Risto Sports

Category:	Gym
Address:	384 HL Dow Hwy Unit 19, Eliot, ME 03903, USA
Phone:	+1 207-319-7607
Site:	ristosports.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	10AM–7:30PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 11AM–6:30PM 12–7:30PM

Location

Photos 9

Reviews 10

Omari James

This review is long overdue. I’m trying not to scorch earth here while I write this. But Risto Sports has earned this review. I will endeavor to give precise dates--and screenshots, if necessary—to prove the validity of this write-up. I do it with as cool a temper as I can manage, because my patience has certainly been tested by this company. Here’s the timeline: I ordered a pair of Olympicos on April 8. I was excited to get these shoes, let me tell you. I’d heard great things, loved the classic look, and I read that the company lovingly crafted each pair. Risto Sports seems to be a small business, and I admire that deeply. I wanted to support them, though I’ve never spoken with them. Unfortunately, when the shoes arrived, I looked at one, compared its size to my last pair of lifting shoes, and couldn’t deny that they were just too small. I saw on the website that the return policy gave a small window for returns—two weeks, I believe?—so I sent them back immediately. Happily, I still have the shipping receipt; I imagine that I will need it for litigation with the Better Business Bureau. From what I have seen, R.S. has not given me any confidence that they will simply return my funds or own up to this ordeal. After six attempts to correspond and get the package organized and sent out, I sent an email saying that I was disappointed with R.S.’s failures to communicate. Suddenly, they were in contact: Sir Thanks for your email. I answer every single email the second I get them. Please send any return or exchange to . . . Please also include a little note indicating return or exchange This is what I got in return, as if I had said something unfair or untrue. I replied with a screenshot of the submitted correspondence from five days prior, to which, of course, I was met with silence. Days later, I emailed again asking if the package had arrived—it was May 1 by this point—and Was replied to with: Thanks for your email We just competed at the World Masters Games in New Zealand. Will be back 05/03 and start processing exchanges, refunds , orders , etc as soon as we get back home. This is essentially the excuse that was used over and over until they ultimately went silent altogether once again. And no word about a return. Two months past, and now I finally have no more benefit of the doubt to give. I will file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and hope that I get my funds back. I doubt it. Update: minutes after the review went up, I get my payment. Seems it didnt take the weeks of research they said it would.

Kevin Fischer

After doing kettle bells for about a year or so I decided to try out Olympic weight lifting. Ivan the coach at Risto Sports has trained numerous high level athletes all the way from beginners to Olympians. Being a complete beginner to the sport myself, Ivan took the time to show me all the movements in order to insure I was lifting safely and achieving my goals. I have made vast improvements since starting his programs and would highly recommend his gym to anybody looking for great instruction, world class knowledge, and an overall good experience in Olympic weight lifting. In addition, I have also purchased weight lifting shoes from his company and have been impressed with the quality, comfort and performance of them as well.

philmcracken1957

I ordered a pair of lifting shoes from Risto Sports. I received the shoes and they were in horrible condition. Tears in the leather and insoles that didnt fit the shoe (size 10 inserts for a 12 shoe). After contacting the company for a refund, Ivan finally got me my refund. Instead of refunding the money back on my credit card, he sends it back via Paypal. So not only has my money been tied up and unusable for 21 days now, it also charged me for a processing fee. My $150+ order only got me $134 back. I dont know if he was just jabbing back at me for not liking the shoes or what. However, I will conduct business elsewhere from now on. Lesson learned on my part.

Anthony Wu

I own two pairs of Risto shoes -- the Olympicos and, now, the Tiburon IIs, and I could not recommend these lifting shoes enough! Both pairs were, and are, extremely comfortable, usually a tough task as my feet tend to run wide. Also, the quality, support, and wood heel are top notch, better than other heeled weightlifting shoes that I have owned in the past. I also own a pair of their leather lifting straps. For anyone who has not used these before, they are fantastic and WELL worth the investment. All in all, great products and looking forward to see what else Risto provides in the future.

Rob Morrison

Ristos are the best pair of weightlifting shoes Ive ever owned, solid construction with a lot of nice details that add to the durability. The leather is quality and provides a custom fit after very little break in. Big step up from mass produced shoes. Ive been in strength sports most of my life and work as a physical therapist. In addition to making great shoes Ivan is a world class coach in the literal sense of the term. Over the past several months Ive exceeded lifetime PRs at age 35. Great community and great results.

Findlay Hilchie

I bought a pair of Risto Olimpico shoes in October and they started falling apart inside the first month. I thought it was just a bit of breaking in but currently the wood heel is breaking down and the rubber sole started tearing away from the wood. This is pretty dangerous as when you step back for a squat this is the exact part of the heel that when torn away can start to roll and mess up your balance. I have tried emailing, FB, and twitter but have had no reply from Risto. I would never buy from them again.

Christie McNally

My daughter and I have been training with Ivan and Risto Sports since August. I have seen vast improvements in my technique which has led to greater than expected PRs. Ivan has taken my daughters natural ability as a lifter and given her the confidence and training she has needed to be a National Competitor. I highly recommend that anyone interested in lifting (any level, any age) give Risto a try and you will see that his coaching style is second to none and the Risto Team will become like family.

Brent Seminara

Got my second pair of hand made shoes. My first pair was the Olimpico. I went with the tiburon this time. This is wider than any other weightlifting shoe I have ever owned. Heel height very convenient for my mobility (about 1.35 Inches). All leather, and the sole performs great on the platform. I called coach Ivan and he gave me tons of great information on the sport and drills to improve my lifts. Have put 25 kg in my Olympic Total in the last 7 months....The best pair of shoes Ive ever owned..

Clyde Lee

Well its been impossible for over ten years to get Weightlifting shoes in my size until I found Risto Sports. They were able to customize my shoes (size 21). The quality of the craftsmanship is second to none and the smell of new leather is unique. Their Customer service is fantastic and helped me to get the best pairs of shoes Ive ever owned... ..and yes my numbers already went up in the power cleans and squats..

Rocio Navarro

Hola soy Rocio actualmente levantadora de pesas olímpica tengo 3 pares de zapatos de Risto sport y con mi experiencia utilizándo los zapatos y cada movimiento que hago en la plataforma es único.