CARRBORO, N.C. (July 10, 2024) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced its inaugural Fleet Feet Running Report. The report includes running consumer insights based on a survey Fleet Feet commissioned with YouGov, scan data from technology partner Volumental, and systemwide sales data from their more than 270 locally owned and operated stores. The report details general consumer interest, as well as Fleet Feet’s best-selling brands and products.
“Some of the data validates what we know about our customers and products, and supports what we see in our stores each and every day; while other data challenges us to think differently about how we can connect with new customers,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “We’re in a unique position to share trends about the running industry, and drive the conversation around the state of running now, and more importantly, where it’s headed.”
YouGov’s custom survey included responses from more than 3,500 people ages 18 and older who spent $75 or more on running shoes and/or apparel or accessories in the past 12 months. According to the report, more than 80% of respondents use running or walking as their primary fitness activity and run an average of 17 miles per week. Nearly half of respondents run two to four times a week, with a quarter running six to seven times a week. Fifty percent of runners and walkers are between the ages of 30 and 44.
Additional insights from the Fleet Feet Running Report include:
- Two of the top three running shoes sold at Fleet Feet were HOKA models
- ASICS, Karhu, and New Balance were the top three fastest-growing shoe brands
- Lululemon, Vuori, and rabbit were the best-selling apparel brands
- Maurten was the top energy gel and Nuun was the top hydration mix sold at Fleet Feet
“The past few years, we’ve seen an uptick in running interest and participation,” said Tiffany Lee, senior director of performance marketing and partnerships at Fleet Feet. “Understanding our customers allows us to better serve them, and our hope is that tapping into these insights will allow us to inspire even more people in our communities to start moving.”
To view the full report, click here or visit fleetfeet.com.
For 48 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, and at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment.
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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 270 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support, and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, Inc.’s Best in Business List, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated, and connected at Fleet Feet.
