Retro51

I just bought a pair of poles from Academy, then I saw a spot on the news about it. They interviewed a lady who walks at the Cooper Aerobic Center in Dallas. Funny, not one person they showed was using proper technique. My pair came with a DVD explaining their use - it's not intuitive at all. Also, she quoted a 40% boost in caloric burn using the poles, which is ridiculous.
They do have some merit, especially for hiking, and anything that gets you out there walking or hiking is useful.
If you're interested, Google Nordic Walking, go to the Official website, etc. The pair I bought came with a good DVD if you do want to try them.

Retro51

Here's a link to the news story, with video:

http://www.nbc5i.com/committobefit/13816325/detail.html

BTW, they claim a 20% caloric burn, which I still question. Also, they call it Pole Walking, only using the correct term Nordic Walking once.