folding stick is the easiest to stow.

What else helps me stay steady?

Good footwear and good lighting make a big difference. See our guides to slippers and footwear and preventing falls at home.