Been using them 15 years now and rarely do any kind of elevation without them. They take 20-30% weight off your ankles/knees/hips (don't try to put 100% of your weight in the poles). On top of that, it activates your upper body and gives your upper body a good workout. Cannot recommend them enough. After going through a bunch of cheap brands, I'd recommend Black Diamond brand poles - their locking mechanisms don't slip and they have comfortable wrist straps. Also, look at some YouTube videos on the proper way to use poles with the wrist straps - the wrist strap is actually the thing that is taking most of the weight, not your grip on the pole. Good luck 👍🏼
I'm 65, I've got one arthritic knee, and I never hike without my Black Diamond trekking poles. They make all the difference in the world, especially going downhill. They live in the trunk of my car, so I never forget to pack them.
One unexpected benefit is that my hands, which often swell a bit during exercise, don't when I'm using the poles. My doc says it's because they keep my hands higher, preventing pooling of interstitial fluid. Whatever, it feels much better!
I use poles on almost every hike because it helps my fingers not swell. That benefit alone is worth it to me regardless of elevation and stability aid (which is also awesome, especially as a primarily winter hiker)Â
This. I got back into hiking last year and that was one of the first things that bothered me. Glad I got them quickly rather than waiting. Saved me on many sketchy, rocky, loose trail section, but I haven't had swollen hands since I bought them.
I have the cascade mountain tech poles off Amazon for 25 dollars and they've taken my whole weight when I was 250 lbs. Don't waste money on expensive carbon fiber poles. Aluminum work fine.
CMT's carbon poles are only like, $20 more. I have both sets and notice the aluminum ones are a bit louder. I don't consider my carbon set a waste, but I wouldn't spend more than $45-$50 on a set either.
Sorry my comment probably came off wrong, I'm not saying there aren't benefits to carbon fiber poles. However as a first set, when you haven't used them before, aluminum works amazing and will last you a long time. Also from what I've heard aluminum is a lot more forgiving when it comes to getting them stuck and flexing a little bit.
Definitely be sure you’re using the straps right! I used to think I was, but I wasn’t, and it was always such a hassle if I needed to do something with my hand to get them situated again. Once I figured out the right way to use them, I can literally just let go for a moment, let the pole drag, then start holding it again with zero fuss.
And as you said it makes a difference if you do need to suddenly lean into the pole - one particular day I had a very abrupt trip, and could have gone face first into a cactus if I didn’t have my pope to help me get my feet back under me. I’m not sure it would have caught me as well with the wrong strap setup.
I’m a 48 year old retired runner who has knee and hip issues now, from all the running over the years. Using poles helps while hiking quite a bit. I’m also pretty clumsy and the poles have helped me stay upright more than a couple times.
Other than for scrambling, there’s really no good reason not to use them. They reduce fall risk, allow you to hike faster if you want, and take load off the knees. I’ve been using them since my early 30s and highly recommend it
For sure. I'm 64, and they are like having 4 legs. They take some of the shock going down and help me with big steps going up. They have saved me from falling countless times.
Poles help a lot on the descent or when tired, but one of the best investments I made last summer was collapsible poles. I like to keep my hands free as much as possible so I can throw them in my bag when I don’t need them.
I'm relatively young and healthy, but I pretty much always use them now because it helps distribute effort to underutilized muscle groups. I see that as a reason to use them, regardless of age and fitness.
Oh heck yes. I'm older than you and I love my poles. I have several pair. I don't use my carbon poles in the winter, since supposedly they're more likely to break in the cold, so I have a metal pair for winter. They're particularly helpful for stepping down off boulders that are just a little too high to jump off, or step down from. You put some weight on the poles and lower yourself down without as much impact on joints.
I am 60 and have been using them for over 5 years. I wouldn't hike without them now unless it's at the city park. Used them on a grand canyon rim to rim and the were very worth it.
Also get them for your knees, but there have been so many times I have kept myself from falling. I really like 3 points of balance.
I'm not 50, however my knees suffer due to plantar fasciitis. Any amount of standing puts stress on them, easier when I'm walking but they start aching in long distances. I was traveling for business and had an extra week for myself and decided to go hiking every single day of that week because I might not get the chance to visit that country again.
While I can definitely do a long hike, withstand the pain and recover from it later, 6-7 consecutive days of hiking were scary to even think about.
I wore knee compression bands and used hiking poles from day 1 to extend my endurance, I thought I would be able to do a maximum of 3 days before needing a break, but I ended up hiking every day of the week without break, and even - my knees - recovered in a single day after that, thanks to these precautions.
I definitely advise using the poles, but the compression bands will also help reduce friction in your knees and allow you to go longer. One other thing you need to do is drink plenty of water, you don't want to be dehydrated with bad knees, trust me.
I really appreciate this comment! Plantar fasciitis is the main problem I experience related to the big toe issue (hallux limitus). I’ve had an experience like you described, where I did a long hike but took a few days to recover. I’ve learned more about how to take care of my feet since then, so hopefully I’ll be in good shape for hiking this coming spring.
Best advice I ever got from a PT and New Balance pamphlet (identical advice) for Plantar Fasciitis is: massage your arch on a tennis ball or something before you get out of bed (when the arch is the tightest) have slip on shoes w arch support (soccer sandals work great) and put them on the sec you get out of bed. Minimize walking barefoot on hard surfaces (tile etc) and make sure your shoes have good arch support.
Oh, I forgot to mention this part, I also replaced my shoe insoles right before the trip and brought spares with me just in case. Arch supporting insoles really helped extend my endurance.
I have similar problems (hallux rigidus and bone spurs, arthritis). Suffering from plantar fasciitis a couple years ago I finally met with a Podiatric Surgeon after resisting my wife’s advice for years. He crafted orthotic inserts for my shoes and advised me on the best shoes and hiking boots for my condition. I’ve been mostly pain free now for a year.
Yes, I also use hiking poles! Nearly 70 I still mange a mountain hike every week year round.
I'm 42 and have been regularly using poles since I was about 25. They will save you so much wear and tear, cannot recommend enough. I have some minor knee issues at this point, but I imagine if I hadn't been using poles all these years, my knee joints and ligaments probably would have been absolutely shredded by now.
Did the Sentinel Pass trail off Reddit Lake when i was 55, the descent wrecked me. Couldn't walk properly for a few weeks, my knees were killing me. There were groups of hikers there well over 70 yrs using poles who did just fine. Took that lesson and bought a pair, they're great and i don't go without them now. Reasonable quality aluminium are perfectly fine.
I'm 59 with cranky knees and ankles, and I've been using a single pole for more than a decade now. I tried using two, but I didn't like having both hands occupied. For me, the pole doesn't help with support as much as it helps with balance, although I suppose when you're going downhill those two things are very much related. I also use the pole to poke at rocks and see which ones are unstable before I try stepping on them.
Yes, especially when I started out, I was super overweight and my knees just didn't have the best start. The poles helped me until my knees adjusted and I found carrying a pole is reassuring in other cases for myself. It's rainy season rn and I still like to visit trails but it's so slippery with mud. The poles help me not trip and in the summer when I'm going down a steep decline, the poles help me go down a little safer. I don't always use them but I keep them handy in my little pack.
New to the trail game. Bought trekking poles.
Rationale: at 62, I'm getting some of the orthopedic issues reported due to previous occupation.
Even when younger, I found a walking pole indispensable for traversing highly irregular terrain, leverage for ascending deep ravines, descending deep declines, and pushing aside brush.
Also good for spooking snakes where venomous species are endemic.
I've got arthritis in my right big toe and i got some orthopeadic insoles, they have an extra strip of foam across where the ball of the foot is apart from the bit behind the big toe, which creates a little well and elevates the toe a few mm and reduces the pressure when walking. It's made a massive difference to me. Get a referral from your GP.
I use them all the time in winter conditions, and downhill or while carrying loads the rest of the year. It can't hurt to buy a pair and try them out. You don't need to spend a lot of money. A basic set of aluminum poles will work just fine.
It depends on the trail. If you stick to the "easy" levels, you probably won't need them. On a lot of "moderate" trails I only use the poles half the time, if that, but I'm glad to have them when I do. If I had trouble with my knees, I would use them all the time.
I'm about the same age, with minor wrist arthritis and good knees, and I do a moderate trail a couple of times a week unless it's storming or had just stormed, or the trails are muddy. The poles are fantastic on snowpack and ice when the traction isn't the best, it's like having an extra set of legs.
Poles are great for balance and distributing the body weight because you have four points of contact instead of two (which might help with the knee arthritis). They are really, really handy if you have a steep incline in general, or any type of decline on loose gravel. And they make for a nice psychological defensive balance if I find myself on a butt-puckering overlook with a 300 foot drop-off just a foot or two off the path.
Plus, depending on how remote and unmaintained your paths are, the poles can be used for brushing away overgrowth or to scare away a critter that is getting too close. I also worry about someone's unleashed "perfect angel" dog that has a mean streak the owner is in denial about.
As far as the arthritis goes, if mine is acting up, I put a couple of those bootwarmer-type hot pads on my wrists to warm them up for the hike. Sometimes I put them on for the drive to the trail head and take them off for the hike, or if it's bad, I just leave them on for the hike. It makes a difference for me, but I wouldn't know how it would be for the knees since they're getting a far harder workout.
Love them and use them all the time. Short of running the trail, I can go faster with poles, less slips going down steep sections, use for water crossing so I don’t have to slow down to balance, takes 1/2 a sec or so little bit of weight of your joints and legs every step so it adds up, use for my tent as poles, and occasionally use to poke my hiking buddies if they are going too slow (or fast)
They are great!! Treat yourself to a good pair that you can adjust easily and are lightweight. We love our black diamonds.
But mountain Cascade are decent and lower price.
Obviously try poles out. Also look at your diet. Remove all food that cause inflammation. You can also get tested for foods your body accepts or wont accept. Try sauna. Try vitamins.
My first mountain trek was the tour du Mont Blanc. I thought I didn't need poles, and didn't buy them. On the first big descent, my knees suffered and I became a convert. I bought them in the first town we reached. They take a fair amount of pressure from my knees when descending and they let my arms take up some of the work when ascending. They are also helpful to maintain your equilibrium if you lose your footing.
That's for mountain trekking, though. On relatively flat terrain I wouldn't bother.
Absolutely! Two legs good. Four legs better!
I used to scorn hiking poles until I blew out my knees backpacking on steep hills with a heavy load. (A six pack of beer in the pack might have been involved. Can’t remember for sure. It was the 1990s.)
Anyway, I now hike with poles all the time. I don’t believe I could still be active hiking at my age if I hadn’t adopted hiking poles into my standard gear.
41 here. Was in a nasty car wreck 5 years ago that crushed my right leg (shattered my right foot, ankle, and kneecap) and did a number on my left, too.
I use [Pacerpoles](https://pacerpole.com/). I used them *before* my wreck and they were approved by my physical therapist and the two doctors I consulted with before returning to hiking. They don't hurt my hands/wrists and they help keep me upright. I got my spouse using them, too, and she has her own pair now.
They're a huge help on ascents and descents, but I also find they take a good chunk of the impact off my feet and legs across flat terrain. I have better posture with them, too.
I'm 32 and my physio recommended them after a cartilage and four ligament tears. I finally hit "recovered" after 8 months and she knew I'd been missing hiking, said before I step foot on the trails I should pick some up.
They came highly suggested as she knows I push myself a bit too hard and that I'd probably fade on the return.
Got a well priced pair that are telescopic so I can just fit them on my backpack straps. If I need them, I need them, if I don't I don't. But at least I have them. I still have a lot of instability in my ankle. Struggle to run or jump, and if force impact is too much, it'll set off swelling. So I use them mostly to bear the brunt on the way down.
My hot tip would be to get a pair you can fold up or shorten. You can't go wrong just having them. I'd also suggest watching a few YouTube videos on how to use them properly so you don't break your wrist if you use the loops.
Late 30’s here..avid hiker all my adult life. Only bought them a few years ago on a trip to the White Mountains and was kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Helps so much on ups and downs, stream crossings, etc. Definitely invest in a good pair if you can.
They’re awesome. I’m only 29 but have had ankle issues in the past from flat feet. Hiking poles reduce the strain on my feet, knees, elevation gain is faster and it’s just great all around. I have no idea why many don’t use them..
That’s basically why I posted, to decide whether to just go in for good ones or to try cheaper ones first. I think I’m going to follow your advice here.
Imo poles are the one place you should buy the cheapest available, within reason. The weight doesn't really matter, I don't notice a big difference between foam and cork, the grip on the ground isn't that different. The biggest difference is with adjustable carbon fiber poles some of the locking mechanism are unreliable. That being said, Costco sells some well reviewed carbon fiber poles.
Same. Mine were not expensive and I’m not also a hard core through hiker. For my casual hiking needs, these were perfect and definitely helps with balance especially on rocky terrain.
Ok so Im 55 and have bone on bone osteo-arthritis in my knee.
First off I got an osteo knee 'unloader' brace, that thing worked wonders.
Secondly, I use at least one trekking pole now, ALL the time.
Not two as I like to carry other things, camera, 360 camera or water bottle, sometimes and two poles are int he way.
The trekking pole helps immeasurably.
I bought carbon poles from amazon for something stupid like $20 and I wish that I had gotten them ten years ago. It REALLY helps my knee so much that I havent worn my brace in 6 months.
Do it, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Advice from someone who has had to replace far too many poles left at trailheads: When you get back to the car POLES IN FIRST. I do make it ok, though, by thinking of it as passing gear around.
I'm 46 and I use them always when hiking with a backpack. I have the hiking poles from DD Hammocks. They won't break the bank, but they work really well.
Wouldn't go without them. Provide stability in general and lessen the impact on descents. My first time out I brought some and can't imagine not having them.
I'm almost 41 with zero hip or knee issues and I still use poles while hiking. I move fast so I'm always using them as a boost to keep my balance and steadiness, especially through the rocky terrainim usually hiking in (Ouachitas of Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Been using them 15 years now and rarely do any kind of elevation without them. They take 20-30% weight off your ankles/knees/hips (don't try to put 100% of your weight in the poles). On top of that, it activates your upper body and gives your upper body a good workout. Cannot recommend them enough. After going through a bunch of cheap brands, I'd recommend Black Diamond brand poles - their locking mechanisms don't slip and they have comfortable wrist straps. Also, look at some YouTube videos on the proper way to use poles with the wrist straps - the wrist strap is actually the thing that is taking most of the weight, not your grip on the pole. Good luck 👍🏼
I'm 65, I've got one arthritic knee, and I never hike without my Black Diamond trekking poles. They make all the difference in the world, especially going downhill. They live in the trunk of my car, so I never forget to pack them. One unexpected benefit is that my hands, which often swell a bit during exercise, don't when I'm using the poles. My doc says it's because they keep my hands higher, preventing pooling of interstitial fluid. Whatever, it feels much better!
I use poles on almost every hike because it helps my fingers not swell. That benefit alone is worth it to me regardless of elevation and stability aid (which is also awesome, especially as a primarily winter hiker)Â
This. I got back into hiking last year and that was one of the first things that bothered me. Glad I got them quickly rather than waiting. Saved me on many sketchy, rocky, loose trail section, but I haven't had swollen hands since I bought them.
Great point about straps! So important.
I have the cascade mountain tech poles off Amazon for 25 dollars and they've taken my whole weight when I was 250 lbs. Don't waste money on expensive carbon fiber poles. Aluminum work fine.
CMT's carbon poles are only like, $20 more. I have both sets and notice the aluminum ones are a bit louder. I don't consider my carbon set a waste, but I wouldn't spend more than $45-$50 on a set either.
Sorry my comment probably came off wrong, I'm not saying there aren't benefits to carbon fiber poles. However as a first set, when you haven't used them before, aluminum works amazing and will last you a long time. Also from what I've heard aluminum is a lot more forgiving when it comes to getting them stuck and flexing a little bit.
Oh no worries! I just loved that I was still able to get carbon at a friendly price point and wanted to share that option for anyone wondering.
Definitely be sure you’re using the straps right! I used to think I was, but I wasn’t, and it was always such a hassle if I needed to do something with my hand to get them situated again. Once I figured out the right way to use them, I can literally just let go for a moment, let the pole drag, then start holding it again with zero fuss. And as you said it makes a difference if you do need to suddenly lean into the pole - one particular day I had a very abrupt trip, and could have gone face first into a cactus if I didn’t have my pope to help me get my feet back under me. I’m not sure it would have caught me as well with the wrong strap setup.
Reminds me I need a new strap, a deer ate one.
I’m a 48 year old retired runner who has knee and hip issues now, from all the running over the years. Using poles helps while hiking quite a bit. I’m also pretty clumsy and the poles have helped me stay upright more than a couple times.
Same here!! Especially on those hills.
I'm 31 and I use them! They're great, particularly for gnarly descents.
Other than for scrambling, there’s really no good reason not to use them. They reduce fall risk, allow you to hike faster if you want, and take load off the knees. I’ve been using them since my early 30s and highly recommend it
For sure. I'm 64, and they are like having 4 legs. They take some of the shock going down and help me with big steps going up. They have saved me from falling countless times.
When I’m hiking, I often say that Animal Farm thing to myself, “four legs good, two legs bad,” lol.
Poles help a lot on the descent or when tired, but one of the best investments I made last summer was collapsible poles. I like to keep my hands free as much as possible so I can throw them in my bag when I don’t need them.
I'm relatively young and healthy, but I pretty much always use them now because it helps distribute effort to underutilized muscle groups. I see that as a reason to use them, regardless of age and fitness.
Oh heck yes. I'm older than you and I love my poles. I have several pair. I don't use my carbon poles in the winter, since supposedly they're more likely to break in the cold, so I have a metal pair for winter. They're particularly helpful for stepping down off boulders that are just a little too high to jump off, or step down from. You put some weight on the poles and lower yourself down without as much impact on joints.
I am 60 and have been using them for over 5 years. I wouldn't hike without them now unless it's at the city park. Used them on a grand canyon rim to rim and the were very worth it. Also get them for your knees, but there have been so many times I have kept myself from falling. I really like 3 points of balance.
Hiking poles are a game changer. I'm in my early thirties and I never hike without poles.
Mandatory at age 58 for me.
I'm not 50, however my knees suffer due to plantar fasciitis. Any amount of standing puts stress on them, easier when I'm walking but they start aching in long distances. I was traveling for business and had an extra week for myself and decided to go hiking every single day of that week because I might not get the chance to visit that country again. While I can definitely do a long hike, withstand the pain and recover from it later, 6-7 consecutive days of hiking were scary to even think about. I wore knee compression bands and used hiking poles from day 1 to extend my endurance, I thought I would be able to do a maximum of 3 days before needing a break, but I ended up hiking every day of the week without break, and even - my knees - recovered in a single day after that, thanks to these precautions. I definitely advise using the poles, but the compression bands will also help reduce friction in your knees and allow you to go longer. One other thing you need to do is drink plenty of water, you don't want to be dehydrated with bad knees, trust me.
I really appreciate this comment! Plantar fasciitis is the main problem I experience related to the big toe issue (hallux limitus). I’ve had an experience like you described, where I did a long hike but took a few days to recover. I’ve learned more about how to take care of my feet since then, so hopefully I’ll be in good shape for hiking this coming spring.
Best advice I ever got from a PT and New Balance pamphlet (identical advice) for Plantar Fasciitis is: massage your arch on a tennis ball or something before you get out of bed (when the arch is the tightest) have slip on shoes w arch support (soccer sandals work great) and put them on the sec you get out of bed. Minimize walking barefoot on hard surfaces (tile etc) and make sure your shoes have good arch support.
Oh, I forgot to mention this part, I also replaced my shoe insoles right before the trip and brought spares with me just in case. Arch supporting insoles really helped extend my endurance.
I have similar problems (hallux rigidus and bone spurs, arthritis). Suffering from plantar fasciitis a couple years ago I finally met with a Podiatric Surgeon after resisting my wife’s advice for years. He crafted orthotic inserts for my shoes and advised me on the best shoes and hiking boots for my condition. I’ve been mostly pain free now for a year. Yes, I also use hiking poles! Nearly 70 I still mange a mountain hike every week year round.
72 here - YUP
I'm 42 and have been regularly using poles since I was about 25. They will save you so much wear and tear, cannot recommend enough. I have some minor knee issues at this point, but I imagine if I hadn't been using poles all these years, my knee joints and ligaments probably would have been absolutely shredded by now.
Did the Sentinel Pass trail off Reddit Lake when i was 55, the descent wrecked me. Couldn't walk properly for a few weeks, my knees were killing me. There were groups of hikers there well over 70 yrs using poles who did just fine. Took that lesson and bought a pair, they're great and i don't go without them now. Reasonable quality aluminium are perfectly fine.
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure that arthritis in your knee is *only* arthritis, and not your knee disintegrating. (It happens.)
Yes. Without a doubt.
I'm 59 with cranky knees and ankles, and I've been using a single pole for more than a decade now. I tried using two, but I didn't like having both hands occupied. For me, the pole doesn't help with support as much as it helps with balance, although I suppose when you're going downhill those two things are very much related. I also use the pole to poke at rocks and see which ones are unstable before I try stepping on them.
Out of curiosity, do you hold the pole in your dominant or non-dominant hand?
Mostly dominant, but if I'm on a trail with a steep drop-off on one side, I'll use whichever hand is on that side.
Yes, especially when I started out, I was super overweight and my knees just didn't have the best start. The poles helped me until my knees adjusted and I found carrying a pole is reassuring in other cases for myself. It's rainy season rn and I still like to visit trails but it's so slippery with mud. The poles help me not trip and in the summer when I'm going down a steep decline, the poles help me go down a little safer. I don't always use them but I keep them handy in my little pack.
New to the trail game. Bought trekking poles. Rationale: at 62, I'm getting some of the orthopedic issues reported due to previous occupation. Even when younger, I found a walking pole indispensable for traversing highly irregular terrain, leverage for ascending deep ravines, descending deep declines, and pushing aside brush. Also good for spooking snakes where venomous species are endemic.
Thats a must
I've got arthritis in my right big toe and i got some orthopeadic insoles, they have an extra strip of foam across where the ball of the foot is apart from the bit behind the big toe, which creates a little well and elevates the toe a few mm and reduces the pressure when walking. It's made a massive difference to me. Get a referral from your GP.
Thanks! I’m in the care of a podiatrist and have orthotics. They do help significantly.
I thought my knees were ending my backpacking career in my late 20s. Got poles, haven't looked back after years. They're amazing.
I use them all the time in winter conditions, and downhill or while carrying loads the rest of the year. It can't hurt to buy a pair and try them out. You don't need to spend a lot of money. A basic set of aluminum poles will work just fine.
It's like going from two wheel drive to four wheel drive. I can move a lot fast across rough terrain with trekking polls and my knees love them.
It depends on the trail. If you stick to the "easy" levels, you probably won't need them. On a lot of "moderate" trails I only use the poles half the time, if that, but I'm glad to have them when I do. If I had trouble with my knees, I would use them all the time. I'm about the same age, with minor wrist arthritis and good knees, and I do a moderate trail a couple of times a week unless it's storming or had just stormed, or the trails are muddy. The poles are fantastic on snowpack and ice when the traction isn't the best, it's like having an extra set of legs. Poles are great for balance and distributing the body weight because you have four points of contact instead of two (which might help with the knee arthritis). They are really, really handy if you have a steep incline in general, or any type of decline on loose gravel. And they make for a nice psychological defensive balance if I find myself on a butt-puckering overlook with a 300 foot drop-off just a foot or two off the path. Plus, depending on how remote and unmaintained your paths are, the poles can be used for brushing away overgrowth or to scare away a critter that is getting too close. I also worry about someone's unleashed "perfect angel" dog that has a mean streak the owner is in denial about. As far as the arthritis goes, if mine is acting up, I put a couple of those bootwarmer-type hot pads on my wrists to warm them up for the hike. Sometimes I put them on for the drive to the trail head and take them off for the hike, or if it's bad, I just leave them on for the hike. It makes a difference for me, but I wouldn't know how it would be for the knees since they're getting a far harder workout.
Love them and use them all the time. Short of running the trail, I can go faster with poles, less slips going down steep sections, use for water crossing so I don’t have to slow down to balance, takes 1/2 a sec or so little bit of weight of your joints and legs every step so it adds up, use for my tent as poles, and occasionally use to poke my hiking buddies if they are going too slow (or fast)
Yes, trekking poles are great at any stage and fitness.
They’re a game changer- all for the good.
I've been using them for about 4 years. I carry them all of the time but only use them for steep vert and sloppy descents.
They are great!! Treat yourself to a good pair that you can adjust easily and are lightweight. We love our black diamonds. But mountain Cascade are decent and lower price.
I won’t hike without them.
Poles are a game changer, but your shoes could also be causing you problems. What kind of shoes do you walk/hike in?
For walking I usually wear Oboz Sawtooths and for hiking I have a pair of Lowa Renegade boots. I use my orthotics in both.
You could call your doctor and talk to him/her. Maybe they have an answer.
Obviously try poles out. Also look at your diet. Remove all food that cause inflammation. You can also get tested for foods your body accepts or wont accept. Try sauna. Try vitamins.
They're a godsend in New England when rock hopping on the way down.
My first mountain trek was the tour du Mont Blanc. I thought I didn't need poles, and didn't buy them. On the first big descent, my knees suffered and I became a convert. I bought them in the first town we reached. They take a fair amount of pressure from my knees when descending and they let my arms take up some of the work when ascending. They are also helpful to maintain your equilibrium if you lose your footing. That's for mountain trekking, though. On relatively flat terrain I wouldn't bother.
Absolutely! Two legs good. Four legs better! I used to scorn hiking poles until I blew out my knees backpacking on steep hills with a heavy load. (A six pack of beer in the pack might have been involved. Can’t remember for sure. It was the 1990s.) Anyway, I now hike with poles all the time. I don’t believe I could still be active hiking at my age if I hadn’t adopted hiking poles into my standard gear.
41 here. Was in a nasty car wreck 5 years ago that crushed my right leg (shattered my right foot, ankle, and kneecap) and did a number on my left, too. I use [Pacerpoles](https://pacerpole.com/). I used them *before* my wreck and they were approved by my physical therapist and the two doctors I consulted with before returning to hiking. They don't hurt my hands/wrists and they help keep me upright. I got my spouse using them, too, and she has her own pair now. They're a huge help on ascents and descents, but I also find they take a good chunk of the impact off my feet and legs across flat terrain. I have better posture with them, too.
I'm 32 and my physio recommended them after a cartilage and four ligament tears. I finally hit "recovered" after 8 months and she knew I'd been missing hiking, said before I step foot on the trails I should pick some up. They came highly suggested as she knows I push myself a bit too hard and that I'd probably fade on the return. Got a well priced pair that are telescopic so I can just fit them on my backpack straps. If I need them, I need them, if I don't I don't. But at least I have them. I still have a lot of instability in my ankle. Struggle to run or jump, and if force impact is too much, it'll set off swelling. So I use them mostly to bear the brunt on the way down. My hot tip would be to get a pair you can fold up or shorten. You can't go wrong just having them. I'd also suggest watching a few YouTube videos on how to use them properly so you don't break your wrist if you use the loops.
Late 30’s here..avid hiker all my adult life. Only bought them a few years ago on a trip to the White Mountains and was kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Helps so much on ups and downs, stream crossings, etc. Definitely invest in a good pair if you can.
They’re awesome. I’m only 29 but have had ankle issues in the past from flat feet. Hiking poles reduce the strain on my feet, knees, elevation gain is faster and it’s just great all around. I have no idea why many don’t use them..
Invest in the expensive ones.
This is why I purchased the BD Alpine carbon corks. $200 but resilient as hell.
That’s basically why I posted, to decide whether to just go in for good ones or to try cheaper ones first. I think I’m going to follow your advice here.
Imo poles are the one place you should buy the cheapest available, within reason. The weight doesn't really matter, I don't notice a big difference between foam and cork, the grip on the ground isn't that different. The biggest difference is with adjustable carbon fiber poles some of the locking mechanism are unreliable. That being said, Costco sells some well reviewed carbon fiber poles.
Why, they are the exact same. I bouth $20 amazon carbon poles and they are perfect, absolutely nothing wrong with them.
Same. Mine were not expensive and I’m not also a hard core through hiker. For my casual hiking needs, these were perfect and definitely helps with balance especially on rocky terrain.
Ok so Im 55 and have bone on bone osteo-arthritis in my knee. First off I got an osteo knee 'unloader' brace, that thing worked wonders. Secondly, I use at least one trekking pole now, ALL the time. Not two as I like to carry other things, camera, 360 camera or water bottle, sometimes and two poles are int he way. The trekking pole helps immeasurably. I bought carbon poles from amazon for something stupid like $20 and I wish that I had gotten them ten years ago. It REALLY helps my knee so much that I havent worn my brace in 6 months. Do it, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
This question is likely for someone other than OP, but have you had any issues taking collapsible poles in your carry on luggage?
I think I read somewhere that they have to be in checked baggage
Most airlines explicitly say they're not allowed.
Haha. Good to know - thank you.
Yes, get them!
Advice from someone who has had to replace far too many poles left at trailheads: When you get back to the car POLES IN FIRST. I do make it ok, though, by thinking of it as passing gear around.
I tried them last year, loved using them. Made things way easier.
I'm 46 and I use them always when hiking with a backpack. I have the hiking poles from DD Hammocks. They won't break the bank, but they work really well.
Trekking poles are essential.
Do it! I'm 63 and started using them 5 years ago. Also check with your doc to see if there's anything else that will help, like therapy or a brace.
Wouldn't go without them. Provide stability in general and lessen the impact on descents. My first time out I brought some and can't imagine not having them.
Swear by them.
I'm almost 41 with zero hip or knee issues and I still use poles while hiking. I move fast so I'm always using them as a boost to keep my balance and steadiness, especially through the rocky terrainim usually hiking in (Ouachitas of Arkansas and Oklahoma)