If your question isn’t answered below, use our convenient online contact form.  To speak to us in person, call 604-990-7711 or 877-499-7999.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the four types of poles that Urban Poling sells?

Q: I’ve got my poles! How do I use them properly to get the maximum benefits?

A: Watch the instructional DVD (that comes with your poles when you buy them online or from one of our retailers)  to learn the proper technique.

Or take a class or series of classes with a certified Urban Poling instructor. Click here to find a class in your town or city.

Or click here to view a short video that teaches you the 5-steps.

Q: Why is Urban Poling the only company in Canada that distributes poles with an ergonomic strapless handle?

A: There are lots of  brands of Nordic walking poles on the market, but its hard to beat the comfort, ease of use and safety of Urban Poling poles.

Walking with poles is very safe.  However, the #1 pole-related sports injury (from sports like downhill skiing, cross country skiing and Nordic walking) happens when exercisers fall. Because they’re attached to their  poles, they land on the handle and often hyperextend and injure their thumbs.  But with strapless poles, if you fall, your hands naturally let go of the poles as you fall and let you land with your hands flat on the ground. (Source: “Nordic pole walking injuries” K. Knobloch Sept 20, 2006. – U.S. National Library of Medicine)

Exercisers press the outside edges of their hands onto the wide base of the ergonomic handles to create resistance that propels them forward. (With poles with straps, the resistance is created by pressing on the straps.)

In addition, it’s easy and convenient when your poles are strapless. You can easily take a drink from your water bottle and put your hand in your pocket for a tissue without having to remove yourself from straps first.

Urban Poling instructors tell us they like the ability to quickly put their poles down or tuck them under an arm to assist class participants, again without having to remove themselves from straps.

Q: I have heard that telescoping poles (like Urban Poling poles) are not as safe or as quiet as fixed length poles. Is this true?

A: Some other Nordic walking pole manufacturers claim that telescoping poles are unsafe and are likely to collapse or break and then result in injury. We are unaware of the safety records of other brands of telescoping poles, but regarding Urban Poling brand poles, nothing could be further from the truth.

Our poles are made of airplane-grade aluminum and are virtually indestructible. We are unaware of any poles that have broken at the shaft, and we have never had a request for replacement of a broken shaft.

Our poles, unlike cheaper telescoping poles, are completely quiet and do not rattle as you walk.

We do agree with the claim that poor-quality telescoping poles may collapse, be noisy or cause other problems while walking.

Sometimes new users don’t tighten their poles sufficiently; this results simply in a pole that very gradually shortens over the walk. When our poles are tightened properly , they simply stay at that length until the user loosens them.

We designed poles that telescope for several practical reasons: they can be packed in your suitcase for travel; you can change the height for for trekking, snowshoeing, etc.; they tuck easily into your car trunk; and they can be shared with friends and family members of different heights.

Fitness clubs, group exercise instructors, walking clubs, YMCA/YWCAs, seniors residences, equipment retailers, etc., all appreciate the telescoping feature. They don’t want the hassle of purchasing numerous poles in a variety of heights. They know that with Urban Poling walking poles they’ll always have appropriate-height poles for each person in their programs or each consumer who visits their store.

Q: Do the poles adjust in length?

A: Yes, the poles adjust for people who are 4′2″ to 6′2″.

Q: What is the ideal pole length for beginners?

A: We suggest that beginners  start with their poles two inches lower than their true height. (For example, if you’re 5′6″, set your poles at 5′4″.) Walking with poles slightly shorter than your height doesn’t make the activity easier – it just makes the poles a little easier to manage.  Lengthen your poles to your full height (for example, if you’re 5′6″, set your poles at 5′6″) as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Q: What if I have arthritis, a hip or knee replacement, diabetes, M.S. or Parkinson’s disease?

A: Before you start any new fitness program, talk with your family physician, therapist and/or rehabilitation professional.  The Activator poles were designed for people with  chronic conditions that effect stability and balance or grip strength and for people who require a device for weight bearing.  The weight capacity of the Activator poles is significantly higher than that of  our other types of poles.

Q: What is the function of the boot tips, and how often should I replace them?

A: The boot tips have three functions:

1. They flex on contact with the ground for a softer feel and absorb shock and vibrations reducing stress to your joints.
2. The tread provides better contact and creates resistance as you apply force to the poles.
3. The tips help propel you forward  faster to achieve a better workout.

Urban Poling boot tips are made from high grade rubber. However, with regular use (2-3 times per week over a year) the tread will likely be worn down and the boot tips should be replaced.

Q: What if my poles get stuck and I can’t collapse or lengthen them?

A: It can be frustrating when a stronger friend tightens your poles and later you can’t unlocked them.

Here are two simple solutions:

1. Turn the pole upside down, and anchor the handle tightly between your feet. Then, check the lock/unlock arrows near the tip of  the pole. Using two hands, turn in the direction of unlock.
2. Keeping the pole parallel to the ground, hand the handle end of it to a friend. Ask her/him to hold tightly with two hands as you check the lock/unlock arrows on the pole. Then, using two hands, turn in the direction of unlock.

Q: Can I use my poles in the winter?

A: Yes, our Adventure poles can be used all year round. These poles come with trekking baskets and snow baskets and are ideal for snowshoeing, winter walking, hiking and trekking on the beach.

But beware of icy conditions. Even with poles for extra support and stability, slippery icy surfaces are dangerous for any kind of walking! Yes, the carbide tips (under the boot tips) may give them great traction, but your feet may still still be slip and slide on the surface.

Q: Should I use the boot tips in the winter or take them off?

A: It’s really your choice. If it’s a solid snow surface, the carbide tips should dig in nicely. But on plowed sidewalks or roads, the noise of the carbide tips on the hard surface can be annoying, so the boot tips are usually a better choice.

Before tightening your poles, you may want to let them acclimatize to the extreme cold by putting them outside for 15 minutes.