1. The closed cell foam throughout the upper portion of the shoe is 50% more dense than that of the average footpad. It is between ¾ and 1 inch thick on the instep and layered, thereby absorbing and dispersing impact that much better.
2. The toe box is padded and enclosed, thereby preventing toe injuries to the sparring partners face and eyes.
3. The soft padded sole allows for greater traction and prevents bone to bone contact.
4. Laces allow for stability. Unlike the footpads, the shoe will not twist. The laces are covered with a padded enclosure to prevent "lacing".
5. The shoe has no sharp edges. Soft, smooth surface of the entire shoe adds to the overall safety.
6. On the Velcro enclosure, the female (soft) Velcro is facing upward while the male Velcro is underneath the flap facing downward to prevent scraping.

RINGSTAR SHOES IMPACT TESTING RESULTS

Our testing methods are based on the ASTM standard for testing martial arts head gear and chest guards. It is a swinging arm test...the strike is roughly equivalent to a solid roundhouse kick or direct punch. The results are shown as acceleration after a strike. The slower the acceleration or g-force, the more impact is being absorbed, i.e. smaller "g" number equals better protection. We have tested almost every possible martial arts head gear in our market. Because all manufacturers use the same type of foam to make heads as they do kicks, The assumption was made that because our head gear tests are better than most, our kicks will be at that same level in comparison with other dipped kicks. We have tested the Ringstar® shoe against the Macho dyna kick and the Macho sewn vinyl p.u. kick. The instep and heel are equal in padding on both of the products and the Ringstar® shoe. The sole/bottom of the shoe is made of foam, not rubber or polyurethane. We were initially suspect of this product until we did impact testing and extensive field testing. The results have been excellent.

A WORD FROM DR. ALLAN FIELDS, M.D.

"After close examination and inspection, the 'Sparring Shoes' by Ringstar®, are endorsed for use in both full and light contact sparring and competitions. Additionally, no injuries have been reported or observed in connection with the wearing or use of the equipment during the various competitions and practice sessions attended by qualified physicians and personnel.

The Ringstar® 'Sparring Shoes' afford greater protection for both the wearer and sparring partner than the current sparring foot pads. These conclusions are based on over 17 months of examination, observation and testing in schools and gyms and at regulation bouts."

Allan N. Fields, M.D.
Renowned Ringside Physician
Vice Chair of American Association of Ringside Physicians
Board Certified Surgeon