Asian American Footwear
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In the competitive world of sneakers, 1587 Sneakers stands out by intertwining fashion with cultural significance. Founded by Sam Hyun and Adam King, this Boston-based brand aims to celebrate Asian American heritage through meticulously crafted footwear. Their journey, including a notable appearance on Shark Tank Season 16, showcases their commitment to representation and quality.
The name “1587” commemorates the year the first Asian immigrant arrived in America, symbolizing the brand’s dedication to honoring Asian American history. Co-founders Hyun, a social activist, and King, a seasoned footwear professional with experience at Adidas and Reebok, combined their expertise to address the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in the sneaker industry. Their mission is to empower individuals to embrace their heritage and express themselves authentically through fashion.
1587 Sneakers is a brand that aims to celebrate Asian American heritage through culturally inspired footwear. Entrepreneurs Sam Hyun and Adam King sought $100,000 for 15.87% equity.
Sam and Adam did not secure a deal with the sharks.
After its appearance on Shark Tank, 1587 Sneakers saw growth in its online community. Additionally, the company introduced the Yellow Thread Sneaker series in response to customer demand.
Lori Greiner |
No offer |
Barbara Corcoran |
No offer |
Kevin O’Leary |
No offer |
Mark Cuban |
No offer |
Rasahun Williams |
No offer |
In October 2024, Hyun and King presented 1587 Sneakers on Shark Tank, seeking $100,000 for 15.87% equity. They highlighted their transition from Italian to Asian manufacturing to reduce costs and expand operations. Despite their compelling pitch, the Sharks declined to invest, citing concerns about the company’s valuation and the highly competitive sneaker market.
Season and Episode |
Season 16, Episode 1 |
Air Date |
October 18, 2024 |
Entrepreneurs |
Sam Hyun and Adam King |
Product |
1587 Sneakers is a brand that aims to celebrate Asian American heritage through culturally inspired footwear. |
Investment Sought |
$100,000 |
Equity Offered |
15.87% |
Valuation |
$630,000 |
Initial Sales |
2024 Sales (Projected): $500,000. Initial Sales (First 10 months): $240,000. Retail Price: $175. Manufacturing Price: $50. |
Retail Plans |
1587 Sneakers plans scale operations and possibly expand into retail. They also plan on moving operations from Italy to Asia to cut cost. |
Final Deal |
No deal |
*After the filming of a Shark Tank episode, investments are subject to thorough audits and evaluations. During this time period, the terms of the investment can be altered or canceled by either party. As a result, the deals presented on the show may not always come to fruition for various reasons. This site does not guarantee the accuracy of any final investment figures.
1587 Sneakers offers a range of products that blend premium materials with cultural narratives:
Each product features design elements inspired by Asian heritage, such as traditional patterns and meaningful messages like “Leave your shoes at the door.”
Post-Shark Tank, 1587 Sneakers experienced significant growth:
1587 Sneakers exemplifies how fashion can serve as a platform for cultural expression and representation. Through their dedication to quality and heritage, Hyun and King have created a brand that resonates with a diverse audience, fostering a sense of pride and identity within the Asian American community and beyond.
1587 Sneakers is a footwear brand founded by Sam Hyun and Adam King, aiming to celebrate Asian American heritage through high-quality, culturally inspired sneakers.
They appeared on Season 16, Episode 1, which aired on October 18, 2024.
No, despite a compelling pitch, they did not receive an investment from the Sharks.
Post-show, their sales surged, with a pair sold every five minutes, and they nearly reached $1 million in sales by the end of 2024.
Their products are available directly through their website: 1587sneakers.com.
