The History of Nordic Walking: From Finnish Skiers to a Global Phenomenon
Nordic walking is a young sport whose roots reach into the Finnish forests of the mid-20th century. From the summer training of cross-country skiers to an activity practised by tens of millions worldwide, its history is both simple and remarkable.
The origins: cross-country skiers' training
In the 1930s and 1940s, Finnish cross-country skiers were looking for a way to maintain their fitness during the snow-free months. The idea was simple: walk with ski poles, imitating the gliding movement, to maintain upper-body musculature and arm-leg coordination. This practice remained informal and reserved for athletes.
Formalisation in the 1980s
In the 1980s, Finnish cross-country coaches began codifying the practice and studying it scientifically. Field tests confirmed what athletes had felt for decades: walking with poles significantly increases energy expenditure and engages the upper body in a unique way.
1997: the official birth of "Nordic Walking"
The "Nordic Walking" trademark was registered in 1997 by the Finnish company Exel, which marketed the first poles specifically designed for the practice. These poles differed from classic hiking poles by their lightness, their stiffness and their ergonomic strap allowing the hand to open in the push phase. By the year 2000, Finland already had more Nordic walkers than joggers.
A dazzling European success
Nordic walking first spread through Germany, Austria and Switzerland before conquering the rest of Europe. In France, the practice developed significantly from 2005-2010, notably through athletics and hiking clubs that added the discipline to their offer. Today, the number of practitioners worldwide is estimated at several tens of millions, mainly in Northern and Central Europe.
Continuous innovation
Since 1997, pole technology has never stopped evolving. Composite materials (carbon, fibreglass), detachable strap systems, interchangeable tips and, more recently, arc geometries such as those developed by MØNARC® keep enriching the practice and answering the needs of ever more demanding practitioners.
Key takeaway: Born from the summer training of Finnish skiers, Nordic walking was formalised and marketed from 1997. It now counts tens of millions of practitioners worldwide.