Trekking poles or Nordic walking poles – which choice is better for your activity?

Choosing the right type of poles to support outdoor activities can have a significant impact on comfort, training effectiveness and joint protection. Both trekking poles and Nordic walking poles are very popular among lovers of spending time actively. However, despite some similarities, they are intended for slightly different forms of activity.

Trekking poles – essential support in difficult terrain

Trekking poles are designed for hiking and trekking, especially in mountainous or uneven terrain. Their main purpose is to provide additional support, stability and relieve the pressure on the knees and hip joints during long hikes. Moreover, trekking poles are usually sold in pairs and offer adjustable length, which allows them to be adapted to the user's height and the type of terrain.

They also have shock absorption systems that minimize shocks when walking on hard surfaces. It is worth paying attention to the material the poles are made of - light alloy aluminum or carbon fiber will ensure comfort even during long-hour trips. Ergonomic handles and wrist straps increase comfort of use, reducing hand strain.

Nordic walking poles – optimized for healthy walking

In turn, Nordic walking poles were created for walking on flat terrain, such as parks, forest paths or seaside promenades. Their design is optimized to support correct walking technique, engaging not only the leg muscles, but also the arm, back and chest muscles. Nordic walking poles have specially designed grips and loops that enable effective transfer of force from the hands to the Nordic walking poles.

In addition, they have a fixed length or offer limited adjustment, adapted to the Nordic walking technique, which is different from that used for trekking. The tips of Nordic walking poles are usually equipped with rubber feet for better grip on hard surfaces, but they may also have interchangeable tips for use on different types of terrain.

Find the perfect poles for your activity

The choice between trekking poles and Nordic walking should be dictated mainly by the type of activity you plan to engage in. If your goal is to hike in mountainous or uneven terrain, trekking poles will be the best choice for you due to their stability, length adjustment and shock-absorbing functions.

However, for people looking for support during daily walks on flat terrain, Nordic walking poles will be the perfect solution, as they will provide effective training for the entire body.