Having just started carrying one and being partially sighted, I can say it wasn't as awkward as I thought it was going to be. I have two now, both are folding. One is small (48") and super light carbon fiber that I use daily and carry at work. The other is big, 56" (I think) aluminum, very tall, very sturdy. I use this if I am going to a public venue or unfamiliar location.

The reason for the difference is in my day to day, I'd rather have something smaller and lightweight but if I am going out, especially someplace unfamiliar, I want something longer and less flimsy.

For me, I decided I would carry one at all times when out of the house and to be honest it really wasn't that big an adjustment to me.

I've been using my cane for 8 months. I use a 60 inch aluminum cane which goes up to my chin. A lot of people have them up to their chest but I was taught to use a slightly longer cane. This will vary from person to person and instructor to instructor. I couldn't be happier to be using one. I don't run into things, drivers and pedestrians are more aware, and I feel safer. If you really want to be proficient, get some training through a state agency or private organization. Most of the time it is free if you know where to go. I've received instruction from two separate organizations and I haven't paid a penny to date. They even bought canes for me. Its something to try, if it works then great, you now have a new tool, if not you can stop using it and no harm is done. I'm glad I started using one and I will not leave the house without it. Good luck!

I have two.
One is a 44" foldable ambutech - the red parts covered in green. Usually in the purse as 8'm not comfortable wearing one, and mostly need it when it's dark or when Iʻm somewhere completely unfamiliar. It's a comfortable height for how I use it.
It's easiest to practise using it in dark, with sunglasses on, because that way I have no usable vision. It's scary to use it, but only I can tackle my fears. I feel vulnerable at night, probably also because I've been mugged before and I'm afraid wearing "the stick" makes me more prone to run to unsavory characters. So I practise slowly, with pieces of road I know so it's easier to look like you know where you are going (and then safely find where you want to go, like a bus stop or a store or home).
My second one is my creative take on the item. Itʻs an EarthTrek brand foldable hiking pole, black in color, about the same height. I like it when walking in nature, and have used it especially when traveling. Because when it gets dark, I can use as I wish - I have no clue how people are "supposed to" use a hiking pole but I use it to see where I walk. If actually hiking, it can support weight, and you can get spare tips on it. (And since I destroyed the tip by just practising with the other one, I was happy to notice the standard spare tips can fit my other "stick".
An o&m friend of mine said he uses hiking poles too. So it can be an alternative if you are very selfconscious about wearing a white one when you start to need it. At least for your own practising - it won't do any good when you are crossing a road on your own because other people and drivers most likely don't realize you are visually imapired. But try different kinds of canes and methods - and don't be afraid to customize yours with anything you like - charm, stickers, pretty colros, or getting a fancy patterned one. Because that way ot will be your cane, and it'll feel a lot more comfortable than just one of those standard looking ones. Your eye-extension, your style.

I am low vision, and just started using one in the last six months. I am not really 100% comfortable with it, but I wanted to start learning it before my vision was completely gone.

I use my one because I find it a lot less embarrassing to use than walking into everything is without it.