Back in the 1940s, P.F. Flyers took on a new challenge: build a sneaker tough enough for the United States Army.
Canvas shoes had always been dismissed as flimsy, too soft for the ballfield, and far too weak for combat. But with innovation at our core, we redefined what sneakers could do.
That sneaker was the Grounder. It protected soldiers’ feet and proved that canvas sneakers could be durable, reliable, and built for more than just leisure. The Grounder carried our DNA beyond the hardwood and baseball diamond into muddy fields and unforgiving terrain.
Our new Base Camp Collection is a modern tribute to that story: a sneaker rooted in military grit but refined for today’s streets and modern comfort.
Engineered for Soldiers, Refined for Today
Before P.F. Flyers, sneakers lacked the structure needed for real performance. Our patented Posture Foundation wedge, introduced in 1937, advanced sneakers for generations to come.
Built from mid-century rubber technology, the Posture Foundation wedge distributed weight evenly and reduced fatigue. It gave us our name, and it turned sneakers into true performance footwear.
That innovation made its way into the military during WWII, where we partnered with the U.S. Army to design sneakers tough enough for soldiers on the move.
Featuring a 12oz canvas upper, a lugged rubber outsole, and our Posture Foundation wedge, the Grounder proved that rugged design could coexist with comfort.
The Base Camp Collection carries that legacy forward. Inspired by tactical preparation and designed for journeys that start where the pavement ends, Base Camp sneakers, available in both high-tops and low-tops, merge history with forward-thinking style with three distinct colorways. Like base camp itself, our Base Camp Collection is a foundation for what’s next. It’s where preparation ends and the journey begins.
On the Trail, In the Town: A Walk Through Beacon Hill
To launch the Base Camp collection, we brought the sneakers to one of Boston’s most storied neighborhoods: Beacon Hill.
Beacon Hill’s cobblestone streets and brick rowhouses may be synonymous today with timeless style and influence. But its roots run deeper. In colonial Boston, this hill was a lookout point: its height gave soldiers a strategic view to spot invasions.
When danger approached, soldiers ran down Beacon Hill and into the heart of the city to warn citizens of a potential attack.
That history still lingers in every corner of Beacon Hill. Even though the hill’s height was reduced in the 1800s (and two neighboring hills were completely demolished), its symbolic presence remains. Gaslit streetlamps, narrow alleys, and Federal-style architecture create a backdrop where history and modern life overlap.
The streets of Beacon Hill have held the weight of centuries of resilience and reinvention.
We couldn’t imagine a better setting to showcase Base Camp: a sneaker that connects past to present, battle-tested grit to modern refinement.
Introducing Base Camp: Rugged Sneakers for Whatever Lies Ahead
Like its namesake, Base Camp is a starting point. It’s a launchpad for whatever trek lies ahead. Each pair is crafted to combine authentic military heritage with everyday versatility.
Key features include Ghillie-style rounded laces for a rugged and distinctive look. Sneakers also feature a 12oz heavyweight canvas upper that’s durable yet breathable, reinforced stitching for long-lasting wear, and a lugged rubber outsole and ribbed toe bumper for added grip and structure. For even weight distribution, cushioning, and support, each sneaker features our patented Posture Foundation wedge.
Our Base Camp rugged sneakers are available in three military-inspired colorways, each available in high-top or low-top cuts:
- Black/Black: Stripped down, stealthy, and tactical for a minimalist look with maximum grit, ready to easily pair with any outfit.
- Sand/Green: A desert-inspired palette that balances rugged durability with refined, street-ready style.
- Gray/Black: Subtle, tonal contrast with black trim and outsole against gray canvas, a nod to aviation-inspired utility.
Base Camp: Prepared for What’s Next
When the world demanded durability, P.F. Flyers answered. First for athletes, then for soldiers, and now for anyone who believes substance belongs in every step.
Our Base Camp sneakers possess a balance of history and modern life, shaped by resilience and refined with detail.
This sneaker’s story is simple: heritage never goes out of style. The same rugged durability that once equipped soldiers now equips you for the next adventure (or just the next day).
Just as soldiers once scanned the horizon and dashed into town from this hill, our Base Camp sneakers are prepared for whatever lies ahead.
