I understand about canes! Even my doctor stares at me.

Once I had a flare in my left foot, and used a cane for about a month. During that time I was called to jury duty, (my second time) and every single trial rejected me! The defense stared at my cane....and none of them wanted me!

I use a hiking pole now for stability. Since I don't need to put WEIGHT significantly on a cane or the pole, it works really well for me. These are the telescoping aluminum variety sold for hiking. I purchased an inexpensive one at Dunham's and it has lasted me 3 yrs! People don't stare at me the same way. I use it going up and down stairs and outside when I am working on my garden. (it helps me bend over and get back up etc too.) and walking long distances.

With time the rubber tip wears out and I had to replace it. Moosejaw had Leki pole tips and they fit my pole too, and are working better in fact.

Hubby thinks this pole is rather cool, and believes that people don't stare because of the "fashion" factor! He thinks I look rather cosmpolitan with it!