It's telling that the best running poles get called 'cheating sticks' by some members of the mountain running community. To cheat is, according to the Oxford Dictionary, to act dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage. Well, poles are not only allowed but encouraged by many race directors so, by deploying them, you're hardly acting dishonestly or unfairly, though you'll definitely be gaining an advantage.
Yes, by taking some of the strain off your legs, you allow yourself to go faster for longer, which is exactly what is need on long mountain races and ultra marathons. The difference between the best running poles and the best trekking poles is how lightweight and portable running poles can be, easily folding away to be stashed when you hit technical scrambling terrain.
We've tested the best running poles on long backcountry training runs and on gruelling ultras to bring you this guide. All six pairs of poles included are here on merit, but we particularly like the Mountain King Carbon Skyrunner for its ultralight and easy to assemble qualities.
The quick list
This is the quick list, a snapshot of the best running poles available in 2024. To delve deeper into the features and qualities of each featured pair, see our more detailed reviews further down the page in this guide.
We love these ultra lightweight, fixed-length carbon running poles for going fast and light through the mountains
We think that these four-piece feather-light sticks are among the best running poles for fast-moving trail runners
Incredible value, variable-length carbon running poles that are fantastic for beginners and those on a budget
We're big fans of these top quality, super strong adjustable-length running poles with a unique, efficient hand-to-pole connection for effortless running
Light, fixed-length and durable carbon running poles that we think are perfect for long days out and mountain adventures
We approve of these good quality, robust aluminum running poles with great features at a very reasonable price
The best running poles 2024
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
The best running poles overall
This incredibly low-weight Skyrunner is by far the lightest fixed-length collapsible running pole on the market right now at 224g/7.9oz per 120cm pair. A doddle to assemble and disassemble and it folds down into four sections and is the most compact pair of poles in our selection. The four section fold makes it an M-pole, rather than the usual three-section Z-pole.
One qualm is the lack of adjustability in the handle strap, which means you can't tailor the fit. Nevertheless, the material is soft and the size of the loop is suited to most hand sizes. We'd prefer it if the mesh handle was a little more comfortable, particularly for long, wet runs or multi-day applications. A brushed material would have been ideal, but then you can always wear running gloves to negate this issue.
Weighing just 224g / 7.9oz, these are also the lightest poles in our roundup, making them ideal for those looking to go as light and fast as possible. To summarize, our running expert Claire said that these were "amazingly compact, ultra-light poles that you won’t notice you’re carrying for miles and miles".
Read our full Mountain King Carbon Skyrunner review
The best running poles for quick assembly
A four-piece, M-design, folding carbon pole, Alpkit’s Nanolite Twins are designed by trail runners for trail runners. They are super light, and have four sections, fold down nice and small for easy stashing on a running pack or race vest when not required.
Although you can’t adjust the length, they are available in three sizes, which go up in 10cm increments from 110cm – so you do need to ensure you get the best size for you. Assembly is easy and quick – you just yank the Kevlar-reinforced cord umbilicus that runs through the sections, pulling them all together, and then slip the knot in the cord through a purpose-built notch in the handle. "The connection is actually a lot more robust and secure than I initially expected, given the fairly basic nature of that set up," says our expert reviewer Pat. However, we wonder whether the cord might stretch slightly with use, which could impact that (no sign of that happening so far, it has to be said).
The wrist strap and handgrip are robust and functional, but without any fanciness that would add ounces. There’s no lower grip, which can make running along off-camber trails or tackling steep ascents tricky. They come with a removable rubber cover and basket, and have a carbide tip.
The best running poles for value
If you're after value, look no further than the Harrier Helvellyn Carbon Zs, which are the most affordable of the running pole options detailed in this guide. This makes them "fantastic for beginners and those on a budget," according to our running expert Claire. Assembly is wonderfully straightforward, with a lock that clicks into place. Meanwhile, the pole's length can be adjusted easily too. Just bear in mind that if you take it beyond the stop line, it will come apart. Of course, you can put it back together but it's hardly something you want to be doing 33 miles into a mountain ultra.
The grippy handle is gloriously soft and extended down the shaft, allowing you to use both hands during river crossings or when negotiating snow fields. A simple press of the lock button sees the pole collapse. The separate sections are held together by a robust metal cable, instead of the protected rope cord that's present in the other poles in this guide. When folded down, the Helvellyn Carbon Zs are only 36cm long, great for quick stashing away during runs and races. All in all, a great package at an even greater price.
Read our full Harrier Helvellyn Carbon Z review
The best running poles for durability
Let's get straight into it – these are some of the priciest poles money can buy, so it's worth knowing what you're getting for your dough. Well, our expert tester Claire summed it up like this: "Extreme comfort, exquisite quality and durability, plus a unique and efficient hand-pole attachment." They're also dead easy to assessmble and pack down thanks to their inner cord, which is protected by durable plastic. They can be extended to, but stop themselves from being pulled apart like some budget options do.
And then there’s the unique hand-to-pole attachment, the Trigger Shark 2.0 System: this is essentially a very comfortable Velcro glove (available in sizes XS–XL) that you hook onto the handle of the pole which allows you to use them with a different technique to all other poles. You don’t have to worry about always gripping the poles – you can let them swing out in front of you with momentum and plant them on the swing back down, saving you energy. However, being so securely attached, it is more difficult to extricate yourself from the pole quickly – if, say, you take a fall. And, if you were to lose one of your unique Leki gloves during a run or race, the pole would simply turn into a top-quality walking stick.
Read our full Leki Micro Trail Vario review
The best running poles for comfort
The Ultimate Direction FK Ultra is said to be one of the strongest carbon fiber poles available thanks to its tapered design. It also has a unique tensioning system and a great range of lengths, with seven sizes on offer. It collapses into three sections, though the longest is 42cm/16.5in long, which is the longest folded down size in this guide. It's worth bearing this in mind when considering how you'll stow them when out on the run.
Our expert reviewer Claire enjoyed the comfort on offer, saying "the handle is dreamily smooth, with slight grip grooves that don’t grate against your bare hands." The length of the handle also means you can hold it in both hands when negotiatiing river crossings or snow patches. The strap's Velcro tab isn't hugely long, though it should still fit most hand sizes and the material here is gloriously smooth. Runners who enjoy muddy terrain will be pleased to know they come with an extra large mud basket and a spare pair of carbide tips are also bundled in, pointing to the product's longevity.
Read our full Ultimate Direction FK Ultra review
The best aluminum running poles
First things first, be sure to bag yourself the right size when purchasing the Distance Zs, as they're not adjustable. These robust aluminum poles are easy to assemble and disassemble, once you're in tune with them: "initially it's a little tricky," admitted our expert reviewer Claire.
A strong cord sheathed in protective plastic holds the section together, while a groove in the mud basket clips onto the opposite pole for straightforward stowing. Over long distances, we found the strap was comfortable and that there was a decent swing action for the connecting cord. Again, the short Velcro tab means there's not too much adjustment in the strap but then the standard loop size will be fine for most. The long foam handle features horizontal grooves for increased traction, though this makes them a little uncomfortable on longer runs.
Read our full Black Diamond Distance Z review
The best running poles comparison table
| Poles | RRP | Weight | Material | Compatibility |
| Mountain King Carbon Skyrunner | $134 (US) / £130 (UK) | 224g / 7.9oz | Carbon | Fantastic for fast and light ultra runners watching every gram |
| Alpkit Nanolite Twin Poles | £69.99 (UK) | 292g / 10.3oz | Carbon | Ultra running and lightweight fastpacking adventures |
| Harrier Helvellyn Carbon Z | $77 (US) / £70 (UK) | 418g / 14.7oz & 446g / 15.7oz | Carbon | Great value for beginner long-distance ultra runners over muddy ground |
| Leki Micro Trail Vario | $250 (US) / £195 (UK) | 390g / 13.8oz & 404g / 14.3oz | Carbon | Super-durable and comfortable for long distance training runs and ultras |
| Ultimate Direction FK Ultra | $190 (US) / £135 (UK) | 330g / 11.6oz | Carbon | Strong and durable for long distance and multi-day ultras |
| Black Diamond Distance Z | $130(US) / £100 (UK) | 344g / 12oz | Aluminum | Running long distances in remote mountains |
Meet the testers
Claire's passion for trail running knows no bounds. Former editor of Trail Running Magazine, these days she runs her own website, podcast and YouTube channel through her Wild Ginger Running platform. She's tested her fair share of poles down the years and knows what makes a quality pair.
Pat's love of running has seen him set short-lived speed records in Australia and New Zealand. These days, he's happy pounding the coastal trails of his South West England home. As one of Advnture's main gear experts, he knows quality design when he sees it.
How we test running poles
Our selection of the best running poles has been tested on a wide range of wild running outings – ranging from training runs to races – across a huge variety of terrain in all sorts of conditions.
How to choose running poles
There are plenty of poles out there to peruse, and the prices vary wildly. Depending on the type of trail adventures you predominantly do, the best running pole for you might be the lightest one, or the strongest, or the one that packs down the smallest. Before you make your choice, consider the following features and factors.
What should a pair of running poles weigh?
It’s an obvious advantage to have a lighter weight pole for long distance runs and ultras, but this also comes with (to differing extents) reduced strength and durability so it depends how careful you want to be with them and how much weight you want them to bear. For example if you prefer the poles to take your full weight on river crossings, maybe the lightest version is not for you. The poles in this guide vary between around 200g and 400g, so somewhere in this bracket should serve you well.
What types of running poles are there?
There are three types of running pole – the lightest but least convenient to carry are fixed-length non-collapsible poles; the best of both worlds once you know your size and you don’t wish to ever vary it is the fixed-length collapsible, which folds across either three (Z-poles) or four (M-poles) sections. Finally there are variable-length collapsible poles which are handy should you want to change the length for uphills and downhills, or lend them to friends and family of differing heights.
What sizes do running poles come in?
Poles generally range from 100–135cm/39–53inches in length and you can find the right size for you by standing up straight with your elbow bent at 90 degrees, hand out in front. The distance from your hand to the ground is the running pole length you need.
What materials are running poles made from?
Most lightweight running poles are made of carbon, and a few from aluminum. Carbon poles are very lightweight and have great strength, but they are not as durable and are more likely to crack or break under stress (and you can’t mend them). Aluminum, although heavier, is highly durable and can withstand a bit more of a battering and even slight bending before it becomes irreparable.
What should I look for in the handle of a running pole?
Most commonly, handles on the best running poles are made from EVA foam or perhaps cork, which are both very comfortable depending on what grooves and textures are patterned into them. Deeper grooves seem grippy but are not as comfy as a smoother finish. Look for a pole that has a longer handle area so you can use one with two hands for river or ice-patch crossings.
Is it worth having straps on the handles of my running poles?
It’s handy if the handle strap (or glove in the case of the Leki Trigger Shark 2.0 system) has a large range of adjustment to cater for bare hands to thick gloves.
Top tip
We store a few pre-cut 20–30cm lengths of gaffer tape, wound around the upper shaft of our poles under the handle. This is very handy for all sorts of kit and equipment repairs mid-run in the middle of the wilderness, or at camp on a multi-day adventure.
