The 5 Best Trekking Poles for Ultra Running of 2025

For serious long-distance runners, the right gear can be the difference between hitting a wall and smashing a personal record. Utilizing the best trekking poles for ultra running allows athletes to engage their upper body, reduce the impact on their knees, and maintain a consistent rhythm over challenging, variable terrain.

We’ve analyzed the top poles built for speed, focusing on ultralight construction, fast deployment, and comfort over multi-hour efforts. Whether you’re tackling steep ascents, technical descents, or just aiming to reduce fatigue in your next ultramarathon, here are the top models designed to help you move farther and faster with greater energy efficiency.

At a Glance: Top 5 Trekking Poles for Ultra Running

Product NameKey FeaturesIdeal Use
LEKI Ultratrail FX OneUltralight carbon, Trail Shark Cork Grip, push-button folding (16.1 in).Ultramarathon racing and long-distance training; prioritizing quick-release straps and rigid support.
LEKI Cross Trail FX SuperliteSpeed Lock 2 Plus system, Cross Shark Grip, extended foam grip.Fast hiking and varied terrain where on-the-fly length adjustment is necessary.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon100% carbon fiber, Z-Pole fixed-length design, speed-cone deployment.Minimalist ultrarunning; athletes who need instantaneous setup and maximum simplicity.
WindQuester Ultralight Carbon Trekking PolesT800 carbon fiber (6.98 oz), 14.9 in collapsed length, quick-lock adjustment.Long-distance hikers and runners prioritizing packability and value in a carbon pole.
AONIJIE Ultralight Foldable Trekking Poles7075 aluminum alloy, 12.99 in folded length, EVA foam grips.Endurance athletes needing a durable, extremely compact, and affordable pole for vests.

Top 5 Best Trekking Poles for Ultra Running 2025

🥇 1. LEKI Ultratrail FX One

Best Overall Ultralight Performance. The LEKI Ultratrail FX One is a standout choice for serious trail runners who need ultralight, durable support for long-distance runs. Made from high-quality carbon, these poles weigh just a quarter-pound each while maintaining impressive rigidity, helping to enhance stability and energy efficiency on tough trails.

  • Made from high-quality, ultralight carbon for minimum weight and maximum rigidity.
  • Push-button folding system separates the poles into three 16.1-inch sections for compact storage.
  • Trail Shark Cork Grip molds naturally to the hand, minimizing pressure points and strain.
  • Detachable, adjustable mesh strap allows for a snug fit and quick release for technical sections.
  • Available in multiple fixed lengths from 105 to 135 cm to suit a wide range of runners.
  • Includes trail baskets and protective tips for safe storage and varied terrain use.

🥈 2. LEKI Cross Trail FX Superlite

Ideal for Quick, Secure Length Adjustments. Built from ultralight carbon for maximum performance in a minimalist design, this pole features the Speed Lock 2 Plus system. This allows for quick and secure length adjustment (110–120 cm) on the fly, making it highly versatile for fast hiking and varied terrain while reducing fatigue over long distances.

  • Ultralight carbon construction delivers durability without extra bulk (6.95 ounces per pole).
  • Speed Lock 2 Plus system allows for quick, secure length adjustment (110–120 cm).
  • Collapses into four compact 16.5-inch sections for neat storage in packs or travel bags.
  • Cross Shark Grip combines foam comfort with a detachable loop strap for control.
  • Extended foam grip allows users to “choke down” the pole during steep, technical climbs.
  • Designed to keep your stride natural and efficient while minimizing joint strain.

🥉 3. Black Diamond Distance Carbon

Top Choice for Speed and Instant Deployment. A favorite among ultrarunners who value speed and simplicity, these poles use a Z-Pole fixed-length design. The speed-cone deployment system allows the poles to be set up instantaneously with a flick of the wrist, ensuring top-tier support when you need it most.

  • Constructed entirely from feather-light, incredibly strong carbon fiber.
  • Z-Pole fixed-length design with speed-cone deployment for instantaneous setup.
  • EVA foam grip feels soft, secure, and absorbs moisture effectively.
  • Recycled nylon wrist strap maintains comfort without adding unnecessary weight.
  • Grip extension provides extra reach and leverage for steep, challenging terrain.
  • Optimized for stiffness and impact resistance, ensuring long-term reliability.

🏅 4. WindQuester Ultralight Carbon Trekking Poles

Best Value for Portability and Strength. These poles prioritize being easy to carry, collapsing to only 14.9 inches, yet are built from T800 carbon fiber to handle up to 250 newtons of force. They deliver solid, reliable performance without the premium price tag, helping you maintain balance and reduce joint strain during ultra-distance adventures.

  • Built from high-strength T800 carbon fiber to handle significant force (up to 250 newtons).
  • Incredibly lightweight at just 6.98 ounces per pole.
  • Ultra-compact 14.9-inch collapsed length fits easily into smaller backpacks or gear.
  • Quick-lock adjustment system allows easy length changes (43.3 to 51.1 inches).
  • Ergonomic EVA foam handles ensure a firm, non-slip grip.
  • Includes interchangeable tips: tungsten carbide for rock and rubber caps for pavement.

🏅 5. AONIJIE Ultralight Foldable Trekking Poles

Dependable Budget Option for Endurance Athletes. Crafted from durable 7075 aluminum alloy, these poles offer a balance of strength and light weight ideal for fast, fluid movement on rugged trails. They fold down to an impressively compact 12.99 inches, making them the ultimate space-saver for storing in hydration vests, daypacks, or luggage.

  • Crafted from durable and light 7075 aluminum alloy for reliable performance.
  • Extremely compact, folding down to just 12.99 inches for maximum packability.
  • Quick-lock mechanism ensures instant length adjustment and stability.
  • EVA foam grips provide excellent comfort and are sweat-resistant.
  • Moisture-wicking wrist straps prevent slipping, even on humid days.
  • Available in three fixed sizes: 110, 120, and 130 cm.

Final Verdict

The best trekking poles for ultra running blend low weight with high-speed functionality. For the dedicated racer who prioritizes the convenience of a quick-release strap and robust carbon construction, the LEKI Ultratrail FX One is the top performer. If your style is minimalist and you need the fastest deployment possible, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon is unbeatable with its instantaneous Z-Pole setup. For the runner who needs a pole that can handle steep, variable terrain and requires on-the-fly length adjustment, the LEKI Cross Trail FX Superlite, with its Speed Lock 2 Plus system, offers the necessary flexibility and control.

ProductBest For
LEKI Ultratrail FX OneDedicated ultra racers and long training days; quick-release control.
LEKI Cross Trail FX SuperliteVaried terrain and fast hiking; needing length adjustment on the move.
Black Diamond Distance CarbonMaximum speed and simplicity; instantaneous setup.
WindQuester Ultralight Carbon Trekking PolesBudget-conscious runners wanting carbon construction and high portability.
AONIJIE Ultralight Foldable Trekking PolesMaximum packability (smallest folded size) and high value in a light alloy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why should I use trekking poles for ultra running?

Trekking poles are essential tools for ultra-distance running because they help distribute effort across the whole body, reducing muscle fatigue in your legs and minimizing strain on your joints. They also greatly enhance stability, especially during steep climbs or technical descents, allowing you to maintain a smoother, more energy-efficient stride over long hours.

Q: What is the benefit of a Z-Pole or fixed-length design, like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon?

A Z-Pole or fixed-length design is favored for racing because it offers the fastest deployment possible, locking into place almost instantly. Since there is no adjustable clamp, the fixed-length poles are also inherently lighter and more reliable, reducing the potential for slippage compared to adjustable models, which is crucial when every second counts.

Q: Should I choose carbon or aluminum trekking poles for ultra running?

For ultra running, carbon poles (like LEKI and Black Diamond models) are generally preferred because of their ultralight weight, which significantly reduces arm fatigue over long distances. While aluminum poles (like the AONIJIE) are more durable and affordable, carbon’s superior weight-to-stiffness ratio makes it the material of choice for athletes prioritizing speed and reduced carrying weight.

Q: How short do my trekking poles need to collapse to fit in a running vest?

For comfortable storage in a running vest or hydration pack, trekking poles should ideally collapse to 16.5 inches or less. Models like the AONIJIE (12.99 in) or WindQuester (14.9 in) are excellent because their short folded length prevents them from interfering with your arms or pack movement while running. Always check the collapsed length before purchasing.

Q: What is the LEKI “Shark” grip system, and how does it benefit runners?

The LEKI Shark grip system (featured on the Ultratrail FX One and Cross Trail FX Superlite) is an ergonomic design that allows the runner’s hand to easily clip into a mesh strap or glove. This system transfers power directly to the pole while offering a quick-release mechanism. This allows runners to instantly separate from the poles on technical sections where they need full hand mobility without dropping the poles.

About Sergio Perez

An expert in the field, I lead a team at a renowned platform specializing in reviewing juicers and blenders. Our goal is to streamline consumer choices by offering impartial reviews and comprehensive guides, catering to varying budgets. We foster a community of juice enthusiasts, sharing insights and tips for creating delicious homemade beverages.

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