Nickel nanoporous thin films deposited on Indium tin oxide conductive plates have been prepared by physical vapor deposition in an oblique angle configuration. The scanning electron microscopy characterization of these films revealed a microstructure formed by tilted nanocolumns of ca. 40-60 nm of diameter inclined by ca. 26 degrees with respect to the normal. These highly porous films had ca. 30% of void space and provided a large exposed area and outstanding diffusion properties for sensor applications. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the deposition of metallic nickel, while Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies demonstrated that electrochemically treated films presented an oxi/hydroxide outer layer that is the active phase for glucose sensing. The activated electrodes had a high sensitivity (2.05 A M-1 cm(-2)), an excellent coefficient of determination (R-2: 0.999), an outstanding reproducibility (3.2%) and a detection limit of 0.34 mu M. Their glucose selectivity was excellent with regard to common electroactive interferences and other sugars found in agro-alimentary products. Tests carried out with commercial beverages proved the reliability of these electrodes for glucose analysis in real conditions. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.