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Using a cane for mobility might feel a little bit undignified, especially if you pride yourself on independence and stature. The truth is, though, walking with a cane can be even cooler and more classy than walking without one. There are many cool walking canes out there, and many fascinating people that use them. Here are some examples of this phenomenon in popular culture.

Chuck Bass

Played by Ed Westwick, Chuck Bass is a suave debonaire character on Gossip Girl, and style is his forte. The fact, then, that when his character injured his leg, he opted for a cane over crutches speaks volumes to how cool walking canes can be.

Gandalf

Now, Gandalf is definitely a fictional character, but there was nothing fictional about how powerful Sir Ian McKellen looked in The Lord of the Rings trilogy with his magic staff. If you have a long grey beard on top of a cane shaped like a wizard's staff, then you get bonus points.

Scott Disick

A TV personality on Keeping up With the Kardashians and husband to Kourtney Kardashian, Scott Disick introduced canes to his personal wardrobe as a stylish fashion accessory. This, if anything, is proof that canes can be cool in pop culture outside of character necessity.

Doctor House

There has never been a cooler TV doctor before or since the drama series House had a fantastic run. Featuring Hugh Laurie as the ever-crotchety and ruthlessly pragmatic Dr. House, Laurie's character suffered a muscular injury in his leg which left him limping for eight straight seasons. This character trait contributed a lot to his perceived swagger and unique narcissistic charm.

Of course, canes are not all about looking cool or dignified. They are tools to assist you with mobility. The unfortunate truth is that too many Americans need to walk with a cane, but feel too self-conscious to do so. This shouldn't worry you at all. You should be able to enjoy walking and be safe doing so. Just look at the immeasurably confident and cool individuals above. If anything, walking with a cane has contributed to the very confidence they needed to do so in the first place.

There are 4.8 million Americans who walk with a cane, accounting for 70% of all mobility device use in the country. As the most popular way to assist with walking, canes for better mobility are a critically important tool for the safety of people both old and young everywhere. Walking canes are just as simple as they are important. All you need to have a fully functioning walking cane is a sturdy shaft, a comfortable handle, and a rubber stopper to add grip to any surface. Yet, despite such amazing simplicity, there are still many options for both style and comfort. Here are a few examples.

Brass Handles

Brass handle canes often have inscribed or embossed designs, making them bespoke and distinguished amongst the daily banality or regular life.

Different Wood

Cherry, oak, willow, and even bamboo are all amazing options for the shaft of your walking cane. Whichever type of wood you choose, there will be many different ways woodworkers choose to carve it. The malleability of wood as a building material allows canes to take on beautifully artistic shapes.

Walking Sticks

Walking sticks tend to be much more personalized. You could literally walk into the woods and find a stick that speaks to you and use it as a mobility aid. Walking sticks you find in stores, though, tend to be highly polished and ergonomically designed.

Useful Features

One useful feature you will find on some walking canes is a fold-out seat. This will allow you to walk longer distances knowing that when you need to take a break, you will have a chair at the ready.

Different Grips

Everyone has a different anatomy, and thus, everyone will grip their mobility aid in a slightly different way. A ball handle grip might be preferred by some, and completely intolerable for others. The same can be said for a hook grip and any other handle shape.

Walking with a cane can give you more stability and confidence to tackle everyday tasks. From moving around the house to taking a walk in the park, walking canes are a safe, simple, and functional way to help you get around.

About 4.8 million Americans (70% of mobility device users) walk with a cane, making canes the most widely used mobility devices in the United States. Custom walking canes have countless uses that enhance safety and mobility, but it can be difficult to determine whether or not you actually need one. If you're not sure whether or not you need mobility assistance with a walking cane, it's important to ask yourself some questions to gain some insight. Here are just a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not you could benefit from a cane for walking.

Can you normally walk without pain on a day-to-day basis?

First and foremost, you need to consider the amount of pain you feel while walking, if any. It's normal to feel pain or have difficulty walking after certain short-term injuries, but if you suffer from pain while walking for another reason, a walking cane may certainly ease this pain and make it more comfortable for you to walk. For example, more than one-fifth (22.3%) of cane users cite osteoarthritis as the main cause of their limited mobility. Evaluating your typical pain level is essential to determining your potential benefits from a walking cane, but keep in mind that it isn't the only indicator of limited mobility.

Do you ever feel unbalanced or unstable while walking?

Even if you don't experience everyday pain, you may still benefit from the use of a cane. Dizziness is also a common cause of falls and injuries in the elderly: two of the most common causes of falls in the elderly are unsteadiness or dizziness when standing up or walking. If you ever feel unsafe or at risk of injury while walking due to dizziness, custom walking canes can maximize both your safety and mobility.

Do you have difficulty going up and down stairs?

If you ever struggle to get up or down stairs, even if they're not a full staircase, you'll definitely benefit from a walking cane, which will help to evenly distribute your weight and provide additional comfort and support. Even if you don't have stairs in your home, it may be useful to use a walking cane when going out in public.

Ultimately, understanding the mobility issues that warrant the need for a cane or walking stick is the best way to make a well-informed decision regarding your accessibility needs.

One of the leading causes of emergency room visits is accidental falls in the elderly population. Every 11 seconds, a senior citizen is treated for injuries sustained in a fall at hospitals nationwide. The most common way to prevent falls like this happening to you is by using an assistive walking device. Canes are quite useful but don't think that they can't also be stylish. Here are some classy canes you can feel comfortable using away from home.

Brass Cane Handles

One way to keep it classy away from home is by purchasing a brass cane handle to attach to your favorite wood. They can be crafted into shapes like a cobra head, a lion, or a simple handle of your choosing.

Antiques

These can also be crafted into animal or object shapes, but are made from ivory, whalebone, or a number of other natural Scrimshaw materials.

Opera Style Handle

Instead of a curve, opera handles jut out from the shaft to make a perfect 'L' shape.

Rare Wood

White ash, genuine ebony, congo chestnut, and a number of other wooden canes are not only rare but striking as well. You'll be sure to turn heads with one of these canes.

Marble Swirl Handle

Made from acrylic to appear marbleized, these handles exude regality. Warning: people might mistake you for a king or queen.

Walking Sticks

Walking and hiking sticks are meant for, well, hikers. They might not be the most comfortable assistive device, but they conjure up wizardly imagery.

Nite Stick

This cane has a pristine shaft made from the wood of your choosing, topped with an orb-like handle made from pure ivory. This classy cane gives off a subtly mysterious energy to those taking notice.

If you are in need of an assistive walking device, worry not! The elegant cane options listed here are just the tip of the iceberg. There's a nearly endless number of combinations of handle shapes, sizes, materials, color, and the type of material used for the shaft. So kick off your shoes, and use you classy cane to hit the town.

For elderly individuals, more than half of all falls happen at home. As we age, balance and mobility can suffer. Worldwide, people depend on mobility devices like canes to get around. There are many different materials they can be made from. One such material is carbon fiber. Given its lightweight and high strength properties, carbon fiber is used to make many different products. Here are just a few.

Carbon Fiber Canes

If you need an assistive walking device occasionally, but not all the time, you could look into a carbon fiber folding cane. They can fold up to store for your convenience, and are lighter than wood.

Cars

Many car parts are made with carbon fiber to make them lighter without sacrificing strength and rigidity. First, we had wooden carriages pulled by a horse, then we had steel framed cars, then aluminum came into the mix, now carbon fiber is in the hot seat.

Helmets

For bike riders, race car drivers, and contact sports players, carbon fiber helmets are safe. They protect you while reducing the weight carried on your head.

Guitars

More and more musical instruments are being made with carbon fiber today. This is because they produce a surprisingly good sound, are more durable, and people like the aesthetic.

Wallet

Leather wallets wear over time. Carbon fiber wallets do not. They have the added benefit of blocking RFID signals on your credit card, preventing theft.

Rings

If you like the looks of carbon fiber, wearing rings made of it can be quite the statement.

Bikes

Entire bicycles are being made from carbon fiber today. They are largely for road races where bicyclists travel at rapid speeds for long distances.

Carbon fiber canes for better mobility, bikes, helmets, guitars, and all the other fantastic things made with carbon fiber are more durable, lighter, and aesthetic that many of the alternatives. The discovery of this material revolutionized almost every industry it has been used in. Mobility devices are just beginning to use carbon fiber, but it is catching on. When people have or companies have a need for a sturdy yet lightweight material in a product, carbon fiber is their new go to.

Each year in the United States, one in four elderly individuals falls down. This can cause hip fractures, sprained or broken wrists, and a number of other injuries that can make life difficult for older people. Canes or walking sticks have been the tried and true method of mobility assistance for most of human history, and it is no different today. Using canes for better mobility can improve your quality of life, and be a stylish alternative to other walking aides. Besides, there are many cool walking canes that have been used throughout history.

1. Sword

Canes can be supportive in many different ways. Some custom walking canes were used as a surrogate sword for civilians. Some canes were discreetly disguised as swords for those who might be in need of a protective weapon. Other 'swordsticks' were used offensively.

2. Club

Ostensibly a walking stick for those who traveled long distances, the club features an extended ball grip that was sometimes was hollowed out and filled with metal to increase weight. These clubs have been used in altercations both defensively and offensively.

3. Nordic Walking

This is an interesting approach to assistive walking, as it is the practice of using two ski poles, one in each hand, to hike. This provides a full body exercise for athletes, but has also been used as a mobility assistance technique.

4. Tippling Canes

Typically used to store alcohol, tippling canes have a hollowed out section in the handle and base of the cane that allows for discreetly hidden small items. This could be a spy message, a compass, or even candy. Of the many canes for sale, Tippling canes are certainly the most 'secret agent' kind.

5. Umbrella Cane

Who could forget the humble umbrella cane? If you're out for a nicely assisted walk and it starts to rain, you will stay dry. There are many umbrella canes for sale as they never fell out of favor like swords disguised as canes.

Most of the above aren't necessarily for better mobility, but to demonstrate that canes are not as boring as they might seem at first glance. There is a lot of fascinating history surrounding the fashion, the violent purposes, and the ingenuity surrounding canes.

Having a classy mobility device is important to many elderly individuals. Since 70% of mobility device users (4.8 million Americans) walk with a cane, the most widely used walking aids in the U.S., elderly individuals are spoiled for choice. You can find a cane with various types of handles, feet, materials, and shapes. Finding the right can can take some time. To start you on the right path, let's compare two materials.

Wooden Canes Vs. Carbon Fiber Canes

There are many different materials that can be used to make a cane. Two of the most common are carbon fiber and wood.

Wood: As a category for walking canes, you might think wood is a bit too broad. While it's true you can get many different types of wooden canes, this is a feature. Most high-quality finished wood has similar tactile feedback, and the ergonomics of the cane are determined more by the handle than anything else. The aesthetic, though, is where different wooden canes have the chance to shine.

You can look sleek and approachable with a nice cherry wood crook handle, or elegant and bespoke with an ebony palm grip. This is one of the biggest features of wooden canes. Customization is key and these classy canes can make a statement.

Carbon Fiber: As a material, carbon fiber is brilliant. It maintains extreme strength under pressure but is also incredibly lightweight. In fact, it's lighter than aluminum. This makes carbon fiber canes a top choice for part-time mobility device users. Lightness without sacrificing strength will give you the support you need without lugging around a heavy cane when you don't need it.

On top of that, many carbon fiber walking canes can fold up or telescope inward for easy storage. This makes it even more portable and compact than any wooden canes. That said, most of the time carbon fiber canes lack the aesthetic of, say, a Swedish birch.

In the end, both carbon fiber and wood have their place. If you prefer heft and visual appeal, there's a wooden cane for that. If you like compact and lightweight agility, you might like a carbon fiber cane. To learn more about various materials and find the right cane for you, contact us today.

The holidays are over and you’re probably left with some pretty cool gifts that your grand parents (or great grandparents) gave you. All you gave them was some cookies and a gift card, if that.

Your grandparents deserve so much more. So it’s time to give back and show your appreciation for all they have done for your entire family. Here are some excellent gifts for your elderly loved ones:

Elegant walking canes

It’s no secret that standing and walking becomes extremely difficult with age. In fact, there are roughly 6.8 million American senior citizens who currently use assistive devices like custom walking canes to aid their mobility. But most people won’t admit to needed mobility assistance until it’s too late. Rather than waiting too long, purchase some elegant walking canes for your grandparents to enjoy. Not only are these stylish canes visually appealing, they will help your grandparents as they move throughout the day and limit their chances of falling over.

Help them setup social media accounts

Your grandparents (or great grandparents) probably aren’t too concerned with social media, primarily because they don’t understand it all that well. If you help them set up these accounts, however, and show them how easy it is for them to stay in touch with their family and some of their old friends, they will be ecstatic. You don’t have to show them all the fancy features on these sites or show them how to do everything, but simply showing them how to check in on their grandkids and look at family pictures will be wonderful.

Take them to a museum of their choice

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for instance, is great for senior citizens who were big music fans in their day. Giving your grandparents a trip to the Rock Hall will not only allow you to bond together, but will give them a chance to look back on decades of musical wonder that they most likely haven’t thought about in years.

Give your grandparents something a little nicer than the occasional phone call this year. If you want to find elegant walking canes or other mobility assistance products, contact the House of Canes today.

Although 10.2% of Americans over the age of 65 use canes for stability, there are people of all ages who rely on these mobility aids to maintain their balance and allow them to get from point A to point B. But for those who have just received their custom walking canes and are about to use them for the first time, learning how to use them properly can be a bit intimidating. To help ease your anxieties, we've put together five tips for using wooden canes that first-timers should keep in mind.

1. Keep your eyes up

It's only natural for new cane users to look down at their custom walking canes as they move. After all, it's an unfamiliar sensation and takes some getting used to. But you'll adjust much more quickly if you keep your eyes straight ahead, rather than on the ground underneath you. Using a cane will start to feel natural before you know it and you won't run the risk of running into people or objects you miss by looking down.

2. Stay close

If you've never used a cane before, you might have a tendency to move it too far out in front of you when you walk. As a general rule, you should keep your cane close to your body. When you move forward, your cane should travel the distance of an average step with you. If you feel like you're constantly trying to catch up to your cane or that it's dragging behind you, you're not moving it at a proper distance. Your weight should come straight down on the cane, rather than on the end of the handle. This will ensure you're safe and that your cane will stay in good working order.

3. Watch out for bad weather

Ice and snow can be dangerous even for seasoned cane users. While a cane will certainly provide better stability than you'd otherwise have, you'll need to exercise caution when using a cane in wet or otherwise treacherous conditions. You should avoid traveling on wet floors or driveways covered with snow and ice, even with a cane. However, you can equip your cane with ice tips for outdoor use. Always be careful on steps and curbs in inclement weather and clean off your cane's rubber tips to prevent slips and falls.

4. Favor your good side

A lot of first-time users are under the impression that their cane should be used on their weaker side to compensate. Actually, your cane should go in the hand that's on your stronger side. This shifts your body weight to the stronger part of your body but still gives support to your weaker side. Your cane and weaker side should move together (to share the load, so to speak), but your cane should reside on your stronger side.

5. Remember "up with the good and down with the bad"

There's a mantra that you might want to remember when you climb stairs: up with the good, down with the bad. When you're climbing up a flight of stairs, your "good" (or strong) leg should move first. Then, your affected leg and cane should follow together. But when you go down stairs, your "bad" side should lead -- first with the cane, then with the weaker leg (not simultaneous). This will make the process much more streamlined and safe.

We hope these tips will help keep you safe, comfortable, and confident when using your custom walking canes for the first time. Now, all you'll have to do is pick the cane that works best for your needs and implement these tips when you use it! Contact us today to get started.

Did you know that two of the most common reasons elderly people fall are dizziness or unsteadiness when standing or walking? As you age, your balancing abilities and hand-eye coordination skills age with you. There are numerous reasons for this, but in order to stay steady on your feet, you might need some support. A cane for walking is a great way to increase stability. Even young people use walking sticks while hiking for extra balance.

If you're looking for distinguished walking canes for sale this winter, here are three of our favorite options:

Canes for Better Mobility

Nobody should feel limited by their balance. Canes and walking sticks are a time-tested solution for mobility issues and are still used today due to their efficacy and sturdiness. So, what are some examples of excellent canes?

Crook Handle

This is what you would think of as a classic and simple cane. The 'U' shaped shepherd's handle fits your hand nicely, while also giving you the added functionality of hooking around objects that might be out of reach.

Blackthorn Walking Stick

Walking sticks might not have a handle per say, but some do. One type of walking stick grip is at the top where the wood is rounded out into a sphere. Another way walking sticks are made is with a strap or lanyard-like loop of fabric that you put your hand through, gripping the stick by its length. These grips might only provide a small amount of stability, but they sure are stylish.

Folding Canes

These are particularly useful if you don't require a cane at all times. Collapsible, telescopic, and folding canes all make for quick space saving options for car rides or for whenever you get tired of walking with a cane in your hand. Folding canes give you the option to have help balancing when you need it without a bulky cane taking up space.

Whichever type of cane for walking you like, it is a good investment in your safety and continued mobility. There are so many other stunningly aesthetic cane options. Anything from brass handles to wizard-like staffs, you are spoiled for choice. If you're interested in a classic cane to help with walking, check out our inventory and find the highest quality materials and most classy looks that appeal to you.

If you feel like you would benefit from a mobility assistance device, you are far from alone. In fact, approximately 6.8 million people in the United States utilize assistive devices to aid their mobility. One of the most popular, compact, and aesthetic options available is a cane. When deciding between walking canes, you should decide what specific features you need and desire.

Types of Canes

1. Walking canes are what people think of when they picture this classy, regal walking device. These are the best canes for stability that are subtle but effective. When looking at walking canes, you will have plenty of options to choose from.
2. Cane handles come in many shapes. The crook cane is the traditional upside down ‘U’ shape which provides ample hand space and allows you to use your cane to hook around things. The straight handle cane meets with the shaft of the cane at a 90-degree angle. This cane handle will reduce stress to the hand with extended use. An offset handle allows for better weight distribution and is shaped like a question mark. Ball handles are often the most aesthetic option as they feature a sphere sitting atop the body of the cane, which offers a number of opportunities for customization. These are not the most comfortable for everyone, however, so understand what you want most from your cane before considering these.
3. Cane handle materials range from foam to to gemstones. The most common grip materials you’ll find are wood, gel, foam, brass, and custom formed handles to fit the user's hand. Brass cane handles are durable and classy, while gel and custom grips will be much more comfortable.
4. Cane materials refer to the materials of the body of the cane. Though they are typically a hardwood that’s been polished, there are also options in aluminum, bone, or even carbon fiber.
5. Folding canes are especially helpful if you're more active. They fold away for when you are on an adventure or if you need to store them in an out of the way place.
6. Quad canes have four tips at the bottom. This adds to stability and acts as a middle ground between canes and walkers.
7. Canes with seats rovide a ready-made fold out chair for you if you need to sit down. This is an awesome way to continue being active while bringing a chair with you wherever you go.
8. Sword canes are few and far between, but they exist. The handle of a sword cane pulls out and reveals that the cane itself is hollow, and the cane handle is actually the handle of a sword. Pair this with brass cane handles and you'll have a deadly aesthetic walking device. Be careful with this one!

No matter which kind of cane you want or need, there are options that cater to your unique needs and taste. From brass cane handles to swords in disguise, the cane market is filled with intriguing and artistic walking assistance devices that can keep you on your feet.

Canes and walking sticks can be incredibly classy. Whether you're using a blackthorn walking stick or a horse head cane, you can be sure your mobility device is more than a device, but also a fashion statement.

However, it's essential to consider the functionality of your cane before you look for elegant walking canes to suit your lively or swanky personality. After all, wooden canes are meant to improve mobility.

Measure yourself for a cane before your purchase

Mobility devices are used by approximately 40% of the American population aged 85 and over. They're also used for those who are younger who need the additional support to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

For proper mobility, the cane needs to be able to fit your body. Many canes can be adjusted to fit your height, but if you decide to purchase a wooden cane it's important to know your measurements.

Wear your regular walking shoes when you're measured and then stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. A second person, possibly your tailor or a relative, should measure the exact distance between the floor and the joint of your wrist. This will ensure that your cane provides the best possible mobility.

Know how to properly use a walking cane

When you were a child, you may have used the cane of one of your grandparents to waddle around the living room for fun. But odds are you weren't using the cane correctly back then since it wasn't built for your short stature.

To properly use a cane to improve mobility, follow these steps:

1. Place your cane or walking stick on the side of your body that works the best. This will help the side of your body that needs assistance moving or has trouble supporting your weight.
2. Move your weaker leg forward at the same time you move the cane forward while supporting your weight on the cane as necessary. However, the cane is meant to assist your balance, not to take your full weight.
3. When walking on level surfaces, always place your weight on your weaker leg first with the assistance of the cane.
4. Your cane should move at the exact speed and distance as the supported foot or leg. It should never be too far ahead of you or too far behind.

This is the typical way to walk with a cane. However, talk to your doctor or physical therapist for more information on the best technique for your own mobility.