Topic

Trekking Poles and Forefoot Strike


Forum Posting

A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!

Home Forums Gear Forums Gear (General) Trekking Poles and Forefoot Strike

  • This topic is empty.
Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #1297748
    Tyler Miller
    BPL Member

    @fightingthetide

    Locale: Southeast

    Two things here.

    I know this has been picked through already on mutliple threads, but can someone give me a rundown of whether or not a 15* ergo grip is something worth considering? I had problems on my last hike using a friends pole with a straight grip. Going downhill, only my pointer finger and thumb were able to grip the pole when extending it forward for a downhill step…and not very tight, which translated into less weight taken off my knees.

    Also…

    I have a highschool cross country background that gave me some knee issues, and about a year ago I started running in minimalist shoes with a forefoot strike which has aleviated most of those issues in my knees. Is there any merit to hiking with more of a midfoot to forefoot strike to alleviate knee and hip problems? I'm sold on that style of running but just not sure how well it translates into hiking. Check out http://naturalrunningcenter.com/2012/03/06/video-the-principles-natural-running/

    The reason I put both of these into one topic is because I think they would relate well in asking the question, "What is the most efficient way to reduce stress on your knees and hips?" I realize preferences are huge here. And if I've overlooked an article or thread that answers the question, feel free to point me in the right direction.

    #1941508
    Mole J
    BPL Member

    @mole

    Locale: UK

    use the straps correctly and all will be well.

    the straps are an integral part of the handles and not using them limits the poles' usefulness.

    also, gripping the handles/ not using the straps properly puts different strains on elbows and wrists. gripping is not good in the long run – as many manual workers will attest.

    Some folk lengthen their poles a little on long steep downhill sections to give more reach. I never bother.

    I used some Lekis with ergo handles (15° forward bend) for years, and found them fine, but now use BD trails, and find them no different in use.
    It's like driving a different car- after a little while you get used to the feel oif the new drive.

    dunno about your footstrike,

    #1941519
    Nick Gatel
    BPL Member

    @ngatel

    Locale: Southern California

    I am not a trekking pole advocate, so no comments on them.

    However walking and running are too different activities. Most people do not naturally walk with a fore foot strike. I do walk more on my fore feet than most people, but it is not intentional. Mostly on uphills and even some down hills (depending on terrain and the weight of my pack). And I would never have known this if a couple of hiking partners had not pointed it out.

    Barefoot running will "force" you to start running with a fore foot strike; it is subconscious. However it would probably take a lot of practice and concentrated training to hike with a fore foot strike, and I am not sure it would be beneficial or it might even be detrimental.

    #1941522
    Steven McAllister
    BPL Member

    @brooklynkayak

    Locale: Arizona, US

    I use trekking poles extensively because of bad joints.

    I have suffered from hand thumb injuries when I used to not use the straps that much and instead gripped the poles.

    I no longer grip the poles as much, putting the weight on the straps and no longer have that problem.

    #1941524
    Tyler Miller
    BPL Member

    @fightingthetide

    Locale: Southeast

    Can anyone point me to a good picture/article/video of how to correctly use straps?

    #1941526
    Steven McAllister
    BPL Member

    @brooklynkayak

    Locale: Arizona, US
    #1941528
    Mole J
    BPL Member

    @mole

    Locale: UK

    http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/poles.htm

    page 2 has info you want, though the whole article is a useful overview

    #1941538
    Ben C
    BPL Member

    @alexdrewreed

    Locale: Kentucky

    With due respect to the others, some of us find no use for the straps at all. I never use straps. My LT4 poles don't have them. I have never experienced hand strain of any sort. I could see using them with heavier poles possibly. I know other people seem to really like the straps though. I think its probably personal.

    I think running with a forefoot strike is a natural response to running with unpadded or lightly padded shoes. I think doing this has really strengthened my ankles and lower leg. I don't think its generally natural to strike with the forefoot while walking. I do tend to forefoot strike, however, on downhills and uneven terrain. I think my foot feels more stable that way.

    #1941545
    Aaron Reichow
    Member

    @areichow

    Locale: Northern Minnesota

    Personally, I'm not a fan of the angled handles. It's probably because I'm used to using straight handled poles, and when I tried out a pair of "ergonomic" angled poles (BD Trail Ergo Cork) the poles were always angled back too far, causing skids and skips and making it harder for me to to keep my rhythm.

    That said, the handle isn't all that important. Most of the work should be done with the straps. Unless I'm descending, I've usually got a very loose grip on the handle.

    #1941550
    Tyler Miller
    BPL Member

    @fightingthetide

    Locale: Southeast

    What's the advantage to not having straps? Shaving weight?

    I can see how an angled grip would cause a bad placement on level ground when you are trying to get the pole to land near your foot and it strikes behind you instead.

    I recently bought a pair of BD Alpine Carbon Cork poles, but not for their weight. I realize they are beefy for carbon poles, and apparently weigh the same as BD Ergo Cork poles. They seemed like a sturdy first set of poles and they were on sale. So anyway, I'm wanting to absorb some ideas on technique so I can use these properly on my next trip.

    On the side – Any reason I should return the BD Alpine's for another pole?

    #1941559
    Ben C
    BPL Member

    @alexdrewreed

    Locale: Kentucky

    I tested out a pair of my friend's BD Alpines this weekend and they seemed pretty nice to me. I would keep 'em.

    With regard the reason for no straps, I would just say I don't carry something I don't use. I don't care how little weight it adds.

    #1941564
    Steven McAllister
    BPL Member

    @brooklynkayak

    Locale: Arizona, US

    For some of us, straps are required.
    Anybody who puts a lot of weight on their poles will have repetitive stress problems if they don't use the straps.

    But most people don't use their poles that way.
    If you don't bear down on your poles, strapless shouldn't be an issue.

    #1941590
    Mole J
    BPL Member

    @mole

    Locale: UK

    it's whatever suits,

    But, not using the straps, logically, limits the possibilities of the ways you could use your poles as they add another degree of movement and a more flexible range of ways of connecting with the poles. If you never have used the straps long term (as they are meant) – until it becomes second nature like walking, you will never know what you are missing… and I can't really convince anyone – once you really experience the difference it is self evident.

    e.g.s

    I could never imagine having the patience of having to put down a pole or hold it in the other hand/under your arm every single time I need to use that hand briefly for something else. (which you have to do without the strap). If the terrain allows I can use my compass/map/camera/phone, wipe my nose, adjust clothing/pack etc and use both hands for simple scrambles – all without losing the poles off my wrists – a quick flick of the wrist and they are back in the hand and carry on…

    try falling really hard forward down hill trying to break your fall with the poles out in front so the tips dig in whilst just gripping the handles strapless – wrists won't bend like that and keep a solid grip without bending your elbows – – with straps you don't need to – being at a big angle to the grips, they catch your hands and brake your fall with straight arms…

    can't do certain kinds of useful sideways fending pushes off rocks using just the straps n no grips – your wrist won't twist like that whilst still holding the grip (I've tried )

    #1941601
    Max Dilthey
    Spectator

    @mdilthey

    Locale: MaxTheCyclist.com

    The website for Vivobarefoot shoes has videos of a walking method that uses the forefoot strike. If memory serves, the natural gait of the human physiology consists of smaller steps. So, take smaller steps to be easiest on your knees during hiking. makes logical and scientific sense to me.

    #1941623
    Rob E
    Spectator

    @eatsleepfish

    Locale: Canada

    Just a comment: I "used" the straps with trekking poles for years, and read how to use them correctly, but in hindsight, I was not using them optimally. It was not until I spent a season cross country skiing, where you really give it to the strap, did the light bulb go off and I really became "one with the strap".

    #1941655
    scott rebello
    Spectator

    @scottrebello

    ChiWalking and ChiRunning are both mid/forefoot strike styles. Sounds like you already do ChiRunning with minimalist shoes. When you walk barefoot you tend not to strike with your heels as much, just as with barefoot running. A little less pronounced but similar. Lots of info out there. Good luck

    #1941659
    Todd T
    BPL Member

    @texasbb

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    than on your pack.

    #1941665
    peter vacco
    Member

    @fluffinreach-com

    Locale: no. california

    with straps you don't have to grip the poles as hard. thusly, when you are tired, it's a better way to go.
    only the four fingers go thru the strap, not the thumb … this is a safety issue. it makes is vastly easier to disconnect when a pole gets jammed and you keep going.
    i prefer the angled grips, and the more angle, the better.
    once you get to pacer poles, the strap inverts and works differently, and you don't have to grip hardly At All.
    peter will be bringing his carbon pacer poles to the GGG, for if anybody wants to play with them.

    cheers,
    v.

    #1941739
    Mole J
    BPL Member

    @mole

    Locale: UK

    That's a new one to me ! any pictures?

    #1941775
    Tyler Miller
    BPL Member

    @fightingthetide

    Locale: Southeast

    Yeah I was just now trying that and it didn't seem to work. Got a picture?

    #1941783
    Tyler Miller
    BPL Member

    @fightingthetide

    Locale: Southeast

    edit – it posted twice.

    #1941784
    Tyler Miller
    BPL Member

    @fightingthetide

    Locale: Southeast

    Never heard of ChiWalking/Running. I looked it up and it seems to be the same idea as the video I posted from the Natural Running Center – http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zSIDRHUWlVo

    Now that I've learned the benefits of a forefoot strike while running, I've adapted my walking gait by putting most of my weight on my midfoot instead of my heel. My heel still strikes the ground first, but it lightly rolls my foot forward to have full contact with the ground, and then I put my weight on my midfoot. Not sure if there's any benefit there, but I like it. I have yet to adapt it to hiking.

    This is why I think there's a good correlation between walking/hiking form and correct use of poles with straps. Both forms, used correctly, should (in theory) help someone like me who is young but has a propensity to get inflammation in my knees if I'm not careful.

    Pete's Pole Page – http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/poles.htm – has some invaluable advice on strengthening your knee muscles to avoid injury on the bottom of page 1. I overlooked this on my last hike and didn't do any training. So I think the trifecta that I need to adhere to is 1) strengthen my knees (and arms), 2) use my poles/straps correctly, and 3) don't hike downhill with a heavy heel.

Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting

A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!

Get the Newsletter

Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light!

Gear Research & Discovery Tools


Loading...