What Happened to STOMP Athletics?
STOMP Athletics is a company that produces innovative traction products, including Shoe Armor and various traction mats, designed to enhance grip for athletes. Founded by David Gonzales, the company has grown significantly since its official launch in 2022, securing nationwide distribution and partnerships with professional and collegiate sports teams. STOMP Athletics recently appeared on Shark Tank in April 2026, though the outcome of their pitch has not been publicly disclosed as of today.
Quick Answer
STOMP Athletics, a company specializing in shoe traction products for athletes, is currently thriving with nationwide distribution and partnerships with numerous sports organizations. Founded by David Gonzales, the company officially launched in 2022 and has since expanded its product line and market reach. STOMP Athletics appeared on ABC's 'Shark Tank' on April 15, 2026, presenting its Shoe Armor and traction mats, but the details of any potential deal with the Sharks have not been publicly revealed as of April 16, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Concept for Shoe Armor Conceived
Founder David Gonzales sketches the first version of 'Shoe Armor' to address the problem of losing shoe traction during games.
First Patent Filed
David Gonzales files the first patent for his Shoe Armor design, beginning the process of bringing the product to market.
First Product Launch
After years of design and prototyping, STOMP Athletics completes its first production run and launches the Shoe Armor product.
STOMP Athletics Officially Launched
The company officially launches, debuting Shoe Armor and Large Mats at a local Denver basketball tournament where products quickly sell out.
Patent Filed for Large Mat
STOMP Athletics expands its product line and files a design patent for the Large Mat, further enhancing its traction offerings.
Patent Filed for Mini Mat
The company continues its innovation by filing a patent for the Mini Traction Mat, diversifying its product range for athletes.
Michael Manoogian Joins; Nationwide Reach Expands
Michael Manoogian joins STOMP Athletics, contributing to the company's efforts to expand its reach to athletes, schools, and programs across the country.
Nationwide Distribution Secured
STOMP Athletics secures nationwide distribution through BSN Sports and Game One Sports, significantly increasing its market presence.
Sales to NBA, Colleges, and High Schools Begin
After attending the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Conference, STOMP Athletics starts selling its products to several NBA teams, colleges, and high schools.
Production Scaled with New Partners
As demand grows, STOMP Athletics scales its operations by partnering with new manufacturing partners to increase production capacity.
Partnership with Hall of Fame Series
STOMP Athletics becomes a proud partner of the Hall of Fame Series, boosting its visibility and credibility within the sports community.
Ambassador Program Announced
The brand announces an open call for ambassadors, offering early product access, commissions, gifts, and paid collaborations to expand its reach.
Appearance on Shark Tank
STOMP Athletics, represented by its founder David Gonzales, pitches its traction products on Season 17, Episode 17 of ABC's 'Shark Tank'. The outcome of the deal is not publicly disclosed as of April 16, 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
STOMP Athletics originated from founder David Gonzales's personal frustration with maintaining shoe traction during games. In 2007, Gonzales, then 24, sketched the initial concept for 'Shoe Armor' to address this common athletic challenge. Over a decade later, in 2018, he filed the first patent to bring his vision to life, even using his son's baby shoe for the initial prototype. The company officially launched in February 2022, following years of design and prototyping, and quickly debuted its Shoe Armor and Large Mats at a Denver basketball tournament, where products sold out on the first day.
Building on this early success, STOMP Athletics continued to innovate, filing a patent for the Large Mat in 2022 and the Mini Mat in early 2023. The company's growth was further bolstered by Michael Manoogian joining the team in 2023, helping to expand its reach to athletes, schools, and programs nationwide. A significant turning point came in 2024 when STOMP Athletics secured nationwide distribution through major sports retailers BSN Sports and Game One Sports. This expansion led to their products being utilized in training facilities, schools, gyms, and arenas across the country. In June 2024, after attending the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Conference, STOMP began supplying products to various NCAA teams across major conferences like the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big East, and CAA, as well as NBA teams and high schools.
In 2025, STOMP Athletics scaled its operations by partnering with new manufacturing entities to meet growing demand. The company also engaged in strategic marketing efforts, including a paid partnership with Coach Tony Miller in October 2025 and participating in the Hall of Fame Series in December 2025. As of early 2026, STOMP Athletics continued its momentum, celebrating athlete endorsements and launching an ambassador program in January 2026.
The company gained national attention with its appearance on Season 17, Episode 17 of ABC's 'Shark Tank,' which aired on April 15, 2026. During the episode, founder David Gonzales presented the company's range of traction products. While the pitch was highlighted by news outlets, the specific outcome of the Shark Tank appearance, including whether a deal was struck with any of the investors, has not been publicly disclosed as of April 16, 2026. Despite the undisclosed Shark Tank outcome, STOMP Athletics remains actively in business, with its products available for purchase on its official website and Amazon, continuing its mission to provide athletes with enhanced on-court traction.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if STOMP Athletics made different choices?