Using a walking or hiking stick, as opposed to a walking cane with handle, is very subjective — it's really what feels good to you. Some very simple guidelines, however, might be helpful.

•  First, realize that a walking or hiking stick is moved with your wrist. In order to move it easily, your forearm needs to bend upwards from your elbow, at least slightly.
  
  
• For walking on flat surfaces, you could bend it up a couple of inches.
  
  
• If you are hiking in the hills, the top of the stick probably needs to come up near to the top of your shoulder, which means you should grip the stick between 2" to 4" below the top of your shoulder. Having a longer stick should help when hiking, especially when you are descending.

Sizing a Walking Cane

If the cane you like is too tall, you can cut it down to fit your height. May we suggest the following procedure:

•  Remove the rubber ferrule (tip) from the cane. If it is tight...a squirt of WD-40 works wonders; twist the tip off, rather than pulling it straight off.
  
  
• It takes two people to "fit" a cane. The cane user should be wearing their usual walking shoes, stand at attention, arms hanging at their side with the normal bend at their elbow.
  
  
• The second person places the cane with the handle down on the ground against the side that the person will be using the cane on. The shaft is marked where it touches the bottom crease of the user's wrist. The cane should be cut off, very straight, 1/2" above that mark towards the handle and then replace the ferrule.