Our Story

THE PATENT

In 1933, we revolutionized the sneaker industry with our patented Posture Foundation technology. Built off a legacy of B.F. Goodrich tire technology, our supportive insoles innovated comfort and forever changed footwear. Offering enhanced cushioning and improved performance, our sneakers were the first to promote features designed to align posture.

THE CENTER HI

With our iconic Posture Foundation support, The Center Hi quickly became a favorite of athletes in the 1940s and set a new standard for canvas shoes. With more comfort, durability, and stability than ever before, it was the favorite sneaker for those looking to up their game.

THE GROUNDER

Moving beyond the court, The Grounder was created in the 1940s to take on action. Standard issue for the U.S. Military, our rugged, all-terrain shoe helped bring durability, traction, and relief to the battlefield, contributing to the World War II effort.

THE ENDORSEMENT

In 1958, P.F. Flyers teamed up with “The Houdini of the Hardwood” for the first-ever endorsement between a brand and an athlete. Breaking barriers in both footwear and sports, we introduced the Bob Cousy All-Americans. With their unbeatable support, grip, and endurance, our high-top sneakers enabled the record-setting Boston Celtics point guard to play better than ever. Throughout the following decade, Cousy would go on to win six NBA championships and score countless MVPs, and The P.F. Flyers All-American quickly became an instant classic.

THE BOOM

In the 1960s, P.F. Flyers took off, expanding into comic books and television. Appearing on programs like Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, Mickey Mouse Club, and Johnny Quest, kids everywhere were eager to own the shoes that help you run faster and jump higher. Dick Clark famously declared, “I’m the man with the sock hop, and I wear P.F. Flyers,” while vintage advertisements from the era included iconic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Pluto. In 1962, we created four issues of Adventure Book, a comic that featured our “magic shoes” saving the day. The main sponsor of the 1964 Hanna-Barbera science fiction adventure Johnny Quest, our shoes also came with a free decoder ring to inspire a spirit of imagination and adventure.

THE SPACE BOOT

In the 1970s, P.F. Flyers soared to new heights, becoming the official shoe brand of NASA’s Gemini II team. When not in mission gear, all astronauts wore our specially-designed boots, which were custom-made for the Gemini II space suits.

THE SANDLOT

No ‘90s kid could forget the “shoes guaranteed to make a kid run faster and jump higher.” Prominently featured in the 1993 cult classic coming-of-age film The Sandlot, our 1993 sneakers can be seen onscreen as Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez saves the day. The star baseball player’s “secret weapon”, our black high-tops’ elite grip, stability, and performance allows the hero to outrun The Beast and has since become one of the most memorable shoes in cinematic history. Writer and director of the movie, David Mickey Evans, was inspired to include the shoes following their cultural impact during his childhood in the 1960s.

THE RE-LAUNCH

In 2001, New Balance purchased P.F. Flyers, adapting the high-performance American brand for the modern era. Dedicated to building on the heritage of the company, P.F. engineers modernized the Posture Foundation support, relaunching the brand in 2003. Introducing new canvas, leather, and tweed styles, we reissued updated versions of core products that combined classic appeal with contemporary taste.

THE NEW LOOKS

Throughout the 2010s, P.F. Flyers released a relentless flow of visionary products. Innovating both the road and the runway, we collaborated with Todd Snyder, Eastlogue, The Hundreds, Ball & Buck, Brooklyn Circus, Universal Works, and more. The brand refocused itself on youth culture, fashion, and skate, concentrating on retro aesthetics and athletic nostalgia.

THE FUTURE

Currently, P.F. Flyers is leading the charge towards next-generation design. Acquiring the brand in July 2021, Kassia Davis became the only female owner of an original sneaker brand. Under her leadership, the brand strives towards a bright future where it remains a cultural icon for generations to come. Still shaping modern media, our timeless canvas sneakers have made appearances in TV and movies, like HBO’s Celtics City, Netflix’s Running Point, and the highly anticipated horror sequel I Know What You Did Last Summer, in recent years. Embracing a spirit of design innovation and teamwork, we’ve collaborated with Baseballism, Chillhouse, Kickstradomis, Impound Comics, Alexander-John, and more, and plan to continue releasing products that change the sneaker game in years to come.