Most seniors then look to canes to help with mobility, but those are often bland and boring. Here we will look at walking canes for women.
Uneven ground becomes particularly challenging and the fear of falling becomes a real terror. We often wish for a steadying hand when navigating stairs especially small steps where there is no banister or railing to hold on to. We might find that after an injury or undergoing surgery we are not as nimble and sure footed as we were before. The first answer to all these problems is usually a cane.
Brief History of Canes
According to Wikipedia, in the late 17th century, walking sticks took over from shepherd’s crooks and became an essential part of a European gentleman’s wardrobe. The walking stick was no longer merely a prop to assist ones balance on uneven ground but now became a statement of fashion and a display of ones societal class level.
It was also around this time that men stopped carrying swords and thus the walking stick became a substitute weapon. Walking sticks served as a self-defense tool against street crime (read more about Cane Fu). The standard cane was made from rattan with a rounded wooden handle. Men would have several canes or sticks for various occasions.
A license was even required in order to carry a walking stick in London in the 17th century. Rules were policed very closely. It was considered very bad manners to carry a walking stick under your arm, to wave it in the air, drag it on the ground or lean on it while standing.
In North America, the more typical curved-handle cane was used, similar to a shepherd’s crook or staff, only shorter. The most common canes that first appeared were ivory-handled Malacca canes.
The wood came from the Strait of Malacca in Malaysia. The bottom was covered in a brass casing to prevent the wood being damaged in the mud. The ivory handles were embellished with fine silver work.
The handles of canes continued to be embellished with rare materials such as jade, amber, silver and gold. Handles were often ornately carved or made from exotic substances like tortoise shell and ivory.
There were many ordinary functional canes for walking the dog or farming but there were also some spectacularly wonderful canes designed for various purposes. Defense canes could be used as self-defense tools, often concealing knives and even swords. Automaton canes had heads that moved at the touch of a secret button.
During the United States Prohibition, canes were adapted to hold small flasks or glass vials in order to smuggle small amounts of alcohol. These canes were known as smuggler or flask walking canes.
Marine canes were made by sailors using whale bone and whale teeth for the handle. Folk art canes were intricately carved canes used by farmers and shepherds.
Fred Astaire often included canes in his dance routines thus popularizing them even further.
Women in the 17th and 18th centuries occasionally carried walking stick or canes. Men continued to carry canes until the 1940s when they ceased being fashionable.
Different Kinds of Canes for Support
There are three types of canes used for support: standard canes, offset canes and multiple legged canes.
The standard cane is usually made of wood or aluminum and is the most commonly used. Aluminum canes are often foldable and can thus be conveniently packed into a bag or folded away when traveling.
The offset cane has an angle to it which positions your weight over the axis of the cane. This enables the cane to bear one’s weight if needed. These are recommended for people who have arthritis in their hip or knee and thus need to, from time to time, release the weight from one leg.
Multiple-legged canes have three or four legs attached to a rectangular base. Depending on the number of legs they are known as quadripod or tripod canes. These canes can bear one’s weight easily and are suitable for people who have undergone surgery or have an injury.
Another advantage is that the multiple legged canes can stand upright without assistance so the user’s hand are free to carry out tasks before walking again. The disadvantage is that they can be awkward to use especially if one is trying to walk quickly as all feet must touch the ground at the same time to bear weight evenly.
What Makes up a Woman’s Cane?
A walking stick or cane is designed to help with balance and not to support one’s full weight as a crutch is. Today there are beautiful canes available for women that are stylish and fashionable.
All canes consist of a handle, a shaft, and a tip. The handle must be comfortable to the user and can be decorative and stylish. The shaft needs to be strong and dependable. The tip can be covered in rubber for better grip to prevent slipping. The length of the cane will also impact how comfortable it is for the user.
Where you place your focus will depend on how much support you need from your cane. Some canes are purely decorative and will offer very little weight bearing support while others, although still stylish, will provide more support.
7 Best Canes for Women
Moving away from canes that look like they came from a hospital, gray, aluminum, and boring; and steering clear of canes clearly designed to favor men, we are going to look at walking canes for women.
1 – DMI Sports Duro-Med Designer Folding Walking Cane
- FOLDING WALKING CANE folds compactly into 4 sections for easy storage or travel and can easily fit in a purse or bag when not in use. Storage sleeve is included to keep cane tightly folded.
- COLLAPSIBLE CANE WITH ERGONOMIC HANDLE is easy to grip with either the right or left hand and the derby grip handle is made of sleek and stylish smooth wood.
This beautiful cane is the perfect travel companion. The aluminum shaft is durable and adjustable extending from 33 – 37 inches in 1-inch increments. The handle is made of wood and shaped for maximum comfort. The shaft is patterned with a designer floral print.
It is extremely convenient for traveling as it folds up four times enabling it to fit into a bag or purse. It weighs only 9.6 ounces and can support up to 250 pounds. It has a rubber tip for increased grip. It comes with a folding cane carrying case for extra convenience. This cane is both stylish, comfortable and practical.
2 – Nova Sugarcane
- WE LOVE THE SUGARCANE because is the perfect combination of style, quality and cane mobility. It comes with the ALL TERRIAN QUAD TIP base that stands the SugarCane upright on flat surfaces, provides great stability, traction and pivot on uneven and sloped terrain. The Soft Grip offset handle design is so comfortable reduces strain on the hand and wrist. Comes with a convenient carrying strap
- YOUR CANE STANDS ON ITS OWN with the extra-wide quad tip - keeping your cane by your side and at hand’s reach. Overall Tip Diameter: 4.75” x 4.75”
The Nova Sugarcane is the ideal cane for those needing a little more support but wanting to remain stylish. It has an all-terrain quad tip base that enables the cane to stand upright leaving your hands free. This base also provides maximum stability on uneven ground and slopes. The offset handle provides extra support and puts less strain on the wrist and hand. A soft cushiony grip cover provides comfort and is non-slip.
The length is easily adjustable with the push of a button from 28 – 39 inches and can support a weight of up to 300 pounds. The cane weighs only 1.15 pounds making it easy to use. The aluminum shaft comes in 10 different designs that are chip and fade resistant ensuring you have the style you want for as long as you want.
3 – Heavy Duty Walking Cane
- 500 lb. WEIGHT CAPACITY, LIGHTWEIGHT & ADJUSTABLE walking cane has an offset handle design that provides optimal support and comfort for the arm and wrist. Adjusts from 30” - 39” for approximate user height: 4’11” - 6”4”. Weighs only 2 pounds with a 500 lb. weight capacity
- COMFORTABLE SMOOTH & DURABLE plastic hand grip comes with a convenient carrying strap
This heavy duty cane can support a weight of up to 500 pounds. The aluminum shaft comes in elegant black, purple or silver and has a smooth plastic grip handle for maximum comfort.
The handle is fitted with a convenient strap. The offset design relieves strain on hands and wrists and provides extra support. The height is easily adjusted with the push of a button from 30 to 39 inches and the cane weighs only 2 pounds.
4 – BigAlex Folding Walking Cane With LED Light
- Well Designed Handle: The ergonomic handle is curved and fits into the palm of your hand, so you won't feel uncomfortable even after long use; The handle comes with a light, which also helps you walk well at night. You don't have to worry about getting up at night and getting hurt walking in the dark. Walking sticks give you a sense of security
- Stable Quad Base: The base of the walking stick is composed of four small stable tips. The rubber base made of tire material is very stable; The base, which can rotate 360 degrees, is made of rigid material and can be used for a long time
This bariatric cane provides a combination of reliable support and convenience. It has a four-point pivoting base which provides stability and mobility. It can easily be folded up and placed in a purse or bag.
It supports a weight of up to 300 pounds and adjusts to a height of between 33 and 38 inches at the bush of a button. It is fitted with an LED light making walking in poorly lit areas easy and safe. It comes with a convenient carry bag making it an easy travel companion.
5 – Lixiang Folding Walking Cane
- ★LIXIANG COLLAPSIBLE& COMPACT WALKING CANE - In order to provide a convenient option for those needing assistance, we develop this folding walking cane. It can smoothly and securely locks in place to provide extra stability while walking on any surface. Ergonomically-designed grip T-handle together provide users with maximum safety and comfort while exhibiting high quality and sustainability. This collapsible cane is compact, easily fitting into a purse, briefcase, carry on or wheelchair bag.
- ★LIGHTWEIGHT & ADJUSTABLE - While remaining lightweight,this folding canes set the adjustment, 5-level height adjustable 32.5'' to 36.5". Constructed with a durable, corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum, the folding cane is exceptionally lightweight yet sturdy. The weight of the cane is 0.8lb, while safely supporting up to 250 pounds.
This stunning cane is convenient and stylish and comes in 8 different styles to choose from. It can adjust from 32.5 to 36.5 inches and can be folded up easily to fit into a bag or purse. The cane weighs a mere 0.8 pounds and can support a weight of up to 200 pounds.
A carrying bag and removable wrist strap are included for your convenience. The pivoting T-handle is soft and shaped for comfort. The rubber tip is slip resistant ensuring maximum stability.
6 – Campbell Posture Cane
- REVOLUTIONARY HANDLE: Discover a new way to get around with our posture cane, and the secret is in our revolutionary Campbell handle. Our walking cane has a unique design and a handle placement that takes the pressure off your shoulder and wrist, giving you a natural lift to your body by placing you in an upright position. A comfortable walking stick is your best friend to take on your daily walks. So take hold of the ergonomic grip and let it do the work.
- FOR BALANCE AND MOBILITY: Designed to shift your line of sight, allowing you to look ahead rather than down, which helps with balance and mobility. The easy-to-hold Campbell handle, combined with the gentle nudges of our posture cane, makes walking a more comfortable experience. Great for everyday use, making it easier for you to take your steps in a power stance as you move around and feel more confident when walking.
The revolutionary ergonomic handle design eliminates downward pressure thus reducing strain on your wrist and shoulder. This unique design also makes it easier to get up out of chairs. The design also encourages you to look up rather than down thus improving balance, stability, posture and mobility.
It has 10 different height settings and is fitted with a 360’ traction ring base which allows it to stand alone and provides extra support. It folds in half making it convenient for travel.
7 – Hurricane Freedom Edition Folding Cane
- Folding Cane: Cutting-edge, patented technology allows the HurryCane, the #1 selling walking cane for men and women in America, to feel like a seamless extension of the body
- Exclusive Technology: The SteadiGrip base design gives the walking stick three points of contact for maximum balance and support; WhisperFlex design of this cane with 3 prongs is always whisper quiet
This chic black cane is fitted with cutting edge technology. The new SteadiGrip stabilizing technology of this cane increases traction and improves balance both indoors and out. The 4 prong base pivots and provides shock absorption thus increasing stability. It adjusts easily from 30.5 to 37.5 inches and folds away easily and conveniently. It supports a weight of up to 350 pounds and weighs only 1 pound.
Alternatives to Canes
There are some alternatives to walking canes that offer even more support and stability. If you are needing a lot of support, using a cane can put strain on your shoulder and wrist. If this is the case a rollator or walker might be a better option. You can read our article on the best walkers, but here are a few worth highlighting.
Drive Medical Folding Walker
- Folding Walker: Designed for safety and convenience, our walkers feature push-button mechanisms that may be operated by fingers, palms, or even the side of the hand
- Quality Construction: Constructed for maximum stability from sturdy aluminum, this adult walker is strong yet lightweight
This walker or zimmer frame is ideal for people who need more support than what a cane offers. The U shape frame allows for greater clearance and the new cross frame design allows you to bring the walker closer for support when standing.
The strong aluminum frame is lightweight and can support a weight of up to 350 pounds. To increase convenience this walker can be folded using an easy two-button mechanism.
Nova Vibe Rollator Walker
- FEATURES: The Vibe 6 (6” wheels) makes a statement with style, gorgeous colors and with the features and reliability of a NOVA. We love all of the Vibe colors, but the signature Purple is exquisite and a fan favorite.
- WHEELS & BRAKES: Equipped with 6" rubber wheels with 1" wide base, NOVA's wheels are durable, great for indoor and outdoor use and make the ride smooth and stable. NOVA's patented feather touch hand brakes are uniquely designed for maximum comfort and control. It is easy to engage the brake with a small grip and minimal hand strength. Parking or locking the brakes takes just a gentle push downward on the lever and a pull upwards to release. Our brakes are backed by the best Brake Warranty with a 5 year warranty on all brake parts
This stylish rollator comes in a variety of colors and is fitted with four 6inch wheels which are durable making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The feather touch hand break is designed to respond to the lightest touch and does not need strength.
The padded seat is comfortable and easy to clean. The seat pouch is large enough to hold your personal items safely while you walk. The aluminum frame has a lifetime warranty, and the brakes have a 5 year warranty.
Drive Medical Side Style Hemi Walker
- Designed for individuals with the use of only one hand or arm
- Lighter than a walker and more stable than a cane
A hemi walker is more stable than a cane but lighter than a walker. It can be used by people who only have the use of one arm, and it can be folded easily using one hand. It has a strong, lightweight aluminum frame and is fitted with rubber feet for extra grip and stability.
So if you are finding yourself a little unsteady on your feet or you need plenty of support to get around there is something stylish and chic out there to help. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, perhaps our article on the best four prong canes will have the information you need.