In the sneaker world, there’s a stereotype that Asian Americans just follow trends instead of creating them. This overlooks their real influence on sneaker culture. Sam Hyun and Adam King, who started a sneaker brand called 1587 Sneakers, wanted to change this perception. They focused on celebrating Asian American history and culture through their products, aiming to make stylish and meaningful shoes that appeal to a wide range of people.
In an episode of Shark Tank Season 16, they presented their brand to a panel of investors, asking for $100,000 in exchange for 15.87% of their company. They planned to use the money to move their shoe production from Italy to Asia, which would save money and help their business grow. However, the investors were unsure about the value of the company and the costs involved in production, so they ultimately decided not to invest.
1587 Sneakers Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Sam and Adam were looking for an investment of $100k in exchange for 15.87% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at around $630k. Unfortunately, they did not secure a deal with the sharks. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of 1587 Sneakers in 2025 is around $924k.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Raushan Walliams | Out | N/A | N/A |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Sam Hyun and Adam King Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Sam Hyun and Adam King started a sneaker brand called 1587 Sneakers to celebrate Asian American history and culture, using the name 1587 to mark the year when the first Asian immigrants came to North America. Their sneakers are designed not just to be fashionable shoes, but also to convey pride in their heritage.
In the beginning, they had some difficulties. They chose to make their shoes in Italy to ensure they were high-quality, but this process was very expensive, costing them $110 to make each pair, which they then sold for $288. This high production cost made it hard for them to grow their business and reach more customers. So, they decided to move most of their manufacturing to Asia, which lowered their costs to $50 per pair while still keeping the quality good.
When they pitched their brand on Shark Tank, a popular TV show where entrepreneurs seek investment, they showcased the unique style and cultural importance of their sneakers. They talked about their plans to open more retail locations and boost their online sales. To help with this expansion, they asked for $100,000 in exchange for a 15.87% ownership stake in their company.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Each shark had their own thoughts and concerns about the sneaker business, which led them to decide not to invest.
Lori Greiner decided not to invest because sneakers aren’t her area of interest. She felt that the business didn’t align with her expertise.
Kevin O’Leary saw the sneaker market as very competitive and advised the founders to stick to selling directly to customers instead of trying to sell in retail stores. Even with this advice, he didn’t see enough promise in the business to invest.
Rashaun Williams was worried that the company lacked a strong following and support from potential customers. He thought there were too many uncertainties, prompting him to decline to make an investment offer.
Daymond John, who knows a lot about the sneaker business, had concerns about how the company would handle its inventory (the products they have available to sell). He didn’t believe the company could grow effectively and chose not to invest.
Mark Cuban had similar advice to Kevin, recommending that the founders focus on selling directly to consumers. Although he respected their enthusiasm, he didn’t believe there was enough opportunity in the business for him to invest.
In the end, after hearing all the feedback, none of the sharks decided to invest in 1587 Sneakers, leaving the founders, Sam and Adam, without a deal.
What Went Wrong With 1587 Sneakers On Shark Tank?
Several reasons made investors, often referred to as sharks, decide not to put money into 1587 Sneakers. The sharks thought the value placed on the company was too high considering where it was in its development. They felt it was asking for more money than it was truly worth at that point. Even though the company planned to move production to Asia to save money, the sharks worried about how much it would still cost to make the shoes and whether the business could grow successfully.
The company hadn’t made any significant sales or partnerships with major stores, which made the sharks doubt the company’s potential for success. They wanted to see stronger sales figures to feel confident investing. The sneaker market is very crowded, with many established brands. The sharks weren’t sure that 1587 Sneakers could compete effectively and stand out among all these other companies. Overall, these concerns led to the sharks deciding not to invest.
Product Availability
1587 Sneakers is a brand that makes high-quality shoes with stylish designs influenced by different cultures. Two of their well-known models are called the Morrow Bay and the AP87; both are made from durable leather and natural rubber. They recently introduced a new line called the Yellow Thread Sneaker series, which costs $188 and started selling in September 2024.
You can buy these sneakers straight from their website, where they also let you customize your shoes to fit your personal style. While they mainly sell directly to consumers online right now, they have plans to sell their sneakers in stores in the future.
What Happened To The 1587 Sneakers After Shark Tank?
1587 Sneakers is a company that, even though it didn’t secure a deal on the TV show Shark Tank, has continued to grow and succeed. They’ve built a strong online community, increasing their followers on Instagram from 7,000 to over 8,000. In September 2024, they launched a new line of sneakers called the Yellow Thread Sneaker series, responding to what customers wanted.
The company has also been recognized for its positive impact on the community, receiving an award from the Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders.
In October 2024, they released a special shirt called the FAHM Bayan Box Shirt to celebrate Filipino American History Month. Co-founder Adam King has big plans for the future, aiming to expand their offerings beyond just shoes and clothing. He wants to introduce products that highlight Asian culture, like computers and water bottles, into mainstream markets. As of today, 1587 Sneakers is still operating, focusing on selling directly to customers and staying engaged with their community.
Conclusion
Sam Hyun and Adam King presented their sneaker brand, 1587 Sneakers, on the show Shark Tank. Their goal was to highlight and celebrate Asian American culture through stylish, high-quality sneakers, which appealed to many viewers. However, the investors on the show, known as “sharks,” had some doubts. They questioned how much the company was worth and whether it could grow successfully in the future.
Even though Sam and Adam didn’t end up getting any investment from the sharks, their brand didn’t give up. They continued to expand their product offerings and foster a strong community around their brand. Their journey is an inspiring example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success, even without the backing of famous investors. As of today, 1587 Sneakers is still doing well, showing that sticking to your goals and vision can lead to achievement on your own terms.

Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.