A folding cane breaks down into three or four sections and collapses to about a third of its length. You get the same support as a rigid cane when it is open, and a cane that fits in a bag, a glove box or beside a restaurant chair when it is closed.
When a folding cane is the right choice
Pick a folding cane if you do not need the cane the whole time you are out. Travelers, people who drive, and anyone who sits down for long stretches get the most out of one. If you lean on a cane continuously from the moment you stand up, a rigid single piece cane is usually steadier and lighter.
What to check before you buy
- Folded length. This decides whether it fits where you want to put it. Most models here fold to between 11 and 14 inches.
- Height adjustment. Push button adjustment lets you set the handle to your wrist crease. Look for the adjustment range, not just the maximum height.
- Grip. Gel and foam grips spread pressure across the palm. They matter more the longer you hold the cane.
- Standing base. Some folding canes have a pivoting foot that lets the cane stand on its own, so you do not have to bend down to pick it up.
- Weight capacity. Folding canes here run from 250 to 300 lbs. A folding joint is a joint, so stay inside the rating.
Cane seats
Some models in this collection open into a small tripod seat and close into a cane. They are useful for queues, galleries and anywhere seating is unreliable. Check the seat to floor height as well as the cane height, because the two are set separately.