Our Journey
2018 – Filed First Patent
STOMP Athletics began when founder David Gonzales recognized the need for a better way to maintain shoe traction during games. Back in 2007, at just 24 years old, he sketched the first version of “Shoe Armor” after getting tired of wiping dirt and dust off his shoes with his hands. Over a decade later, in 2018, he filed the first patent to finally bring the idea to life, even building the first prototype using his son’s baby shoe.
2021 – First Product Launch
After years of design work and prototyping, STOMP reached its final design for Shoe Armor and completed the first production run.
2022 – Filed Patent for STOMP Large Mat
STOMP expanded its vision by filing a design patent for the Large Mat. That same year, STOMP launched its website and debuted Shoe Armor and Large Mats at a local Denver basketball tournament with the help of Bill Hanzlik — the products sold out on the first day!
2023 – Building Momentum
The innovation continued with a patent filing for the Mini Mat in early 2023. That same year, Michael Manoogian joined STOMP, helping expand its reach to athletes, schools and programs nationwide.
2024 – Expanding Nationwide
STOMP secured distribution with BSN Sports and Game One Sports, expanding its reach nationwide. That same year, STOMP products gained traction (literally!) from coast to coast, being used in training facilities, schools, gyms, and arenas at every level of play.
June 2024 – NCAA Teams use STOMP
After attending the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Conference, STOMP began selling to teams across the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big East, and CAA.
2025 – Scaling Production
As word spread and demand grew, STOMP scaled operations with new manufacturing partners, laying the foundation for the next chapter of nationwide growth.