Walking aids can provide confidence and stability to people who feel unsteady or have had falls, as well as offering assurance to those who feel unsteady in wide open spaces. Walking is a fantastic way to keep your heart and your mind healthy so anything you need to support you walking indoors or outdoors is a good decision.
Walking sticks are a classic aid to mobility, but with modern designs that offer more comfort to the user, and more consideration given to the appearance of the aids, I love the fact that there is now plenty of variety to choose from. However, small changes to the ends of the sticks or a change to the hand grips of a frame can change the suitability of the aid for the user, so do take a look at my reviews below to help you understand which walking aid can help you best.
Adjustable height aids - An aid set to the correct height for your dimensions will offer far better stability, posture and comfort.
Shaped hand grips - Distributing the pressure more evenly over the palm of you hand, you can find more comfort and security with these handles.
Integrated seats - Offering additional peace of mind if you suffer with fatigue or pain with standing or walking for a long time.
Collapsible walking aids - Frames and sticks can collapse down for easy storage and transportation, and are clicked into position for sturdy use when opened.
Is the walking aid tall enough or wide enough for proper use?
Do you need to take a rest after a long time standing or walking?
Can the aid support your weight correctly when walking?
If the aid has a seat, does it have enough room for comfortable support?
Will you be lifting the walking aid into a car or storage space?
Do you need to reduce vibrations in the frame when walking?
Whether you choose a 4-wheeled rollator, a tri-walker or a traditional walking stick all depends on the level of stability you need from your walking aid. You should also think about your current level of mobility, and how that might change in the future. Take a look at 5 of my favourite walking aids below.
If you're seeing a price 'with VAT relief', then this product qualifies as VAT exempt. Just enter the details of your disability or long-term illness/medical condition (or those of the person you are buying for) at the checkout and we'll apply the discount.
This product does not qualify for VAT relief.
The Endeavour is great for those who get short of breath or tire easily when walking.
With a padded seat and moulded hand rests, this design is really comfortable. The storage bag is centrally mounted so is higher than other models, making it even easier for you to access your belongings without the risks and pains associated with bending forwards. And it's pink, so you have the chance to stand out from the crowd and can feel proud that your purchase will help support Breast Cancer Haven, with £5 of every sale going to this charity.
The back support is a padded bar, not a backrest, which is useful if you just need reassurance, but may be uncomfortable for your back if you wish to put weight on it when you are seated. With the seat doubling as a lid for your storage, you will not be able to access your shopping if you are seated.
If you're seeing a price 'with VAT relief', then this product qualifies as VAT exempt. Just enter the details of your disability or long-term illness/medical condition (or those of the person you are buying for) at the checkout and we'll apply the discount.
This product does not qualify for VAT relief.
If you enjoy walking outdoors but are looking for extra stability, the Evo Suspension Rollator would be ideal.
The unique suspension system could really help some people who find their painful wrists or shoulders get worse when they put weight through a walking frame. It intends to soften the impact of uneven terrains, which will help with the comfort of going over broken pavements as well as undulating greenery. The handy sized bag allows you to use this as a shopping aid, and being removable, you can take the shopping indoors without having to wheel the walker through the house.
The bag is mounted to the bottom of the framework, so consider how you feel bending down to low levels. It is suspended on runners but requires some manipulation and strength to slide into place. With the seat at 21” you may find you need to perch on the seat rather than sit to make sure your feet can still touch the ground. If your feet are not on the ground you may be at risk of slipping from the seat or swelling occurring to your feet and ankles.
If you're seeing a price 'with VAT relief', then this product qualifies as VAT exempt. Just enter the details of your disability or long-term illness/medical condition (or those of the person you are buying for) at the checkout and we'll apply the discount.
This product does not qualify for VAT relief.
The Liteway Tri-Walker would work well for those who feel nervous or off-balance when walking.
The three-wheeled designed provides easy manoeuvrability, with less effort to change direction needed as the front wheel moves 360 degrees. I love the addition of storage pockets. Not only does this mean that you can take a drink or your phone with you when you're out and about, but they are in just the right place to be reached while you are sitting having a rest. The large handled brakes mean you can still operate this securely even if you have weakness to your hands. The height adjustable handles ensure you do not have to stoop when walking, even if you are more than 6ft, with the handles raising to nearly 1m. The height adjustment is via a screw thread lever handle so is easier to operate for those with reduced grip.
If you have particularly bad balance, consider whether a 4-wheel walker would offer more stability. Be cautious not to catch loose clothing on the lever handles.
If you're seeing a price 'with VAT relief', then this product qualifies as VAT exempt. Just enter the details of your disability or long-term illness/medical condition (or those of the person you are buying for) at the checkout and we'll apply the discount.
This product does not qualify for VAT relief.
Anyone who feels unsteady walking, particularly if they have weakness on one side, will like the MagTec.
With all the benefits of the classic folding cane, this version additionally offers a stylish chrome finish to add a level of elegance to your stick. The handy wrist strap and bracing band allow you to carry this securely without the need for a bag. And it's quick to fold, which is ideal if you travel on public transport where space can be limited.
As a height adjustable walking stick it is important to set the stick to the correct height before first use. Consider if you have enough dexterity and strength in your fingers to operate the push pins used to lock and release the adjustments.
If you're seeing a price 'with VAT relief', then this product qualifies as VAT exempt. Just enter the details of your disability or long-term illness/medical condition (or those of the person you are buying for) at the checkout and we'll apply the discount.
This product does not qualify for VAT relief.
The Nova will help anyone who needs a walker to use indoors, as well as those who need a walker they can use one-handed.
With a hip-height bag, this walking aid reduces the effort needed to lift items in and out of a low bag, so is great if you have back pain or reduced flexibility. The single bar brake is easy to operate from any position on the handle, and having one continuous handle makes single handed control possible. With the addition of a tray, you can carry plates and drinks from the kitchen, or just use it as a lid if you are caught out in the rain.
If you have lino or laminate you will find the walker moves faster than on carpets, so consider how much pressure you put through the walker and your ability to control the speed. If you carry anything on the tray consider using non-slip matting to reduce the risk of spills and spillages when moving over door thresholds between rooms.