A walking stick is only as safe as its weakest component. Most people never think about this until something gives.
The foot
The rubber ferrule at the base of the stick is its only contact point with the ground. A worn or low-quality foot becomes slippery on smooth surfaces. Polished floors, wet tiles or stone paths are a hazard and can cause a poor quality foot to pivot under pressure rather than gripping.
What to look for in a safe walking stick: natural rubber, sufficient thickness to absorb some shock, and a flat contact profile that does not rock. The foot on the ooak Uno is natural rubber. Check it every few months and replace it when it wears smooth. This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix, and one of the highest-impact safety habits you can build.
The handle
A handle that puts your wrist in a poor position creates strain over time and can reduce grip strength, making the stick less secure when you need it most. A T-bar handle, the most common type on inexpensive sticks, requires your wrist to rotate outward to grip it.
An angled or ergonomic handle keeps your wrist in a neutral position. The ooak Uno uses an angled handle specifically to reduce wrist strain during extended daily use.
The height
An incorrectly set height is a safety issue, not just a comfort one. A stick set too low forces you to lean forward, shifting your centre of gravity. Too tall and you are pulling upward rather than pressing down, reducing the support the stick can provide.
Correct height: the top of the stick should sit at the crease of your wrist when you are standing normally in your usual shoes, arm relaxed at your side.
Weight capacity
Most walking sticks have a stated weight limit. Exceeding it can cause the stick to flex unpredictably. Check the specification before purchase if this is relevant. We make sure our sticks go through rigorous strength testing before they get to you for this reason.
Regular checks
The safest walking stick is one that is checked regularly. Every week or so, look at the foot for wear, confirm the height is set correctly, and make sure any components are secure. Thirty seconds is enough. Do it every time to make sure your stick is staying in top condition.
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