Urban Poling Inc Replacement Boot TipsOur exclusive boot tips: Flex on contact to absorb shock and vibration when the poles strike the ground Provide excellent traction on hard surfaces such as sidewalks or pavement Help propel you forward, creating a mechanism to walk faster and achieve a better workout Are quickly and easily removed to expose the carbide tip for walking on softer surfaces such as sand, trails and snow The boot tips should face the opposite direction you are walking.