PF Flyers

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PF Flyers

PF Flyers are a brand of shoes that are currently manufactured by New Balance. They were first produced by BF Goodrich in 1937. They had popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, but lost steam during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The brand was purchased by Converse in 1972, but later sold off due to antitrust issues. New Balance bought the rights to the brand in 2001 (which had been dormant since 1992) and resurrected it in 2003.

The style most commonly associated with the shoe is the common canvas-duck sneaker, with cloth reaching above the ankle, and a patch that reads "PF Flyers." This common style is called "Center Hi". They are very similar to the Chuck Taylor All-Stars manufactured by Converse.

They were featured prominently in the movie The Sandlot. Towards the end of the movie, Benny wears an all-black pair of "Center Hi"s. The style is now available under the designation: "Center Hi Sandlot Edition".

PF Flyers is currently working on a shoe with rock legend Johnny Marr (Modest Mouse and The Smiths) with all proceeds going to charity.[1]

[edit] Posture Foundation

Patented by BF Goodrich in 1933, Posture Foundation is a technology used in PF Flyers shoes, and is often imitated in today's modern inserts. It involves a wedge-like insert that moves weight to the outside of the foot, evenly distributing weight, reducing leg strain. The first shoes were made in 1937, and every shoe since has Posture Foundation technology. As a marketing ploy, Posture Foundation was shortened to "P.F.", thus creating the name PF Flyers.