I work at an outdoor store. We only stock Leki for a reason
Some small things that will make your life easier:
Get cork or smooth plastic handles. Leki makes these weird fuzzy handles that get hot and gross fast. I really like the cork.
The hand straps are not like ski poles, they're actually designed to support part of your weight. Look up how to use the hand straps online.
Don't get carbon fiber. The weight savings is awesome if you're through-hiking the AT or the PCT, but carbon fiber isn't as robust as aluminum, so it will break down. There's a reason aluminum poles from Leki have a lifetime warranty, and CF only has a two year one.
Spend the extra cash and get a set that has the shock absorbing system in them. Also, make sure to get a variety of different tips. Lots of people will buy a set of trekking poles, and leave the same tips on them for ever. Have a set of tips for mud, rock, etc.
Know how and when to adjust them. You'll want them shorter on the uphill, and longer on the downhill.