When people talk about the most successful Shark Tank companies, you are likely to hear about Scrub Daddy, Ring, or Squatty Potty. However, there is another name that stands out in this list: Bombas Socks.
What started as a small startup focused on producing better socks has grown into a $3.5 billion empire. However, the company didn’t just win because of its unique socks or good marketing, but its social mission also warmed people’s hearts.
For every pair of socks sold, the company donates a pair to someone in need. This buy-one-give-one model turned customers into brand loyalists and made Bombas Socks one of the most successful products on Shark Tank.
So, how did two friends turn a simple socks idea into a billion-dollar empire?
Let’s explore Bombas Socks‘ full story from the beginning, Shark Tank pitch, and their explosive growth.
Bombas Socks Overview
| Founder(s) | David Heath & Randy Goldberg |
| Industry | Apparel |
| Product Name | Bombas Socks |
| Asking on Shark Tank | $200,000 for 5% equity |
| Valuation at Pitch | $4 million |
| Result | Accepted offer: $200,000 for 17.5% |
| Shark with Deal | Daymond John |
| Current Annual Revenue (2025) | $500+ million |
| Current Valuation (2025) | $3.5 billion |
How Bombas Socks Started
Two friends, David Heath and Randy Goldberg, founded Bombas Socks in 2013.
- The idea started after Health saw a post on Facebook saying that socks were the most requested item in homeless shelters, and this insight struck an idea, which he shared with Goldberg.
- The due brainstormed how to transform this idea into a mission-driven brand that solves two problems at once. They set out to create socks that were more comfortable and long-lasting than your regular socks, and still make a social impact for every pair sold.
- After two years of research and testing, the pair re-engineered a sock with arch support, blister tabs, reinforced seams, and premium cotton that solves common socks issues like slipping, bunching, and wear and tear.
Once they were satisfied with the final product, the duo launched online with a direct-to-consumer approach and pledged to donate one pair of socks for every pair sold. And they have stuck to this pledge to date!
Bombas Net Worth and Valuation in 2025
As of 2025, Bombas Socks has a valuation of $3.5 billion, and its annual revenue is over $500 million. When the founders pitched Bombas in 2014, Bombas had an implied valuation of $4 million.
Bombas remains a privately-held company, and it is ranked as one of the most successful Shark Tank companies.
Bombas has not announced any official plans to go public, but given its explosive growth and $3.5 billion valuation, an IPO could be on the horizon. Investors eager to own a piece of Bombas should keep an eye out for future announcements.
Bombas Socks Shark Tank Pitch
Heath and Goldberg walked into Shark Tank during Season 6 in 2014, hoping to get a shark to partner with them in their mission.
- They asked for $200,000 for 5% equity in the business, placing the company’s valuation at $4 million.
- The founders explained the comfort features of their socks brand, and their social impact mission- that for every pair sold, one pair would be donated to homeless shelters to help someone in need.
- At first, the Sharks were sceptical of the social mission side of the business, especially with the competitive nature of the fashion and apparel industry.
- Four Sharks quit the deal, with Daymond John the only remaining Shark.
- After some negotiation, Daymond John offered the two founders $200,000 for 17.5% equity, which the founders accepted. This investment would turn out to be one of Daymond’s smartest investments in Shark Tank history.
Which Shark Invested in Bombas?
When Heath and Goldberg walked into Shark Tank, they had Daymond as one of their preferred Sharks.
- Daymond is a fashion guru, and he built his own billion-dollar clothing brand, FUBU, making him an attractive Shark to partner with.
- After four Sharks went out, Health and Goldberg had to lower the valuation to convince Daymond to invest with them.
- Although they walked into Shark Tank asking $200,000 for 5%, they ultimately accepted Daymond’s offer of $200,000 for 17.5%.
- Not only did Daymond bring the funding, but he also provided critical guidance on scaling operations, establishing brand identity, and expanding into new markets.
Daymond’s involvement helped Bombas Socks become a billion-dollar brand, while growing his $200,000 investment into over $600 million as of 2025.
What Happened to Bombas After Shark Tank?
Like other Shark Tank companies, Bombas experienced a “Shark Tank effect” immediately after the show aired, and sales went through the roof.
- In the year after the show, Bombas generated $1.2 million in revenue, higher than their projected sales.
- A big part of Bombas’ explosive growth came from their social mission. Customers were not just not impressed with the sock quality, they felt connected to their social mission, and this emotional connection turned them into loyal customers.
- Bombas Socks invested heavily in marketing, with most of their sales coming through their website. They also kept their business direct-to-consumer, allowing them to control brand identity and pricing, and without relying on traditional retail distribution.
After hitting $1.2 million in sales in 2017, they went on to hit $100 million in sales in 2018 and crossed the $1 billion mark in lifetime sales in 2022. Currently, the company brings in $500 million in annual revenue.
The Buy-One-Give-One Mission Driving the Brand
Beyond making Bombas a profitable apparel brand, Bombas has stuck by its social impact mission since it was established: for every pair purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need.
The pairs of socks donated to homeless shelters are designed and built differently from the retail socks. They come in darker colors, reinforced seams, and anti-microbial materials to withstand the harsh conditions faced by the homeless.
According to the Bombas website, the company has donated over 150 million clothing items, including socks, T-shirts, and innerwear.
Bombas Revenue Growth and Milestones
Here is a look at Bombas Socks incredible journey since it was founded:
- 2013: Founded by David Heath & Randy Goldberg
- 2014: Secured Daymond John’s deal on Shark Tank
- 2015: Exceeded $1 million in sales
- 2018: Crossed $100 million in annual revenue
- 2020: Expanded into underwear, T-shirts, and slippers
- 2022: Surpassed $1 billion in lifetime sales
- 2025: Generating $500+ million in yearly revenue; company valued at $3.5 billion
Expansion Beyond Socks
While Bombas was initially a socks company, it has expanded into t-shirts, underwear, and slippers, all built with the same comfort-first design principle.
Even as it expanded its categories, the company has stuck with the social impact mission of donating one for every item purchased. So, for every t-shirt, innerwear, or other apparel purchased, the company donates a similar item to a homeless person.
Customers who love Bombas Socks now have an entire wardrobe of essentials to choose from, while still supporting a cause they believe in.
Is Bombas the Most Successful Shark Tank Product Ever?
Several Shark Tank products like Ring and Scrub Daddy have achieved massive success, but Bombas Socks stands out for its high revenues and social impact mission.
Additionally, Bombas has the highest valuation ($3.5 billion) of Shark Tank’s apparel brands, has donated more than 150 million items, and brings in over $500 million in annual revenue.
Conclusion
Bombas Socks walked into Shark Tank as just another socks company, but it has grown into a billion-dollar brand. From a small idea to create better socks that give back with every purchase, Bombas has shown that it is possible to win both hearts and wallets simultaneously.
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