Shoes and Gloves for Nordic Walking a Marathon

The shoes

My favorite shoes for coaching and Nordic Walking are New Balance Trail Running Shoe. The least expensive shoes typically fit my feet the best – don't think that $100+ are necessarily the best shoes for you. Find the model that fits your feet best! Wear shoes that are comfortable and that you trust to go the distance. I do NOT suggest wearing a racing flat in your first Nordic Walking Marathon. In the last 26-mile marathon that I ran I wore my training shoes, took first overall and broke the course record. I opted for support and comfort and my choice prevented injury and minimized potential stress to the shins, knees, hips and back – a concern because my training mileage was about 50% of what is typically recommended. Be sure to use comfortable shoes that are broken in – don't attempt a marathon in something you haven't tested and trust. Also, if you have hundreds of miles on your favorite shoes it may be time to pick up a back-up pair. It is also a good idea to alternate shoes and to always have a back up.

Nordic Walking Gloves

Real Nordic Walking Poles come with super comfortable straps that are like a fingerless glove. You don't need or want special gloves if you are using real Nordic Walking poles. In the colder months the straps adjust to make more room for mittens or gloves and because Nordic Walking gloves are fingerless, they won't be the right choice then either.