Our All-American canvas sneakers are renowned for their durability, innovation, and support. But behind every legacy is a story of determination and imaginative thinking. So, here’s the journey of the P.F. Flyers All-American shoe.
First Athletic Footwear Partnership
In the 1950s, legendary basketball coach Red Auerbach set out on a mission to create one of the strongest basketball teams the NBA has ever seen. Recruiting players like Chuck Cooper and Bill Russell, the Boston Celtics set new records and revolutionized basketball forever. One of Auerbach’s most important decisions was to draft future Hall of Fame point guard Bob Cousy.
Nicknamed “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” the 13-time NBA All-Star helped lead the team to win six NBA championships and was the NBA assists leader for eight consecutive seasons. Not only did he set new milestones, but he did it all while wearing P.F. Flyers. Just as Cousy introduced new skills to the court, the MVP changed the game with his iconic All-American footwear.
In the first-ever endorsement between a brand and an athlete, we teamed up with the trailblazing point guard to create The Bob Cousy All-Americans in 1958. With their revolutionary grip and high-impact design, our high-top canvas shoes empowered Cousy to create Celtics history. The All-Americans’ durable construction and groundbreaking traction led the team to victory and catapulted P.F. Flyers to become a household name throughout the following decade.
Vintage advertisements from the era showcase the shoe’s circle grip molded sole, highlighting its “quick positive traction for stop and go fast action in all directions” and increased sole contact with the floor. The improved agility on the court aided Cousy in his expert ball-handling and passing, allowing him to become one of the best point guards ever to play the position.
The Relaunch
In the 2000s, New Balance acquired P.F. Flyers, relaunching our classic American styles with innovations for the modern era. Updating our signature Posture Foundation technology to be more supportive than ever before, our engineers helped us continue our legacy of creating sneakers that redefine comfort and pay homage to athletic heritage. Bringing our timeless silhouettes to the current day, we reintroduced new takes on our iconic designs, including The All-American.
A Spring 2009 version of the low-top shoe featured clean lines, premium 50s-era quality, and a brand new gullwing closure that opened up new styling possibilities. With the same original detail, the reissue came in six colorways, including the original Sea Salt and Green combo that pays tribute to Cousy’s hometown. It was also available in colors like Red, Dark Purple, Charcoal, Light Grey, and Black/Metallic Green.
In 2017, The All-American again got a makeover, with reinforced 12 oz cotton duck canvas, double-wrapped foxing tape, and New Balance Fresh Foam insoles to provide ultra-supportive cushioning and softness. The updated sneaker combined performance technology with vintage detailing and tradition, keeping beloved details of the original shoe, like its signature ankle patch and retro sports charm.
Modern Performance, Retro Roots
Flash forward to current day, and we’re still delivering shoes that enable athletes to perform at their greatest. Whether you’re wearing them on or off the court, our All-American sneakers provide unparalleled comfort, performance, and stability. Built to last, they feature the classic Posture Foundation technology, rubber soles, and reinforced stitching. And the washed canvas gives the same vintage charm and readiness to take action.
If you’re looking to match the MVP look, the Sea Salt colorway pays homage to Cousy’s best-selling 1960s style, including dark green detailing, flat white laces, and the signature Bob Cousy ankle patch.
Shop The All-American High-Top
Building on a Legacy
In addition to the original design, we’ve introduced new versions of The All-American with bold colors and detailed craftsmanship.
The Classic Americana Collection captures early basketball culture with its blend of vintage washed canvas and durable rubber soles. Available in black and white, it's the perfect sneaker for everyday wear. The crimson detailing and ankle patch tie in to its heritage, while the reinforced double stitching and posture-aligning insoles hold up for lasting performance.
Meanwhile, The Clubhouse 1937 Collection pays homage to retro tennis and country club tradition, introducing new colorways Gray/Green and Sand/Sapphire. Available in both high-top and low-top styles, these classic sneakers evolve the iconic design with a diagonal weave twill upper, contrast embroidery, and striped interior detailing to bring old-school poise.
Collegiate Play
The latest addition to our star-studded lineup, The Collegiate Play Collection, honors the grind of college basketball players with varsity-inspired details and new collegiate colorways White/Eggplant and Spice/Wheat. Honoring classic athletic wear, the sneakers feature rich suede accents, while a #14 ankle detail and interior “Houdini of the Hardwood” tag nod to the iconic point guard who started it all.
And if you can’t get enough of The All-American, don’t worry. We’re always working on new ways to celebrate our legacy through forward-thinking and creative launches. Stay tuned for something exciting this holiday season.
