We have reviewed the best walker glides for use on concrete surfaces. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top 10.
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Coping with change can be tough, especially when you are aging! One of the most common fears that elders face is the fear of losing balance when they are walking. Like tripping on a rug or even slipping on a wet floor. Falls can be dangerous. As we grow older our bones reduce in size and become weak and fragile.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention[1], falls are the major reason for death due to injury among adults aged 65 and older. So how do we enhance safety and mobility for our loved ones?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Here are the top 6 best walker glides for concrete surfaces that will help you make up your mind!
Our Best Choice – NOVA Medical Walker Glide
The NOVA Medical Products Walker Glide Skis, Universal Fit, One Pair, Gray, 2 Count (Pack of 1) is our top choice for best walker glides for concrete, because of the following reasons:
- Good for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
- Boosts the mobility on even wooden and wet floors.
- Walker glide are long-lasting, tough, and resistant.
- The material that’s used in the making is a special engineered Thermoplastic Polyoxymethylene (POM) tailored in a way that ensures maximum stability.
Best Walker Glides For Concrete
#1 NOVA Medical Walker Glide
NOVA Medical Walker Glide is a product that will make your life a whole lot easier than it already is. They are durable, light, smooth, and comfortable.
They install easily on the back legs and let the walker to walk smoothly on any kind of surface with ease.
These high-quality glides last much longer than tennis balls and are quite reliable in comparison to other alternatives.
It does not collect any dirt from the surface and is safe to use anywhere, anytime. The product is super easy to install. All you need to install them is to take the rubber tip and attach it with the walker and you are all good to go!
The video below shows features of NOVA Medical Products Skis Walker Glide and how to assemble it.
Pros
- A good option for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
- Boosts the mobility on even wooden and wet floors.
- It can fit into any walker and models with 1 1/8” tube shaft diameter.
- Walker glide skis are long-lasting, tough, and resistant.
- The material that’s used in the making is a special engineered Thermoplastic Polyoxymethylene (POM) tailored in a way that ensures maximum stability.
Cons
- The outer material of the screw can cause damage to laminate flooring.
- There’s a chance that the walker may glide.
You might also like to read: Alternative To Tennis Balls On A Walker
#2 Vive Ski Walker Glides
People with moderate mobility issues will find a great option in Vive Ski Walker Glides when they are using their walkers. With its curved tips and covers, these glides offer a great amount of stability and reduce the risk of tripping down.
It can easily fit into any kind of walker style. These skis provide additional safety and protection against any sort of damage to the floor when navigating from indoor to outdoor.
Vive walker ski glides are well built and heavyweight. It is extremely easy to install with just a Philips ScrewDriver. You get a separate manual along with this to assist you with step by step information on how to install it.
Pros
- Provides excellent stability and support.
- Can fit into any style of the walker.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Crafted with strong and durable material.
- Comes with 60 days unconditional guarantee.
- It comes with curved tips and velour covers that protect from any sort of damages.
Cons
- Not ideal for people who have severe mobility restrictions.
- Glide covers aren’t fabricated to be anti-slip.
#3 RMS Walker Glide Skis
Royal Medical Solutions, a bunch of health professionals, have uniquely designed the walker glide skis for the betterment of the older adults.
Unlike other options, these coaster skis are specially crafted for outdoor use only. It does heavy-duty and moves smoothly on concrete pavements and sidewalks and other rough surfaces.
The curved tip helps in escaping door jams, rugs, and moving from tiles to the carpet. It helps in avoiding the risk of falling and is a universal fit for all the walkers. A standard Philip’s screwdriver is all you need for the installation.
Pros
- Smooth finish for scratchless use.
- Quick and easy installation.
- Highly recommended for outdoor usage, can be used indoors too.
- Suitable for all sorts of walkers with a post diameter between 1″ to 1 1/8″ tubing diameter.
Cons
- Can be too small on some of the walkers
- Highly recommended for outdoor use only.
You might also like to read: Best Walking Aids for Elderly
#4 Carex Walker Auto Glides
Walker glides with an auto brake? Yes, Carex provides a unique feature that includes an auto brake which can be pushed downwards to activate the brake as and when needed.
These glides are designed and tested in a way that can be used on several surfaces including laminate floors.
Whether you have long term mobility issues or even if you are old and need some assistance, Carex Walker Glides are the best match for your walkers.
The product is made up of long-wearing composite rubber that is known for its reliability and durability. It works with 4 leg walkers and consists of rollers. It is important to examine the wear and tear of the roller.
All in all, Carex stands out for auto-brake safety, stability, and smooth navigation.
Pros
- Makes pushing easier.
- Easy to use brakes to maintain safety.
- Works in a smooth rolling motion.
- Durable for both indoor and outdoor usage.
- Made of a long-wearing composite rubber
Cons
- Bottom may wear off easily.
- Good for indoor use only.
#5 Drive Medical RTL100017 Walker Glide Ski
Drive Medical Walker Glide Ski is a great alternative to standard walker glides. They are designed in a way that it provides stronger mobility and stability for the elders.
Since it is made of long-lasting material, it can withstand years of use on various rough surfaces. They glide easily over carpet and back on tiles making it easier on the individual using the walker and a definite help on the carpet.
It balances and gives a smooth navigation experience in any environment. You can easily install the glides on the bottom of the walker, on the rear tips and you will experience easy gliding both indoors as well as outdoors.
These glides easily slide onto 1-1/8 in. tubing of walkers and provide a tool-free installation.
Pros
- Tool-free installation.
- Allows the walker to glide smoothly.
- Fits all standard size walkers.
- Works wonders on rough surfaces.
Cons
- Wears out too fast.
- Can scratch laminate floors.
- Need to adjust the glides frequently.
You might also like to read: Walker Or Crutches For Non-Weight Bearing
#6 Duro-Med Walker Ski Glides
Duro-Med helps the walker move across various surfaces effortlessly. It saves you from lifting the walker to go from one place to another. From sidewalks to that of concrete roads, it moves quite easily.
This product is an excellent option if you are aging and need constant support while walking. The construction of the gliders is brilliant as it eliminates the need to lift the walker from one place to another.
It’s made of high-quality plastic and almost fits into any standard walker easily. It is best suggested to fix the ski glides on the back legs of the walker for the best performance of the glides.
It is also recommended to work well with wheels or rubber tips on the front leg for a smooth walking experience.
Pros
- Reduces the need to lift the walker.
- Handy ski glides that work smoothly under any circumstances.
- Ideal for elderly people who have limited strength in them.
- Designed in the US with high-quality durable plastic.
- Works best when glides are attached on the back legs.
- The product is lightweight and very easy to assemble.
Cons
- For flat-front walkers only.
- Not really universal.
- The cup holders can be hard to install.
#7 Tulimed Gray Walker Ski Glides
Tulimed Ski Glide is a must-buy for any folding walker to get good mobility. They perform heavy-duty and are crafted to provide extra durability.
These glides are easy to install and can be easily removed by hand. There are no tools required to attach the ski glides to the walker.
Glides can be easily attached to the rear legs to allow the walker to run smoothly over any kind of surface. These are one of the most sturdy and robust glides that are adaptable by anyone.
It boosts the walker performance and can be quickly fixed to the walker. These are unlike tennis balls that wear off quickly and catch dirt and germs from the ground.
They are one of the most durable walker glides that last much longer than tennis balls or any other products.
Pros
- High-quality plastic for stronger durability.
- Glides easily over different surfaces.
- Reduces any sort of damage to wooden floors or carpets.
- Too-free installation.
Cons
- Not really universal.
- Not highly recommended for outdoor usage.
You might also like to read: Best Narrow Walkers for Seniors
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying Walker Glides
Compatibility
The glides should be compatible with all the walkers. Ensure it is a universal fit and easy to attach in all styles. Measure the diameter of your walker and check if it will fit in easily.
Easy Installation
Make sure the glides are easy and trouble-free to install.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
Check if the glides are usable for both indoor and outdoor usage. It must move smoothly on any concrete pavement without any rip or scratch on the hard surface.
Durability
It’s essential to check the material and ensure it is made of high-quality plastic for longer reliability and durability.
You might also like to read: Best Power Wheelchairs for Outdoor Use
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How do you install glides on the walker?
All you need to do is just pull the rubber/plastic cap off. Get the ski glide you want to install in your walker and make sure that the curved part is facing forward along with the walker.
Adjust and fit that in place. Get your Philip’s screwdriver and just give a few quick turns. It will expand the inner flanges of the ski glide to grip the inside of the tube. Get your fit cover (If there’s any) and fit that over. You are all set now!
Question 2: How do I stop my walker from scratching the floor?
You can buy glide socks walker ski cover to protect your floor from any damage caused by the walker. These are mainly used indoors, just slip them off on your glider and walk without any worry. Read how to protect hardwood floors from walkers for a more extensive guide.
Question 3: How much would these walker glides cost?
The best and most durable walker glides come in different ranges depending upon their features. Some of the best walker glides would cost you anywhere between 7$ to 20$. They all vary depending upon and price.
You might also like to read: Best Mobility Scooters for Outdoors
Conclusion
Walker glides are one of the best mobility aids that provide elders with a better grip and strong mobility. They assist in providing a greater amount of stability and reduce the risk of falling, helping seniors perform their daily activities at ease.
In this article, we have selected the NOVA Medical Product Walker Ski Glides as our best product based on the features mentioned in our buyer’s guide and the ratings and comments mentioned by actual users on Amazon.
In our opinion, the NOVA Medical Products Walker Glide Skis, Universal Fit, One Pair, Gray, 2 Count (Pack of 1) is the best choice among the various options that we have considered because it’s an ideal choice for both indoors and outdoor surfaces, it also has the potential to boost the mobility on even wooden and wet floors, they are durable, tough and resistant.
The material used in designing these glides is a special engineered Thermoplastic Polyoxymethylene (POM) that ensures maximum stability.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the Vive Walker Ski Glides & Covers 4 PCS - Tennis Ball Accessories Sliders for Seniors, Universal, Heavy Duty - Precut Medical Folding Rolling Slider Replacement Feet Coaster Cap Gliders, Durable, which offers excellent stability and support and can fit into any walker style. It has got some of the best features such as curved tips and velour covers that protect the floor from any sort of damage.
If you are looking for walker accessories, we have got your back! You might be interested in the following topics:
- Best Bags for Wheelchairs and Walkers
- Trays and Baskets for Walkers
- Best Gloves for Wheelchair Users
If you are still confused on the best walker for you, worry not:
References:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/data/deaths-from-falls.html