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! 42 years later, Sneaker Factory Running Centers is prominent in three NJ locations and is America’s sixth oldest run specialty store.
Original 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 2021 we will be involved in over 100 events statewide.
