Martial Artists at the University of Tennessee

"We have been using the Ringstar shoes for about 6 weeks now and we absolutely love them. The more you wear them the softer and more comfortable they become. They are the only shoe that I recommend to my students because of the quality of construction and the degree of protection provided to the foot for Martial Artists who spend long hours in the Dojo training. The shoes seem to be gaining in popularity here at UT and I foresee more orders in the future."

Master Lance England (Back Row - 2nd from left)
Instructor University of Tennessee
6th Degree Black Belt, Isshin-Ryu Karate
4th Degree Black Belt, Satori-Ryu Iaido
3rd Degree Black Belt, Muso-Shindo Jodo
Mbr., Board of Directors, USIKA

"Simply stated, Ringstar® and Steve Shepherd have developed a product line of training equipment that, at last, takes advantage of many of the new technologies available today. As a physician and a fight fan I can only say ... Ringstar® is long overdue."

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

"As a young boy and fighter I had heard countless stories about Steve Shepherd, especially his toughness and speed. When he first approached me about the advantages of Ringstar® I have to say I had my doubts. Well, not only has training with Ringstar® equipment reduced my annoying injuries... Ringstar® shoes have made me a better and more affective competitor."

Jason Bourelly
NASKA Sparring Champion

"The Ringstar line of products are LONG overdue! Steve Shepherd has moved Martial Arts training and competition to the next level. I train two of the world's best fighters, Peyton "The Artist" Russell and Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and they DO NOT train without Maxx Ringstar shoes on their feet and Advantage Handwraps on their hands. They sing the Ringstar praises every time they train. Thanks Steve, now I don't have to listen to them whine about their feet and toes hurting anymore!"

Ray Thompson
Trainer of Champions

"We here at the IKF and ISCF tested the Ringstar shoes in many areas that included how they held up and performed during Power kicking drills, stretching exercises, combination kicks, their lightweight advantage, traction, ankle and foot support, cleanliness/hygiene and several other areas. All tests scored the shoe high and confirmed our self opinions that this is not just a great product for the fight sports but a great advancement for fighter safety. We here at the IKF and the ISCF are proud to endorse such a great product."

Steve Fossum
President IKF Kickboxing & ISCF MMA

"I find the shoes as a great source of comfort and protection for my feet. As I sparred with the shoe, I felt the padding was exceptional because as I made contact, I didn't feel much shock at all on my foot that delivered the strike. When you get hit with this shoe its more like being hit with a pad than a shoe and that's a good thing."

Johnny Davis
IKF Point Kickboxing Director
Former 2-Time Professional (FCR) World Champion

"The protection of the shoe in sparring to the person wearing them is far better than the old style pads. I'm no longer worried about jamming my toes, the pad coming off, and the padded instep was a major addition as well. I would without a doubt highly suggest them for serious fighters."

Dan Stell
Head of IKF Officials
Co-Founder of IKF
Former Kickboxing Champion

Jeff Smith
1st World Lt Hv Wt. Full Contact Karate Champion
National Director for Mile High Karate
9th Degree Black Belt

"I loved them! I used the very first pair, (which has been greatly improved upon since then) in a real kickboxing fight in Atlantic City at the Tropicana. The shoe gave me better footing and the safety on that first shoe was easily comparable to a regular foot pad."

Don "The Dragon" Wilson
Former IKF World Champion