PF Flyers

P.F. Flyers is an American brand of lifestyle shoes owned by Kassia Designs, LLC. Founded in 1937 by B.F. Goodrich,[1] it is one of the original American sneaker brands.

History

In 1933, inventor Hyman L. Witman and rubber manufacturing company B.F. Goodrich patented the "Posture Foundation" arch support insole, and began adding the new technology to its shoes. B.F. Goodrich shoes with Posture Foundation became known simply as "P.F." in 1937. In 1935, Canadian badminton player Jack Purcell designed a low, white-bleached badminton shoe made of canvas and rubber for B.F. Goodrich. Named after Purcell, it featured a blue "smile" across the toe of the shoe and provided more protection for the court. By 1944, P.F. Flyers released their first kids' collection, and created the slogan, "Run Faster, Jump Higher".[1] Fashion trends in the 1940s and 1950s saw P.F. Flyers expand from gyms and ball fields to become fashionable active footwear; its main competitors were Converse and Keds. "Everything you do is more fun with P.F." read one 1947 magazine ad. P.F. styles ranged from high- and low-top sport shoes to oxfords and moccasins "for work, relaxation and play".

Products

Current models

Center

The "Center" line is one of P.F. Flyer's most popular and well-known models. The "Center Hi" was also the same model featured in 1993's The Sandlot.[8] In 2018, a baseball cleat model was introduced in collaboration with New Balance.

Grounder

In the 1940s, P.F. Flyers created a consumer version of their US military boot with the release of the "Grounder". The "Grounder" is similar in design to the "Center" model, but with a more durable out-sole and thicker tread.[9] In 2013, the "Foundation Collection" was released with 'Van Buren' brogue, 'Beeson' chukka and 'Brewster' moc-toe models inspired by the Grounder.[10] In 2023, a water-repellent upper was added as a new feature.[11]

All American

In 1958, P.F. Flyers created the first athletic endorsement, of which was Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics, to market P.F. Flyers with the "All American" model, which was a basketball shoe similar in design to the Converse Chuck Taylor basketball shoe. A reissue was released in 2009, of the "Bob Cousy Lo" that featured a Gullwing Closure of the top lace grommet.[12] In 2017, New Balance re-released the "All American" model, featuring Fresh Foam used in New Balance's active line of shoes. On June 27, 2022, P.F. Flyers released a limited edition "Bob Cousy Hi Top" to celebrate the 2022 season of the Boston Celtics.[13]

Allston

Named after its new headquarters in Allston, Massachusetts, the "Allston" model was released on March 8, 2023[14] Inspired by the "All American" model, the "Allston" is a woman-focused design that features a thicker sole and gold hardware.[14]

Previous models

Jack Purcell

Originally designed in 1935 by Jack Purcell as a badminton shoe, the "Jack Purcell" was one of P.F. Flyers' first models.[15] In 1972, the "RaceAround" and "Indy 500" shoes were released by B.F. Goodrich and were inspired by fast cars, such as the Corvette. That same year, Converse took ownership of P.F. Flyers until 1975, and kept the rights of the "Jack Purcell" line.[16]

Made in USA

In 2015, P.F. Flyers launched their "Made in USA" collection; handmade in Boston, Massachusetts, to commemorate the 20th-century American-Made P.F. Flyers. Made in USA models include the "Center" and "Windjammer".[17] On December 4, 2020, New Balance stated it will close its Boston plant in February 2021; thus leading to the discontinuation of the P.F. Flyers "Made in USA" collection.[18]

type	Subsidiary
founded	1937 in Akron, Ohio, United States
founder	B.F. Goodrich
hq location city	Allston, Massachusetts, United States
area served	Worldwide
products	Apparel, clothing, and shoes
parent	B.F. Goodrich (1937-1972) Eltra Corporation (1972-1975) Brookfield Athletic Shoe (1975-1988) Saucony (1988-1991) LJO, Inc. (1991-2001) New Balance (2001-2021) Kassia Designs, LLC (2021-present)
website	www.pfflyers.com

History

Acquisition

Products

Current models

Previous models

In media

External links

References