A walking aid device for assisting a user to walk by presenting a true 3-D obstacle that is automatically activated during normal use of a cane or walking support, to which the device is attached proximal to the floor end, and during use when in an extended position is non-parallel to the floor surface, is perceived by the user to be an obstacle over which the foot on the same side of the user's body must step. A method of use providing for attaching the device to the cane or walking support and using it in a cycle that produces a walking-type motion for the user.