Nordic walking is dynamic walking that is practised using 2 special poles. Using poles means that you can exaggerate the arms' natural movement to propel the body forward. Thanks to this propulsion from the poles, Nordic walking is thus faster and works out the whole body. Check out our tips on how to choose the right Nordic walking poles, a unique part of this complete sport.
Follow our summary table based on how often you practice in order to choose the right Nordic walking poles:
|
Beginner Nordic Walker (1 to 2 times per month) |
Regular Nordic Walker (Once a week) |
Intensive Nordic Walker (several times a week) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tube composition | Aluminium | 50% Carbon | 80% Carbon |
| Handles | Plastic | Elastomere | Cork |
| Wrist straps | Gauntlets | Detachable gauntlets | Detachable gauntlets |
| Tips | Steel | Tungsten | Tungsten |
| Recommended poles | Propulse Walk 100 | Propulse Walk 500 | Propulse Walk 900 |
Newfeel Nordic walking poles, available here, are also on sale in the fitness walking department of your Decathlon stores and also on Decathlon.co.uk
Do you need more details to help you choose your Nordic walking poles? See all of our tips, point by point :
> Tube composition in Nordic walking poles
> Handles on Nordic walking poles
> Gauntlets on Nordic walking poles
> Tips on Nordic walking poles
WHAT TYPE OF TUBE COMPOSITION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR NORDIC WALKING POLES?
> Your choice will depend on your level
Nordic walking poles are usually made of compounds of aluminium or of a blend of carbon composite/fibreglass. We recommend looking at the percentage of carbon in the poles when choosing your Nordic walking poles. The higher the percentage the more the carbon will limit the impact of vibrations on joints and bring you lightness and dynamism. Choose your Nordic walking poles to match your level :
Intensive Nordic walker : we recommend a high level of carbon to limit vibrations in your arms, for greater rigidity and to gain dynamism and above all to be make them more lightweight. Beware though as 100% carbon Nordic walking poles may be too rigid.
Regular Nordic walker : we recommend choosing Nordic walking poles composed of at least 50% carbon to limit vibrations in your arms and enjoy better comfort thanks to their flexibility. 
Beginner Nordic walker : to gently ease yourself into Nordic walking we recommend starting with aluminium Nordic walking poles: composite material which is shock-resistant and remains more affordable.
HOW TO CHOOSE HANDLES FOR YOUR NORDIC WALKING POLES?
> According to you needs
Dans le but de faciliter la prise en main, vous pouvez trouver différents types de poignées sur les bâtons de marche nordique que nous vous conseillons de choisir en fonction de vos besoins :
For more comfort, cork handles : This material with good grip provides greater comfort during Nordic walking as it absorbs the perspiration from your hands. .
> Check out the Newfeel Propulse Walk 900 Nordic walking poles
For more grip, elastomere handles : this high grip material is commonly used on Nordic walking poles, because it prevents your hands from slipping on the handles thanks to its grips.
> Check out the Newfeel Propulse Walk 500 Nordic walking poles
For a more affordable price, plastic handles : The plastic material is more slippery but it is a cheaper and more affordable material for beginners.
> Check out the Newfeel Propulse Walk 100 Nordic walking poles
HOW TO CHOOSE GAUNTLETS FOR YOUR NORDIC WALKING POLES?
> Prefer wrist straps with thumb loops
Having wrist straps with thumb loops (known as gauntlets) on your Nordic walking poles is indispensable because they allow you to open your hand fully during propulsion: this is the key movement in Nordic walking, which must be smooth and regular.
Wrist straps may be :
- Fixed and non-removable
- Detachable
For regular Nordic walking we recommend choosing DETACHABLE WRIST STRAPS equipped with a clip allowing the handles of the walking poles to be easily detached. This principle allows you to free up your hands in a matter of seconds so that you can, for example, quickly change the endpieces on your Nordic walking poles to match the terrain you're in. Find this feature on Newfeel Propulse Walk 500 and Propulse Walk 900 Nordic walking poles.
HOW TO CHOOSE TIPS FOR YOUR NORDIC WALKING POLES?
> Should be selected and adapted according to the terrain you are walking in
Nordic walking poles have a steel or tungsten endpiece because these materials are robust and durable.The endpieces are exposed to the greatest wear in Nordic walking, because they are permanently in contact with the ground. It is the type of terrain that should determine your choice of endpiece :
If your walk on fairly wet and loose ground (paths, trails, etc.)
We recommend walking with the tips themselves are they are more durable for this type of terrain. If you are a regular walker, the round and flat tip is ideal for its durability.If you're seeking performance and more propulsion, we recommend choosing Nordic walking poles equipped with bevelled tips such as Newfeel Propulse Walk 900 Nordic walking poles, which allow good propulsion right to the end without letting the Nordic walking pole slip.
If you walk on quite hard ground (asphalted road, tarmac, etc.)
We recommend adding rubber endpieces, such as endpieces for Newfeel Nordic walking poles, in order to guarantee grip on asphalt.
CAN YOU USE YOUR HIKING POLES FOR NORDIC WALKING?
Nordic walking and hiking are two different sports: so it is necessary to use the right poles, because they do not all meet the same needs. For more details, read our article: What are the differences between Nordic walking poles and hiking poles ?
FOCUS ON: TELESCOPIC NORDIC WALKING POLES
There are telescopic Nordic walking poles such as the Newfeel Propulse Walk 120 Nordic walking poles. They are designed for very occasional Nordic walking or for beginners in clubs, because their height can be adjusted.Nevertheless, they don't deal with vibrations so well because they are made of two sections.
