Outdoor gear has always been designed with men in mind, leaving women to settle for ill-fitting products. Brittany Coleman noticed this problem while working for outdoor clothing companies. She realized that even products marketed to women were still designed for men, especially hiking socks. These socks didn’t fit women’s feet properly, lacked arch support, and were often uncomfortable.
Determined to fix this, Brittany created Tough Cutie, a line of hiking socks designed specifically for women.
Tough Cutie socks are made with softer merino wool, better arch support, and fun, feminine designs. They are perfect for hiking, camping, or any outdoor adventure. Brittany entered Shark Tank Season 16, seeking $100,000 for 10% equity in her business. After an exciting pitch, she secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran. Let’s dive into the story of Tough Cutie, from its inspiration to its Shark Tank journey and beyond.
ToughCutie Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Brittany was looking for an investment of $100k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, she valued her company at $1 million. Brittany successfully secured a deal with Barbara for an investment of $100k for 25% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $400k. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Tough Cutie in 2025 is around $586k.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Barbara Corcoran | $100,000 for 25% equity | N/A | Yes |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
Jamie Lima | Out | N/A | N/A |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Brittany Coleman Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Brittany Coleman’s journey with Tough Cutie began during her time working for outdoor clothing companies. She attended a meeting about starting a women’s brand but realized the products were still designed for men. This sparked her idea to create outdoor gear specifically for women.
Brittany noticed that hiking socks didn’t fit women properly. They were often too loose, lacked arch support, and were made from itchy materials. She decided to design socks that would fit women’s feet perfectly, using soft merino wool and fun designs.
When Brittany entered Shark Tank, she presented Tough Cutie with passion and confidence. She explained how her socks are designed for women, with features like higher arches and soft, durable materials. She also shared her struggles with retail partnerships and her goal to focus on direct-to-consumer sales.
Brittany asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in her company. She hoped to partner with a Shark who could help her grow Tough Cutie and increase brand awareness.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The Sharks were intrigued by Brittany’s pitch but had several questions. Here’s how each Shark responded:
Kevin O’Leary: Kevin was concerned about the company’s financials. He pointed out that Tough Cutie had low profits despite high sales. He also didn’t like the pivot in the business model. For these reasons, he decided not to invest.
Lori Greiner: Lori loved Brittany’s energy and passion but admitted she wasn’t the “sock lady.” She felt the product wasn’t the right fit for her and decided to back out.
Mark Cuban: Mark believed Brittany made a mistake by prioritizing retail over building an online presence. He advised her to focus on controlling inventory and scaling online. However, he decided not to invest.
Jamie Lima: Jamie admired Brittany’s story and determination but felt the brand was still too early and niche. She decided not to make an offer.
Barbara Corcoran: Barbara loved Brittany’s passion and story. She saw potential in Tough Cutie and offered $100,000 for 25% equity. Brittany countered with a loan deal, but Barbara insisted on equity. In the end, Brittany accepted Barbara’s offer.
Product Availability
Tough Cutie offers a range of hiking socks designed specifically for women. These socks are made from soft, certified merino wool and feature higher arches for better support. They are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Tough Cutie socks are available for purchase on the company’s official website and at stores like REI. The socks retail for $24 per pair and come in fun, feminine designs. The brand also offers free shipping on orders over $40 and a hassle-free return policy within one year.
What Happened To Tough Cutie After Shark Tank?
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Tough Cutie has experienced significant growth. The company’s website traffic surged after the episode aired, jumping from 3,000 visits to over 10,000 in just one night.
Tough Cutie has also expanded its product line with new designs, including the No Planet B and Sasha the Fierce Bear Merino Wool Hiker Crew. The brand continues to focus on direct-to-consumer sales and has gained recognition for its high-quality, women-focused products.
As of today, Tough Cutie is still in business and continues to grow. The partnership with Barbara Corcoran has helped the brand gain traction, and it remains committed to providing comfortable, stylish socks for women who love the outdoors.
Conclusion
Brittany Coleman’s journey with Tough Cutie is a story of passion and perseverance. Her innovative approach to designing outdoor gear for women resonated with many, and her appearance on Shark Tank helped bring her vision to life. Despite facing challenges and skepticism from some Sharks, Brittany secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran, who saw the potential in her brand.
Today, Tough Cutie is thriving, with an expanded product line and growing sales. The brand’s commitment to quality and inclusivity sets it apart in the outdoor gear market. As Tough Cutie continues to grow, it remains a shining example of how a simple idea can make a big difference.

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.