PF Flyers

PF Flyers
Founded 1937 (1937)
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Founder BF Goodrich
Headquarters Boston, Massachusetts
Area served
 Worldwide
Products Apparel, Clothing, and Shoes
Parent New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
Website www.pfflyers.com
A pair of PF Flyer "Center Hi" made by New Balance (2006)

PF Flyers is an American brand of lifestyle shoes that are currently manufactured by New Balance. Founded in 1937,[1] it is one of the original American sneaker brands.

History

In 1933, canvas footwear pioneer B.F. Goodrich patented the "Posture Foundation" 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 the B.F. Goodrich. By 1944, PF Flyers released their first kids collection of shoes, creating the slogan, "Run Faster, Jump Higher".[1] Fashion trends in the 1940s and 1950s saw PF Flyers expand from gyms and ball fields to become fashionable active footwear; its main competitors being Converse and Keds. "Everything you do is more fun with PF" read one 1947 magazine ad. PF styles ranged from high- and low-top sport shoes to oxfords and moccasins "for work, relaxation and play." By the 1960s, PF was one of the most popular shoes in America, but struggled with industry changes in the early 70s.

In Media

PF Flyers appeared in films such as the 1993 film The Sandlot.[2] In 2018, PF Flyers created a reissue of the sneaker shown in film, to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary.

Acquisition

In 1972, Converse purchased the PF Flyers brand from B.F. Goodrich, however, the two were split due to an anti-trust lawsuit, and soon both companies were sold.[3] PF Flyers then fell into obscurity after this, being in the hands of many trades from 1975-2000. In 2001, New Balance[2] purchased PF Flyers. PF designers modernized the "Posture Foundation" and New Balance re-launched the PF brand in 2003. The brand has been slowly regaining momentum since then.

Current Models

Center

The "Center" line is one of PF Flyer's most popular and well known models. The "Center Hi" was also the same model featured in the 1993 Sandlot film.[4]

Windjammer

In 1968, PF Flyers released the "Windjammer". A skate-styled shoe similar to the Vans Era shoe, (released in 1976) but with the classic PF Flyer design. In 2018, New Balance re-released the "Windjammer" for its "Made in USA" line of footwear.[5]

Grounder

In the 1940s, PF Flyers created a consumer version of their US military boot with the release of the "Grounder". The "Grounder" looks similar to the "All American" model, but with a more durable out-sole and thicker tread.[6]

All American

In 1958, PF Flyers created the first athletic endorsement, of which was Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics, to market PF Flyers with the "All American" model, which was a basketball shoe similar in design to the Converse basketball shoe. In 2017, New Balance re-released the "All American" model, featuring Fresh Foam used in New Balance's active line of shoes.

Made in USA

In 2015, PF Flyers launched their "Made in USA" line, which is handmade in Boston, Massachusetts, to commemorate the American-Made PF Flyers of the 20th century. Made in USA models include the "Center" and "Windjammer".[7]

References

  1. 1 2 "Our Story". PF Flyers. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  2. 1 2 "PF Flyers | Our Story". www.pfflyers.com. Retrieved 2016-10-05.
  3. ↑ Schneider, Jason (1 July 2015). "12 Glorious Moments in the American History of PF Flyers". Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  4. ↑ "Center Hi". www.pfflyers.com. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  5. ↑ "Made in USA Windjammer". www.pfflyers.com. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  6. ↑ "Grounder Hi". www.pfflyers.com. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  7. ↑ "Introducing Ball and Buck's Newest Offering [Photo]". BostInno. Retrieved 2016-10-06.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.