In 1993, our shoes stepped from the screen into the hearts of fans everywhere. With their appearance in the cult classic film The Sandlot, our 1993 sneakers cemented their status as legendary.
His "secret weapon," the black canvas shoes Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez wore as he outran "The Beast," stuck in the mind of everyone who watched the movie. Bold, sleek, strong, our sneakers empowered Benny to jump the fence and save the day. As the team's leader dashed throughout town in a hectic chase with Hercules, our Center High-Top 1993 shoes gave him the cushioning and confidence to retrieve Scotty Smalls' Babe Ruth-signed baseball.
So whether baseball's just a game to you or it's your life, no fan of the inspiring coming-of-age film could forget the dependable, top-quality support our iconic athletic shoes offer. But legends don't arise in a day. They put in the time, work, and dedication needed to achieve greatness. So let's take a look back on how we got here.
Nobody Had Ever Done It Before
The Great Bambino isn't the only one who made history in the 30s. In 1933, inventor Hyman L. Witman and the B.F. Goodrich Company patented the "Posture Foundation" technology that would build a legacy. Renowned for our innovation and comfort, P.F. Flyers was born.
Over the years, our sneakers have cemented their status as an American classic. Our Center Hi shoes offer support that revolutionized the game and caught the attention of athletes everywhere. So much so that it led to the first-ever endorsement between a brand and an athlete with the introduction of the Bob Cousy All-Americans in the 1950s.
But it wasn't just the pros that took notice. In 1944, we launched our kids' collection with the slogan "Run Faster, Jump Higher." A decision that would end up being monumental, as it stuck in the head of a young David Mickey Evans, creator of The Sandlot.
In the documentary The Sandlot Forever, Evans described P.F. Flyers as "magic shoes", explaining his decision to include them in the iconic climax of the movie. "I always remembered hearing and seeing on TV during cartoons and whatnot, 'P.F. Flyers.' You know, 'Shoe's guaranteed to make a kid run faster and jump higher.' And, dude, we believed that! We literally believed that, if we ever got a pair of P.F. Flyers, we would run faster than anyone. They were like magic," the director revealed.
Evans called the choice to include P.F. Flyers in The Sandlot a "no-brainer," sharing, "When it came time for Benny to jump that fence, this is the only piece of childhood he's taking with him. Cause that fence in The Sandlot is a metaphor. It's the metaphorical dividing line between childhood and adulthood, right? So when he leaves the sandlot and jumps over that fence, he's taking on an obligation and responsibility and all that stuff that comes with 'having to grow up,' right? But this is–this is the only piece of childhood he takes with him." The writer further added:
"Cause Chuck Taylors were cool back in the day, but they weren't like these. These, these were the best ones."
—David Mickey Evans, creator of The Sandlot
Legends Never Die
The story of The 1993 doesn't end there. Beloved by The Sandlot fans, we're still making sneakers that offer casual, comfortable support mixed with vintage nostalgia today.
In July 2021, Kassia Davis continued the P.F. Flyers tradition of making history. Acquiring the brand, Davis became the only female owner of a heritage sneaker company. Today, she is leading the brand to uplift future generations, remaining dedicated to the same dependability and innovation that make our shoes legendary.
In 2023, we commemorated the 30th anniversary of The Sandlot with a limited edition release of the iconic sneaker. We continue to celebrate the heritage of the brand while reimagining designs for the modern day.
In March 2024, our 1993 canvas shoes could be spotted back in the sandlot at The Long Time in Austin, Texas. As Los Slowpokes de San Antonio and the Texas Playboys geared up for a game on Opening Day, we outfitted both teams with our classic 1993 sandlot sneakers. Our retro kicks gave players the extra boost to run faster and jump higher.
Those looking to follow in Benny's footsteps and be the best player on their team can find the same signature Posture Foundation comfort, breathable cotton canvas, and slip-resistant, rubber soles in our Center Hi 1993.
If You Like The 1993, You'll Love These
While our 1993 sneakers are no doubt legendary, they're just the starting line-up. If you're a fan of our retro shoes, you're sure to love the outstanding quality and impactful comfort of our other sneakers. Here's a list of the top products we recommend you check out:
Center Hi Vintage
Our classic sneaker designed for champions, a throwback to a time when grit and determination ruled sports.
The Grounder
Military-level durability reimagined for the streets, the perfect sneaker for those looking to take action on and off the baseball field.
The All-American
A shoe with hustle, created in collaboration with Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy, for those looking to build a legacy.
