Suvechha Sarkar
Pushing the boundaries of performance is no longer reserved for professionals alone but has become a shared pursuit among athletes of all levels who are always striving to gain an edge. From courts to training facilities, traction is one of the overlooked elements that can define success. While traditional solutions have long been relied upon, they often fall short in terms of consistency and sustainability. This is where STOMP Athletics steps in with their reusable traction products designed to enhance grip. Episode 17 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17 featured its founder, David Gonzales, who represented the brand rooted in innovation, long-term value creation, and perseverance.
STOMP Athletics: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Before STOMP Athletics was officially launched in the market, its founder, David Gonzales, was charting a path rooted in discipline and technical expertise. He completed his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 2005. In June of that same year, David began his professional trajectory by joining Burlington Resources as a Production Engineer – San Juan Basin. After serving there until August 2006, he moved on to work as a Lead Operations Engineer at Resolute Natural Resources from September 2006 to February 2010. While working there, David began serving at LINN Energy, LLC as a Senior Asset Engineer – Permian Basin in October 2009.
Simultaneously, David took on a leadership role when he became the President at Wiasom Energy in June 2011. Before leaving his position at LINN Energy, LLC in June 2012, he joined Logos Resources, LLC as Vice President of Operations in March of the same year. He left the organization in May 2015, but had taken on several additional roles before then. In January 2015, David tapped into his entrepreneurial aspirations and co-founded Drillnomics. By the following month, he became a member of the Board of Regents at New Mexico Tech and worked there until March 2021. In July 2015, he further assumed the role of President and COO at Bison Oil & Gas and continued serving there until April 2018. From there, David joined Bison Oil & Gas III, LLC in the same position in October 2019 before moving on in September 2023.
Alongside these roles, David also briefly served as President and COO at BOGX from June to November 2022. Furthermore, since June of the same year, he has also been working in the same position at Bison Operating, LLC. In January 2018, he became a Board Member at Taproot Energy Partners. By April 2023, David had joined the Board of Directors of the Gold Crown Foundation. In February of the following year, he also joined the Aztec Wrestling Scholarship Foundation as a Board Member. Amid his demanding corporate career, the founder realized in 2007 that he was tired of wiping dust and dirt off his shoes by hand. Hence, he designed his first version of shoe armor. David finally brought his idea to life in 2018 by filing the first patent for the prototype.
Years of design and prototyping eventually culminated in the first production run in 2021. STOMP Athletics was officially launched in February 2022, and in that same year, David filed for an additional patent for the brand’s Large Mat. Their star product is the STOMP Shoe Armor, designed with anti-slip features and made from reusable, washable material. The product is lightweight and customizable, fitting seamlessly over the top of the shoe. It is engineered with flexible points that naturally conform, allowing athletes to clean the soles efficiently and help maintain traction during play. Additionally, the brand sells Traction Mats in both mini (11″x15″) and large (24″x19″) sizes, featuring a water-resistant construction that ensures durability for repeated use while keeping dust at bay.
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STOMP Athletics: Where Are They Now?
The launch of STOMP Athletics marked the beginning of momentum as their products were sold out on the first day. Following that, the company continued refining its offerings, and by early 2023, David filed a patent for the Mini Traction Mat. In that same year, the brand expanded its reach by bringing its products to schools, athletes, and programs across the country. By 2024, they secured distribution with Game One Sports and BSN Sports. In June 2024, after their presence at the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Conference, they got the opportunity to supply teams across the CAA, ACC, and Big 12, among others.
As of writing, the products of STOMP Athletics are available for purchase not only on their website but also nationwide on Amazon. They currently sell STOMP Shoe Armor for $29, available in the following colors: Black, Navy Blue, Neon Orange, Antrazit, Royal Blue, Pink, and Red. The STOMP Large Traction Mat is priced at $99, and you can choose from its five color options: Red, Black, Royal Blue, Purple, and Navy Blue. Lastly, the STOMP-Mini Traction Mat can be purchased for just $55. Customers can select from a wide array of color options, including Black, Purple, Pink, Red, Royal Blue, and Navy Blue. One can also purchase their bundled products, which include the large and mini mats, for just $138.60.
Beyond direct sales, STOMP Athletics offers wholesale options, and interested individuals can contact them directly through their site. Moreover, athletes and creators can work alongside them through their Ambassador program. Their website features informative blogs that emphasize the importance of clean shoe soles for improving performance. At the same time, their social media presence, especially on Instagram, ensures consistent engagement with their growing community. In October 2025, they did a paid partnership with Coach Tony Miller of the BJU Bruins Men’s Basketball team. By the following month, STOMP Athletics brought a Black Friday sale offering 15% discount, which was quickly followed by a Cyber Monday sale in December.
Shortly after, STOMP Athletics became a proud partner of the Hall of Fame Series, further boosting its visibility. That momentum continued in 2026, when the brand cheered for Western Conference Player of the Week, Peyton Watson. In late January 2026, the brand announced an open call for ambassadors, offering early product access, commissions, gifts, and paid collaborations. Their growing credibility is also reflected in athlete endorsements, including their product’s appearance alongside high-profile athletes like Jimmer Fredette. Today, STOMP Athletics receives multiple positive reviews, with athletes consistently praising it for delivering reliable traction when it counts the most.
