Here's What Went Down With Apolla Socks After Shark Tank

In 2022, two confident women walked into the tank to pitch their business, Apolla Performance, bringing back memories of the Glow Recipe founders walking onto the same exact stage in 2015. Apolla Performance came seeking a $300,000 investment for 15% equity on season 13 of "Shark Tank." For founders Kaycee Jones and Brianna Zborowski, this sock business was just an idea until they decided to make the jump in 2014 in the hopes of reducing the overwhelming injury rates in the dance world. 

After a lengthy prototyping and test period, the ladies would launch their product in 2016. By 2018, Apolla had made its way to becoming the "sock of choice" for dancers from "So You Think You Can Dance" to the Boston Ballet — they even became a favorite for some professional hockey players. That's an impressive track record for any business.

On the show, the founders mentioned that their curiosity for better socks came from their personal experience as dancers. They were dying to find a way to help a dance culture "riddled with injuries." The teamwork of the two founders paid off in 2020 when their socks were used in a study conducted by the Ohio University which detailed the socks' reliability as a solution for reducing force (a major cause of injuries to dancers). They ended up receiving the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance the same year. This is a major accomplishment as it signifies the product has been thoroughly vetted by podiatrists as a means to promote foot health. 

From the moment they entered the tank, the female founders Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski exuded confidence in their company. The founders start out by explaining the problem they were solving, which was that "75% of Americans say that they experience foot pain." The founders provided the Sharks with their solution: "the smartest sock in the world, Apolla." The two women then detailed how the sock was made, and what for (i.e. provide ankle support, compression, and reduce pain and fatigue). 

The pitch is great, and the Sharks were as captivated as they were with Wise Pocket Products Socks. Robert Herjavec said he loved the socks and called the socks "incredible" as he strutted around the studio in them. The sharks continued to be impressed with the track record of the company — $4.1 million in lifetime sales since their August 2016 launch and the projection to do $1.6 million in 2022 with a 2% return rate.

But once the sharks heard the cost of manufacturing the socks is anywhere between $32 and $40 per pair, the interest quickly dies down. However, Lori Greiner, who was a former dancer herself and doesn't like wearing socks, said that trying on the socks changed her mind. She makes the founders an offer $300,000 for 25% and although Jones and Zborowski countered, they ended up taking Lori on her original offer.

A few weeks after the first airing of the episode on April 18, 2022, the Apolla Performance co-founders joined Pierce Mars on his podcast, "The Pierce Mars Show," to go into their experience on "Shark Tank" and to look at their business in-depth. During the podcast, Pierce Marrs complimented them on their quick thinking as they shifted their focus from a niche market of performance dancers to the broader market for more opportunities to expand the business. 

In addition, the ladies shared with Pierce they were elated to see the Sharks' love for Apolla socks after trying them on. As Kaycee said, "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." 

Not only did the ladies secure a deal with Lori Greiner because she fell in love with the socks, they also received an overwhelming amount of attention. When they got the notification that their episode was to air in three weeks, the ladies told Pierce that they prepared twice the amount of inventory than what was advised. Not only did they sell out in just 15 minutes, but at the time of the interview, they were backordered for an estimated 18 to 20 weeks. 

Compression therapy aids in increasing the circulation of blood in the targeted area. Many people who struggle with venous disorders or edema can get a lot of relief from wearing compression socks. A study was conducted in which dancers wore Apolla Performance socks while dancing and the results showed that the socks help in reducing stress on the feet when dancing. Let's look at how that might be possible.

Apolla has a patented arch support design in their socks which utilizes targeted compression zones that may help stabilize your arches and possibly offer a slight lift to make them feel more comfortable. It's almost like wearing a brace because it acts as a support, reducing the probability of injury or swelling and helping people recover faster. This patented design can help alleviate common conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis by promoting proper foot alignment and mechanics. Pretty scientific for a pair of socks — which could help explain why the manufacturing costs are on the higher end. 

Apolla Performance's official website now offers specific socks for different activities. There's a dedicated section for dance and even different types of dance genres. Then there's pain relief socks, socks for cheer and marching arts, and for general athletics and exercise. On top of that, they have different styles of socks from leg warmers to no-show socks, they have something for everyone.

It's safe to say Apolla Performance is doing exceedingly well, and it's not really a surprise. In a more recent interview in 2024 with their company's blog, The Muse, Brianne Zborowski, shared her reaction the moment she found out they were selected to go on "Shark Tank." She said it was, "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." It's obvious the co-founders knew their product could make a difference in people's lives, not unlike Tristen Ikaika. 

Apolla's best-selling, no-show compression sock, AMP, continues to get rave reviews with one reviewer saying, "Buy the socks! I am a golfer and needed more support. I bought these socks and they have made a huge difference! I am no longer in pain when I finish my round. Buying more for stocking stuffers!" 

On top of operating their business, the two advocate for educating everyone on the importance of empowering dancers. They run a program called the StEPS Initiative – a program designed to create a safe dance environment for all aspiring dancers. They also partner with all kinds of companies and associations that align with the company's vision, such as the Las Vegas Raiderettes and the National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA).