DaiWalk — Fit Guide
How to measure for a walking cane.
Two minutes. One measurement. The difference between a cane that works and one that wears you down.
Section 01
Why Cane Height Is the Only Variable That Matters
A walking cane is not a passive object — it is a mechanical extension of your body. Used at the wrong height, it adds strain rather than removes it. Used correctly, it redistributes load, restores balance, and becomes invisible in your movement.
Most people who find canes uncomfortable are using one set at the wrong height. Not the wrong brand. Not the wrong handle. The wrong height.
A correctly fitted cane reduces the load on an affected joint with every step.
The wrist crease method takes under two minutes and requires no specialist equipment.
DaiWalk evaluated over 70 handle shapes before the Original 1.0™ geometry was finalised.
The rule of posture. A cane set too high forces the shoulder upward and strains the wrist. A cane set too low causes you to lean forward, compressing the lower back. Only the correct height allows your arm to absorb weight as it does when you walk unsupported.
Section 02
How to Measure: Three Steps
You need: a flat floor, the shoes you wear most often, and a tape measure. If measuring alone, a wall and a pencil work just as well.
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01
Stand in your normal footwear
Put on the shoes you wear daily. Heel height changes the result — measuring barefoot when you normally wear a raised sole will give you an incorrect measurement. Stand on a flat, hard surface rather than carpet.
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02
Let your arm hang naturally
Stand straight, relax your shoulders, and let both arms fall loosely at your sides. Do not reach downward or hold your arm stiffly. The goal is to capture the position your arm naturally falls into during walking — this is the only baseline that matters.
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03
Measure to your wrist crease
Measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist — the line where your hand meets your wrist. This number, in centimetres or inches, is your cane height. If measuring alone: mark the wrist crease height on a wall with a pencil, then measure from the floor to that mark.
The elbow check. Once you have your cane, hold the handle and stand naturally. Your elbow should rest at a 15–20° bend — relaxed, not stretched, not sharply bent. If your shoulder rises at all, the cane is too tall. If you lean forward, it is too short.
DaiWalk Tool
Cane Length Calculator
Find your perfect cane length in seconds.
Your Height
Enter as feet inches (4'0" – 7'0")
Section 04
Height Reference Chart
Use the table below as a starting point. Body proportions vary — your wrist crease measurement always takes priority over this chart.
| Person's height | Cane height (cm) | Cane height (inches) | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 152 cm (5'0") | 68–72 cm | 27–28½ in | Petite |
| 152–160 cm (5'0"–5'3") | 72–76 cm | 28½–30 in | Short |
| 160–168 cm (5'3"–5'6") | 76–80 cm | 30–31½ in | Average |
| 168–178 cm (5'6"–5'10") | 80–86 cm | 31½–34 in | Standard |
| 178–188 cm (5'10"–6'2") | 86–92 cm | 34–36 in | Tall |
| Over 188 cm (6'2"+) | 92+ cm | 36+ in | Extended — adjustable recommended |
Adjustable vs. fixed
Which construction is right for you?
Fixed-height canes like the DaiWalk Original 1.0™ offer a cleaner silhouette, no mechanical weak points, and a one-piece rigidity that adjustable models cannot fully replicate. Adjustable canes work well if you are still finding your ideal height or sharing with a partner.
- Adjustable — flexible, practical for first-time buyers or shared use
- Fixed — stronger, cleaner, the right long-term choice once you know your measurement
- Between sizes? Choose shorter for weight-bearing, taller for balance support
Section 05
Fine-Tuning After You Measure
Your wrist crease measurement is the correct baseline. There are circumstances where a small adjustment improves the result.
Some users prefer the handle 1–2 cm higher for a lighter, guiding grip. This shifts the feel from load-bearing to positional support. Try both settings during a short walk before deciding.
Stay precisely at the wrist crease measurement, or 1 cm below, for maximum load transfer. Any higher and the mechanical advantage of the cane is reduced.
Consult your physiotherapist — the recommended height may change as your gait improves during recovery. An adjustable cane is practical during this period so you can update the setting as needed.
On cobblestones, slopes, or grass, a setting 1 cm lower than your standard measurement improves stability. On uneven terrain, a lower centre of gravity makes the cane more responsive.
Section 06
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Stand next to a wall and mark the height of your wrist crease with a pencil while your arm hangs naturally. Then measure from the floor to that mark. The result is accurate enough for ordering online.
Always measure in the footwear you wear most frequently. Barefoot measurement is only appropriate if you use the cane primarily at home without shoes.
Choose the shorter size for weight-bearing use and the taller size for balance support. If unsure, the DaiWalk team can help you decide based on your specific use case.
The method is the same for any handle. However, grip position varies slightly by handle type. With DaiWalk's contoured handle, the hand rests slightly differently than with a flat T-bar — always verify comfort by walking 20 steps after setting your height.
Re-measure if your footwear changes significantly, if your posture changes due to treatment or recovery, or if a physiotherapist adjusts your gait. For most people, one accurate measurement remains valid for years.
Yes. Set the height to each person's wrist crease measurement and lock it before use. Fixed-height canes are designed for one person and should not be shared without modification.
Find your size. Walk with confidence.
Designed in London. Produced in Ukraine. Built for daily life.
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