Sneaks 101: PF Flyer

PF Flyers are a brand of shoes that are currently manufactured by New Balance. They were first produced by BF Goodrich in 1937. (Now how crazy would that be if you could just walk into your local tire dealership and snatch up a pair of the hottest sneakers out??? lol That's essentially what that would be like today.) They had popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, but lost steam during the '70s, '80s, and '90s. TThe brand was purchased by Converse in 1972, but later had to be sold off when the US government filed an antitrust suit claiming that if both companies combined they would have a monopoly for sneakers.
New Balance bought the rights to the brand in 2001 (which had been dormant since 1992) and resurrected it in 2003.

"PF" stands for Posture Foundation. Developed in 1933, this patented insole technology set a new standard in sneaker comfort. The insole technology was first used in BF Goodrich shoes. It involves a wedge-like insert that moves weight to the outside of the foot, evenly distributing weight, reducing leg strain. As the success of the sneakers with the Posture Foundation insole technology grew in 1937 it became the basis for the brand name, "PF Flyers."
In the 1930s and early 1940s PF Flyers was making sneakers, as well as oxfords, boots and heels. Sport styles by PF were very popular in the 1950s, renowned for helping you "run faster and jump higher."
PF Flyers had the first collaboration between a sneaker company and pro athlete in the 1950s, when they teamed up with Bob Cousy, the famed Boston Celtics star to created a string of classic basketball designs.
By the 1960s, PF Flyers was one of the largest sneaker brands in America. Today, PF Flyers Center Hi's are often confused with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. "You and I....we are not the same!"- Malice of The Clipse. Anyway.....hope you found this post to be rather informative. Stay tuned for the next installment of Sneaks 101.