Our latest drop takes a page out of America’s favorite pastime. The Home & Away Collection channels the spirit of the game with nods to vintage baseball jerseys, varsity style, and timeless athletic tradition. We caught up with our Head of Product, Caitlin Bendiak, to learn more about the inspiration behind the collection.
Q: What was the inspiration behind The Home & Away Collection?
A: The Home & Away Collection was inspired by vintage baseball jerseys. It nods to the need for players to swap their jerseys depending on whether it is an away game or a home game. A baseball player typically has a dark color jersey for an away game and a light color jersey for a home game.
Q: The Home & Away Collection pays homage to vintage athletic gear, like classic home-and-away jerseys. What specific elements from sports uniforms and varsity jackets inspired the design of The Center Hi Varsity and The Center Lo Varsity?
A: The classic sports colors are often seen in uniforms. The linen material, contrast piping, and chenille ankle patch nod to the aesthetic of a vintage baseball jersey. The lining inside the shoe is a soft satin material with a pinstripe pattern that is an iconic look on baseball uniforms.
Q: The Center has been a symbol of athletic pride since 1944. How did you capture the spirit of varsity sports and translate it into this modern iteration while staying true to its original roots?
A: Maintaining the authentic spirit of The Center comes to life through detailing and craftsmanship. The materials selected are premium and durable, while the signature Posture Foundation provides underfoot comfort.
“These sneakers should take you on a journey, whether on a trip, to a game, to a museum, or on another adventure. The style and comfort level provide confidence to be your true, authentic self.”
—Caitlin Bendiak, Head of Product
Q: This collection is filled with unique design details. Which ones excite you the most, and which do you hope customers will connect with the most?
A: The contrasting color piping along the edges of the pattern provides a unique and eye-catching look.
Q: The Home & Away sneakers have a strong varsity vibe. How do you see them being styled in both sporty and casual settings?
A: This collection is so versatile. It can be styled in a variety of ways. It can be styled with a classic, timeless look or a more dressed-up look. It can be worn in the summer with shorts or a skirt. There are so many options.
Q: How do these shoes embody P.F. Flyers’ motto: “Run Faster. Jump Higher. Fly Free?”
A: This collection should empower people to Fly Free. These sneakers should take you on a journey, whether on a trip, to a game, to a museum, or on another adventure. The style and comfort level provide confidence to be your true, authentic self.
Q: The Center was initially worn for baseball and basketball. How does this collection celebrate those sports, and how do you see these shoes bridging the gap between athletic gear and streetwear culture?
A: This collection was inspired by the golden era of vintage baseball and interpreted for the style and trends of today.
Q: What does "Legends Never Die" mean in the context of this collection?
A: It means that the silhouette, The Center is a legend. It has been relevant for almost 90 years and continues to be reinvented as a closet staple.
Q: The Center Lo has become a fan favorite. Can we expect to see more iterations of The Center Hi and Lo sneakers later this year, or are there any exciting new variations in the works?
A: The Center is an iconic sneaker that can be interpreted in so many new and exciting ways through detailing, materials, and color. Stay tuned for so much more to come this year…
The Home & Away Collection brings new energy to a classic, drawing from vintage baseball aesthetics and timeless varsity style. From contrast piping to chenille patches, every detail tells a story rooted in sport and reimagined for the streets. With The Center Hi and Lo as its canvas, this drop celebrates nearly 90 years of heritage while inviting a new generation to make it their own. Built for movement, styled for everyday, and designed to last—because legends never die. Available now.
