"People don't believe us" When Apolla Socks landed a deal with Shark Tank's Lori Greiner 

In 2022, dancers-turned-entrepreneurs, Kaycee Jones and Brianna Zborowski stepped into the Shark Tank spotlight with their revolutionary compression sock company, Apolla Performance. After securing a deal with Shark Lori Greiner, the founders appeared on "The Pierce Mars Show" podcast to discuss their experience.

"People don't believe us, but a sock can do so much. It really can... because of the way we've constructed these and the way they're knit, they're just so highly engineered... They really are unique," Kaycee explained.

The pair launched Apolla in 2016 after spending two years designing and testing their product, aiming to reduce the alarmingly high injury rates among dancers. By the time they appeared on ABC's hit show Shark Tank - where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to wealthy investors for funding - Apolla socks had already become favorites among professional dancers and even hockey players.

Their appearance would take their already impressive business to new heights, thanks to one Shark who couldn't resist the comfort of their scientifically-designed socks.

What happened during Apolla Socks’ Shark Tank pitch?

Jones and Zborowski entered the Tank seeking $300,000 for 15% equity in their company. Their pitch was direct and compelling, before introducing "the smartest sock in the world, Apolla,” they told the Sharks:

"75% of Americans say that they experience foot pain"

The founders explained how their socks provide ankle support and compression while reducing pain and fatigue. The presentation caught the Sharks' attention immediately.

Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec couldn't contain his enthusiasm after trying on the socks. "Incredible," he declared while strutting around the studio in them. The Sharks were equally impressed by Apolla's track record: $4.1 million in lifetime sales since their 2016 launch, projected sales of $1.6 million for 2022, and a remarkably low 2% return rate.

Despite initial excitement, interest cooled when the founders revealed their high manufacturing costs – between $32 and $40 per pair. For most Sharks, this was a deal-breaker.

Enter Lori Greiner, a former dancer, who admitted she normally dislikes wearing socks. After trying on Apolla's product, she had a change of heart. Greiner offered $300,000 for 25% equity.

The founders attempted to negotiate, but ultimately accepted Greiner's original offer, securing a partnership with a Shark Tank Shark whose personal experience aligned perfectly with their product.

What makes Apolla socks worth their premium price? The answer lies in their patented design and proven results.

In 2020, Ohio University conducted a study showing that Apolla socks help reduce force on dancers' feet – a major cause of injuries. The same year, they received the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance, confirming their effectiveness in promoting foot health.

The socks feature targeted compression zones that stabilize arches and offer support similar to wearing a brace. This design helps with common foot conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis by promoting proper alignment.

The compression therapy aspect increases blood circulation, providing relief for people with venous disorders or edema. This scientific approach explains why manufacturing costs run higher than ordinary socks – they're essentially medical devices disguised as footwear.

How did Apolla Socks fare after its Shark Tank appearance?

When their Shark Tank episode aired on April 18, 2022, Apolla was prepared – or so they thought. Despite stocking twice the inventory recommended, they sold out in just 15 minutes.

"When we got the notification that our episode was to air in three weeks, we prepared twice the amount of inventory than what was advised," the founders told Pierce Mars.

They were backordered for an estimated 18 to 20 weeks at the time of the interview.

This overwhelming response validated what Brianna Zborowski had felt all along. In a 2024 interview with their company blog, she recalled her reaction upon learning they were selected for the show:

"Overwhelming gratitude to God and then, I TOLD YOU SO! Haha! Was always confident we were meant to go on it... it was just about timing."

Today, Apolla's website offers specialized socks for various activities – different dance genres, pain relief, cheerleading, marching arts, and general athletics. Styles range from leg warmers to no-show socks.

Their best-selling AMP sock continues to receive glowing reviews. Beyond selling socks, Jones and Zborowski advocate for dancer safety through their StEPS Initiative, a program creating safe dance environments for aspiring performers. They've partnered with organizations like the Las Vegas Raiderettes and the National Dance Coaches Association.

What began as a solution for dancers has expanded into a mission to improve foot health for everyone. As their Shark Tank appearance proved, sometimes the most revolutionary products come in the most ordinary packages – even a pair of socks.

---

Shark Tank is available to watch on ABC and stream on Hulu, YouTube TV, and other live TV streaming services in the U.S.