Hi Ray ~ you have undoubtedly had this happen but if not, this might save someone a lot of pain, time, cost, etc. I use and depend on a cane for support of my right side because of a broken hip a couple of years ago, and I scared myself almost into heart failure when I wasn't paying close enough attention to the ground in broad daylight in the winter last year and planted the cane on a patch of snow. That cane slid out in front of me and had I not been standing right next to my car, I would have landed on the cement.
I think some canes may be obtained with a retractable spike but any more, if there is any doubt at all about walking conditions on outside surfaces, I stay put at home.
Sure hope you are having a lovely late autumn and time in general!
Blessings,
Barb