Walking poles are excellent for providing additional stabilisation for senior trekkers who are looking for extra support. Whether you are hill walking or taking a stroll through the neighbourhood park, high-quality walking poles provide balance, absorb shock to joints and assist movement over various terrains. To help you find the best walking poles for seniors, we have created this guide so you know exactly what you are looking for.
During retirement age, pastimes like knitting, gardening, or painting may be one of the first activities that come to mind. However, while those activities are creative and require focus on detail, having a hobby that requires physical movement and training will also bring many benefits.
Best walking poles at a glance
• Best walking poles for seniors: TrailBuddy Walking Poles - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best high-end walking poles: Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud walking poles - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best walking poles for all terrains: Vango Basho Folding Walking Poles - View Offer at Nevisport
Seniors can also engage in adventurous pursuits, like hill walking and hiking. Ageing trekkers shouldn’t worry that they have to pack away their gear forever—hiking over 60 is possible. Even if your ideal walk is around a local nature reserve or head to National Trust Park, walking is a fantastic way to engage with nature and keep your body in good shape.
Hikers over 60 may need some sort of assistance, especially if they have had surgery or a replacement knee, ankle, or hip joint. Having the right hiking equipment and walking boots are a must. Trekking poles would soften the impact on that joint. If you take walking seriously, they really are a fantastic investment.
The best walking poles for seniors
So now you know what to look for when purchasing a pair, let's take a look at the top walking poles that are best suited to seniors for trekking and general walking around nature.
Best walking poles for seniors
The TrailBuddy Walking Poles are excellent all-rounders for seniors as they are lightweight, robust and reasonably priced. Constructed from lightweight yet strong aluminium shafts made from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminium which can hold more weight than many other models, each pole only weighs 0.27kg. They are also highly versatile, with an adjustable range from 137cm max down to just 62cm long, so whether you are five-foot or six-foot, you will find the perfect length for your height.
Not only are the poles able to adjust for various sizes, but they are easy to lock into place with the lever locks, which do not require any twisting to lock into place, and are also easy to work if you have gloves on. Plus, the padded straps and moisture-wicking cork handles will adapt to the shape of your hand for a secure and comfortable grip on each walking stick, ready for Nordic hikes to hill walking.
Customer review: "After having suffered a cardiac arrest over four years ago, I had to learn to walk again. My walking has been quite slow since then, only being able to walk short distances without taking a rest. I have experienced some unsteadiness, backache and knee pain during this exercise. Since using my new poles, I have been able to achieve so much more. I have been able to walk in the previously inaccessible countryside, up hills, across grassy fields and for much further. Well worth every penny of the money I paid for them. Give them a try."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong shaft construction
- Ergonomic cork grips and bag included
Cons
- They don't have a double-wide grip
Best lightweight walking poles for seniors
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Poles are the most lightweight option on this list, weighing in at just 0.21kg per pole - making them perfect for storing in your backpack when not in need. Made with a carbon fibre shaft designed to have flexibility and additional shock absorption. For this reason, these poles are excellent for use on the pavement as well as for walking around the neighbourhood and mountain walking. Retractable from 61 cm to 140cm, they work for a wide range of different heights, including children. Another excellent feature is that they have a two-year warranty so that it will stand the test of time.
Customer review: "I decided I needed trekking poles to give me the stability I lost after major back surgery again to walk on trails and beaches I. I saw these Foxelli poles, and it has all the features I was looking for at a good price. They are easy to adjust and lock, light & comfortable in use, and pack easily to throw in my travel bag. They have a two-year warranty too."
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Good for most terrains
- Wide adjustable range
- Carrying bag and double long grip
Cons
- Mid-range price
Best high-end walking poles
Frequent walkers will benefit from a premium pair of walking poles, and these adjustable Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud walking poles are up for anything. They are compact, lightweight, weigh just 175g each, and have an adjustment range from 90cm to 120cm. The section at the bottom can be extended to one universal point, while the top can be changed to match the height of whoever uses it. Each section is set in place with the Power Lock 3.0 system, made with forged aluminium, which is robust and rock solid.
It features padded wrist loops that are straightforward to adjust and comfortable to use, and the foam grip is ergonomically designed to feel good in the hand. Made in Austria, these are premium poles with a price tag to match, but every component is top quality.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Good for most terrains
- Wide adjustable range
- Carrying bag and double long grip
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Best walking poles for all terrains
These retractable tri-fold Trekology TrekZ Cork Handle Hiking Sticks are lightweight and adjustable, so you will have no issue fitting them into your bag on walks. The poles feature a dual grip design and are equipped with cork hand grips and foam pads below the main hold. Crafted from strong 7075 aircraft-grade aluminium, you won’t have to worry about them rusting after exposure to moisture when out on a wet or snowy walk. The poles can be adjusted to adjustable from 109 to 130cm. They also come with five tips depending on your trail conditions.
Customer review: "Good set of poles from a well-known brand. Clear instructions for assembly. Different feet for different terrain and an extra set of pole end feet. The finish is good. Not sure why people have difficulty erecting these poles. Very simple, quick assembly. Cork handles for better grip. Fully adjustable wrist straps. Both come in a good quality nylon bag which fits neatly into the mesh pocket on my rucksack. Pricier than some poles, but the quality in the finish is there. It uses sturdy and provide good support on the upslopes and coming down. Recommended."
Pros
- Choice of five tips
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Too long for people shorter than 5’2″
Best walking pole with suspension
www.nevisport.com
This excellent pair of Vango Basho Folding Walking Poles have a tungsten tip and an ergonomically shaped foam handgrip for comfortable holding. The wrist strap is padded and easy to adjust, and the three sections come with complete suspension, which can easily be turned on or off by twisting. Its foldable design makes for easy transportation, collapsing down to 38cm. They have a height range of 115cm to 135cm and weigh 223g.
Customer review: "Really like these poles. I used it maybe 10 times so far, once I got the length and the all-important grip right, I made some great progress. Seem a decent build quality, like the fact they fold down to fit in the rucksack and the shock-absorber."
Pros
- Good value
- Optional impact-softening suspension
- Good lower grip area
Cons
- Reviews say the sections can detach if they catch in mud
What to consider when buying walking poles for seniors
Trekking poles provide stability for various body types and heights. They can also help reduce stress and impact on joints and muscles. If you are over 60, you should consider these critical components before purchasing a pair.
Lightweight: If you carry them around in a backpack or pack them in a suitcase, the lighter your poles are, the better. Light poles are ideal for preventing fatigue as you will still carry these around when not in use.
Adjustable: Whether you are looking for a pair for a five-foot woman or a six-foot man – it is essential to find an adjustable trekking poles that will be suitable for your height. Walking sticks will have the ability to adjust up or down to provide the perfect size for most body types and terrains.
Can be used on various terrains: From neighbourhood walks to mountaineering, you will want a sturdy stick to help you get about. Trekking poles will come with multiple tips to take on any surface, making them versatile and catered to your experience.
A wrist strap on the grips: Senior walkers and hikers should seek out poles that come with wrist straps so even if they slip from your grasp, they will stay on your wrist – or at least won’t venture far.
Cork construction: Cork grips are ideal because they mould to each pair of hands over time. This technology means your grip will become even more comfortable as you continue to use them.
Find the right length: You should be striving for a 90-degree bend at your elbow when pole tips touch the ground.
FAQs
How can I prepare for a hike?
Here is a checklist of safety precautions to follow when preparing for your hike as a senior trekker from Deeper Trails.
Bring a fully charged phone with GPS/location services capabilities.
Visit with your physician before hiking.
Look to the local DNR or hiking club for maps and trail information.
Make your loved ones aware of your hiking plans and where you’ll be.
Track weather and temperature forecasts for the day of your hike.
Make sure to pack plenty of water and standard protective gear: rain poncho, suncream, first aid kit etc.
Consider the use of a professional guide if hiking in an unknown area.
Why buy walking poles?
First, let’s take a look at why hiking sticks are an essential kit for the great outdoors. The walking accessory helps reduce strain on joints such as the lower spine, hips and knees. They also help improve balance and stability on uneven terrain and provide support when lowering yourself down a steep hill or rocky ground.
As well as helping you to walk as safely as possible, they help with posture and an excellent walking technique and can also be used as probes to knock away brambles or check how deep a puddle is.
They are a valuable tool if you are unfamiliar with the path you are hiking, enjoy walking in winter and may come across ice, snow or slippery spots, carry a bag or are even brand new to hiking. Trekking poles can be an excellent resource for senior hikers. A good set of trekking poles can usually be purchased for less than £50.
Do I need one or two walking poles?
Generally, trekking poles are almost always used in pairs. There is also something called a hiking staff, also known as a hiking stick, which is a single pole; however, most hikers go with two walking poles over a hiking staff.
Are folding hiking poles better?
This depends on what you are using them for. For climbers, folding poles are particularly useful because they are lightweight and can be carried into a backpack during alpine walking and climbing. Folding sticks are much lighter and more compact than three-section telescoping poles.
Do walking poles and sticks make walking easier?
As mentioned above, walking poles can help improve posture and balance, reduce joint pain and boost your confidence when walking. This activity can be extremely beneficial for active seniors, arthritic users, patients with cardiac health concerns and more.
Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.