When someone says a cane feels wrong — wrist aches, shoulder hikes up, posture tilts — the cane usually isn't the problem. The height is. A well-made cane at the wrong length is still the wrong cane. Here's how to get it right.
The wrist method
Stand naturally in the shoes you actually wear, arms relaxed at your sides. The top of the cane should reach the crease of your wrist. That's it — that's the whole method. At that height, your elbow bends slightly (around 15 to 20 degrees) when you hold the grip, which is where your arm carries weight comfortably.
If you're buying for someone else
You can't exactly ask someone to stand against a wall without ruining the surprise. Two options:
Ask their height. A rough starting rule: a comfortable cane length is about half the person's height, give or take an inch. It's an estimate, not a guarantee, but it gets you close.
Measure a cane they already use. If they have one — even a pharmacy one they hate — its length is the single most reliable measurement you can get.
What we ship, and what to do if you need another length
Every Walt Cane ships at a 37-inch standard length, which suits most adults.
If you need it shorter, the shaft can be cut down once the cane arrives. That part is done on your end: we ship at the standard length and don't cut to order. Any hardware store or woodworking shop can trim a cane and refit the rubber tip in a few minutes, and it costs very little. Measure twice before you cut, because a cane that has been shortened can no longer be returned.
If you need it taller, write to us before you order. Canes over 37 inches are made as custom orders, which means an additional cost and a lead time of about four weeks. Tell us the height you need and we'll quote it.
A note if the cane is medical
If the cane is for recovery, balance, or an ongoing condition, a physical therapist can fine-tune fit in a few minutes and it's worth doing — the right height matters more when you're actually leaning on it.
Still unsure?
Send us a message through the contact page with the wearer's height and we'll help you pick. It's a two-minute conversation that saves a return.