The most appropriate footwear is waterproof, breathable walking shoes. If you don’t have these then trainers are okay in good weather (you’ll get wet feet in wet grass, rain, deep mud etc but waterproof socks work well). Walking boots are good because they support your ankles but the soles might be too rigid, which can make it hard to push off with toes when Nordic walking correctly – many of us still wear boots though, especially in the winter.

You may choose to add a set of the high performance, shock absorbing, inner soles that are on the market as these are good for protecting joints on hard surfaces. Some shoe manufacturers are now adding specialist Nordic walking shoes to their range. Ordinary wellingtons are not acceptable because of poor grip on the sole and a general lack of stability (some members wear the specialist neoprene lined ones occasionally and obviously at their own risk).

Here is a useful blog from instructors in Bristol
https://bristolnordicwalking.co.uk/blog/best-foot-forward-what-shoes-wear-nordic-walking

No specialist clothing is required but you need to dress for the weather conditions and plan for your body’s reaction to exercise. Layers are best and possibly a backpack or bumbag to put in what you remove, or want to bring ‘just in case’. A top tip is using a belt to tie jackets or tops around your waist when not wearing them (rather than knotting the arms and damaging the waterproofing). If you get hot you may find that you also get cold from sweat evaporation if you wear just cotton next to your skin in cooler weather – so breathable and wicking base layers are great, with a mid-layer (eg fleece or light micro-fleece) and a waterproof jacket. Body warmers/gilets are also useful for those that overheat.

Avoid wearing anything really bulky as it will restrict your movement with poles. Jogging bottoms, stretchy trousers, walking trousers or leggings are all better than jeans, which absorb cold and damp, get heavy and take ages to dry. A hat and thin gloves that fit under the pole straps are obviously a good idea in cold weather. Some pole manufacturers (eg Leki) now sell full gloves that include the pole attachment loop.

Many of the fitness clothing retailers and magazines have blogs, information sections and reviews about choosing clothing eg types of wicking, anti-bacterial base layers. Merino wool mixes tend to come out top but bamboo is also good, as is polyester with a silver salt treatment. Some of the thin, micro-fleeces are also surprisingly good in terms of minimal bulk, warmth and wind protection.

You are welcome to borrow poles for each walk you attend until you’ve worked out what you want to buy because there are a few factors to consider, including the different types of fittings for the strap to the pole (see the photos at the bottom – some people find some easier than others). Karen can send you a handout about poles.

Make sure you’re only looking at Nordic walking poles (with an adjustable, half glove, kind of strap) and NOT just trekking poles (with a basic loop wrist strap) or Activator poles (with no strap). As a beginner it is best to start with adjustable poles because getting the length correct can be difficult with a fixed length, especially if you have a long body and/or long arms. Also, slightly shorter poles are easier for beginners. Having only one length adjustment is thought to be better because of the weight and possible vibration of two, unless you need them to fold away small for travelling. It may be best to opt for a budget pair, which could become your spare pair in the event of you wanting to upgrade or use longer poles at a later date. Poles by Leki, Excel and Gabel tend to be the best regarded and Karen can get an instructor’s discount on these if there at least two sets being ordered via her, from The Nordic Walk Store.

Other makes are mentioned in the budget section on the Bristol BNW instructors blog (https://bristolnordicwalking.co.uk/blog/which-nordic-walking-pole/) and it’s worth looking around for good deals/sales.