Walking Aids

The Fear of Falling is real!

Choose a walking aid that fits you AND your lifestyle.

To help maintain your mobility, independence and safety, we carry a curated selection of “Doug-Tested” & “Doug-Approved” walking aids. They have been selected with user safety and ease of use in mind.

  • Canes
  • Walkers
  • Rollators
  • Stand Assists

What Is a Cane and Who Is It Best For?

A cane provides support on one side of the body. Canes can improve standing tolerance and gait by off-loading a weak or painful limb, but they’re also the least stable of common assistive devices and require enough balance, upper-body strength, and dexterity to use safely.

A cane is often recommended for:

  • Mild balance issues
  • Arthritis in one hip or knee
  • Occasional unsteadiness
  • Minor weakness on one side

Why people like canes:

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Often easier on stairs than larger devices (with proper technique and a handrail)
  • Simple to transport in a vehicle
  • Helpful for short distances when only mild support is needed

Key Limitation: A cane offers limited stability. Clinicians note that the wrong device, or incorrect use, can contribute to falls.

When to Use a Cane

A cane is often appropriate when you need mild support, you can still walk independently, and you don’t need frequent rest breaks.

What Is a Walker and Who Is It Best For?

A walker provides a larger base of support than a cane and is commonly recommended for people with poor balance or bilateral (both-sided) lower-limb weakness.

Walkers can support more weight than a cane, and some walkers can support up to about 50% of your body weight, while a cane may support up to about 25%.

  • A walker may be a good fit if you:
    Feel unsteady on both sides
  • Need more stability than a cane provides
  • Are recovering from illness/surgery or have generalized weakness
  • Want the most stable option (especially indoors)

Types of Walkers

  • Standard walker (no wheels): the most stable, but it needs to be lifted forward with each step.
  • Two-wheel rolling walker: easier to maneuver and more functional than a standard walker, but slightly less stable.

What Is a Rollator and Who Is It Best For?

A rollator is a four-wheeled walker with hand brakes and typically a built-in seat for rest breaks.

Rollators are often best for higher-functioning individuals who don’t need weight-bearing support but do need help with balance and endurance (like taking breaks due to fatigue or shortness of breath).

A rollator is commonly recommended for:

  • Ongoing balance challenges (more than “mild,” but not so severe that the wheels become unsafe)
  • Fatigue while walking or needing safe rest breaks
  • Shortness of breath with exertion (when the seat helps you pace yourself)

Benefits of a rollator:

  • Easier, smoother movement than lifting a standard walker
  • A seat and basket can help reduce carrying items while walking (carrying items can affect balance and visibility) AND provide a seat to rest when needed.

Important Safety Note:

Rollators are considered a less stable type of walker for certain individuals because they can roll away if brakes aren’t engaged. They require reliable brake use and enough hand strength/coordination to control them safely.

1. Choose the Right Type of Device

  • Standard Walker (No wheels): Offers the highest stability and full-body weight support. You must lift it with each step. Best for severe balance problems, post-surgery recovery, or when you need to put heavy weight on your arms. 
  • Two-Wheel Walker: Has front wheels and rubber tips or slides on the back legs. Offers good balance and lets you maintain a more natural walking pace than a standard walker. Best for indoor and outdoor use if you need moderate support. 
  • Four-Wheel Rollator: Features four wheels, hand-operated brakes, and a built-in seat. It does not support full body weight. Best for people with adequate standing balance and hand strength who need endurance help or rest breaks during longer outings. 
  • Three-Wheel Rollator: NOT Recommended due to potential instability

2. Key Considerations

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor Use:
    • For tight indoor spaces or narrow bathroom doors, measure your home's doorways and hallway widths before choosing a walking aid.
    • For outdoor use and rough terrain, look for larger wheels (8–10 inches) for improved stability and smoother rolling over uneven ground.
  • Weight Capacity:
    • Standard models typically support up to 300–350 pounds.
    • Heavy-duty or bariatric models can support up to 500 pounds and are generally wider and sturdier. Always ensure the user's weight is comfortably within the manufacturer's stated weight limit.
  • Portability and Weight of the Unit:
    • Check the frame's weight if you need to lift it into a car trunk or carry it up stairs.
    • Most rollators and walkers fold for easier transport. Many Doug-Approved walking aids are also lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Brakes and Hand Strength:
    • Rollators require sufficient hand strength and coordination to operate their hand brakes and parking brakes safely.
    • If grip strength or coordination is a concern, a traditional non-wheeled walker may be a safer option. Consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure which type is appropriate.
  • Seat Considerations:
    • Rollators with built-in seats can be a convenient option for users who need to stop and rest while walking.
    • Many models also include storage beneath the seat or an attached bag for carrying personal belongings.

3. How to Fit the Height Correctly

We've all seen cane, walker, and rollator users hunched over and looking down instead of looking ahead. This posture can strain your body and compromise your safety while walking. Make sure your mobility device is properly fitted to your height and needs.

  • Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging naturally at your sides.
  • Adjust the height of the handgrips so they align with your wrist creases when your arms are relaxed.
  • When gripping the handles, keep your elbows slightly bent at approximately 15–20 degrees.
  • Stand close to your walker or rollator, maintain an upright posture, keep your head up, and look ahead as you walk.

In other words, stand as upright as comfortably possible and stay close to your walker or rollator. When properly adjusted, your device should allow you to stand tall, keep your head up, and look where you're going.

Need help? Feel free to ask us for assistance with properly adjusting your mobility device.

Tips

  • Park the seat: Always lock the brakes or park a rollator against a solid wall before sitting down.
  • Keep It Clean: Many of us “live” with our devices 8, 12, 16 or more hours per day. Our mobility device is with us in the bathroom, when we’re cooking in the kitchen or when we’re eating... virtually everywhere we live our life.  We recommend wiping it down with a damp cloth AND wiping touchpoints (grips, brake handles and seat) with a disinfectant wipe as well (Clorox, Purel, etc.).
  • Keep it adjusted:  Occasionally, check for loose bolts, worn wheels, properly operating brakes, etc. OR... bring it in to our shop and let us do it for you!

STAY SAFE!