Walking poles usually come with simple rubber ferrules for use on hard surfaces but when you look to buy some more, you are drawn into a confusing melee of different materials, shapes, sizes and prices!

Here’s the WALX guide to getting the right ones….

Rule number one – we call them PAWS!

Rule number 2 – try to know what type of poles you are using and what you typically use them for:

• Stability, rehabilitation and recovery
• Hiking, trekking or general walking on mixed terrain
• Nordic or fitness where forward propulsion is required
• Walking wellness sessions including yoga, mindfulness and breathing/balance drills

Rule number three – remember they are all removable for when you are on softer surfaces when the pole tip or spike might be preferable

Lets look at the key types of walking pole rubber ferrules/feet/paws……

TREKKING/HIKING PAWS or FERRULES

These are typical rubber ends to go onto walking poles which are used in a more upright position for general walking, hiking etc. They are slightly wider at the base for grip on hard surfaces but do not provide the angled surface required if using poles for forward propulsion such as Nordic Walking or Fitness walking. If used in that manner they are likely to slip. There is a silent spike version too – see below

Most makes of poles such as Leki, Gabel or Fizan will have their own design of trekking paw in different materials – some will fit other makes of poles so check with our team if you are not sure.

 

ANGLED OR BOOT SHAPED NORDIC WALKING PADS 

These pads are angled for use when poles are planted behind you in order to facilitate forward propulsion for nordic walking or fitness walking . As you can see from the shape they are designed to provide traction and not slip when angled because they have a wide tread area which helps you to engage with hard surfaces throughout the whole ‘pushing movement’. Again they are made both most brands and each has a different tread.

 

LARGE ANGLED BOOT SHAPED PAWS

These are an extension on the nordic walking style rubber ferrules or paws outlined above and are for those seeking performance and extra cushioning on hard surfaces. They also help you to really roll and push through the propulsion phase of an energetic fitness or nordic walking style.

The ones pictured are made by Fizan but leki and Gabel also make versions for their poles too. These ones are currently in the sale so why not try a pair or ask our team which poles they will fit.

 

SILENT SPIKE PAWS 

If taking paws on and off is a pain, you might want to invest in some silent spike paws which can be used on ALL surfaces. The small tungsten tips embedded in the rubber although you to grip on hard surfaces without wearing through but they also provide traction when walking on the slippery stuff too. These come in a TREKKING VERSION too which are in the sale with silly offers on bundles. They are a Leki product but do fit other poles types too

 

 

LARGE STABILITY PAWS

These large heavier pads are designed for those who put more weight through their poles generally in a more upright position. They have a large grippy surface which is designed to have a wider contact area with the ground – this is to aid balance and stability. They can be used indoors or outside  for rehabilitation or general weight bearing whilst walking.

 

 

WALX ALL TERRAIN PAWS

We chose these Fizan paws to go on the WALX poles because out of all of the paws we have tested we think these are the most multi purpose. Suitable for hiking but with a wider flared surface that grips the ground in a range of positions. Suitable for all terrains and soft or hard surfaces.

If used with a straight pole they grip and if used with an angled pole  they also provide brilliant traction

 

LESU LARGE ROUND BALL PAWS

Another all rounder, the Lesu paws come in a range of colours so you can tell your poles apart from others and they are designed to stay on at all times as they can be used on all terrains and will grip at any angle too.

Lesu also make a version of these with L.E.D lights in for walking at night so perfect for the Autumn and Winter walks ahead!

 

Well that’s our PAW PATROL over so, now you know which paws to suit your poles and walking style/aims you can walk on any surface without making that awful tapping sound when on tarmac and most crucially without your poles slipping too. BUT, what do you do with those muddy or dirty paws when you want to take them off mid walk?

You pop them in a WALX paw bag of course! These great little mesh bags are great for keeping your paws at hand until you need them. Just clip the bag onto your pack or waistbelt and you can pop your paws on and off with ease ( without them making a mess in your kitbag) A genius idea from one of our seasoned Pole walkers Sam Armstrong from WALX Derwent and Dales.

Of course they do also double up as dog treat bags and other uses but that’s another story!