Fleet Feet

Fleet Feet, Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Retail (sporting goods)
Founded	1976 (1976) in Sacramento, California, United States
Founder	Sally Edwards, Elizabeth Jansen
Headquarters	Carrboro , United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Tom Raynor (former owner)
Products	Running footwear, apparel, accessories
Website	fleetfeet.com

Fleet Feet, Inc. is a U.S.-based franchisor specializing in locally owned retail outlets that focus on running footwear, apparel, and related accessories. Founded in 1976 by Sally Edwards and Elizabeth Jansen in Sacramento, California, the company’s headquarters are now located in Carrboro, North Carolina. By 2025, Fleet Feet manages more than 280 stores nationwide and maintains a digital retail platform.

History

The origins of Fleet Feet trace back to 1976 when Sally Edwards and Elizabeth Jansen—both former collegiate athletes and educators—launched their inaugural store inside a Victorian house situated in Sacramento, California. Two years later, a second store was established in Chico, California. Rather than expanding through company-owned outlets, Edwards and Jansen embraced franchising as their growth strategy beginning in the 1980s.

In 1993, ownership transferred to Tom Raynor, who subsequently moved the corporate headquarters to Carrboro, North Carolina. During Raynor’s tenure, Fleet Feet broadened its franchise footprint and introduced enhanced services such as gait analysis and customized shoe fitting.

December 2021 marked a significant expansion when Fleet Feet acquired JackRabbit, recognized as the second-largest running specialty retailer in the U.S. This deal incorporated 57 additional stores across 15 states along with JackRabbit’s e-commerce operations, forming a network of approximately 250 community-focused retail locations. The acquisition also included plans to deploy Fleet Feet’s fit id 3D foot scanning technology across all JackRabbit stores by early 2022 and to unify branding under Fleet Feet by the end of that year.

In mid-2022, Fleet Feet further expanded by purchasing Marathon Sports, LLC, adding 18 outlets throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire—operating under the Marathon Sports and Runner’s Alley names. Most recently, in February 2025, Fleet Feet completed the acquisition of Flying Feet Sport Shoes through a buyout/leveraged buyout arrangement; however, Flying Feet continues to operate under its existing brand identity.

Operations

Fleet Feet retail locations specialize in providing running footwear, clothing, and accessories for both men and women, featuring prominent brands such as Nike, Brooks, and Hoka. The company prioritizes a customized fitting experience by employing advanced 3D foot scanning technology alongside gait assessments to guide customers toward the most suitable products. Numerous stores also offer training sessions, organized group runs, and various community-focused events to actively support local runners.

File:Fleet Feet Scan Plate.png

The Fleet Feet fit id scanner captures three-dimensional measurements of a customer’s foot—including length, width, volume, and arch height—to enhance shoe fitting accuracy.

By 2025, Fleet Feet has expanded to 280 outlets, with individual franchise owners operating each store in alignment with the brand’s established standards. Additionally, the company maintains an e-commerce platform that facilitates online purchases with shipping available across the United States.

Community engagement

Fleet Feet is recognized for cultivating vibrant running communities through programs like the Fleet Feet Training Program and collaborations with major events such as the Bank of Chicago Marathon. Many locations regularly organize weekly group runs, charity fundraisers, and provide sponsorship for local races. In 2023, the company introduced the "Running Changes Everything" initiative aimed at encouraging diversity and inclusiveness within the running community.

External links

• https://www.fleetfeet.com