Home » The History Behind PF Flyers

The History Behind PF Flyers

From their classic canvas look, to their elusive background, PF Flyers are American history and culture compressed into one shoe. We dug deep into their backstory and rounded up a bunch of little known facts on this patriotic brand of kicks.

QUICK HISTORY

In 1933 tire company and sneaker pioneer BFGoodrich patented the Posture Foundation insole—an insert that aided in evenly distributing weight on the foot, thus taking strain off the legs of the sneaker wearer. In 1937 BFGoodrich released their first pair of shoes with the revolutionary Posture Foundation technology. Since everyone figured “Posture Foundation” made for a terrible sneaker name, Goodrich marketers christened the shoe with the abbreviated moniker “PF,” adding the postscript “Flyers” for a little bonus.

The 1950s and 1960s gained mass popularity for PF Flyers, the shoes weren’t only popular on the basketball court, but also in day to day fashion. The shoes came in high-top, low-top, oxfords and moccasins. Converse, PF Flyers main competitor, bought the brand in 1972 but in the merger shuffle PF Flyers lost their popularity. The brand suffered heavily through the 70s, 80s, and 90s. In 1992 PF Flyers went dormant. In 2001, New Balance purchased the brand, resurrecting the PF Flyer in 2003.

QUICK FACTS

They attracted the first mainstream sports endorsement – Bob Cousey (arguably the NBA’s first legitimate superstar) elected to wear PF Flyers over other contemporary sneaker brands. It was the first example of an athlete adding clout to a pair of sneakers, which was way before basketball stars held full-hour TV specials to announce where they were taking their talents. Ah, simpler times. Adding to the list of things, Canadian badminton star Jack Purcell also chose to wear PF Flyers; the brand marketed a signature version in 1935. When Converse came to the party in the ‘70s, they redesigned the Purcell signature — and it remains the only PF shoe that Converse retains rights to.

PF Flyers began marketing matching skirt-and-shoe sets to women in the mid 1900s – under the assumption that this demographic favored “looks” over functionality.

PF Flyers were such a media cash cow that they went all in with comic books and accompanying animated TV shows (aka, ‘60s Netflix). The PF Magic Shoe Adventure Book now goes for around $60.

For certain outfits in the ‘50s, PF Flyers were actually standard-issue military footwear. Sort of makes you rethink how badass you feel in those high fashion “combat boots.”

PFs were dear to the hearts of some of baseball’s greats, like Ted Williams, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, and more.

More Fashion Fabula

Editors’ Picks: Easter Style

J.O.A. Top – Floral Stripe Crop – Flowers and stripes unite for a print-packed masterpiece on JOA’s entrancing crop top. J.O.A Midi Skirt – Floral

A Brief History of Anthropologie

Anthropologie is one of those few stores that appeals to women of every age —whether you go for the store’s unique party-dress selection, its delicious

3 Tips For a Green Closet

Here at Brandzaffair we understand that sustainable practices aren’t a fad but rather a lifestyle, and were interested in finding out how to create a

Weekend Closet Picks

Anna Cardigan – This super-soft cardigan features a clean look for any weekend outing. Prada Sunglasses – Loving this chic spin on the classic wayfarer!

The History Behind PF Flyers

From their classic canvas look, to their elusive background, PF Flyers are American history and culture compressed into one shoe. We dug deep into their

The Modern Romantic

Counter Clockwise from left to right: ‘Joey’ Tassel Loafer, Sheer Greek Key Knit Skirt, Topshop Suede Jacket,‘Cupcakes for Breakfast’ Tee

The At Home Classic Manicure

Skip the time-consuming and costly trips to the salon and perfectly polish your nails at home. With the right equipment, your favorite polish color and

10 Must-Have Sweaters for Fall

Who doesn’t love a cozy sweater? They’re exactly the kind of thing that people get “excited” for during fall. But also, sweaters are a necessity,

Chic Items for a Creative Office

Working in a creative environment offers a chance to unleash the full force of your fashion wardrobe – but how do you get the balance

On Trend: A Folk Story

Perhaps the must-have item this season is a peasant dress — the seventies folk trend is set to be a huge success for 2015. The

Weekend Closet: Valentine’s Day

Akris Punto Faux Leather Trim Jersey Skirt, $395.00 at Nordstroms  – This Faux leather trim adds a sleek finishing touch to a classic jersey pencil

The Latest Brow Products

They say eyes are the windows to your soul, but really, it’s your brows that do all the talking. When you discover your lipstick didn’t

5 Stylish Hiking Boots

Urban appropriation of practical clothing is nothing new. From plaid shirts to cosy cable-knit sweaters, women have long harbored a subconscious desire to wear things

The History of Graphic Tees

Fashion without a t-shirt is like coffee without a cup. From the 1950s onwards, the graphic tee rapidly emerged as a building block for individualism,

Latest Fashion Coupons

There are no coupons currently available

Fashion Brands

Login

Use a social network:

Or:

Feedback/Suggest Brands

Again, welcome to Your Brandzaffair. Our goal is to be your daily source for immediate access to all your favorite brandz with their best offers, in addition to providing insights and reviews in your lifestyle interests. We want to always continue to improve your experience. Please tell us what you think and what we can do better.

Spread the Word