ATcare is working with FlexyFoot to provide consumer trials during the development of the FlexyFoot ferrule.  The FlexyFoot product is an innovative new ferrule that has been designed to provide improved shock absorption, rotation and grip at any angle, to benefit users of all types of walking equipment.

For more details, see the ATcare website: http://www.atcare.co.uk

FlexyFoot has been nominated as Finalist in the enABLE awards 2009 in the category of "Best Mobility Product".

Visit the enABLE website at www.enableawards.co.uk for more information!

FlexyFoot was at Naidex 2010 in Birmingham from 20th - 22nd April.

Check out the Naidex website - http://www.naidex.co.uk/

A full report will appear here shortly!

FlexyFoot was invented by inventor David Goodwin for his elderly mother who was having problems using her new walking stick.

He set out to use his skills and solve the problems she was facing, namely, soreness in her wrists due to the constant jarring, limited maneuverability when the stick was in contact with the ground and poor grip, especially on slippery surfaces.

The result is a completely new design for the walking stick ferrule.

What is the walking stick ferrule?

This is the rubber bit that goes on the bottom of a walking stick, crutch or cane. Some people call them rubber tips, rubber stoppers, cane tips, stick tips or ferrules. Whatever you call them, they are there to help the walking stick grip when it is in contact with the ground.

The new FlexyFoot design achieves this and much more! FlexyFoot can be used to:

• Reduce the jarring involved when placing the walking stick on the ground by absorbing the impact and  thereby improving comfort and reducing soreness in the hands and wrists

• Improve the grip and, therefore, the stability of the walking stick, especially on uneven surfaces and when using it in the rain (i.e. slippery surfaces)

• Enable easy attachment and detachment of the ferrule to/from the walking stick itself (so it doesn't need to be cut off with a knife!)

The final design of the new FlexyFoot invention achieves all of these goals and can be easily used on walking sticks, walking canes and even on crutches!

FlexyFoot is currently undergoing consumer trials and it is anticipated that it will be launched in the 2nd Half of 2009.

For more information, please visit FlexyFoot Walking Stick Ferrules and sign up to receive more information.

Walking sticks and canes come in a variety of styles and designs.  When most people think of a cane, their first thought is most likely to be the traditional C Cane, which is shaped like a candy cane.  The same is probably true of the walking stick—which people think of a long piece of wood, and is used most often by hikers. While individual styles may vary, there are, in essence, four main component parts to every walking cane or walking stick. These are: the handle, the collar, the shaft and the tip or ferrule (sometimes called rubber feet). Below is a brief description of each piece. THE HANDLE: There are many different styles and materials that can be used to make the handle.  They can be very ornate and carved from ivory, wood, gold, silver, and many other types of precious materials.  There are also a few varieties of handles, such as the Derby, the Fritz, or the most common which is the Tourist, or “crook” handles.  The choice is definitely up to the buyer and what they feel most comfortable holding onto. THE COLLAR: The collar is just what the name describes.  It is a disk or a band of metal that is wrapped around the cane or walking stick, which attaches the handle to the shaft of the walking stick or cane. THE SHAFT: This is the sturdiest and straightest part of the walking stick, made from wood, metal, bamboo, horn or bone.  Since this is the sturdiest part of the cane or walking stick, this is one of the main reasons why it is important to purchase a stick that is within your weight range.  This is particularly important if the stick will be used for balance and mobility. THE TIP/FERRULE: This is the very end of the cane and can be made from different materials such as copper, metal or rubber. It usually slips over the bottom of the cane. Having a ferrule on your cane or walking stick helps to protect the end of it from regular wear and tear and can also help with grip. While the copper or metal tips were once used most often, the rubber tip is now preferred by most users.  This is because rubber costs less, can be easily replaced, and provides a non-skid bottom which is very beneficial when it is wet or snowy. More recently, new types of ferrules are being brought to market by companies such as FlexyFoot Ltd. which has designed a walking stick ferrule that increases grip, is easy to attach to and detach from the stick and which also has the added benefit of cushioning the impact each time the user places the stick in contact with the ground - this can help to reduce the stress on the joints of the arms.