Quick answer: measure the outside diameter of the bottom of the cane, crutch or walker leg. Then buy the rubber tip with the same inside diameter (ID). A 7/8" tube takes a 7/8" ID tip, and a 1" tube takes a 1" ID tip. That one measurement is all most people need. The rest of this guide covers how to measure accurately, what to do between sizes, and how to fit the new tip.
This guide covers how the rubber tip fits. It is not medical advice. Ask your healthcare provider or therapist if you are unsure which mobility aid is right for you.
How to measure for a replacement rubber tip
- Pull the old tip off. Twist while you pull. If it is stuck, a little warm water around the rim helps.
- Measure across the end of the tube, about an inch up from the bottom, where the tip actually grips. Calipers give the most accurate reading. A ruler held flat across the widest point works too.
- Convert to the nearest fraction. Metric reading? Use the fraction, decimal and mm converter. For example, 22.2mm is 7/8" and 25.4mm is 1".
- Check every leg. On a walker or quad cane, measure each leg that takes a tip, and order one tip per leg.
- Is the tube square? Round tips won't fit square tubing. For a 1" square leg, use the 1" square rubber leg cap.
Don't size from the outside of the old rubber tip. The wall thickness makes it read larger than the tube it fits.
Rubber tip size chart
All our cane, crutch and walker tips push on by hand. Inside depth is how far the tube goes into the tip. Overall height is the full height of the tip.
| Tip inside diameter | Inside depth | Overall height | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | 7/8" | 1-1/8" | View tip |
| 1/2" | 1" | 1-1/4" | View tip |
| 5/8" | 1-1/8" | 1-3/8" | View tip (currently sold out) |
| 3/4" | 1-1/4" | 1-3/4" | View tip (currently sold out) |
| 7/8" | 1-1/2" | 1-7/8" | View tip (currently sold out) |
| 1" | 1-1/2" | 1-7/8" | View tip |
| 1-1/8" | 1-3/8" | 1-7/8" | View tip |
| 1-1/4" | 1-3/8" | 1-7/8" | View tip |
See every size in one place in rubber tips for crutches, canes and walkers.
Between two sizes?
- Tube slightly smaller than a tip ID (for example, 15/16" against a 1" tip): the tip can twist or pull off. Choose the next size down if the tube is closer to it, and press firmly.
- Tube slightly larger than a tip ID: rubber stretches a little, so a tip that is a fraction under the tube size usually goes on with some effort. Warming the tip in hot tap water for a minute makes it easier.
- Exactly on a size: order that size. It should take a firm push and sit tight against the end of the tube.
Cane tips vs crutch tips vs walker tips
The fit works the same way for all three: a rubber cup pushes over the end of a round tube. What changes is the tube diameter, so a "cane tip" and a "crutch tip" with the same inside diameter fit the same tube. Walking sticks, trekking-style poles and many folding canes often have narrower tubes, so measure rather than assume. On walkers, tips usually go on the legs without wheels.
When to replace a rubber tip
- The tread on the bottom is worn smooth or shiny.
- The rubber is cracked, split or hard.
- Metal shows through, or you can feel the tube end through the bottom.
- The tip slides on smooth or wet floors where it used to grip.
- The tip spins or slips on the tube.
Tips wear unevenly with use, so many people keep a spare set on hand and replace all of them at the same time.
How to fit the new tip
- Wipe the tube end clean and dry.
- Line the tip up straight and push it on with a twisting motion.
- Press the cane or leg down on the floor so the tube seats fully at the bottom of the tip.
- Check that it doesn't rotate or pull off by hand. If it does, you need the next size down.
Other uses for the same tips
The same push-on tips fit chairs, stools, tables and step ladders with round legs of the same diameter. For metal furniture, see our guide to rubber chair leg caps.
FAQ
What size rubber tip fits my cane?
There is no single standard size, so measure the outside diameter of the cane's tube and match it to the tip's inside diameter. We stock inside diameters from 3/8" to 1-1/4".
Is a crutch tip the same as a cane tip?
If the inside diameter is the same, yes. The tip fits the tube diameter, not a particular type of mobility aid.
What size tip do I need for a walker?
Measure the walker's leg tube the same way and match it to the tip ID. Our 1", 1-1/8" and 1-1/4" tips are the larger sizes in the range.
The new tip is loose. What should I do?
Go down one size. A tip that spins or pulls off by hand is too large for the tube.
Can I buy tips in bulk for a clinic or facility?
Yes. Tips are sold individually, so order the exact number you need. Buying for a shop or a production run? Bulk tier pricing applies per item from 50 pieces (50+ 10% off, 500+ 20%, 1,000+ 30%, 2,500+ 40%, 5,000+ 50%). Orders ship from Elgin, SC, usually within 24 hours.
