The Full Story of SickFit: Soldier to CEO

The Full Story of SickFit: From Military Missions to Life-Changing Socks

SickFit isn’t just a sock company—it’s a story of resilience, innovation, and a mission to make every step count. Founded by Paden Sickles, a female Army veteran, SickFit is rooted in perseverance, grit, and the desire to create something meaningful after transitioning from a decade of military service. Here’s the journey that brought SickFit to life.

A Military Foundation: Where It All Began

Paden Sickles dedicated 11 years of her life as an Army Engineer Officer, leading Soldiers and breaking barriers while shaping some of the first enlisted female combat engineers. During her service, she achieved countless accolades, including Air Assault, Expert Soldier, Spur Rides, and completing 100-mile challenges. Despite these achievements, she often tried to avoid graduations because it hurt too much to put her boots back on due to blisters and foot issues. This frustration drove her to action. Paden traveled the world, testing 87 different pairs of socks to learn how to engineer the perfect pair. She began conducting A/B tests during PT formations with her peers and leaders, swapping socks before long runs and rucks in the field. This hands-on experimentation laid the foundation for her vision while leading some of the most lethal Soldiers in the force.

Over time, multiple ACL reconstructions and herniated discs began to take a toll. These injuries pushed Paden to reflect on her future, realizing that her physical health needed to become a priority. In February 2024, after serving her country with honor, Paden made the difficult decision to transition out of active duty.

“Transitioning out of the military was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It was all I really knew at the time, and I was in line to take command soon, which was something I had always dreamed of—leading my own company. However, after my second ACL surgery, I experienced complications, and the doctors told me they couldn’t operate on the same ligament three times. I was faced with a choice.

At the same time, SickFit was gaining a lot of traction and really starting to take off. God kept pulling me toward entrepreneurship, even though I didn’t realize it at first. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, it was in my DNA, but I never thought it would happen so soon. Finally, I realized that I wasn’t walking away from service; I was just serving in a different uniform. SickFit became that mission—a way to inspire, innovate, exude resilience, and make a huge impact.”

The Birth of SickFit: One Sock at a Time

The name "SickFit" originates from Paden’s last name and represents her commitment to health, legacy, and a better future. The company officially launched as the first woman, veteran, and minority-owned sock company of its kind. Its mission? To change the world one sock at a time.

SickFit quickly stood out by engineering cutting-edge designs with a focus on social responsibility. Each pair of socks is crafted with performance-enhancing features like compression, moisture-wicking materials, and durability—ideal for rigorous terrain, high intensity activities, and everyday wear.

Overcoming Challenges: The Journey of Entrepreneurship

Starting SickFit wasn’t without its hurdles. What began as a company offering just one black sock has grown tremendously over time. Transitioning from military leadership to entrepreneurship required a significant shift in mindset. Paden faced challenges such as educating customers about the critical importance of foot health, scaling production to meet growing demand, and navigating the complexities of introducing her products to retailers.

Despite these obstacles, SickFit’s unwavering commitment to quality and community impact captured widespread attention. Consistently, those who know Paden have the same things to say: she is an energetic, intelligent, and resourceful leader who deeply supports her community. As a brand ambassador, teacher, and lifelong learner, Paden is constantly growing, teaching, and inspiring others while maintaining her infectious energy—whether she’s buying shoes, building Legos, or sharing her trademark smile. Her dedication has made it easy for people to rally behind her vision and be part of the journey. Olympians and Para Athletes began sporting SickFit socks, and partnerships with organizations like Joe Smith Academy, Military Influencer Conference, Warrior Rising, and others further solidified its mission-driven brand identity.

A Brand with Heart: Giving Back and Creating Impact

For Paden Sickles, profit means impact—a chance to employ more veterans, support community initiatives, and drive innovation. SickFit has created groundbreaking contributions such as the first-ever sock murals and programs donating socks to hurricane victims. Beyond products, the brand extends its mission through philanthropy, mentoring kids, and empowering underserved communities.

One of SickFit’s proudest achievements is its role in changing lives. From mentoring a young man who found a path out of adversity through modeling SickFit to creating opportunities for veterans and athletes, the brand isn’t just about socks—it’s about shaping lives and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Here’s what Paden Sickles has to say:

“For me, SickFit is so much more than a business. It’s a mission. Every sock we design and sell represents an opportunity to be involved with our community—to employ veterans, bring in new ambassadors, mentor kids, and create a ripple effect of impact. I want SickFit to inspire others to embrace their challenges, innovate, and make a difference. Together, we’re not just walking forward—we’re building a path for others to follow.”

The Future of SickFit: Walking Boldly Ahead

SickFit has already made waves with initiatives like the world’s first sock mural, collaborations with Olympic athletes, and soon groundbreaking designs. The brand continues to innovate and expand globally, staying true to its roots of service and excellence.

For Paden Sickles, SickFit isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy. A reminder that even after the uniform comes off, the mission to serve others and inspire change never ends. With every step, SickFit walks boldly toward a brighter, more impactful future.

Let’s keep building, one step—and one sock—at a time.