Where to purchase Nordic Walking poles In the Twin Cities:
Retailers: Hoigaard’s
Note: REI, Dick’s and Sport Authority do NOT carry Nordic Walking poles. They do carry Hiking/Trekking poles which do NOT serve as Nordic Walking poles.
Instructors: Nordic Walk This Way, Nordic Walking Queen. Other instructors may too.
In Wisconsin:
What to look for in a Nordic Walking Pole:
It is best to be fitted for your poles, so try to find a class and a qualified instructor that can recommend the right overall length for you. Poles come in adjustable lengths of either 2 or 3 part. This is a nice feature for travel and to share the poles with others as well as adjusting your length if you see fit to do so. Poles do come in fixed length too (not adjustable). Quality Nordic Walking poles are available in aluminum, aluminum/carbon, or carbon blend or all carbon. Nordic Walking poles are usually available with a comfortable hand strap system. Exerstrider poles are strapless. Grips should be comfortable to you and made of rubber, foam or cork.
What to avoid:
Knock off poles from discount or online retailers/resellers. Poles that are “hiking/trekking” poles. Poles that do not come with angled rubber tips. Poles that are in packaging that do not allow you to fit them at the store. Plastic grips. Poles that have loop straps (that is a trekking strap). Poles that are heavy, clunky and that vibrate excessively while in use. Poles that do not have a guarantee of at least one year.
Shoes:
Regular tennis shoes serve you well while walking on paved trails. A qualified retailer can fit your foot and recommend the right amount of arch support. Shoes do not last forever, so it is best to get new ones at least once a year or sooner if you put on a lot of miles.
If you like to walk on nature trails where you are on loose soil, rocks, etc, you may want to purchase a pair of trail shoes. Most walkers like the typical below the ankle type and find that the lined types (Gortex and similar) keep their feet dry while on wet trails or foul weather days.
Socks:
Avoid cotton. Synthetic blends or wool socks are best.
Greetings, I own Hiking/Trekking poles. I’m curious as to why these won’t “serve” as nordic walking poles ?
This is such a common question during our Nordic Walking classes and walks. The first thing to remember is that equipment is designed for very specific activities. Would you use cross country skis if you wanted to ski downhill? You could certainly make it work but you wouldn’t have the same experience as you would on alpine skis and boots. Trekking poles are designed to support you on uneven ground, going up and down hill, reducing the load on your body with or without a pack. Their main job is stability and balance. The handle is nice and big, comfortable to hold in your hand for extended time on the trail. The strap makes the pole go away if you need a free hand for anything. There is no requirement for this pole to swing hence there is no appreciable “swing weight” to it. The Nordic Walking pole is designed for fitness walking. It’s purpose is to increase the heart rate, calorie burn, and oxygen consumption by creating resistance against the ground with the pole. The handle is designed to allow a grip and release technique similar to cross country skiing that allows you to maximize the push and the upper body workout. The pole swings and follows your arm swing so it’s light and has a responsive swing weight.
There are similarities between the poles but they are not the same. That said, could you adapt technique and make it work? I would have to believe that you could do that but it won’t be the same low impact, low stress workout that you can get with a specially designed Nordic walking pole.
We have poles available to use at all of our classes and walks, come and give it a try!
Thanks for the quick response to my question. I will give the walking poles a try.
I’m so glad to hear that, enjoy the walk!