STOMP Athletics Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 17
A simple traction solution, STOMP Athletics is designed to keep athletes safe on the court. What started as a common problem turned into a Shark Tank deal.
Many athletes assume slipping is due to their own mistake, but STOMP Athletics suggests external factors like dust and debris play a major role and fixes it instantly.
Instead of relying on outdated and unsanitary tricks, this brand focuses on keeping shoes clean to maintain court control and stability, giving athletes a safer and more consistent performance.
When David Gonzales and Michael Manoogian stepped into Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 17, they didn’t just pitch a product; they introduced a practical solution to a problem every basketball player has faced.
With a live demo, a relatable problem, and a clear use case, STOMP Athletics captured the Sharks’ attention and walked away with a deal.
About STOMP Athletics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | STOMP Athletics |
| Founder | David Gonzales |
| Industry | Sports Equipment / Athletic Gear |
| Product | Traction mats and shoe armor |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded with early investors |
| Investment Asked | $50,000 for 5% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Kevin O’Leary |
| Deal Outcome | $50,000 for 15% equity |
| Valuation | $1 Million |
STOMP Athletics was built around a simple idea: better traction leads to better performance and fewer injuries. Founder David, with a background in engineering and experience building and selling businesses in the oil and gas industry, saw a problem that had been overlooked for years.
To scale the business, he partnered with Michael, a natural salesperson who quickly proved his ability by selling out inventory within his first week working with the product. Together, they focused on turning a simple concept into a scalable business.
Product Overview
STOMP Athletics focuses on improving traction by keeping athletic shoes clean during gameplay. Instead of relying on temporary fixes, the brand offers products designed to remove dust and debris instantly.
The product lineup includes a large traction mat for teams, a portable mini mat for individual athletes, and a shoe armor attachment that fits directly onto shoelaces. Each product is designed to provide quick and effective grip restoration during games or practice.
The large mat costs around $35 to produce and retails for $99, while the mini mat costs approximately $14 to $15 and sells for $55. The shoe armor, which costs under $7 to make, retails for $29.
Rather than introducing new traction technology, STOMP Athletics focuses on maintaining the grip already built into athletic shoes. This simple approach makes the product both practical and easy to use.
The product competes with traditional solutions like wiping shoes on towels and using sticky grip sprays, offering a cleaner and more consistent alternative. It is particularly useful for players in indoor courts where dust buildup affects performance.
STOMP Athletics Shark Tank Pitch
David and Michael entered the Tank seeking $50,000 for 5% equity, setting a $1 million valuation for STOMP Athletics.
They opened with a relatable scenario where a player in the final moments of a game slips at a crucial point, not because of a lack of skill, but because their traction failed. The founders highlighted how athletes often rely on outdated methods like wiping shoes on sweaty towels or even using their hands.
To demonstrate their solution, they introduced the STOMP Shoe Armor and traction mats. Michael showcased how the shoe armor attaches to laces and can be used to wipe away dirt instantly, while the mat allows players to restore grip during gameplay.
As the Sharks tested the product, reactions were strong. Daymond John called it a great idea, Lori Greiner described it as wild, and Rashaun Williams tested the product himself, confirming that it delivered real grip.
The solution aims to improve traction and potentially reduce slip-related risks.
Then came the numbers, and that’s when the Sharks leaned in.
David revealed approximately $220,000 in lifetime sales and projected around $250,000 in annual revenue, solid for an early-stage business. While still early, the numbers showed growing demand.
He also explained that the company holds multiple design and utility patents across its product line.
What Makes STOMP Athletics Unique?
The following features of STOMP Athletics make it stand out in the sports equipment market:
- Focuses on cleaning shoes to maintain existing traction
- Offers a safer and more hygienic alternative to traditional methods
- Provides both team-based and individual-use products
- Includes portable solutions for athletes on the go
- Backed by multiple patents across its product line
- Addresses real gameplay issues like why players slip on courts and how to improve shoe grip in basketball
Did STOMP Athletics Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Barbara Corcoran was the first to step out, stating that the business was too early for investment. Lori Greiner followed, explaining that the market felt too niche for her.
Daymond John liked the product but was concerned about customer acquisition and scalability. Rashaun Williams also stepped out, noting that the business might not deliver the large returns required for venture-style investing.
Despite positive reactions, not all Sharks were convinced from an investment perspective.
That left Kevin O’Leary.
Recognizing the uniqueness of the idea, Kevin made an offer of $50,000 for 15% equity, with no royalties attached. While the founders initially countered at 10%, Kevin held firm, emphasizing the risk involved.
Seeing the opportunity to partner with Mr. Wonderful, David and Michael accepted the deal, closing at $50,000 for 15% equity.
STOMP Athletics Shark Tank Update
STOMP Athletics entered Shark Tank as an early-stage company with a clear and practical solution. With the exposure from the show and a deal with Kevin O’Leary, the brand has an opportunity to expand its reach.
Its focus on direct sales to athletes, teams, and training facilities gives the company a clear path to grow. However, adoption may depend on how easily teams integrate the product into regular gameplay routines.
As a niche product in the basketball traction solutions space, scaling beyond core users may present challenges, especially when competing with larger sports brands.
Still, the product’s simplicity and real-world applications give STOMP Athletics a strong foundation to build on. STOMP Athletics Shark Tank update discussions continue to focus on its growth potential, deal impact, and long-term scalability.
Where Can You Buy It?
STOMP Athletics products are available through the company’s official website and direct sales channels. As the brand grows, it may expand into additional retail and distribution partnerships. For more updates, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Quick Summary
- STOMP Athletics offers traction solutions that help athletes maintain grip by keeping their shoes clean during play
- Founders David Gonzales secured a $50K deal with Kevin O’Leary for 15% equity
- The company generated over $200K in sales and is building a niche presence in the sports equipment market
Check out other Shark Tank Season 17 Episodes
Curious about the other businesses featured in Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 17? Explore more updates and see which ideas made a splash in the Tank.
- HiberTec Homes Shark Tank
- PowerSoul Shark Tank
- Crowned Skin Shark Tank
