To think walking poles are best thing ever

[Northernlurker]

So I have shit ankles. One was probably broken five years ago (black ice, came off bike, pretended it was sprained but tbh....) Walking over rough ground, slopes etc has been difficult. I got an ankle support for holiday last year. This year I thought I'd try walking poles. WOW! Really helped on the flat and going over rough ground it was a revelation. I felt so much more stable. Back in cottage and even the bad ankle is ok. Plus I was faster.
Really pleased I took the plunge!

They’ve been a game changer for me.

My ankles aren't too bad but my balance is rubbish, so whenever we are likely to be walking anywhere muddy they are definitely a requirement!

Thanks for reminding me! My poles felt really creaky last year and I must check whether I need to replace them before we go away.

I've been using them on uneven ground for years and they make the difference between an enjoyable day out or a miserably anxious one.

Sitting here with a broken ankle wondering how these work.

TBH I think I fractured my ankle a while ago doing bloody couch to 10K so this time I suppose I just finished the job!

I'd just got into walking for an hour a day when I broke my ankle so it's been frustrating all ways round as I haven't been able to exercise.

Are they suitable for pavement walking?

Yes! I don't run anymore but I do walk a lot and the Nordic style help you to burn more calories.

Are they suitable for pavement walking?

Yes, but you must get a sprung pair with a vibram ferrule. Preferably a screw-on or complete tip replacement ferrule, as the soft-terrain spike will eventually wear through a push-on ferrule cover. As I know to my cost.

I've heard great things about these but don't really get them. People I see are just lightly tapping the ground and I wonder where the benefit is.

Yes me too. I will investigate

Also following wondering what the benefit is to them?

I use them when descending on mountain hikes. They really save my knees and take the pressure off my ankles. I wouldn’t be without them. Also use them on uneven ground to prevent twisted ankles.

Ok so they help distribute weight evenly. Does any one have any good recs? Just seen one on decathlon for 4.99.

I don't get them either. I saw a couple of people out walking along a city street today with them. Don't they stop you developing better balance and change your centre of balance/weight distribution?

There are different ways of using them. Nordic walking looks a bit like people are dragging them along on the pavement/hard surfaces but it actually uses upper body as well.

I use them for country walking/hiking - just change the tips and techniques when you go from hard to soft surfaces. There are youtube videos on both Nordic walking and hiking techniques.

I agree with OP - game changer for me. I have osteoarthritis and various skeletal problems and thought I'd never be able to hike again. I'll not be climbing any mountains again but I can walk with poles on paths I wouldn't have gone near a few years ago. Mine are Leki poles which are not the cheapest but easy to adjust whilst out, comfortable straps, tips for different surfaces and very lightweight.

Mine came from amazon. Basic but effective, I think distributing weight was helpful going down hill. I usually worry about going over on my ankles but today I just felt so much more confident.

Also following wondering what the benefit is to them?

They reduce pressure on your joints, helping to reduce wear and tear
My knees hurt going down steep hills. I don't use them on flat walks, but I live in Cumbria so there aren't many flat walks . They make a massive difference.

Yes the confidence thing is huge. Before my skeleton decided to go on strike we we regular hikers and very minor climbers. But chronic pain plus fear of falling and causing damage, especially somewhere hard to get to meant I stopped completely.

Its made a huge difference because if I can keep mobile I'm actually better health wise and I really missed walking. The walks I do are akin to those we did when the kids were small but I'm grateful for that as its a world better than I had been!

I started using them several months ago. I do a lot of walking along the south west coast path, and have dodgy knees and hips. The poles are invaluable, especially on uneven ground and steep descents.

Thanks for this thread op i think I'm actually going to get some cheap ones and try them out :)

I got some this year. Definitely a game changer. I had to get over the embarrassment to start with. (all in my head)
They are a revelation at 57 years old. No more pain after going out walking. Feel safer too.

If you use poles try to use them only when strictly necessary as they increase erosion along paths in the peat moorlands. Some upland paths are already so eroded it doesn't make a huge difference but where you are walking on vegetation/ peat hags try to make it across without them. Better still stay to the path even if it means walking through a puddle.

YY to the confidence. DH is a confident hiker, and I have arthritis which isn’t yet a barrier, but makes me very nervous. My walking poles mean I can tackle things that I wouldn’t have gone near. I’m also much happier on unstable or slippery ground than I am without them, so winter walks are more doable.

Do they reduce impact on your feet? My feet are so painful after walking

I’ve been using some for ten years now, actmake hill walking enjoyable. Easier, quicker, more confident, less stumbling.

If your feet hurt after walking you may need to Wallace the Forbes of your walking boots. You may need arch support or more padding. This is a good make, recommended by a physiotherapist for my ds: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0821C9T4Q?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare and they have made a huge difference for him.

Wallace the Forbes is a very weird autocorrect for replace the footbed.