The better Nordic Walking poles have a device to keep the hands tight with the shaft. This means that the poles should come along naturally as the person swings the poles. To better illustrate the concept, see this photo of the LEKI “Shark Grip.”
Don’t grab your poles in the “death grip.”
As can be seen, a glove-type soft material is velcroed around the palm of the hand. At the end of material is a small lop. The loop attached to the mail pole by inserting into the slot on the grip. With a click, the strap is then affixed to the shaft.
The optimum way to move the poles is to drag them behind the user – NOT pick it up. The LEKI method is unique in that it is not necessary to grab the pole. Rather it moves with the natural arm swing. The poles weigh approximately eight ounces and the user should walk with fingers loose and even open-handed.
Many poles require a tight grip to move the poles. The major downside in these cases, the user must continuously hold on the poles. Wrist pain can build up and possible lead to carpal tunnel issues. With a strap system, the user is required to grab the pole. Doing this leads them to pick the pole up and gradually bring it forward – an inefficient manner to attain the benefits Nordic Walking offers.