Have you every heard of the term "ferrule" before? Not many people have - it is usually referred to as a "tip", "cap" or "rubber stopper" and is the brass or rubber bit that covers the bottom of your walking stick or cane! Broadly speaking, a ferrule is a type of metal or rubber object that is used in fastening or joining and which can also aid in reinforcement. They normally are circular shaped metal (e.g. brass) rings – although they can also be made of plastic or rubber. Ferrules are commonly used on the end of a walking cane or walking stick. Traditionally, they have mainly served the purpose of protecting the wood or metal of the walking stick from wearing away from the constant, repetitive contact with the ground, but they also serve a purpose in protecting the end of the cane or walking stick from mud, ice, water etc. This is especially necessary for wooden walking sticks and canes as water could infiltrate the wood and weaken the walking stick - even causing it to break or split in extreme cases... so the ferrule is a very important part of your cane and you should make sure you change it regularly. If you can see the wood or metal of the cane, then it's time to replace it. Brass and Rubber ferrules have traditionally been used on the bottom of walking sticks, but newer ferrules have recently started to come to the market, like FlexyFoot! FlexyFoot is a direct replacement for your old brass or rubber ferrule and brings many additional benefits, such as absorbing the shock of impact from constantly placing the stick into contact with the ground (reduces stress on your wrists and arms) and offering superior grip on slippery surfaces and increasing your range of movement. To learn more about FlexyFoot, click on this link: FlexyFoot Walking Stick Ferrules