If you’re walking on pavements, paths, or mixed terrain — you’ll want to make sure your poles are fitted with the right rubber ferrules. At WALX®, we call these PAWS — and they make a huge difference to your comfort, grip, and performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
The types of PAWS available
What they’re designed for
Which ones are best for your goals and pole type
Why switching them can upgrade your entire walking experience
🧠 What are PAWS (Ferrules), and Why Do They Matter?
PAWS are the rubber tips that fit over the ends of your walking poles, designed to absorb impact and improve grip — especially on hard surfaces like pavements or tarmac.
They:
Reduce jarring through your wrists and elbows
Help prevent slipping
Improve propulsion and flow (if you’re using Nordic or Total Body Walking® technique)
Provide stability and shock absorption
Most good-quality walking poles come with PAWS as standard — and at WALX®, we stock different versions to match every walking style, surface, and goal.
⚙️ Are PAWS Universal?
Many major pole brands use similar tip sizes, so PAWS are often interchangeable. That said, walking sticks, crutches, and mobility poles often use a wider diameter ferrule, so always check compatibility.
WALX makes it easy by only stocking PAWS that fit most of our current pole range — and our team can help you choose based on what you’ll use them for.
🥾 Types of PAWS & What They’re For
Here’s a breakdown of the most common PAW types and how to use them:
1. Trekking / Hiking PAWS (Straight Ferrules)
✅ Best for: General walking, upright hiking, and trekking on mixed terrain
⚠️ Not suitable for: Nordic or Total Body Walking – they lack the angled base for propulsion
📌 Features: Wide, flat base for grip, but can slip when used with a pushing technique
2. Angled Boot-Shaped PAWS (Nordic Style)
✅ Best for: Total Body Walking®, Nordic Walking, and fitness walking
📌 Features: Angled shape mimics a footstep — placed with the “toe” pointing backwards
💪 Benefit: Provides grip and traction during the push phase on hard surfaces
3. Large Angled Boot PAWS
✅ Best for: High-performance walking on hard surfaces, with added cushioning
📌 Features: Extra-wide tread and bounce — ideal for those walking at pace
💥 Benefit: Encourages full rolling movement and stronger propulsion
4. Silent Spike PAWS
✅ Best for: Walkers who don’t want to keep swapping PAWS on different surfaces
📌 Features: Embedded tungsten spike inside the rubber
🌦️ Benefit: Works on both tarmac and trails — silent, durable, and grippy
5. Large Stability PAWS
✅ Best for: Rehab, balance training, and users needing extra support
📌 Features: Wide base for secure weight-bearing
🔄 Good to know: You can swap them out for boot-shaped or all-terrain PAWS as you progress
💬 Tip: WALX Xcelerator® and Ability poles come with these as standard
6. WALX All Terrain PAWS (Our Favourite!)
✅ Best for: All-round use — from casual walking to energetic fitness sessions
📌 Features: Superior grip, angled for propulsion, outperforms typical trekking ferrules
🌟 Benefit: Smooth, quiet, and effective on most surfaces
🔊 Avoid the “Tap Tap Tap” (and sore wrists)
Using poles on pavements without PAWS? That tapping sound isn’t just annoying — it’s putting unnecessary impact on your joints.
Choosing the right PAWS:
Reduces strain
Improves traction
Helps you move more naturally and quietly
🎒 Pro Tip: Don’t Forget a PAW Bag
If you’re heading onto soft ground or trails where you’ll remove your PAWS, keep them safe (and keep your pockets clean!) with a small PAW bag.
They’re cheap, compact, and save a lot of faff when switching surfaces.
🛒 Need Help Choosing?
Our team is always happy to recommend the right PAWS based on your poles, walking style, and goals — whether it’s for fitness, balance, rehab, or adventure.
👉 Browse our full range of PAWS in the WALX Pro Store
👉 Or get in touch via our Support Centre
