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Walking Guide

Welcome to the Fashionable Canes blog, your go-to resource for everything walking canes. From handle types and height adjustments to style guides for mens canes and womens walking canes, our articles are written to help you walk with more comfort, confidence, and personality. Whether you're buying your first cane or adding to a collection, you'll find practical advice and inspiration here.

Walking Guide

Discover the Top 5 Cities for a Walking Tour

Discover the Top 5 Cities for a Walking Tour

Are you ready to step up your vacation plans? Experienced travelers know that walking through the streets of a city is one of the best ways to learn about both…View Post

How to Choose the Right Cane for You

How to Choose the Right Cane for You

Have you looked at canes lately? Stylishly designed, contemporary canes are a far cry from antiquated notions of what defines a cane. In short, they are not your grandfather's cane.…View Post

Looking Good With a Cane

Looking Good With a Cane

"“If I have to use a cane, I might as well look great doing it!â€Â_x009d_ You know one of the reasons that I love doing what I do is that…View Post

Walking Canes are Stylish - Fashionable Canes

Walking Canes are Stylish

You know one of the reasons that I love doing what I do is that it give me the ability to help people feel great about the way they look!…View Post

Don't Forget your Cane Tips

Don't Forget your Cane Tips

Have you ever taken a look at the different accessories we have to offer as an add-on for your cane? There are a lot of different things that you can…View Post

Carbon Fiber - The Latest in Lightweight Cane Fashion Technology

Carbon Fiber - The Latest in Lightweight Cane Fashion Technology

What do canes and high performance race cars have in common? Carbon fiber. This super strong, yet super light material has become the building material of the future. Used in…View Post

Interesting History on Shillelaghs and Blackthorn Wood - Fashionable Canes

Interesting History on Shillelaghs and Blackthorn Wood

Hello there from cane world! Just popping in to give everyone some really interesting history that I have found on Shillelaghs and Blackthorn wood. A really beautiful product with a rich history! You may have seen our great selection of Shillalagh and Blackthorn and wondered about their origins. Blackthorn is a large bush that grows in the British Isles. The twisted, thorny, dark colored limbs have been used for defense, called Shillelaghs, for centuries. Blackthorn is a very resilient wood that is naturally resistant to warping which made it a perfect material to be made into a fighting stick. “Oh! An Irishman’s heart is as stout as a shillelagh, it beats with delight to chase sorrow and woe; When the piper plays up, then it dances gaily, and thumps with a whack to leather a foe.” -Unknown The Irish fighting stick of choice would be made from oak, blackthorn, ash or holly and would be known by the name bata which in Gaelic means Fighting stick. The rise in popularity of the bata is believed to be from the time when the Irish and the Scottish were not allowed to legally carry fighting sticks for self-defense. Men started training with their bata at an early age, and to be given one was considered a rite of passage into manhood. It was a common sight to see men practicing with them. They would hold the bata in the middle of the stick and snap it out with the wrist. Anthony Bluett wrote in his book, “Things Irish”, that there is actually no tradition of the Shillelagh in Ireland. What we think of as an Irish Shillelagh actually started as a tradition in 19th century London. An English writer was the first person who coined the phrase Shillelagh, which eventually became synonymous for any Irish walking stick. The term Shillelagh is pronounced – “shahll-Ay-luh” but people most commonly pronounce it as “sha-lay-lee”. The name comes from the Shillelagh Forest in County Wicklow. They were traditionally prepared by smearing the stick with butter or peat and placing in the chimney to cure, the bark was left on for added toughness and the handle was sanded down. Folklorist Padraic Colum has said that the “Shillelagh should not be considered a symbol of Ireland but a badge of honor for those who carried it”. Come join us at Fashionable Canes to view our selection of authentic Blackthorn Shillelaghs! Grab a piece of Tradition and style. https://fashionablecanes.com/collections/blackthorn-with-cane-handles/

Exclusive Royal Canes Shoe Horns - Fashionable Canes

Exclusive Royal Canes Shoe Horns

The alarm clock goes off and it’s time to get up to start your day. As you go through your usual routine, you notice your fingers straining trying to slip on one of your shoes before heading out the door. The back of your favorite loafers are starting to show signs of the wear and tear from struggling to get your shoes on over the last few months. Why not quickly slip your shoes on and get out the door to have more time to get errands finished or not being late to work. Assume you put your shoes on once every day and it takes a few minutes with struggling. This is the equivalent of spending over 18 hours a year just putting your shoes on. Now, take a moment to imagine not having to use the back of your thumb any more to force your shoe into to place over your foot. With the use of one of our high-quality shoe horns made exclusively by Royal Canes, you can save that time and keep your shoes looking unhindered. Our selection of shoe horns consists of designs of animals, golf putters and a multi-purpose back scratchers. They are crafted with the user in mind including an extra-long handle to reduce the amount of bending and straining. Which Shoe Horns are recommended? 1. Red Ash Shoe Horn with Back Scratcher The Shoe Spoon and Back Scratcher are made from Genuine Brass The Handle is made from Red-Stained Ash Wood The Back Scratcher can be used and is not just for decorative purposes As one of our most popular shoe horns, this product is on sale at 25% off for a limited time. Click Here to Visit our Truly Unique Red Ash Shoe Horn w/ Back Scratcher 2. Golf Putter Shoe Horn w/Gold Plated Fittings The Shoe Spoon and Ornament are made from a High-Quality ABS Resin The Handle is a Turned & Hand-Crafted Wood The Collars (fittings) are made from 18K Gold-Plated Only a Limited Supply Remains. Once Sold out, it is Gone Forever. Made in Italy Click Here to Visit our Amazing Golf Putter Shoe Horn 3. Dog Shoe Horn w/Gold Plated Fittings The Shoe Spoon and Ornament are made from a High-Quality ABS Resin The Handle is a Turned & Hand-Crafted Wood The Collars (fittings) are made from 18K Gold-Plated Only a Limited Supply Remains. Once Sold out, it is Gone Forever. Made in Italy Click Here to Visit our Exquisite Dog Shoe Horn How Long are our Shoe Horns? Most of our brass-ornament shoe horns measure in 24.5 inches with the spoon being 5.25 inches, the wooden handle at 16 inches and the ornament at 3.25 inches. The decorative ornament length can vary dependent on which model you choose. Our shoe horns that are made in Italy with a hand-carved wooden turned shaft are shorter than the brass-ornament shoe horns. These typically measure around 19 inches with the spoon being 5.33 inches, the ABS Resin handle at 10.5 inches and the ornament at 3.25 inches. Just like before, the length of the ornament can vary dependent on the model you select. How do I use a Shoe Horn? 1. While standing or sitting in a upright position, place the shoe spoon in the counter of your shoe (a.k.a the back of your shoe). 2. Next, insert the tip of your foot into the shoe and gently rest your foot against the smooth surface of the shoe spoon. 3. At this point, you simply push down with the heel of your foot and your foot with naturally glide into the shoe. 4. Finally, remove the shoe horn from your hand and you are ready to go. You may end up using more of the shoe horn inside your shoe depending in how deep your shoe is and how tight the shoe is before using the shoe horn. The advantage of a extra-long shoe horn reduces the amount of bending over that is required for proper use. Personally, we still believe sitting in a upright position while using your shoe horn is the easiest way to get your shoes on. Now that you have a great overall picture in the proper use and ideas of our best sellers, you may want to browse our entire selection of shoe horns. With the holidays coming up, we normally sell out of our brass-ornament shoe horns. Therefore, you may want to order early to avoid the Christmas rush. Alright, I’m Ready to Browse all Royal Canes Shoe Horn Selection

Madonna at 2014 Grammys with Crystal Ball Cane - Fashionable Canes

Madonna at 2014 Grammys with Crystal Ball Cane

Not only did Madonna appear on the red carpet in a black suit with a black shaft, formal women’s cane, but for her performance, she wore a Ralph Lauren Collection off-white silk-cotton-sateen three-piece tuxedo with a white cotton floral-embroidered tie. Of course, the most notable accessory was her beautiful crystal ball cane, which featured a silver collar and white shaft. Madonna’s taste in attire has always led the way for others to know what is and what is not in style in today’s fast-paced world of fashion. Her outfit, gorgeous smile and amazing voice completes the package of what so many of us admire. Read more

Christmas Gift Cane Ideas for Men and Women

Christmas Gift Cane Ideas for Men and Women

Review of Gift Ideas for Her Yes, the holiday season is upon on us and you are looking for some great Christmas gift ideas. Specifically, we will be pointing you…View Post

Walking Sticks for Exercise

Walking Sticks for Exercise

These days, “working out” often means scrolling and typing on a screen—hardly the kind of movement our bodies long for. But what happened to the joy of a long walk or an invigorating hike? As I sit here tapping away, I can’t help but feel the irony. Let’s change that together. Hiking lets us soak in nature’s beauty while building true endurance, and before you head out onto unfamiliar or rugged trails, a sturdy, quality walking stick will be your best companion. Read more

Able Tripod Base

Able Tripod Base

Any cane user can attest to how annoying it is having to constantly pick up your cane when it falls or having to find a place to hang it where it…View Post

Father's Day 2013 - Fashionable Canes

Father's Day 2013

With father’s day just around the corner it’s the perfect time to order dad a new walking cane. Whether he needs an upgrade, another unique item for his collection, or is just starting to need a cane, we will have just what you are looking for. Walking canes make the perfect gift that will give both you and your father piece of mind. Walking canes aren’t all about stability though. With exciting new styles and genuine exotic woods, many users find themselves as collectors before long. When choosing a cane this father’s day you’ll want to consider a few things. First, what type of handle will be best for dad? Here is a quick reference in case you’re not familiar with what’s available. Our website is set up to make finding what you need a breeze. Simply click on ‘Handle Style’ at the top right corner of our website and select the handle type of choice. Once you’ve selected the handle type you can use the left hand column of our website to further refine your search with categories like color, price and material. Be sure to check out our custom engravings as well. Not only do engraved canes carry more sentimental value, but they are more likely to be returned when misplaced.

How to choose a cane handle - Fashionable Canes

How to Choose a Cane Handle

With so many styles available today, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the correct type of cane handle. There are many things to consider including what hand you use your cane in, how often you use your cane, specific concerns you might have with comfort and even the location in which you live can play an important role in how you choose the perfect handle. First, you’ll want to decided which hand you will use your cane in. In most cases, a cane is used on the opposite hand of an ailment. For example, if your right hip causes you a problem you would likely use the cane in your left hand. Of course, everyone is different and it is always best to seek guidance from your doctor before deciding. In most cases, you’ll be able to switch hands if necessary, but some handles are hand specific so it’s important to consider this before ordering. Handles such as the Palm Grip and Ergonomic styles are specific to only one hand. The second specification you’ll want to consider is the material of the handle. Perhaps you prefer a handle with cushion, like our offset handles. Handles come in everything from foam to metal. Most commonly, you’ll find a wooden handle. Wooden handles are strong, durable and great for both hot and cold weather. Metal handles, such as chrome, brass and silver are another popular option among cane users. When considering a metal handle it’s good to keep in mind the climate in your area as your metal handle will likely be colder to the touch in the winter and in turn, hotter in the summer months. Here is a helpful guide on selecting the handle that will work best for you.

Plan Ahead and Save - Fashionable Canes

Plan Ahead and Save

Next time you make a cane purchase plan ahead and add some tips! You'll save money and time on shipping when you're ready for a new one. Not sure which… View Post

Downton Abbey Walking Canes - Popular with the Ladies - Fashionable Canes

Downton Abbey Walking Canes - Popular with the Ladies

Cool canes are popping up all over the place lately and for good reason. Canes are becoming a sought after fashion accessory as well as a great way to aide… View Post

Walking Canes; A Gothic Tradition - Fashionable Canes

Walking Canes; A Gothic Tradition

In The Wolfman, the 1941 black and white film, the tragic protagonist is undone when he gives his friend a silver-headed walking cane. In the final scene, the Wolfman is… View Post

New Silver Walking Canes - Fashionable Canes

New Silver Walking Canes

FashionableCanes.com is thrilled to introduce a new line of silver walking canes that have just been added to our selection. These new pieces are not silver-plated, or nickel-silver alloy, but… View Post

Dark Shadows Cane - Fashionable Canes

Dark Shadows Cane

With the release of the 2012 film Dark Shadows, it's difficult for us not to remember the long and storied history of the character Barnabas Collins, and of course, his… View Post

Bamboo Walking Canes - Fashionable Canes

Bamboo Walking Canes

This genuine Bamboo Walking Cane is a replica of the cane used by Charlie Chaplin As a sustainable material, bamboo is raising in popularity for building all sorts of consumable goods, furthermore, it is being seen more and more often as a lumber of choice for a variety of building materials in homes, places of businesses and more. It grows quickly, reseeds after harvesting, can be shaped into most any design while still alive, is wonderfully hard when dried, and has a lovely, deep brown color when left in its natural state. It even accepts stains well, since it is a porous lumber that soaks up moisture. Its natural properties make it an often used wood in hardwood floors, decorative supports and even as roofing tiles in places where the climate will not be too overly rough on it. The walking cane industry has been employing bamboo since men and women first realized the benefits of a walking stick. When harvested from a relatively young plant, it is practically the perfect width, and proper treatment allows it to be bent and crafted into the perfect shape for a walking cane handle. As it absorbs moisture so readily, it is a wonderful material to use in warm, we climates, and its rigidity and stiffness when dried makes it perfect for use in winter months when the air is particularly dry. It naturally dries to a beautiful wood tone, but it can also be treated to accept beautiful stains. The distinctive shape and contours of bamboo make it distinguishable, and a favorite of cane collectors, while the near-ancient tradition make it a staple in every day use. No matter which way you look at it, there is practically nothing bad to be said about a bamboo cane! FashionableCanes.com offers a variety of bamboo canes. From beautiful walking canes that feature the look of bamboo to the real thing, we have something to suit any collector or cane user. We even have a distinctive, one-of-a-kind green bamboo cane, specially treated right after it is harvested in order to maintain its natural, green hue. Visit us today and take a look for yourself. If you have any suggestions to further expand our selection of bamboo walking canes, please don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our Facebook page!

Chestnut Wood Walking Canes

Chestnut Wood Walking Canes

Chestnut as a construction material is highly sought after because it can be stained and treated to almost any color or shade. Even when left in its “natural” state, it…View Post

Cherry Wood Walking Canes

Cherry Wood Walking Canes

Cherry wood is a strong, beautiful hardwood with a fine grain and a distinctive reddish tint that every wood enthusiast loves. It is a wonderful product for constructing a walking…View Post

Oak Wood Walking Canes - Fashionable Canes

Oak Wood Walking Canes

In the world of walking cane construction, a few things are revered: strength, resilience, weight, ability to turn on a lathe or other woodworker's machine, color, grain patterns and what… View Post

Ebony Wood Walking Canes - Fashionable Canes

Ebony Wood Walking Canes

No matter how abundantly this black wood is used, there is not actually a single source of ebony wood, no tree easily identifiable as the “ebony” species. Instead, this lovely,… View Post