The crutch hub · Updated June 2026
The Best Crutches of 2026
The best crutch for you depends first on the type, not the brand. Most people recovering from a foot or ankle injury do best on a basic underarm pair; anyone on crutches more than a few weeks is usually better off on forearm (Lofstrand) crutches, which spare the armpits and protect the nerves there. Below: pick your type, then jump to our scored top picks in it.
Best forearm crutches
Forearm crutches are the long-term choice: the cuff wraps your forearm so the load comes off your armpits, and you can let go of the grip without dropping them. Our top pick is the In-Motion Pro Forearm Crutches.
| Crutch | Fit Score | Best for | Weight cap. | Foldable | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Motion Pro Forearm Crutches Best for long-term use Millennial Medical | 8.4/10 | Long-term daily use | 350 lb | Yes | Visit site |
| Ergobaum 7G Forearm Crutches Best for recovery Ergoactives | 7.8/10 | Post-surgery recovery | 360 lb | Yes | Check price |
| smartCRUTCH Forearm Crutches smartCRUTCH | 7.6/10 | Long-term daily use | 265 lb | Yes | Visit site |
Prices and availability change; "Check price" opens the current Amazon listing.
The strongest pick for people on forearm crutches every day. The spring-assist and ergonomic handle target the exact failure points (wrist pain, shoulder fatigue) that make standard crutches miserable long-term.
- Spring-assist shock absorption reduces impact on wrists and shoulders
- ~24° ergonomic handle angle eases carpal-tunnel strain over long days
- Articulating tips keep contact flat through the full stride
- Refined through 34 medical studies; HCPCS E0110 for reimbursement
- Premium price vs. basic aluminum pairs
- Heavier than bare-bones models due to spring mechanism
Best underarm crutches
Underarm (axillary) crutches are the standard recovery pair: cheap, easy to size, and fine for a few weeks non-weight-bearing. Our top pick is the In-Motion Pro Underarm Crutches. Keep the pad two inches below your armpit so your hands, not your underarms, carry the weight.
| Crutch | Fit Score | Best for | Weight cap. | Foldable | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Motion Pro Underarm Crutches Best premium Millennial Medical | 8.2/10 | Post-surgery recovery | 350 lb | Yes | Visit site |
| Drive Medical Aluminum Underarm Crutches Best for most people Drive Medical | 7.6/10 | Post-surgery recovery | 350 lb | No | Check price |
| Medline Aluminum Underarm Crutches Best everyday durability Medline | 7.6/10 | Buying for a parent | 300 lb | No | Check price |
Prices and availability change; "Check price" opens the current Amazon listing.
The premium underarm pick for comfort over the long haul: spring shock-absorption, ergonomic angled grips, and articulating tips make long days easier than any basic pair.
- Spring shock-absorption smooths each step and eases impact
- Sure Foot articulating tips keep contact on uneven ground
- Contoured left and right ergonomic grips keep the wrist neutral
- Underarm cradle and grip adjust independently; folds in half
- FSA/HSA eligible with a one-year warranty; tall sizes to 7'1"
- Costs far more than a basic drugstore pair
- More crutch than a short, simple recovery needs
Other crutch types
Not everyone needs a traditional crutch. If you can’t bear weight through your wrists or hands (severe arthritis, a hand or wrist injury), platform (gutter) crutches rest your weight on your forearm instead. If you’re non-weight-bearing on one leg for weeks, a hands-free knee scooter is often more comfortable than any crutch: our sister site covers those in depth at Mobility Reviews. See all crutch types compared to find your fit.
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