By Maddisyn Blue
April 3, 2024
From Try-On to Go-To: How ToughCutie's Hiking Socks Won Over Kaylee Henderson, Buyer Lead for Glacier National Park Stores
ToughCutie socks find success in our national park system
Explore the story behind ToughCutie's partnership with Glacier National Park stores. Learn how the women-owned brand became a hit, with staff and visitors alike embracing their products and inspiring others with their success story.
Meet the Buyer
Kaylee, originally from Illinois, joined the Conservancy in 2022 as the Buyer Lead, inspired by her love for Glacier National Park, which began when her partner proposed there in 2012. After relocating to Montana in 2016 and gaining experience in retail operations around the park, Kaylee felt drawn to contribute to the Conservancy's mission.
I have been so pleased with the success of ToughCutie in our Glacier National Park stores! We brought them in as a relatively unknown brand and they have sold so well the first year, we are excited to bring them back this season. The staff really loved the story about this women-owned brand and so many of them now wear the product themselves.
- Kaylee Henderson
What made you want to partner with ToughCutie?
I met Brittany at the Public Land Alliance tradeshow in 2022 and knew immediately I wanted to partner with her. It is nearly impossible to find a brand that specializes in women's hiking socks, and even harder to find one with a woman at its head. But the thing that really cinched the partnership was when I TRIED the socks myself. They are my personal go-to hiking socks now.
How have things gone since bring ToughCutie into your store?
I have been so pleased with the success of ToughCutie in our Glacier National Park stores! We brought them in as a relatively unknown brand and they have sold so well the first year, we are excited to bring them back this season. The staff really loved the story about this women-owned brand and so many of them now wear the product themselves. We are excited to tell the story when park goers enter our shop which makes the customers even more excited to try
What are you most excited about when partnering with ToughCutie?
I am happy to be helping a small business grow and get their name out to the larger audience.
Kaylee's Picks
Ladies Merino Wool Hiker Crew
Soft, light Merino wool gives women a leg up with silky fibers that help resist blisters and wick moisture. It’s breathable yet insulating and has natural anti-odor properties. We surveyed women to design a technical sock that would support you at every step.
Targeted cushioning under the heel and toe for those extra-long hikes. Compression zones around the arch, ankle, and leg offer support and help the sock stay in place.Mesh panels add extra breathability for hot days on the trail.
Kaylee's picks include our ladies hiker crew in colors Blue Haze, Cherry Pink and Violet.
About Glacier National Park
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is the official non-profit fundraising partner of Glacier National Park. Their mission is to preserve and protect Glacier National Park for future generations.Glacier National Park Conservancy is a 501(c)3. You can find the park store at Belton Train Station 12544 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936.
About Glacier National Park Conservancy
A Nonprofit National Park Partner
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is the official non-profit fundraising partner of Glacier National Park. Their mission is to preserve and protect Glacier National Park for future generations.Glacier National Park Conservancy is a 501(c)3. You can find the park store at Belton Train Station12544 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936.
The Park Store
In 2013, the Glacier National Park Fund and the Glacier Natural History Association merged to form the Glacier National Park Conservancy with the aim of bolstering annual support for Glacier National Park. The Fund, established in 1999, focused on preserving the park's natural beauty and cultural heritage through private philanthropy, while the Association, formed in 1941, supported education and interpretation through merchandise sales. Since the merger, the Conservancy has become the official fundraising partner for Glacier National Park.
Try a Shoe with More Top Coverage
The more coverage you have on the top of your feet, the better. Sometimes, you can wear high heels all day and they don’t bother your feet as much. In the summer, you can try something with an ankle strap or a large wide strap over the top. If you are worried about blisters and friction, you might want to try something that covers more of the top of your foot.
Opt for Platform Heels
Platform heels are more comfortable than single-sole heels because the actual heel is shorter than the heel height. The platform also reduces the impact of your feet touching the ground, reducing discomfort. However, thicker platform heels can cause your foot to wobble and your ankle to snap, especially if the platform is very thick and the heel is stiletto. The shoe should be a good ratio between a thick platform and a fitting heel.
Want to carry ToughCutie in your stores? Get in touch!
ToughCutie helped Kaylee and Glacier National Park Conservancy achieve their sales goals and support the Park's mission. If you're interested in placing ToughCutie in your store, get in touch today!