What Is the Difference Between a Cane and a Walking Stick?

"Walking stick" and "walking cane" are often used interchangeably, and in some contexts they may mean the same thing. However, there are also many situations in which they have distinct meanings, which it is important to be clear on. This blog will take a look at some of the distinct differences between a walking stick and walking cane, and feature some of our best selling sticks and canes for you to take a look at.

What's Covered In This Guide?

• What's The Difference Between a Walking Cane and a Walking Stick?
• Should I use a Walking Stick Instead of a Cane?
• Examples of Our Walking Canes
• Examples of Our Walking Sticks 

What's the Difference Between a Walking Cane and a Walking Stick?

There are several common distinctions between canes and walking sticks. Essentially, a cane refers to a mobility aid, whereas a walking stick is more for recreational purposes. The table below shows some further details. 

Should I Use a Walking Stick Instead of a Cane?

If you need everyday support while walking then you'll need to use a walking cane. They are made out of strong materials so that even if you put your full weight on them they will not break, and they are specially designed not to put undue stress on the body. If you are looking for something to assist you while short hiking/walking trips, or add a final touch to your outfit, you'll want to use a walking stick. 

Some of Our Walking Canes

Brown Melbourne Derby Walking Cane

Editor's Verdict: The Brown Mebourne Derby Walking Cane is a perfect example of a mobility aid suitable for everyday use. Made from beech wood and stained with an attractive brown colour, this walking cane features a comfortable and practical Melbourne Derby handle, a smart metal collar and a black non-slip rubber ferrule. The curvature of the handle is not only perfect for hanging over the arm, but also perfectly accommodates most hands to provide a secure and effortless hold that helps to stave off fatigue.

Why We Love it...

✔ Classic everyday walking stick with a Melbourne Derby Handle
✔ Curvy handle offers secure support and helps save off fatigue
✔ Easily hooks over the arm or other surfaces and hooks
✔ Hardwearing beech wood is high abrasion resistant
✔ Available in other colours

Customer Verdict: "Functional, elegant, and reasonably priced. I’m looking forward to using my new companion." ★★★★★ Esmond

Right-Handed Adjustable Folding Black Orthopaedic Marble Handle Walking Cane

Editor's Verdict: Ergonomic handles have a primary focus on comfort and support, and the Right-Handed Black Orthopaedic Marble Handle Walking Cane is an excellent example of a walking cane with this special handle type. Designed for those suffering from conditions such as arthritis or rheumatism, this walking cane supports those who rely on using mobility aids around the house or outdoors. With the ability to be folded, this walking cane is also very practical, and allows for easy storage and portability.

Why We Love it...

✔ Stylish walking cane with orthopaedic handle
✔ Supports arthritis or rheumatism sufferers
✔ Moulded design ensures palm comfort and support all day
✔ Strong aluminium shaft so it remains sturdy during use
✔ Foldable practical design for storage and portability

Customer Verdict: "Was reluctant to buy... but I gave in and could not be more happier. It’s a good weight and adjusts to the correct length. The flat handle is manageable with my reduced hand mobility." ★★★★★ D

Brown Marble-Effect Walking Cane with Crook Handle

Editor's Verdict: The Brown Marble-Effect Walking Cane with Crook Handle vamps up a traditional cane design by incorporating a glossy marble effect handle.  A stylish and supportive aid, the large smooth curve shape handle of this cane is comfortable for the hand to clasp, and easily hooks over the arm. Finally, the hardwood shaft of the cane provides incredible support with its naturally durable nature, which will see you through day after day, whilst its rubber ferrule provides optimum grip to keep you safe from any falls.

Why We Love it...

✔ Glossy marble finish handle adds a modern touch to a traditional crook handle
✔ Large smooth handle gives users freedom to use one or two hands when gripping the cane
✔ Hardwood shaft provides incredible support with its naturally durable nature
✔ Traditional crook handle easily hooks over the arm or other surfaces
✔ Total length of 91cm (36") to suit most adult users 

Customer Verdict: "...very very good it is probably one of the best that I have ever had & the walking stick company that I got it from are the best by far… Thank you so much I am disabled & the stick is better than some of the one you can get out they..so thank you very much." ★★★★★ Paul 

Some of Our Walking Sticks

Bronze Effect Cocker Spaniel Collectors' Walking Stick

Editor's Verdict: The Bronze Effect Cocker Spaniel Collectors' Walking Stick is a beautiful piece of workmanship, that is ideal for collectors, dog lovers, or to be used as an accessory on formal occasions. Although not suitable as a mobility aid, this walking stick makes the perfect companion for a birthday party, visiting the theatre, or taking a leisurely stroll in the park, or any other occasion in which support may be needed when walking for shorter periods of time.

Why We Love it...

✔ Cocker spaniel head moulded from resin and finished with a bronze-effect appearance
✔ Novelty design adds a fun touch and individuality
✔ Ideal for both special occasions or a stroll in the park
✔ Durable and sturdy beech shaft is stained to protect from damage
✔ Total length of 91cm (36") to suit most adult users 

Customer Verdict: "This is fantastic quality and amazing value for money. The cocker spaniel head is a good weight and quality! It is a substantial height aswell, overall very impressed with the quality and value for money of this product.." ★★★★★ Nicola

Horatio Nelson Collectors' Walking Stick

Editor's Verdict:  Another walking stick with a novelty design, the Horatio Nelson Collectors' Walking Stick brings individuality to a walking stick and is ideal for history enthusiasts and stick collectors alike. The handle of this walking stick features the bust of Horatio Nelson, an engraved text bearing his name, as well as his dates of birth and death. Once again, although not suitable as a mobility aid, this type of walking stick will look great whether for a special occasion, a stroll in the park, or any occasion where some support is needed for a shorter amount of time.

Why We Love it...

✔ Novelty walking stick with Horatio Nelson figure design and details
✔ Novelty design adds a fun touch and individuality
✔ Ideal for special occasions and complements a range of outfits
✔ Durable and sturdy beech shaft is stained to protect from damage
✔ Total length of 91cm (36") to suit most adult users 

Customer Verdict: "lovely workmanship on handle now part of my collection." ★★★★★ John

Once again, it is important to reiterate that although the words "walking stick" and "walking cane" are often used to mean the same thing, in some circumstances depending on the product, there can be distinctions between the two. A walking stick, especially one with a novelty handle, is designed more for use as a fashion accessory but may still provide some stability and balance whilst walking for shorter periods of times, while a walking cane is designed for regular everyday use as a mobility aid to support your full body weight and take the pressure off.

We hope you've enjoyed reading our article on some of the distinct differences between walking sticks and walking canes, if you'd like to see more examples of our sticks and canes you may find more in our walking sticks by handle category, or mobility aids by handle category.

Have any questions, or something to add? Leave us your thoughts in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter!