In June of 1978, the Sneaker Factory first opened its doors in Millburn, New Jersey and made its first sale: a pair of Etonic Street Fighters! Owner Dean Shonts was an accomplished runner with a wide circle of friends, and word spread quickly that Sneaker Factory was the place to go for running footwear and apparel.
From the beginning, Dean was committed to supporting races and giving people reasons to run. In our first summer, Dean started the Sneaker Factory Summer Series in South Mountain Reservation. Over the years, highlights include The New Jersey Waterfront Marathon, which served as the 1988 Men’s Olympic Trials, and the Volvo Midland Run. Current events on the calendar include the popular President’s Cup Night Race in downtown Millburn and the Lord Sterling Swamp Devil Run in Basking Ridge. The Sneaker Factory is involved in putting on and sponsoring dozens road races and triathlons in NJ. These races take place in many parts of the State of New Jersey including, Basking Ridge, Newark, East Brunswick, Madison, Summit and Maplewood just to name a few. Our commitment to racing continues to this day, and in 2011 we will be involved in over 100 events statewide.
After 27 great years, Dean decided to retire, sort of. He sold the store to friend and customer Mike Conforti, who came to work at Sneaker Factory to learn the business and the art of shoe fitting. Mike was an avid runner and triathlete, but he also brought a strong business background with him. Dean stayed on part-time, lending his guidance and experience, as he continues to do to this day. Over the next few years Sneaker Factory saw progressive changes, attracting many new customers and acquiring all of the best product lines.
In 2009, Mike realized that the Sneaker Factory was more than just a store - it was a culture and a brand. He decided to expand that influence westward into an under-served area of New Jersey, opening a second Sneaker Factory store in Basking Ridge. The new store exemplifies the ideal running store: a modern shopping environment, an incredible selection of all the best brands, and a friendly staff comprised of knowledgeable and well-trained running enthusiasts. Open the front door, and the first thing you'll notice is a track running the length of the store, a symbol of our heritage in this sport.
In 2011 the Sneaker Factory expanded to the Jersey Shore. SF Long Branch opened its doors in Pier Village and has become THE SPOT to meet for a run when "down the shore." A mondo track greets you as you open the front door, a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to answer any question from "Where to run?", "How many miles to the end of the boardwalk?", or "What time does the tide come in?"
Most recently, The Sneaker Factory expanded to Florham Park, NJ. Mike and former-manager Joe Jacobs opened the doors in December of 2013 on Columbia Turnpike (a stones throw from Joe's favorite shopping spot, Trader Joes!). Years of product experience, a bright and modern store, some fantastic evening group runs, and a sub 4:00 miler (or 2) on staff make Florham Park a top spot for runners and walkers of all levels! Stop by and get "Factory Fit", meet Joe and his "fast staff", or have a cup of coffee and chat about your upcoming races!
Of course the story doesn't end there. Sneaker Factory will continue making history for years to come. Next up? Stop by and make The Sneaker Factory part of your running history! Please drop by any of our stores to say hello, stick around a while, and see what makes Sneaker Factory the center of running culture in New Jersey.
From the beginning, Dean was committed to supporting races and giving people reasons to run. In our first summer, Dean started the Sneaker Factory Summer Series in South Mountain Reservation. Over the years, highlights include The New Jersey Waterfront Marathon, which served as the 1988 Men’s Olympic Trials, and the Volvo Midland Run. Current events on the calendar include the popular President’s Cup Night Race in downtown Millburn and the Lord Sterling Swamp Devil Run in Basking Ridge. The Sneaker Factory is involved in putting on and sponsoring dozens road races and triathlons in NJ. These races take place in many parts of the State of New Jersey including, Basking Ridge, Newark, East Brunswick, Madison, Summit and Maplewood just to name a few. Our commitment to racing continues to this day, and in 2011 we will be involved in over 100 events statewide.
After 27 great years, Dean decided to retire, sort of. He sold the store to friend and customer Mike Conforti, who came to work at Sneaker Factory to learn the business and the art of shoe fitting. Mike was an avid runner and triathlete, but he also brought a strong business background with him. Dean stayed on part-time, lending his guidance and experience, as he continues to do to this day. Over the next few years Sneaker Factory saw progressive changes, attracting many new customers and acquiring all of the best product lines.
In 2009, Mike realized that the Sneaker Factory was more than just a store - it was a culture and a brand. He decided to expand that influence westward into an under-served area of New Jersey, opening a second Sneaker Factory store in Basking Ridge. The new store exemplifies the ideal running store: a modern shopping environment, an incredible selection of all the best brands, and a friendly staff comprised of knowledgeable and well-trained running enthusiasts. Open the front door, and the first thing you'll notice is a track running the length of the store, a symbol of our heritage in this sport.
In 2011 the Sneaker Factory expanded to the Jersey Shore. SF Long Branch opened its doors in Pier Village and has become THE SPOT to meet for a run when "down the shore." A mondo track greets you as you open the front door, a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to answer any question from "Where to run?", "How many miles to the end of the boardwalk?", or "What time does the tide come in?"
Most recently, The Sneaker Factory expanded to Florham Park, NJ. Mike and former-manager Joe Jacobs opened the doors in December of 2013 on Columbia Turnpike (a stones throw from Joe's favorite shopping spot, Trader Joes!). Years of product experience, a bright and modern store, some fantastic evening group runs, and a sub 4:00 miler (or 2) on staff make Florham Park a top spot for runners and walkers of all levels! Stop by and get "Factory Fit", meet Joe and his "fast staff", or have a cup of coffee and chat about your upcoming races!
Of course the story doesn't end there. Sneaker Factory will continue making history for years to come. Next up? Stop by and make The Sneaker Factory part of your running history! Please drop by any of our stores to say hello, stick around a while, and see what makes Sneaker Factory the center of running culture in New Jersey.
