What Dick Pond Athletics does

Dick Pond Athletics is a privately held, specialty running and team sports retailer founded in August 1969 by Dick Pond, an All-American distance runner from Western Michigan University. The company operates five brick-and-mortar stores across Chicago's western suburbs (Park Ridge, Lisle, Carol Stream as headquarters, St Charles, and Hoffman Estates), supplemented by four traveling Shoemobiles that visit schools, meets, road races, and events across the greater Chicagoland area, plus a BigCommerce-powered e-commerce storefront and custom team webstores. It serves two primary customer segments: individual runners seeking properly fitted performance footwear and apparel, and Chicagoland school athletic programs requiring track & field, cross country, and wrestling team uniforms and gear.

The product portfolio spans men's, women's, and youth running shoes organized by support type (Lightweight, Neutral, Stability, Motion Control, Performance Stability, Trail), lifestyle and pickleball shoes, apparel, and accessories (hydration, nutrition, socks, sunglasses, watches, injury prevention), sourced from major athletic brands including Nike, Adidas, Brooks, New Balance, HOKA, Saucony, Asics, Under Armour, and Champion. A technical differentiator is in-store video gait analysis combined with 3D digital fitting technology that captures foot size, pressure points, arch type, and stride data to support footwear and orthotic recommendations. Wrestling is a notable non-running vertical with dedicated uniforms, headgear, kneepads, and shoes.

Revenue mechanics combine one-time retail and team apparel sales with a modest $20/year Dick Pond Racing subscription membership that bundles a Saucony team singlet with 20% discounts on Saucony and Maurten products. Team services include bulk pricing for orders of 25+ pieces, Team Bucks coach-rewards, custom screen printing/embroidery, and a Quote Builder tool for school athletic departments. Gift cards ($25/$50/$100), e-commerce with free shipping over $100, and best-price-match guarantees round out the commercial structure. The company operates with 51–100 employees, has no disclosed funding or institutional investors, and remains founder-led with a strong regional identity anchored in the Chicago running and school-sports community.

Name

Dick Pond Athletics

Legal name

Dick Pond Athletics

Website

https://dickpondathletics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Dick Pond Athletics is a privately held, specialty running and team sports retailer founded in 1969, operating five Chicago-area stores plus e-commerce and four mobile Shoemobiles. It serves individual runners and Chicagoland school athletic programs with footwear, apparel, team uniforms, and gait-analysis fitting services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Running and Athletic Specialty Retail

NAICS

Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

SIC

Retail-Shoe Stores (5661), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Outdoor Performance Footwear & Apparel Retail (Trail/Hike) (CRAMACAI)

Keywords

• Running shoe retail
• Athletic apparel store
• Team uniforms supplier
• Footwear fitting services
• Wrestling gear retailer

Headquarters

HQ city

Carol Stream

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Retail Footwear Sales: Brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales of running shoes, lifestyle shoes, and athletic footwear from major brands including Brooks, Nike, New Balance, ASICS, Hoka, Saucony, Mizuno, and others
2. Apparel and Accessories Sales: Sales of running apparel, accessories, and gear including jackets, shorts, tops, sports bras, socks, sunglasses, hydration products, and nutrition
3. Team Uniforms and School Sports Apparel: Custom team uniforms for track and field, cross country, and wrestling. Bulk pricing discounts available for school sports apparel orders of 25 or more pieces, plus Team Bucks rewards program
4. Dick Pond Racing Membership: Dick Pond Racing community membership at $20 providing exclusive discounts on Saucony and Maurten products, team singlet, supported workouts, and access to designated team races
5. Gift Cards: In-store gift cards available in $25, $50, and $100 denominations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Dick Pond Athletics is a specialty running and team sports retailer that sells running shoes, running apparel, accessories, wrestling gear, and team uniforms (track and field, cross country, wrestling) sourced from major athletic brands, served through five Chicago-area retail stores, a BigCommerce e-commerce site, and four traveling Shoemobile mobile retail units. The company differentiates through free in-store video gait analysis and 3D digital foot-fitting technology, custom team webstores for schools, and the Dick Pond Racing community membership program.

Product overview

Dick Pond Athletics is a specialty running and team sports retailer operating 5 retail locations in the Chicago area plus e-commerce, founded in 1969. The company offers running shoes (Men's, Women's, Youth, and Lifestyle categories) organized by support type (Lightweight, Neutral, Stability, Motion Control, Performance Stability, Trail), running apparel, accessories (hydration, nutrition, tech products, socks, sunglasses), team uniforms for track & field and cross country with customization, wrestling uniforms and gear, plus specialty services including free in-store gait analysis with video and 3D technology, a mobile Shoemobile service, team webstores with custom apparel, Dick Pond Racing community membership ($20/year), and the Team Bucks reward program. The product portfolio spans major athletic brands including Nike, Adidas, Brooks, New Balance, HOKA, Saucony, Asics, Under Armour, and Champion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dick Pond Racing: Community of runners offering training, racing, pacing programs with membership benefits including Saucony team singlets and exclusive discounts at Dick Pond Athletics stores.
• Shoemobile

Products and services

• Men's Running Shoes Men's athletic footwear for running, organized by support type including Lightweight, Motion Control, Neutral, Performance Stability, Stability, and Trail styles from brands like Brooks, Nike, New Balance, ASICS, Hoka, Saucony, and Mizuno. Aimed at male runners from beginners to competitive athletes.
• Women's Running Shoes Women's athletic footwear for running, organized by support type including Lightweight, Motion Control, Neutral, Performance Stability, Stability, and Trail styles from major running brands. For female runners across fitness and competitive segments.
• Lifestyle Shoes Casual and athletic lifestyle footwear including Men's, Women's, and Pickleball-specific shoes from brands such as OOFOS, Nike, New Balance, and HOKA, for casual wear and non-running sports such as pickleball.
• Youth Running Shoes Running footwear designed for children and adolescent athletes, including training styles and youth-specific sizing from major brands. For young runners and middle/high school athletes.
• Men's Running Apparel Men's running-specific clothing including Bottoms, Jackets, Tops, and Underwear from brands like Brooks, New Balance, Nike, and The North Face.
• Women's Running Apparel Women's running-specific clothing including Bottoms, Bras, Jackets, and Tops from major running brands.
• Running Accessories Running gear and accessories including Arm/Waist Packs, Hydration Carriers, Nutrition, Socks, Sunglasses, Tech Products (watches/GPS), Hats, Gloves, Injury Prevention items, and Insoles. For runners needing performance and safety accessories.
• Track & Cross Country Uniforms Team uniforms for track and field and cross country teams, including singlets, shorts, speedsuits, and warm-ups from brands like Nike, ASICS, Champion, and Under Armour. For school and club track and field teams.
• Wrestling Uniforms and Gear Complete wrestling equipment including uniforms (singlets), headgear, kneepads, wrestling shoes (adult and youth), and accessories. For competitive and recreational wrestlers and school wrestling programs.
• Team Apparel Custom and stock team sportswear including Track & Cross Country Uniforms, Wrestling Uniforms, Bags, Coach's Polos, Hats, Shorts, Technical Shirts, Tights, and Warm Ups from brands including Adidas, ASICS, Champion, Holloway, and Nike. For school and club athletic teams.
• Cross Country Spikes and Supplies Specialized footwear and equipment for cross country racing including rubber bottom spikes from major brands. For cross country runners and high school/college teams.
• Track and Field Spikes Competition spikes for track and field events including Distance, Sprint, and Field Event Shoes from specialty spike brands. For competitive track and field athletes.
• Shoemobile Service Mobile retail service using four Shoemobile units that travel to schools, meets, road races, and special events across greater Chicagoland, providing on-site shoe and gear sales staffed by expert retail staff stocked with running and wrestling shoes, clothing, and accessories.
• Gait Analysis Fitting Free in-store video gait analysis and 3D digital technology service that measures foot size, pressure points, arch type, and stride to recommend proper footwear and orthotic options. For runners and athletes seeking expert fitting.
• Team Webstores Custom online team stores where teams and organizations can order personalized apparel and merchandise, with named examples including New Trier HS and TNT Track and Field. For school and club athletic teams.
• Dick Pond Racing Community running team membership program at $20 per year offering Saucony team singlet ($40 value), exclusive 20% discount on Saucony merchandise, exclusive 20% discount on Maurten Hydrogel nutrition products, supported in-season track workouts, Road Warrior Relay, Summer Picnic, and access to designated team races near each store. For local runners seeking community and brand-exclusive benefits.
• Team Bucks Program Reward program for Track and Cross Country teams where coaches earn gift cards based on team members' purchases, providing budget offset for coach gear purchases.
• Coach & Team Services Specialized services for coaches and teams including Team Nights with custom fittings, bulk pricing for orders of 25 or more pieces, a Quote Builder feature, custom apparel screen printing and embroidery, and bulk pricing for school sports apparel orders.
• Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in $25, $50, and $100 denominations for in-store purchases.

Quantifiable outcome

• Saucony Team Singlet provided to Dick Pond Racing members ($40 value)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• CorePower YogaminorOthersPark Ridge store partner. CorePower Yoga offers yoga classes in Park Ridge area, supporting the wellness and fitness community integration.
• Chicago Family FitminorOthersPark Ridge store partner. Family fitness services supporting active lifestyles in the local community.
• Vive Therapeutic MassageminorOthersPark Ridge store partner. Therapeutic massage services supporting runner recovery and injury prevention.
• IvyRehab Physical TherapyminorOthersLisle store partner. Physical therapy services supporting runner recovery and injury rehabilitation.
• Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle SpecialistsminorOthersLisle store partner. Specialized foot and ankle healthcare supporting proper running biomechanics and injury care.
• Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5KminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLisle store partner. Local running event supporting community fitness and providing race participation opportunities for local runners.
• Athletico Physical TherapyminorOthersCarol Stream store partner. Physical therapy services supporting runner recovery and injury prevention across multiple Chicagoland locations.
• Carol Stream Park DistrictminorOthersCarol Stream store partner. Local park district supporting community fitness programs and recreational activities.
• Northwestern MedicineminorOthersSt Charles store partner. Healthcare provider offering medical services that support runner health and wellness.
• Fox River Trail RunnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSt Charles store partner. Local running club promoting trail running and community fitness in the Fox River area.
• Kane County CougarsminorOthersSt Charles store partner. Local sports organization supporting community athletics.
• Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHoffman Estates store partner. Regional running organization promoting running in the Chicago area and organizing running events and community programs.
• Barrington Orthopedic SpecialistsminorOthersHoffman Estates store partner. Orthopedic specialists supporting runner injury treatment and prevention.
• SauconycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDick Pond Racing exclusive partnership providing Saucony Team Singlet ($40 value) to members and exclusive 20% discount on Saucony merchandise. Primary brand partnership supporting Dick Pond Racing team.
• MaurtencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDick Pond Racing exclusive partnership providing 20% discount on Maurten Hydrogel products for race nutrition. Key nutrition partnership for endurance athletes.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• REI Co-op: Outdoor co-operative retailer with significant running assortment, in-store fitting, and a national footprint; competes for Dick Pond's running and lifestyle customer from a broader outdoor positioning.
• Foot Locker: National athletic footwear retailer overlapping with Dick Pond on running and lifestyle athletic shoes, particularly on premium brand launches from Nike, New Balance, and Hoka.
• Hibbett Sports: Multi-brand sporting goods retailer with team uniform services for schools, comparable to Dick Pond's school athletic program business and team apparel offering at a national scale.
• Big Five Sporting Goods: Value-positioned sporting goods chain carrying footwear, apparel, and team equipment; competes with Dick Pond on price-sensitive athletic footwear purchases.
• Champs Sports: Athletic footwear and apparel retailer with broad assortment of running and training product; comparable on the lifestyle and casual running portion of Dick Pond's assortment.

Direct peers

• Roadrunner Sports: Long-running run-specialty retailer with strong e-commerce plus outlet-store experience; comparable on running footwear/apparel assortment, custom fitting, and team program support.
• JackRabbit: Multi-state run-specialty retailer combining brick-and-mortar stores with robust e-commerce and community run programs, directly comparable to Dick Pond's store-plus-Shoemobile-plus-Dick-Pond-Racing model.
• Fleet Feet: Largest U.S. run-specialty chain operating ~250 franchised and company-owned stores with gait analysis, custom fittings, and team uniform services—Dick Pond's closest comparable in product mix, fitting-led service model, and school/team uniform business.
• Running Room: Run-specialty retailer with chain stores, training programs (Learn to Run), and gait analysis services—compares on running-community programming, fitting service, and product breadth.

Others

• Saucony (Wolverine Worldwide brand-run retail): Supplier and brand partner of Dick Pond that increasingly operates brand-direct and run-specialty-exclusive programs; relevant as both a partner and a competitive disintermediation risk to independents like Dick Pond.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dickpondrunning
• Facebookfacebook.com/DickPondAthletics
• Instagraminstagram.com/dpparkridge
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dick-pond-athletics-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dick Pond Athletics