Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paden Sickles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Paden, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I was inspired to start SickFit based on my personal experiences during my time in the military as an Army Engineer. Throughout my service, I was constantly on my feet, participating in grueling 12-mile ruck marches and other demanding activities. Despite earning several accolades and attending prestigious military schools, a persistent problem overshadowed my achievements: my feet were in constant discomfort due to inadequate socks, leading to painful blisters.
In the military, we often refer to our accolades and achievements as “badge candy” – symbols of our hard work and dedication displayed proudly on our uniforms. However, despite earning these badges, I found myself dreading the graduation ceremonies. Instead of reveling in my success, I just wanted to go home and get off my aching feet. This recurring frustration sparked my quest to find the perfect pair of socks.

Driven by my determination to solve this problem, I tested 87 different socks from around the world. During this extensive search, I realized there was a significant gap in the market. Many socks claimed to offer comfort, design, durability, and performance, but few truly delivered on all fronts. This realization led to the conceptualization of SickFit – a brand dedicated to engineering socks that cater specifically to service members, athletes, and active individuals who are constantly on their feet.

What excited me most about this idea was the opportunity to blend my engineering background with my passion for functional fashion. I saw a chance to not only solve a problem I had personally experienced but also to offer a unique approach in the sock industry. SickFit would stand out by focusing on quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to both people and the planet. Our goal was to create socks that were not just accessories but essential gear for performance and comfort.

I knew this endeavor was worthwhile because I was addressing a problem that many others faced but that hadn’t been adequately solved. By leveraging my military experience and understanding the rigorous demands of active lifestyles, I felt confident that SickFit could fill this niche effectively. The positive feedback and demand from fellow service members and athletes further validated my belief that there was a market eager for high-quality, performance-driven socks.
In essence, SickFit was born out of a blend of necessity, passion, and a drive to innovate. It’s not just about creating socks; it’s about enhancing comfort, performance, and ultimately, changing the world one sock at a time. Through SickFit, I found a way to turn my personal struggle into a solution that could benefit many others, ensuring that no one else would have to sacrifice their comfort for their achievements.

Paden, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Formally, I am a Louisville native, a daughter, a sister, a puppy mom, a student, teacher, coach, and more. But in essence, according to my friends and family, “Paden is Paden.” Known for being intelligent, outgoing, always laughing, always smiling, and naturally inspiring those around me.

My journey into the industry began during my time in the military as an Army Engineer. Constantly on my feet, I faced a relentless battle with discomfort and blisters caused by inadequate socks. This personal struggle ignited my quest to find the perfect pair. After testing 87 different socks from around the world, I realized there was a significant gap in the market for high-quality, comfortable, and durable socks.

This realization led me to create SickFit, a brand dedicated to engineering innovative socks and streetwear specifically for service members, athletes, and active individuals. At SickFit, we pride ourselves on meticulous craftsmanship, using quality materials, and committing to both people and the planet. Our products are designed not just as accessories but as essential gear that enhances comfort and performance.

What sets SickFit apart is our holistic approach to business. We’re not just about making products; we’re about making a difference and changing the world one sock at a time. One of our proudest accomplishments is helping to shape the future of a troubled young man who was once hanging with the wrong crowd. Inviting him to model our apparel and accessories became a turning point in his life. He embraced the positive culture we foster at SickFit, turned his grades around, and is now mentored by our team. He has found a new family within our community, leaving his troubled past behind and aspiring to become an engineer.

This success story embodies what makes SickFit special. We are committed to inspiring and empowering individuals, especially those from underrepresented and challenging backgrounds, to reach their full potential. Our priority is leaving a lasting legacy and making a positive impact while operating as a for-profit company.

I’m incredibly proud of the legacy and impact we’re building at SickFit. Our products solve real problems for our clients, offering unmatched comfort, design, durability, and performance. But beyond the products, it’s our commitment to community, mentorship, and positive change that truly sets us apart.

In summary, SickFit is about enhancing comfort and performance while fostering a supportive and empowering community. We’re changing the world one sock at a time, dedicated to making a positive impact on everyone we encounter. Whether through our high-quality products or our commitment to inspiring and empowering individuals, we strive to leave a lasting legacy.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Storytelling and genuine connections have been the cornerstone of SickFit’s strategy for growing our clientele.

At SickFit, we believe in the power of storytelling. By sharing the authentic journey behind our brand—how we were founded and the personal experiences that drove us to create high-quality, comfortable, and durable socks and streetwear—we’ve forged deep connections with our customers. This approach humanizes our brand, resonates with our audience, and creates a narrative that customers can genuinely relate to and support.

Beyond storytelling, fostering genuine connections has been pivotal. We prioritize engagement through various channels: from active social media presence and community events like the SickFit World Tour, to direct interactions at trade shows and local markets. These platforms allow us to listen to our customers’ needs, gather valuable feedback, and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Through our stories, we communicate not just the features of our products, but our core values, mission, and the positive impact we strive to make in the world. This approach not only attracts new customers but also nurtures loyalty among existing ones who appreciate our dedication to quality, innovation, and community impact.

As a result of these efforts, our clientele continues to grow organically. More individuals are connecting with our story, experiencing firsthand the comfort and performance of SickFit products, and becoming part of our supportive and empowering community.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most profound pivots in my life occurred during my military career as an Army Engineer. Things were falling into place professionally, but simultaneously falling out of place physically. Despite achieving professional milestones and gaining recognition, I faced immense physical challenges due to back-to-back ACL reconstructions and herniated and bulging discs in my back. These injuries forced me to confront a harsh reality: continuing in physically demanding roles would compromise my long-term health and well-being.

Choosing to prioritize my health meant making a tough decision to transition away from active duty. It was a pivotal moment that required reevaluating my career path and redirecting my passion and skills toward a new endeavor. In the face of adversity, I had a choice: to complain or to act. I decided to act.

During this introspective period, I laid the foundation for SickFit, guided by my personal mantra, “Great Men Move Slowly,” and the Bible verse John 13:7, which underscores the importance of patience and faith: “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'” These principles became the compass of our company’s ethos, shaping our approach to challenges with unwavering determination, patience, perseverance, persistence, and resilience.

Reflecting on my journey, these virtues—resilience, patience, persistence, and adaptability—have been instrumental in navigating the unpredictable terrain of life and entrepreneurship. Each setback and trial reinforced the lesson that adversity presents a choice: to dwell on challenges or to seize opportunities through action. I chose the latter, founding SickFit with an unwavering belief in overcoming obstacles through perseverance and faith.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sickfit.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickfitofficial_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/SickFit/100075492745479/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sickfit-/
• Twitter: https://x.com/sickfitofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-xpqLM4jy5OpDmncgsHxQg

Image Credits

Photographer: Nelson Laporte
Photography by Laporte

Featured in Photos:
Model: Kaegen Burdine
Model: Chase Henry