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Poles can make a big difference when trail running, especially on technical terrain, long distances and steep climbs. Used correctly, they help take pressure off your leg muscles and joints, improve stability uphill and downhill, and give you extra propulsion in training or during a race.
If you are looking to buy your first pair of trail running poles or want to fine tune your current setup, you are in the right place. Our mountain loving Sport Conrad team has tested the latest trail running poles. In this article, you will learn which types of poles are available, what to look for when choosing a pair and how to find the right pole length. We also explain which grip and strap systems make sense and give you an overview of the best trail running poles for 2026.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 🏔️ Foldable carbon trail running poles: light, compact and the best choice for most runners.
- 📏 Correct pole length: body height x 0.7 or a 90 degree angle between your upper and lower arm when the pole is planted.
- 🏃 Click strap systems: a direct connection between hand and pole, better power transfer and more comfort on long distances.
- 🔎 Top brands: LEKI, Komperdell, Black Diamond, Dynafit and Salomon are among the most important brands for trail running poles in our opinion.
Discover all trail running poles
Which Poles Are Suitable for Trail Running?
Trail running poles are designed specifically for running and differ significantly from classic hiking poles. They are usually lighter, more compact and built for quick handling. That is exactly what matters on the trail, because depending on the terrain, you may need your poles actively on the climb and then securely stowed on your running vest during faster, runnable sections.
Well known brands such as LEKI, Black Diamond, Dynafit, Komperdell and Salomon offer a range of running poles for trail runners. The biggest differences are in their construction, meaning how the poles can be shortened or packed down.
Foldable Trail Running Poles
For most trail runners, foldable poles are the best choice. Our mountain loving Sport Conrad team clearly recommends foldable poles for trail running because they offer exactly what you need on the trail: they are light, compact, quick to deploy and easy to stow on your pack during runnable sections.
Telescopic poles offer more adjustment options, but they are usually heavier, less compact and often not quite as direct or stable when you are pushing hard on steep climbs. Fixed length poles, on the other hand, provide very direct power transfer, but they are hardly practical to stow on a running vest while you are on the move. For versatile use in training, racing and long days on the trails, we clearly recommend foldable trail running poles.
Top models from the brands:
What Length Should Trail Running Poles Be?
The right trail running pole length is key if you want to move efficiently, save energy and stay secure on the trail. If your poles are too long, the movement quickly feels unnatural and tiring. If they are too short, you cannot transfer power to the trail as effectively.
As a simple guideline, use this formula: Body height x 0.7 = recommended pole length
For a height of 180 cm, this gives you a pole length of 126 cm. In practice, depending on the model and available size increments, you would usually choose 125 cm. Even better is to test the pole directly. Place it vertically on the ground and hold the grip as you normally would. Your upper and lower arm should form an angle of around 90 degrees. This gives you a good feel for whether the length suits your height and running style.
If you are between two sizes and still new to trail running, we recommend going for the shorter option. It tends to feel a little easier to run with and helps you learn the technique faster. Especially on technical trails and at higher speeds, a slightly shorter pole is often easier to control.
Material, Grip and Strap
When buying trail running poles, it is worth taking a closer look at the material, grip and strap system. These details play a major role in how light, direct and comfortable a pole feels on the trail.
The best trail running poles are usually made from carbon. This material is particularly light and provides very direct power transfer. However, carbon is more sensitive to side loads and sharp impacts. Aluminium is more robust and more forgiving in rough terrain, but it usually comes with a higher weight.
For grips, EVA foam has become the standard, while cork is also used in the higher price segment. Foam grips are light, grippy, durable and comfortable to hold. They help prevent blisters and perform reliably even in wet conditions. Cork grips feel especially premium and can offer advantages in warm weather or during intense use, as they absorb moisture well and provide a very natural feel in the hand.
There are also clear differences when it comes to strap systems. In general, you can choose between classic wrist straps and click strap systems, where a glove like strap or trigger loop clicks directly into the pole. For trail running, click systems have proven particularly effective. They create a direct connection between hand and pole, improve power transfer and make pole use more precise. At the same time, you do not have to grip the handle tightly all the time, which saves noticeable energy and improves comfort on long distances. Classic wrist straps are simpler in design, but they usually do not offer the same level of efficiency and control as modern click systems.
In the end, what matters most is that your trail running poles feel good in your hands and intuitive to use. That is why it is worth testing different models directly in our stores.
Market Overview: The Best Current Trail Running Poles
The market for trail running poles is broad and varied. LEKI and Komperdell in particular offer a large selection of models for different needs and types of use. Black Diamond and Dynafit also have some exciting poles in their range, while Salomon is currently represented with one specialised trail running model.
Here are our favourite foldable trail running poles from each brand:
LEKI Trail Running Poles
Komperdell Trail Running Poles
Black Diamond Trail Running Poles
Dynafit Trail Running Poles
Salomon Trail Running Poles
Conclusion: Which Trail Running Poles Are Right for You?
For most runners, foldable carbon trail running poles are the best choice. They are light, compact, quick to deploy and easy to carry on a running vest during runnable sections. When buying, pay particular attention to the right length, low weight, a small pack size thanks to a foldable construction, and a grip and strap system that feels good in your hand. Ultimately, the pole needs to suit your height, your running style and the trails you run.
Suitable running vests and pole quivers:
