Listen: The past beneath our boots podcast episode

Happy feet: Should you wear toe socks or normal socks for hiking?

January 20, 2026

Photo: Paul McCredie

Before they became part of the tramping network, South Westland’s tracks were carved out as historic Māori pounamu routes. Later the trails served cattle drovers, deer cullers, roadmen and wartime miners.

Sarah White sets off on a four-day adventure to explore this area rich in scenery and cultural history.

Listen to Sarah read her story with a follow-up Q&A in our latest Wild Podcast.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Climb this ultra-prominent peak for a true alpine adventure!

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Quiz

How did Cape Foulwind get its name?

  • A. Named by early sealers due to the stench of the seal colonies on the rocky promontory.

  • B. Named by Captain James Cook after his vessel was blown off course there.

  • C. Named by local fishermen who regularly battled blustery conditions off the coast.

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

Current Issue - Jan/Feb 2026

How stuff works

Toe socks or normal socks for hiking?

Reader Nikki Barnard wrote in to ask if she should choose toe socks or normal socks. The answer, is down to personal choice.

Thru-hikers often debate the use of toe socks, especially since California-based toe sock company Injinji started selling their patented design in 2004. New Zealand has its own toe sock company called Creepers, with more than 100,000 pairs of socks sold, and ultramarathon reps, including Christchurch’s Sam Harvey, who ran 790km in toe socks, without a blister.

“By wrapping each toe individually, toe socks stop skin-on-skin friction, which is one of the main causes of blisters,” Creepers spokesperson Valentina Alvarez says. “They also help keep your feet dry by wicking moisture away from between the toes.”

Alvarez says conventional socks with their single seam can bind the front of your foot. Toe socks allow toes to spread out. “Your toes can spread, flex and move independently, which helps with balance and stability on uneven terrain. It’s a bit like wearing gloves instead of mittens: more freedom, more control,” she adds.

That said, Alvarez says it does come down to personal preference. Some people love toe socks; others prefer the traditional design. “Both can perform well when made with the right technical materials and fit,” she says.

Want to ask the experts a question? Email [email protected] with your questions!

Featured Book

Treasures of Tane

This book discusses traditional Maori uses of native plants of the South Island and traditions around them. The book is engaging, enlightening and user-friendly and is beautiful to browse and informative about native plants.

Subscribers get a 10% discount.

Tramping calendar

See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. Have an event you want to feature? Email us the details!

24 Jan: Outdoor New Zealand Training Canterbury Navigation Course

Location: Awaroa/Godley Head

This course will endeavour to develop your personal practical skills and prepare you for tramping safely in the outdoors, led by qualified instructors. More info.

26 Jan: Hard Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue

Location: Mt Te Aroha Summit Track, Te Aroha

Suitable for people with a high level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers - Jeremy, Thalia and Beau - who will teach you about safe hiking practices. More info.

24, 25 & 31 Jan: Women’s Intro to Trad Climbing

Location: Port Hills

This course is designed for female climbers who are looking to learn the fundamentals of traditional (trad) climbing with protection. More info.

29 Jan: Shar Mathias and Oak Jones - Zanskar Expedition

Location: Cashmere Club, Christchurch

Zanskar, India is a land of canyons, rock faces, high glaciers and approachable passes. In July 2025, two Canterbury Westland Alpine Club members went on a journey from Photoksar village, up the Photang Tokpo river, and around three peaks at the head of the valley. Listen to their story. More info.

29 Jan: Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up

Location: Wellington

Roll up your sleeves and join us for the Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up 2026. Help clean up our waterfront and keep trash out of our harbour. More info.

1 Feb: World Wetland Day Festival

Location: Matuku Link Reserve, Auckland

From engaging with VR headsets to admiring our resident eels, you’re invited to enjoy games and crafts for the kids, as well as guided walks by experts to answer all your nature questions at this free event. More info.

1 Feb: Model Client Canyoning

Location: North Island

Guided canyoning trip. Learning canyoning skills such as abseiling, and techniques for jumping, spotting, river swimming and sliding. Knowledge of the canyon environment through environmental and cultural interpretation. More info.

Quiz

Answer B - Named by Captain James Cook after his vessel was blown off course there.

Cape Foulwind is a headland on the West Coast of the South Island. It was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 after his ship, the Endeavour, was blown off course and far offshore by strong westerly winds there.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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