POLE GUIDE
How to walk with poles
Nordic walking turns your daily walk into a more active and dynamic movement. With the right technique, walking poles help you improve posture, create a smoother stride and stay steady across different surfaces. Here’s how to get started.
Choose the Right walking Pole Length
Getting the pole length right is key to good technique and comfort. If your poles are too short or too long, you'll lose power and rhythm. Tip: On hilly terrain, you might prefer slightly shorter poles for uphill and slightly longer ones for descents.
These are guidelines — not strict rules:
The height formula
Multiply your height in centimetres by 0.7 to get a good starting point. If you're 170 cm tall, your pole length should be around 119 cm. This isn’t a strict rule – feel free to adjust up or down by 5 cm depending on your fitness level, arm length, and personal preference.
The 90° rule
When standing with the poles, your elbows should form a 90-degree angle with the tips on the ground.
Use the Wrist Straps Correctly
Wrist straps let you relax your grip without losing control of the pole. They’re designed to help you push off efficiently and reduce strain on your hands.
1. Slide your hand up through the strap from below.
2. Adjust the strap so it’s snug but not tight around your wrist. This allows you to open your hand during the push-off phase and naturally regrip the pole on the return.
3. Let your palm rest on the strap and keep your grip relaxed.
Master the Technique
Nordic walking uses a natural movement pattern, similar to how you walk without poles – just with added power from your upper body.
Use opposite arm & leg
Step forward with your left foot and swing your right arm forward (and vice versa). The pole should plant just behind your foot.
Push off fully
Let the pole tip push against the ground as your arm moves backward. Open your hand as you finish the push-off to extend the movement.
Swing the pole forward
When your hand swings forward, naturally regrip the handle.
Adjust Your Grip on the Go
Depending on the terrain and your pace, you might want to adjust how firmly you grip the handle:
Flat, even terrain
Use a loose, relaxed grip for a smooth stride.
Uneven or slippery terrain
Hold the handle a bit more firmly for better control and stability.
Use the Right Pole Tips for the Surface
Silva walking poles come with both rubber paws and carbide tips – and switching between them makes a big difference:
Rubber paws
Best for hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. They provide grip, reduce noise and follow your natural stride.
Carbide tips
Ideal for softer surfaces like gravel and grass. They dig in slightly for better grip and stability.
Silva Poles – made for Nordic walking
Our walking poles are lightweight, adjustable and designed for comfort – whether you're power-walking through the park or getting your heart rate up in the hills. With glove-style straps, ergonomic grips and interchangeable tips, Silva poles help you walk better, every day.
Adjustable Z-fold carbon poles for running
Adjustable Z-fold carbon poles for running
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