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Step 1
Look for adjustable poles. Virtually all poles on the market feature length adjustment. This is essential--you can then adjust the pole to accommodate downhill hiking (longer), uphill hiking (shorter), or sidehill hikes (longer on the downhill side, shorter on the uphill side).
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Step 2
Check out the grips. Grips are made from different materials, ranging from rubber to cork. Pick a grip that will be comfortable for you--cork is often preferred in hot climates, since it doesn't get slippery when you sweat on them. Some hiking poles will angle the grips so they are more ergonomic. If you suffer from wrist pain these may be a good investment.
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Step 3
Consider the baskets. The baskets are the round rings at the bottom of the pole. If you're going to be hiking in snow, you'll want larger baskets suitable for conditions. Otherwise the pole will slip right through the snow. Otherwise, small baskets will serve in muddy conditions, and you can go without entirely when conditions are dry.
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Step 4
Get good tips. The tips of hiking poles take a lot of punishment. Be sure they're made from a durable material and can be replaced when they wear out. Most poles come with rubber tips you can insert on the hard end of the pole. This is useful in delicate environments or on some hard surfaces.
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Step 5
Consider a shock absorbing pole if you do a lot of downhills or have bad knees or wrists. This isn't a necessity, but some hikers like having the extra level of protection.
