I got these as a walking aid, not originally for serious trail hiking. I'm 83, and was always used to going wherever I wanted to go. Then an accident resulted in injuries. I graduated from a wheel chair, to a Rollator, to a cane. Then I remembered that in years past, I'd used hiking poles. I ordered these Nordic poles, and they are absolutely great! They are extremely easy to set up for one's height. I love that they have various end pieces depending on where they are being used. Don't know if I'll ever use the snow or mud feet, but one never knows. They are making a big difference in my ability to walk more normally. I feel more stable with them, and I don't feel like I have to watch my feet all the time. They are so much better to walk with than a heavy 4-pronged cane. My physical therapist has noted the difference because while at PT I am now walking more upright and my stride has lengthened even when I walk without the poles,. Now that I have them, I've been walking far more. I use them to walk on sidewalks regularly, and I have even used them on some easy hiking trails. I love being in nature, so it's so very lovely to be able to walk a trail through trees again and not worry that I might fall. One of these days I hope to use them for more challenging trails.