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Home Mobility
Best Glides And Wheels For Walkers
Updated:
Jul 16, 2022
Best Glides And Wheels For Walkers
Whether you are completing household chores or spending time out with the family, having a walker enhances safety and mobility. Glides for walkers help seniors to increase their independence because their walker will be easier to maneuver.
Learning more about the different options ensures that you make the right choices. We strive to simplify the process by providing details on five glides and wheels for walkers.
How We Found the Best Glides and Wheels for Walkers
19 Products Considered
6 Hours of Research
5 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks
Products carousel
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BEST TENNIS BALL
RMS Walker Glide Balls – A Set of 2 Balls with Precut Opening for Easy Installation
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BEST SNEAKER GLIDES
Sneaker Walker Glides for 1″ Walker Tubes – Pink – 1 Pair
Glides And Wheels For Walkers We Reviewed:
- Best Glides And Wheels For Walkers
- RMS Walker Glide Balls
- Sneaker Walker Glides For One-Inch Walker Tubes
- HealthSmart Walker Ski Glides
- Walker Coasters
Best Overall
NOVA Medical Products Walker Glide Skis, Universal Fit, One Pair, Gray
Features and Specifications
- NO MORE TENNIS BALLS! Get Walker Skis! The ideal folding walker glide option for indoor and outdoor surfaces. Safe for wood floors and easy to clean.
Pros
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Ideal for those who are looking to move their walker faster
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Installs easily, even for those with limited upper body strength
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Glides easily on most surface types
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They do not “chatter” like the round feet that are typically on walkers
Cons
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The material covering the screw may wear prematurely, causing floor scratches
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They may wear down too quickly with regular use on pavement
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The walker may slide too much
The NOVA Medical Products Walker Glide Skis allow those with mild to moderate mobility issues to move faster when they are using their walker. These are not ideal for severe mobility restrictions due to the glide freedom they offer.
These skis offer greater stability to reduce fall risk when you are using your walker. The nylon material allows you to use them on almost all surfaces. You can place them on all walker types with the right leg diameter without using tools.
You do not have to remove the tips to clean them, making them ideal for seniors who cannot bend over easily for cleaning. They also do not collect ground germs or dirt.
Our Verdict
They attach to most walkers and glide over multiple surfaces.
Best Tennis Ball
RMS Walker Glide Balls – A Set of 2 Balls with Precut Opening for Easy Installation, Fit Most Walkers (Grey),2 Count (Pack of 1)
Features and Specifications
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: A set of 2 balls.
- READY TO USE: Pre-cut opening makes it easy to put onto walkers. Just slip the walker balls on and go. No tools required!
- PROTECT FLOORS: Recommended for indoor use to protect floors from being scratched and scuffed by walkers.
- GLIDE SMOOTHLY & QUIETLY: Our walker balls were designed to glide smoothly and quietly across most surfaces, allowing you to discreetly move around.
- FITS MOST WALKERS: The RMS Walker Balls fit most walkers with standard 1 inch tubing.
Pros
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There are two balls per pack
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The balls are pre-cut to reduce the risk of injury when placing them on a walker
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They glide smoothly for optimal mobility on most surface types
Cons
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These wear down faster on pavement
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You may need to extend the opening to fit larger walker legs
The RMS Walker Glide Balls allow seniors to glide across indoor surfaces faster and easier. They are not overly slick, providing stability when you are using your walker. You can place these balls on all four walker legs without making the walker slide too easily.
These balls will not scuff wood floors even when you are using your walker to maintain more than half of your body weight. They speed up movement on most indoor floor surfaces but may get stuck on the pavement and similar outdoor surfaces.
Installation requires you to squeeze the balls. Those with limited hand strength or arthritis may need help securing the balls firmly to the legs of their walker. However, they remain in place once they are on your walker.
Our Verdict
They are easy to install, pre-cut and slide smoothly.
Features and Specifications
- UNIQUE DESIGN makes people smile
- UNIVERSAL MECHANISM for 1″ (inside diameter) walker tubes
- EASY TO INSTALL and remove by hand – no tools needed
- GREAT COLORS – which is you favorite?
- THE PERFECT GIFT!
Pros
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You can clean them without removing them
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You can install them without tools
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The bottom is slippery, allowing for faster movement
Cons
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The tip of the glides may get caught on doorways or thresholds
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They may wear down prematurely when you use them on outside surfaces often
The Sneaker Walker Glides for One-Inch Walker Tubes come in three colors for walker personalization. The attachment mechanism is flexible, so they slide into place inside the bottom of the walker legs with little effort. They work to replace the original walker feet and will not go over them.
These glides are best for indoor surfaces. However, on thick carpeting, they may catch on the fibers, inhibiting mobility. On outside surfaces, they allow for smooth movement as long as the surface is not overly porous or bumpy.
These glides are ideal for seniors with varying mobility needs. They allow you to move faster, but for those with significant mobility problems, they also provide stability to prevent your walker from sliding out from under you.
Our Verdict
They install without tools and are adjustable.
Best Plastic
DMI Walker Skis Glides for Enhanced Safety and Stability, Replaces Tennis Balls for Walkers
Features and Specifications
- EASY GLIDE: Works on carpet, hard floor, grass and concrete
- FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) ELIGIBLE
- THOUGHTFUL DESIGN eliminates the need to lift the walker and reduces the friction rubber tips create. Walker ski glides provide a much smoother glide than walker tennis balls and the low profile neutral aesthetic of the walker skis is preferred over the…
- PRODUCT DETAILS: Made in the USA of high-density plastic. Fits walker legs with a 7/8 and 1 inch inside diameter. Recommended for the back legs of the walker and can be used in combination with front wheels or rubber tips. Overall size of each glide…
- EASY INSTALL: Use Phillips head screwdriver to tighten once on walker
Pros
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These are FSA-eligible for seniors
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They glide smoothly on most indoor floor surfaces
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A single screw tightens them, making installation easy
Cons
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The glides may loosen with regular use
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They may wear unevenly
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They may catch on dense carpet fibers
The HealthSmart Walker Ski Glides install quickly using a Phillips head screwdriver. Seniors with arthritis or hand weakness may need assistance to ensure the screw that locks the glides into place is secure.
These glides work for indoor and outdoor surfaces. You can combine them with rubber tips or wheels on the front walker legs.
Seniors will not have to lift their walker when going across low doorways or thresholds, providing safety when walking. They also reduce the friction of any rubber tips on the front of the walker. This feature ensures easier use for those with limited upper body strength.
The skis glide smoothly, allowing you to make turns without having to lift your walker or make frequent angle adjustment as you walk.
Our Verdict
They move across multiple surface types and reduce friction.
Features and Specifications
- Glide over floors and sidewalks
- Bright colors are easy to see
- Smooth and durable plastic
- No tools needed to install
- Great alternative to tennis balls on tips
Pros
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They pop into place without tools
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The bright color makes them easy to see at night
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They remain tightly in place even in cold temperatures due to the O-ring
Cons
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These glides may catch on grass or dense carpeting
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The bottom may be too slick for seniors with a significant mobility impairment
Walker Coasters are ideal for seniors with mild to moderate mobility impairment. They may be too slick for those who require significant stability.
They have a footpad design, so they can work with all walker types, and even replace wheels. You can use these in outdoor areas that have cracks and bumps without the coasters getting stuck on these. They also glide over indoor thresholds and doorways.
These coasters are ideal for seniors who are unable to clean their walker feet frequently since they resist dirt and germs. They also dry quickly when using them on wet surfaces, reducing the risk of falling due to a slippery surface.
This type of caster does not turn sideways as you are using your walker. They slide in all directions, allowing for easier movement without interruptions.
Our Verdict
Glides over multiple surfaces and will not get caught on thresholds or in doorways.
What to Consider When Buying Glides for Walkers
Picking the right glides or wheels for walkers is vital to ensure optimal mobility. There are several factors for seniors to consider so that they pick the right product.
Walker And Environment Details
It is imperative that you know the details of your walker. Measure the diameter of the legs to ensure that your chosen wheels or glides will fit.
Consider your overall strength. If your current walker cannot afford any additional weight, you will want to seek out wheels and glides that are lightweight so that they do not inhibit your mobility.
You should also consider the places where you will use your walker. For example, if you use it a lot at home and you have carpeting, your glide or wheel has to work on this flooring surface.
Types Of Glides For Walkers
Glides allow you to push your walker around with limited effort. This ability can enhance your mobility so that you have greater independence.
Tennis Ball Glides
These glides resemble tennis balls, and they typically last longer compared to plastic guides. When exploring your options, make sure to determine if the tennis ball is pre-cut. If it is not, this will require some hand strength and steadiness to make the proper cuts.
Sneaker Glides
This type of glide looks like a sneaker, so you can personalize your walker. They typically install without any tools, so you will not have to worry about hand strength to put them into place. They usually glide over most surface types.
Plastic Glides
This type of glide is typically very lightweight, making it a good choice for seniors with limited strength. The tips generally are a rubber material, so you will not have to deal with friction or your walker getting caught on surfaces as you move around.
Types Of Wheels For Walkers
Having wheels on your walker can help you to move faster on a variety of surfaces. It is essential to choose the right wheel type and number of wheels to get the most independence when you are using your walker.
Wheel Count
Wheels range in count and size. You may consider adding wheels only to the front of your walker to enhance mobility without causing your walker to move too much. However, on certain surfaces, such as dense carpeting, having wheels on all four legs may allow for easier pushing of your walker.
Three wheels may allow for a tighter turning radius, making this option a good choice for smaller spaces. However, four wheels usually make your walker more stable.
Rubber Wheels
Rubber wheels offer more grip on surfaces, especially those that are slippery. They may also better absorb shock when you are using your walker on uneven or bumpy surfaces. They will roll across carpeting, but they might not be as efficient on carpeting as plastic wheels.
Swivel Wheels
Swivel wheels on a walker allow for limited movement restrictions. You can turn your walker easier, even when corners are tight. You can also back up and move forward while making directional changes easier.
This type of wheel usually has a locking mechanism. This lock is often a small latch on the wheels, so you will need to be able to use your feet to engage and disengage the locks.
Summary
There is a lot of information to consider to ensure that you choose the best wheels or glides for your walker. Think about your walker and your mobility needs, the products here and your preferences to discover which option is best for you.
We feel the NOVA Glide Skis are a great overall option due to the overall ease of use and overall stability they provide.
When it comes to adding glides or wheels to a walker, the goal should be to find a set that is safe and sturdy to ensure the overall safety of the senior using them. We feel confident in each of the products we’ve reviewed and hope you’ll now be able to pinpoint the ideal set for you or the senior in your life.
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