It can sometimes be hard to navigate the many walking and hiking pole models available on the market. To help you get to grips with the full range of options, here is a descriptive overview of the different pole types.
The many benefits of walking poles are undeniable. However, choosing poles suited to your needs is essential if you want to improve your performance and practise safely. With so many models and such a wide range of prices on the market, it's not always easy to find your bearings. That's why we've put together a descriptive overview of the different types of hiking, walking and trail poles — so you can better define your needs and identify the poles best suited to your activity.
Nordic walking poles
Nordic walking poles are absolutely essential for this sport. They help the walker engage the upper body, but above all they provide a major impulse that reduces fatigue, saves precious energy and builds endurance. Bear in mind that not all poles are suited to Nordic walking — specific models do exist. Let's look at which models to go for, and which to avoid, for Nordic walking.
For Nordic walking, telescopic or foldable poles are of no use — quite the opposite. They won't have the rigidity of fixed-length poles and, crucially, they won't provide the straight-line propulsion you're looking for. Opt for single-section poles, which dampen vibrations more effectively and offer better joint protection. For the same reason, carbon shafts (or at least those with a percentage of carbon) are recommended. They are also particularly lightweight — a significant advantage.
Nordic walking poles have their own specific wrist straps — in fact, this is one of the features that makes them instantly recognisable. They are generally fitted with glove straps through which you insert your thumbs, fastening securely around the wrists. Thanks to these glove straps, the push becomes more efficient (a benefit also appreciated in trail).
Tips must be grippy as well as hard-wearing, which is why tungsten carbide tips are recommended — though steel tips work perfectly well too. Rubber or elastomer tip protectors are often added. Bevelled, they improve grip and propulsion, follow the contours of the ground more smoothly and reduce noise.
Hiking poles
Once you start using them, you quickly realise that hiking poles are excellent companions, especially on alpine or mountain outings. Why? Because they help the hiker keep their balance — and therefore stay safe — by reducing the risk of slipping or falling. They promote better weight distribution (the hiker's own weight, but especially that of their pack if they're carrying one), and engage all the muscles of the body, relieving strain on the lower body. The leg and thigh muscles are spared, the back and joints are significantly protected, the walking pace becomes steadier and more consistent, and the hiker improves their performance, builds endurance and reduces the risk of long-term injury or serious fatigue.
Of course, all of this only works if the poles are suited to hiking and to the person using them — otherwise they can quickly become more of a hindrance than a help. So, while the idea of grabbing a stick from the roadside might be tempting, bear in mind that there are poles specifically designed for hiking: easily adjustable to your height and the terrain, and far more comfortable, safe, ergonomic and compact than a tree branch (even if you can always leave them by the side of the trail).
A first major advantage of hiking poles: they are often telescopic or foldable, meaning you can easily stow them in your pack when you don't need them. The more sections a pole has, the more compact it becomes. It's up to you to decide which model best suits your needs — depending on your pack size or storage system, for instance, or whether you have external attachment points for your poles. A telescopic pole also lets you adjust the length to clear obstacles, or simply extend it on descents and shorten it on climbs.
A second advantage: good hiking poles combine strength and lightness. An aluminium shaft will be sturdier than a carbon shaft but slightly heavier — it's up to you to weigh up which construction best suits your needs, your usage, your build and your level. If you're just starting out, go for sturdiness; if you want to increase your speed and endurance, a lighter pole will reduce fatigue and effort.
Wrist straps are generally straightforward, consisting of a strap looped around the wrist. Grips, on the other hand, can be made from various materials: plastic or rubber grips tend to be uncomfortable and cause sweating, while foam or cork grips are far more comfortable and absorb perspiration well, though they come at a higher price. Again, the choice depends on how you use your poles — but if you go out often or for long periods, it's essential that your grips are comfortable and suited to the shape of your hand.
Finally, the choice of tips is always crucial, as they form the connection between your poles and the ground. They must be grippy and hard-wearing. If you train regularly, go for tungsten carbide tips — more durable, though pricier than steel tips.
Trail poles
Less common than in hiking or Nordic walking, trail poles are nonetheless genuine allies in the mountains. Trail runners use them above all to conserve as much energy as possible on climbs and descents alike — which is why they prove invaluable on technical trails with serious ascents. The poles take the load off the legs, assist propulsion by boosting drive and relieve the quadriceps. They allow for better effort distribution, sparing the leg and thigh muscles, so you can keep going longer without losing race pace. They also protect the joints by limiting shocks and impacts.
What matters most in trail is maximum manoeuvrability and lightness, with minimum bulk. There's no time to waste folding poles or unclipping straps. Choosing the right poles matters — get it right and they'll be invaluable. For a more efficient movement, greater lightness and solid reliability, single-section poles are an option, but if the folding system is well-engineered, multi-section collapsible poles are the way to go. On descents or flat sections, you can stow them in your pack with ease — a real bonus when it comes to bulk. In carbon, they'll be significantly lighter, but alu does the job just as well. For grips, forget plastic or rubber — the choice comes down to foam (lighter and better at wicking sweat) versus cork (more durable and more comfortable). Wrist straps can be fitted with removable glove straps, which boost push power but may make your hands warm.
