Nordic Walking Pads

The Nordic Walking Poles are sold with a pair of rubber Pads .

The removable shock absorbing rubber pads fit over the metal tips, for use on hard surfaces such as asphalt and pavements. The pads effectively absorbs the poles impact when walking on hard surfaces. It is also recommended that you use the rubber pads on the end of the poles, so there is no danger of damage to the lawn and pathways. A hard bodied pad is not very good for Nordic walking, in which more elastic pads are preferred. You have to keep in mind that the paws gradually wear out, and should be replaced when there is very little surface material left. Replacement pads can be found as spare parts at your local sport shop. I found replacement pads over the internet direct from different stores or makers.

I purchase them several times on the ebay. As I am mainly walking on asphalts and pavement (about 5 times a week 5 kilometers each time). I can tell you from experience that the elastic pads have a very short life of about a month, and then have to be replaced. Lately I purchased rubber pads made by an American maker who also is making Nordic walking poles without gloves . Those pads are a little more stiff but holding on already 3 months.

Now I am coming to the point of different colors Walking Poles use :
I found out that naturally I am walking with poles when they are not parallel to my body. The lower part with the rubber pads attached are more away from my legs than the handles (this helps with the pushing ). This is causing the rubber pads to be worn out unevenly: more in the part close to the legs than the parts pointing away from my body . This will cause the pads to be worn out much faster on one side .
Now, if I will replace between the left hand pole and the right hand pole, the pads will each day be worn on a different side . This will equalize the wear and give a longer life to your Walking Poles pads . How will I know which pole was yesterday in my left hand, and in the right hand ? Of course, by the different colors of the poles.
Another good reason not to use Nordic walking poles with special ( Left and Right ) Gloves !