A Note From CEO Dave Zimmer on the Move of our Flagship Old Town Store

From 1620 North Wells Street to 1706 North Wells Street.

Our new space will open on Saturday, December 2nd.

Twenty-one years ago, when Fleet Feet Sports Chicago opened its doors for the first time with an Old Town store, it was a far different time for running. Running shoes were big, bright and white, socks were made of cotton, and track suits were worn unironically. We were just three staffers offering gear and advice to the Chicago running community.

But with the support of that running community, our business flourished. A decade later, we redefined what a running store can be when our Old Town store moved to its current location in the Piper’s Alley. Our expansive retail floor offered the latest running technology from runners’ favorite brands, and our meeting space offered a place for the running community to gather, stretch, train and grow.

During our stay in Piper’s Alley we’ve made some great memories. Many you all can probably recall. We have hosted some of the best running athletes in the world at 1620 North Wells: Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall, Kara Goucher, Bart Yasso, Evan Jager, Jenny Simpson, Amy Cragg, Lauren Fleshman. The list goes on. We gathered around hundreds of friends to watch Eliud Kipchoge attempt to break the two hour marathon barrier. We launched groundbreaking, industry changing, shoe technology. But the most memorable was the way the Chicago running community supported us after a catastrophic 2015 fire. Words can only do so much. It was humbling to say the least.

The time has come, and our lease has come to an end at our current space in Piper’s Alley and we found an incredible space at 1706 North Wells just a few steps down in the historic Crilly Court Building. Oak floors, reclaimed barnwood and light pouring into the store from the east and west transom windows. The building perfectly balances historic heritage with modern interior design with its high ceilings.

The new store will open to the public on Saturday, December 2nd.

I’d like to invite you to see the new store on December 6th at our annual fashion show followed by a grand reopening party at the new space. You’ll see the same brands you’ve grown accustomed to and even a few new brands that I think you’ll like. I look forward to seeing you there.

Old Town is the root of Fleet Feet Sports Chicago and we plan to be here for a very long time.

Dave Zimmer, CEO and Owner

Fleet Feet Sports Chicago