Nordic / Fitness / Pole Walking Poles are different than Hiking & Trekking Poles.
The differences are in the handle-grips, palm-straps and feet options
as well as in the weight of the Poles & their comfort.
…You definitely would not want to take Hiking Poles ‘Walking,’
The straps, handles & weight of hiking or trekking Poles are not always made to be comfortable for repeated, extended use. However we are happy to say that because of the durability, feet options, weight & design – “you truly can enjoy taking our Keenfit ‘Walking Poles’ for a Hike!”
See the comparisons below…
| Hiking / Trekking Poles | Fitness / Nordic / Pole Walking Poles |
|---|---|
 |   |
| Purpose of Hiking Poles: to minimize energy expended while hiking by aiding balance and reducing stress on the lower body. | Purpose of Nordic / Walking Poles: to energy expended while fitness walking – enabling a variety of arm-movements that help you ‘plant and propel’ the body efficiently forward in an exercise motion. |
| How Used: the poles are usually held straight up & down and planted in front of the body, with minimal push-off or arm-swing. | How Used: the poles are typically held at an angle and planted behind the body, pushing off the ground to propel your body forward, through a firm Punch-Pull or Pendulum-Push motion of the arms. |
| Handle Grips: typically plastic, straight with grooves & finger-nubs, and may be flat on top to be used for help going downhill. | Handle Grips: ergonomically angled, smooth surface (with no grooves or finger-nubs) – made with cork for comfort. |
| Straps: usually simple wrist loops used to prevent dropping the poles. | Palm Straps: adjustable palm-pads, attached to the handles with adjustable straps – used to help control & transfer your energy during push-off and to help keep hold of the poles through the Punch-Pull or Pendulum-Push motion of the arms. |
| Feet Options: steel-tips & baskets only – no rubber feet since poles are never used on surfaces like sidewalks. | Feet Options: steel-tips & baskets for rough surfaces, plus attachable durable rubber feet for trails & harder surfaces like roads & sidewalks, & indoor walking tacks. |
