I’ve Been Using Stylish ‘Cool Crutch’ Walking Sticks for 3 Years - They’re Stylish, Comfortable, and Worth It

Why these are my go to, the cost and features, plus who this brand’s walking sticks are good for

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I have four walking sticks, pictured, from Cool Crutches and rate them 5/5 stars for their ergonomic handles, durable but light materials and crucially, the dozens of designs (and custom graphics) you can choose from so your mobility aid doesn’t look like a hospital-issue medical device. Photo: Living In Pain

Our Rating: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ for Comfort, Style, Durability and Value

Like it or not, walking sticks have long carried unfair stigma and, from some quarters, judgment. Whatever your age, you may feel, as I did, that the grey medical walking sticks and crutches that are often issued from hospitals feel grim to use and are not all that comfortable. They might cause blisters on your palms or achy elbows and wrists.

If you are Living In Pain like me, your mobility aids should be as easy to customise and feel as ‘you’ as your shoes, handbag or glasses. That’s why my four colourful and glittering walking sticks from independently-run and female-founded Cool Crutches have proven transformative in giving me independence and easier moments on my feet without negative emotions about the look making the day harder than it needs to be.

Use our LIVINGINPAIN discount code for 10% off when you shop direct.

✦ What It Is

• Ergonomic, customisable, practical walking sticks (also available in single or pairs of crutches) bought online, and delivered quickly straight to your door.

• From Cool Crutches, an independent mobility aid company, founded by Amelia Peckham, a woman in the UK with mobility needs, who really understands where comfort, functionality and style meet. She became disabled in adulthood and couldn’t find a walking aid that fit her needs or made her feel confident to use daily, so she created her own. And after using them myself for three years, I can confirm they are excellent on all fronts.

✦ Why We Love It

• Comfort: The wide, ergonomic, neoprene-cushioned non-slip handle is super comfortable and doesn’t hurt my wrist or forearm, despite this being one of my problematic pain areas, even if I use it all day or many days in a row. It’s also lightweight despite being incredibly strong, thanks to its materials.

• Style: It doesn’t look like a medical device. Much like a handbag or a pair of shoes, you can pick a wrap that suits your sense of style, or upload your own custom graphics. It also doesn’t click and clack like a standard NHS walking stick, with its lightweight but durable aluminium frame and components supporting movement without audible noise.

• Quality: I’ve had four crutches (sparkling gold, rainbow, blue marble and 3D graphite black) from Cool Crutches, which I bought at full price direct from the company for my personal use, for the last three years. The graphics have not faded, peeled, or cracked despite being thrown in and out of the car and coming with me on busy days out. There is only one side of marks on my rainbow one, and that was scratched from something metal in the boot of my car. The wrist straps haven’t snapped or stretched, and the excellent shock-absorbing rubber ferrule on the bottom hasn’t lost its structure, worn out or fallen off.

• Easy Adjustments: The height is easy to adjust with a pull-out toggle-stop that allows you to make the crutch shorter or longer. The toggle can be pulled out (it’s a bit stiff and snug to stop it from randomly popping out, but even with my weak wrists and finger pain, I can independently put them in and out with ease), so you can easily adjust on the go in about 2-3cm increments (about an inch). I have found this to be exceptionally useful for having my mobility aid still be comfortable if I change from my supportive high-top platform Converse trainers to pumps, Crocs and more.

✦ Best to Know

• Cost: These walking sticks start at £65, and pairs of crutches start at £155. They are not cheap, but now having owned three for a few years and used them daily, I can confirm they are worth the spend and extremely comfortable and durable. It’s been liberating having walking sticks that feel like a reflection of my personal style rather than looking like a medical device. They’re also great quality. Plus, they typically are delivered within a few days of purchasing (custom designs will take longer).

• Discounts: The brand runs regular sales, with notices on their social media, as well as money off via newsletters and on their website. There is also a discount for disabled patrons, so if you’re eligible, fill out the VAT write-off to claim yours.

✦ Who It’s Best For

• Those who need a mobility aid to walk or stay steady on their feet.

• Those with chronic hip, knee or ankle pain

• Those who have needed an aid for a while but hate how standard or hospital -issued ones look

• Those who value customisation, comfort and quality in their mobility aids

✦ Where to Buy

👉 Shop at Cool Crutches, direct. As part of the Living In Pain community, enjoy a 10% discount with our code link: LIVINGINPAIN.

✦ Other Related Items I Find Helpful for My Walking Aids

• Bendy ties: A three-pack of Walking Stick Holder ties, available from Amazon, to wrap around a chair or other surface to stop your walking aid from clattering to the ground when you’re sitting down. If I had thought of this myself, I’d be straight in Dragaon’s Den with it, it’s that useful!

• An umbrella holder: I have a pretty rattan one from Dunelm to stop my walking sticks from falling over in our small entryway.

Next, learn about the three mobility aids that actually help me every day.