PF Flyers

In 1933, inventor Hyman L. Witman and canvas footwear pioneer 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 "PF" 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 signature "smile" across the toe of the shoe and provided more protection for the court, (This line of shoes later became part of Converse in the 1970s). 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." PF Flyers' women's line of shoes was released in 1948.[1] In 1950, PF Flyers became standard issue for certain military outfits.[1] 1958 saw the first athlete to be endorsed by a shoe brand. All-star basketball player Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics was chosen to market PF Flyers. By the 1960s, PF was one of the most popular shoes in America, with a 20% hold on all canvas sneakers sold, but struggled with industry changes in the early 70s.

PF Flyers appeared in films such as the 1993 film The Sandlot.[2] For the 20th anniversary of the movie, a limited edition sneaker was made. In 2018, PF Flyers created another limited run reissue of the sneaker shown in the film, to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary.

In 1972, Eltra Corporation, the former parent of Converse, purchased the PF Flyers brand from B.F. Goodrich, due to B.F. Goodrich leaving the shoe industry. However, this created a monopoly in the shoe market and the two brands were split due to an anti-trust lawsuit. Both companies were eventually sold in 1975.[3] PF Flyers then fell into obscurity after this, being dormant from 1975-2000. Despite the split and selling of both companies, Converse kept the rights of the Jack Purcell line of shoes from the PF Flyers acquisition. Rebranded with the Converse name, Jack Purcell sneakers are still produced today.

In 2001, New Balance[2] purchased PF Flyers and re-launched the brand in 2003.

• Official website