Introduction
Choosing the right poles is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting Nordic Walking.
At first glance, many poles appear similar. But differences in handle geometry, strap systems, shaft materials and overall design can significantly affect comfort, coordination, safety and long-term enjoyment.
Over the past 30 years, pole design has evolved considerably — particularly in the UK — in response to changing user needs.
Understanding that evolution will help you make an informed choice.
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Nordic Walking Poles vs Trekking Poles: They Are Not the Same
One of the most common beginner mistakes is assuming trekking or hiking poles can be used for Nordic Walking.
They cannot — at least not effectively.
Trekking Poles Are Designed for Support
Trekking poles are built primarily for:
• Stability on uneven ground
• Load reduction during descents
• Supporting bodyweight
• Assisting balance
They are planted directly in front of the body, usually vertically, to act as support.
The handle is designed to be gripped from above. The strap provides minimal backup support if the hand relaxes — it is not engineered for propulsion.
They are excellent for hiking.
They are not designed for diagonal movement or rearward drive.
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Nordic Walking Poles Are Designed for Propulsion
Nordic Walking poles are intended to:
• Be planted slightly behind the body
• Support diagonal arm swing
• Encourage active arm extension
• Contribute to forward rhythm
The movement is dynamic, not supportive.
Using trekking poles for Nordic Walking can compromise wrist mechanics because:
• The handle angle is not designed for propulsion
• The pole tip is too far forward
• The wrist may be forced into extension under load
• There is no structured support for the push phase
Over time, this can lead to:
• Wrist strain
• Forearm tension
• Reduced arm swing
• Inefficient technique
The two tools are not interchangeable.
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The Origins of the Traditional Nordic Walking Strap
Nordic Walking originated from cross-country ski training.
In skiing, straps are essential. They allow:
• Release during glide
• Force transfer through the strap
• Propulsion while sliding on snow
When Nordic Walking spread into Europe, early poles retained this strap-based system.
The strap was designed to act almost like a mechanical extension of the hand — similar to a stabilising ligament — allowing push-through even when grip relaxed.
In ski simulation, this made sense.
But walking on pavement and trails is not skiing.
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Adapting Nordic Walking to the UK
When Nordic Walking UK began developing structured programmes in the early 2000s, it became clear that the European sport model did not fully translate to UK leisure and health environments.
The UK approach reframed Nordic Walking as an outdoor cross-training activity, not a ski simulation sport.
Participants were:
• Community walkers
• Adults returning to exercise
• Health referral clients
• Stability and wellbeing groups
As the audience broadened, so did anatomical considerations.
Not everyone benefits from a strong push beyond the hip.
Not everyone moves with identical shoulder mobility.
Pole design needed to reflect this diversity.
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Clinical Considerations and Strap Limitations
As Nordic Walking expanded into clinical environments — including Parkinson’s groups, rehabilitation settings and stability programmes — safety became central.
Traditional strap systems presented challenges:
• Falling while attached to poles increases injury risk
• Individuals with arthritis may struggle with strap tension
• Breast cancer surgery recovery can make wrist straps uncomfortable
• Reduced dexterity can make strap release difficult
Although many of these sessions were originally delivered under the Nordic Walking banner, Nordic Walking UK chose not to use traditional strap-based poles in these contexts.
Safety and anatomical respect took priority and created and Nordic Walking UK created a “Code of Practice” for poles in the Clinical arena to ensure instructors, professionals and consumers know why they should NOT use strapped Traditional Nordic Walking poles.
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Early Alternatives: Removing the Strap
In response, alternatives such as the Exerstrider, Pacer Pole and Urban Activator were introduced.
These poles:
• Removed the traditional strap
• Offered more upright handle designs
• Focused on stability
However, some appeared bulky or clinical in group settings.
In addition, certain handle shapes placed pressure on the ulnar side of the hand — which for some users caused discomfort.
The industry needed a more universal ergonomic solution.
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The Geometry Shift: 15° Vertical Orientation
A significant step forward came when Fizan of Italy introduced poles with a handle set at approximately 15° vertically.
This subtle change:
• Encouraged more natural wrist alignment
• Brought the tip slightly forward
• Improved timing of pole placement
• Enhanced engagement of the core
This innovation opened the door to further refinement.
If handle angle could improve alignment, what else could be optimised?
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Learning from Ergonomics Across Industries
Other industries had already embraced ergonomic evolution:
• Computer mouse design
• Hand tools
• Gym equipment
• Medical mobility aids
In each case, the aim was the same: mirror the natural resting position of the hand and reduce strain.
Applying these principles to walking poles led to the development of grips that:
• Support the full palm
• Include a structured thumb rest
• Encourage relaxed grip
• Reduce excessive wrist extension
• Reflect natural arm carriage
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Total Hand Engagement and the Next Phase
Further refinement introduced:
• 15° vertical orientation
• 12° horizontal offset
• Full thumb support
• Whole-hand engagement rather than strap dependency
This approach changed learning significantly.
Beginners found coordination easier.
Clinical users felt safer.
Participants with reduced grip strength experienced greater comfort.
Removing strap dependency also removed the risk of falling while physically attached to poles.
Rather than forcing propulsion mechanics, the poles supported natural gait.
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From Nordic Walking to Total Body Walking®
As equipment evolved, so did the activity.
The UK had already positioned Nordic Walking as an outdoor cross-trainer rather than a technique focused sport based on Cross Country Skiing.
Ergonomic development reinforced this direction.
The emphasis shifted towards:
• Whole-body engagement
• Core activation
• Posture alignment
• Natural movement patterns
• Sustainable outdoor fitness
This progression became known as Total Body Walking® with the patented WALX Poles (https://walx-poles.walx.co.uk) — an evolution of Nordic Walking shaped by decades of UK programme delivery, clinical insight and ergonomic refinement.
The diagonal principles remain.
But the equipment and learning experience have become more inclusive and anatomically aligned.
Today, this evolved model is being adopted internationally in countries including:
• Italy
• Taiwan
• Czech Republic
• Spain
It reflects adaptation, not rejection — progression rather than replacement.
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Materials Matter: Alloy vs Carbon
Pole shaft material also affects performance and sustainability.
Carbon Fibre
Carbon is lightweight and often marketed as “performance” material. However:
• Quality varies
• Lower grades may splinter
• Production has sustainability considerations
• Long-distance manufacturing increases carbon footprint
7075 Aluminium Alloy
High-grade 7075 aluminium alloy is widely recognised for:
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Durability
• Resistance to bending
• Long-term reliability
In outdoor walking environments, durability often matters more than marginal weight reduction.
Quality of construction is more important than material marketing.
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What Should You Choose?
The right pole should:
• Feel comfortable in your hand
• Support natural wrist alignment
• Encourage relaxed, confident movement
• Allow safe release if you trip
• Be durable for your terrain
Traditional strap-based poles remain suitable for some users.
Modern ergonomic designs suit many others.
Understanding the purpose behind the design helps you choose correctly.
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Final Thoughts
Nordic Walking began as a ski training method.
Over time, the UK adapted it into an outdoor cross-training activity suitable for a wide population.
Pole design has been central to that evolution.
Understanding:
• The difference between trekking and Nordic poles
• Strap origins and biomechanics
• Clinical safety considerations
• Ergonomic development
• Material quality
will help you select equipment that supports your movement rather than restricts it.
Walking with poles should feel natural, safe and purposeful.
The right design makes that possible.
