Walking Stick, Cane & Staff Sizing Guide

A walking stick, cane or staff that's the right height is more comfortable, safer, and easier to carry all day. Here's how to find your size, whether you're choosing one at one of our shows or ordering a custom piece.

Canes

A cane is for support, so the fit matters most.

• Stand up straight in the shoes you usually wear, with your arms relaxed at your sides.
• Measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist. That's your cane height.
• Holding the cane, your elbow should bend slightly, about 15–20 degrees.
• Hold the cane in the hand opposite your weaker or injured leg, and move it forward together with that leg.

If you were fitted for a cane by a doctor or physical therapist, use the height they gave you.

Walking sticks and hiking sticks

For walking and hiking, the stick should reach about elbow height. When you hold it with the tip on the ground, your forearm should be roughly level with the ground (a 90-degree bend at the elbow). On hilly trails a slightly shorter grip helps going uphill and a longer one going down, so many hikers simply hold the stick a little lower or higher.

Staffs

A staff is held higher and is as much about presence as support. Most people choose a staff that reaches somewhere between their shoulder and the top of their head. A classic wizard's staff often stands a little taller than its owner. Taller staffs look dramatic at the faire but are heavier to carry all day.

Wands

Many people choose a wand about the length of their forearm, from wrist to elbow, which usually means somewhere between 10 and 15 inches. Beyond that, pick the one that feels right in your hand.

Quick height chart

Use this as a starting point. Measuring yourself as described above is always more accurate.

Your height	Cane	Walking stick	Staff
5′0″	about 30″	about 41″	49–60″
5′4″	about 32″	about 43″	52–64″
5′8″	about 34″	about 46″	56–68″
6′0″	about 36″	about 49″	59–72″
6′4″	about 38″	about 52″	62–76″

Choosing a wood

• For daily support (canes and walking sticks you'll lean on), choose a strong, dense hardwood such as hickory, ash, oak, hard maple or ipe.
• For carrying all day (long staffs and hiking sticks), a lighter but still strong wood keeps your arm from tiring.
• For display, gifts and wands, you can choose purely on looks, color, figure, or folklore.

Browse our Wood Types guide to compare colors, hardness, and the traditions behind each wood.

Caring for your piece

• Wipe it clean with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Don't soak it or leave it standing in water.
• Avoid leaving it in a hot car or in direct sun for long periods, which can dry out the wood and dull the finish.
• Every so often, a light coat of furniture wax or wood oil keeps the finish looking fresh.
• If your cane or walking stick has a rubber tip, check it now and then and replace it when it wears smooth.