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PF Flyers

PF Flyers is an American brand of lifestyle shoes owned by Kassia Designs, LLC. Founded in 1937 by B.F. Goodrich,[1] it is one of the original American sneaker brands.

PF Flyers
Company typeSubsidiary
Founded1937; 87 years ago (1937) in Akron, Ohio, United States
FounderB.F. Goodrich
Headquarters
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsApparel, clothing, and shoes
ParentKassia Designs, LLC
Websitewww.pfflyers.com
A pair of PF Flyer "All American" high tops

History edit

In 1933, inventor Hyman L. Witman and rubber manufacturing company B.F. Goodrich patented the "Posture Foundation" arch support insole, and began adding the new technology to its shoes. B.F. Goodrich shoes with Posture Foundation became known simply as "PF" in 1937. In 1935, Canadian badminton player Jack Purcell designed a low, white-bleached badminton shoe made of canvas and rubber for B.F. Goodrich. Named after Purcell, it featured a blue "smile" across the toe of the shoe and provided more protection for the court. By 1944, PF Flyers released their first kids' collection, and created the slogan, "Run Faster, Jump Higher".[1] Fashion trends in the 1940s and 1950s saw PF Flyers expand from gyms and ball fields to become fashionable active footwear; its main competitors were Converse and Keds. "Everything you do is more fun with PF" read one 1947 magazine ad. PF styles ranged from high- and low-top sport shoes to oxfords and moccasins "for work, relaxation and play". PF Flyers' women's line was released in 1948.[1] In 1950, PF Flyers became standard issue for certain military outfits. 1958 saw the first athlete to be endorsed by a shoe brand: All-star basketball player Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics was chosen to market PF Flyers. PF Flyers also sponsored Jonny Quest when it ran from 1964 to 1965. By the 1960s, PF was one of the most popular shoes in America, with a 20% hold on all canvas sneakers sold, but struggled with industry changes in the early 1970s.[1]

Acquisition edit

In 1972, Eltra Corporation, the former parent of Converse, purchased the PF Flyers brand from B.F. Goodrich, because B.F. Goodrich left the shoe industry. However, this created a monopoly in the shoe market and the two brands were split due to an anti-trust lawsuit. Both companies were eventually sold in 1975.[2] PF Flyers then fell into obscurity, dormant from 1975 to 2000. The brand was first sold to P&F Industries, Inc, then to the Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company.[3] In 1988, Hyde Athletic Industries Inc. (now known as Saucony), planned to relaunch the PF Flyers brand through the acquisition of the Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company Inc., by first marketing the brand for kids before producing adult models.[4] In 1991, LJO Inc. acquired the brand. Despite the split and selling of both companies, Converse kept the rights of the Jack Purcell line of shoes from the PF Flyers acquisition. Rebranded with the Converse name, Jack Purcell sneakers are still produced today.

In 2001, New Balance purchased PF Flyers and re-launched the brand in 2003.[1] On 23 December 2014, New Balance filed a lawsuit against Nike-owned Converse for its federal trademark registration for the toe bumper, toe cap and striped midsole and had ruled out that, "Converse does not have the exclusive right to use a toe bumper, toe cap and striped midsole in connection with athletic footwear."[3] On 15 July 2016, the United States International Trade Commission ruled in favor of New Balance, saying it could continue to produce PF Flyers footwear using the toe caps, toe bumpers, and stripes design.[5] On 12 January 2021, New Balance confirmed that the PF Flyers brand had been discontinued.[6]

On 21 July 2021, Kassia Davis, the founder of clothing brand KADA, acquired PF Flyers from New Balance, and will be operating under Kassia Designs, LLC.[7]

Products edit

Current Models edit

Center

The "Center" line is one of PF Flyer's most popular and well-known models. The "Center Hi" was also the same model featured in 1993's The Sandlot.[8] In 2018, a baseball cleat model was introduced in collaboration with New Balance.

Grounder

In the 1940s, PF Flyers created a consumer version of their US military boot with the release of the "Grounder". The "Grounder" is similar in design to the "Center" model, but with a more durable out-sole and thicker tread.[9] In 2013, the "Foundation Collection" was released with 'Van Buren' brogue, 'Beeson' chukka and 'Brewster' moc-toe models inspired by the Grounder.[10] In 2023, a water-reppelent upper was added as a new feature.[11]

All American

In 1958, PF Flyers created the first athletic endorsement, of which was Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics, to market PF Flyers with the "All American" model, which was a basketball shoe similar in design to the Converse Chuck Taylor basketball shoe. A reissue was released in 2009, of the "Bob Cousy Lo" that featured a Gullwing Closure of the top lace grommet.[12] In 2017, New Balance re-released the "All American" model, featuring Fresh Foam used in New Balance's active line of shoes. On June 27, 2022, PF Flyers released a limited edition "Bob Cousy Hi Top" to celebrate the 2022 season of the Boston Celtics.[13]

Allston

Named after its new headquarters in Allston, Massachusetts, the "Allston" model was released on March 8, 2023[14] Inspired by the "All American" model, the "Allston" is a woman focused design that features a thicker sole and gold hardware.[14]

Previous Models edit

Jack Purcell

Originally designed in 1935 by Jack Purcell as a badminton shoe, the "Jack Purcell" was one of PF Flyers' first models.[15] In 1972, the "RaceAround" and "Indy 500" shoes were released by B.F. Goodrich and were inspired by fast cars, such as the Corvette. That same year, Converse took ownership of PF Flyers until 1975, and kept the rights of the "Jack Purcell" line.[16]

Made in USA

In 2015, PF Flyers launched their "Made in USA" collection; handmade in Boston, Massachusetts, to commemorate the 20th-century American-Made PF Flyers. Made in USA models include the "Center" and "Windjammer".[17] On December 4, 2020, New Balance stated it will close its Boston plant in February 2021; thus leading to the discontinuation of the PF Flyers "Made in USA" collection.[18]

Windjammer

In 1968, PF Flyers released the "Windjammer". A CVO-styled sneaker, but with the classic PF Flyer design. In 2018, New Balance re-released the "Windjammer" for its "Made in USA" line of footwear.[19]

Rambler

Released in 1943, "Rambler" featured high-visibility hash mark foxing, two-tone stitching, striated toecap, inner webbing stripe, and a pronounced diamond toe bumper. 'Hi' and 'Lo' top versions were available. In 2010, an archival reissue was released.[20]

Sumfum

Originally released in 1947, the "Sumfum" featured an espadrille-styled upper and refined foxing details. An archival reissue was released in 2010.[21]

Glide

In 1979, the "Glide" model was released. It was a basketball high top that featured era-specific markings, padded tongue, and heel ribs. In 2009, an archival reissue of the sneaker was released.[22]

Number 5

Released in 2010, the "Number 5" featured a variety of material make-ups, full-grain leather and woven nylon builds. The signature chevron in the saddle separated this design from other PF Flyers models.[23]

In Media edit

PF Flyers featured in the 1993 film The Sandlot;[1] for the film's 20th anniversary, a limited edition shoe was made. In 2018, PF Flyers created another limited run reissue. PF Flyers appeared in the animated television series Jonny Quest (1964–1965) as the main sponsor of the show. Commercials for Jonny Quest would be centered around advertising PF Flyers shoes. One notable highlight of these commercials was the "PF Magic Ring", which featured "decoder dials", "magnifying glass", and a "secret compartment" inside the ring and would be included in the purchase of a pair of PF Flyers.[24]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f . PF Flyers. Archived from the original on 27 October 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  2. ^ Schneider, Jason (1 July 2015). "12 Glorious Moments in the American History of PF Flyers". Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  3. ^ a b Brettman, Allan (24 December 2014). "PF Flyers Strike Back at Nike". Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  4. ^ White, George (15 September 1988). "Sneaking Back:P.F. Flyers Live". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  5. ^ Feitelberg, Rosemary (15 July 2016). "ITC Rules Against Converse in Trademark Infringement Lawsuit". WWD. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  6. ^ @newbalance (12 January 2021). "Hey! These unfortunately have been phased out" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 October 2021 – via Twitter.
  7. ^ Ciment, Shoshy (21 July 2021). "Exclusive: Looking to Empower Women in Footwear, Kassia Davis Buys PF Flyers From New Balance, Her Family Business". Footwear News. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  8. ^ . PF Flyers. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  9. ^ . PF Flyers. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  10. ^ "PF Flyers Introduces the Foundation". Sole Collector. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  11. ^ "Introducing the All-new Grounder". PF Flyers. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  12. ^ "PF Flyers Bob Cousy All American Low Top Reissue". 13 May 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  13. ^ "PF Flyers All American Cousy". Kicks On Fire. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Introducing The Allston". PF Flyers. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  15. ^ "Jack Purcell". Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  16. ^ "Jack Purcell RaceAround". 22 January 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  17. ^ "Introducing Ball and Buck's Newest Offering [Photo]". BostInno. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  18. ^ "New Balance plans to close its Boston factory for good, trimming 60-plus jobs in the city". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  19. ^ . PF Flyers. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  20. ^ "PF Flyers 2010 Spring Rambler Hi & Lo". 26 February 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  21. ^ "PF Flyers Fourth of July Pack". 28 June 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  22. ^ "PF Flyers Glide". 29 December 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  23. ^ "PF Flyers Number 5". 30 July 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  24. ^ Blosser, Lyle. "Jonny Quest Memorabilia". Classic Jonny Quest.com. Retrieved 22 June 2021.

External links edit

  • Official website

flyers, american, brand, lifestyle, shoes, owned, kassia, designs, founded, 1937, goodrich, original, american, sneaker, brands, company, typesubsidiaryfounded1937, years, 1937, akron, ohio, united, statesfounderb, goodrichheadquartersallston, massachusetts, u. PF Flyers is an American brand of lifestyle shoes owned by Kassia Designs LLC Founded in 1937 by B F Goodrich 1 it is one of the original American sneaker brands PF FlyersCompany typeSubsidiaryFounded1937 87 years ago 1937 in Akron Ohio United StatesFounderB F GoodrichHeadquartersAllston Massachusetts United StatesArea servedWorldwideProductsApparel clothing and shoesParentKassia Designs LLCWebsitewww wbr pfflyers wbr comA pair of PF Flyer All American high tops Contents 1 History 1 1 Acquisition 2 Products 2 1 Current Models 2 2 Previous Models 3 In Media 4 References 5 External linksHistory editIn 1933 inventor Hyman L Witman and rubber manufacturing company B F Goodrich patented the Posture Foundation arch support insole and began adding the new technology to its shoes B F Goodrich shoes with Posture Foundation became known simply as PF in 1937 In 1935 Canadian badminton player Jack Purcell designed a low white bleached badminton shoe made of canvas and rubber for B F Goodrich Named after Purcell it featured a blue smile across the toe of the shoe and provided more protection for the court By 1944 PF Flyers released their first kids collection and created the slogan Run Faster Jump Higher 1 Fashion trends in the 1940s and 1950s saw PF Flyers expand from gyms and ball fields to become fashionable active footwear its main competitors were Converse and Keds Everything you do is more fun with PF read one 1947 magazine ad PF styles ranged from high and low top sport shoes to oxfords and moccasins for work relaxation and play PF Flyers women s line was released in 1948 1 In 1950 PF Flyers became standard issue for certain military outfits 1958 saw the first athlete to be endorsed by a shoe brand All star basketball player Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics was chosen to market PF Flyers PF Flyers also sponsored Jonny Quest when it ran from 1964 to 1965 By the 1960s PF was one of the most popular shoes in America with a 20 hold on all canvas sneakers sold but struggled with industry changes in the early 1970s 1 Acquisition edit In 1972 Eltra Corporation the former parent of Converse purchased the PF Flyers brand from B F Goodrich because B F Goodrich left the shoe industry However this created a monopoly in the shoe market and the two brands were split due to an anti trust lawsuit Both companies were eventually sold in 1975 2 PF Flyers then fell into obscurity dormant from 1975 to 2000 The brand was first sold to P amp F Industries Inc then to the Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company 3 In 1988 Hyde Athletic Industries Inc now known as Saucony planned to relaunch the PF Flyers brand through the acquisition of the Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company Inc by first marketing the brand for kids before producing adult models 4 In 1991 LJO Inc acquired the brand Despite the split and selling of both companies Converse kept the rights of the Jack Purcell line of shoes from the PF Flyers acquisition Rebranded with the Converse name Jack Purcell sneakers are still produced today In 2001 New Balance purchased PF Flyers and re launched the brand in 2003 1 On 23 December 2014 New Balance filed a lawsuit against Nike owned Converse for its federal trademark registration for the toe bumper toe cap and striped midsole and had ruled out that Converse does not have the exclusive right to use a toe bumper toe cap and striped midsole in connection with athletic footwear 3 On 15 July 2016 the United States International Trade Commission ruled in favor of New Balance saying it could continue to produce PF Flyers footwear using the toe caps toe bumpers and stripes design 5 On 12 January 2021 New Balance confirmed that the PF Flyers brand had been discontinued 6 On 21 July 2021 Kassia Davis the founder of clothing brand KADA acquired PF Flyers from New Balance and will be operating under Kassia Designs LLC 7 Products editCurrent Models edit CenterThe Center line is one of PF Flyer s most popular and well known models The Center Hi was also the same model featured in 1993 s The Sandlot 8 In 2018 a baseball cleat model was introduced in collaboration with New Balance GrounderIn the 1940s PF Flyers created a consumer version of their US military boot with the release of the Grounder The Grounder is similar in design to the Center model but with a more durable out sole and thicker tread 9 In 2013 the Foundation Collection was released with Van Buren brogue Beeson chukka and Brewster moc toe models inspired by the Grounder 10 In 2023 a water reppelent upper was added as a new feature 11 All AmericanIn 1958 PF Flyers created the first athletic endorsement of which was Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics to market PF Flyers with the All American model which was a basketball shoe similar in design to the Converse Chuck Taylor basketball shoe A reissue was released in 2009 of the Bob Cousy Lo that featured a Gullwing Closure of the top lace grommet 12 In 2017 New Balance re released the All American model featuring Fresh Foam used in New Balance s active line of shoes On June 27 2022 PF Flyers released a limited edition Bob Cousy Hi Top to celebrate the 2022 season of the Boston Celtics 13 AllstonNamed after its new headquarters in Allston Massachusetts the Allston model was released on March 8 2023 14 Inspired by the All American model the Allston is a woman focused design that features a thicker sole and gold hardware 14 Previous Models edit Jack PurcellOriginally designed in 1935 by Jack Purcell as a badminton shoe the Jack Purcell was one of PF Flyers first models 15 In 1972 the RaceAround and Indy 500 shoes were released by B F Goodrich and were inspired by fast cars such as the Corvette That same year Converse took ownership of PF Flyers until 1975 and kept the rights of the Jack Purcell line 16 Made in USAIn 2015 PF Flyers launched their Made in USA collection handmade in Boston Massachusetts to commemorate the 20th century American Made PF Flyers Made in USA models include the Center and Windjammer 17 On December 4 2020 New Balance stated it will close its Boston plant in February 2021 thus leading to the discontinuation of the PF Flyers Made in USA collection 18 WindjammerIn 1968 PF Flyers released the Windjammer A CVO styled sneaker but with the classic PF Flyer design In 2018 New Balance re released the Windjammer for its Made in USA line of footwear 19 RamblerReleased in 1943 Rambler featured high visibility hash mark foxing two tone stitching striated toecap inner webbing stripe and a pronounced diamond toe bumper Hi and Lo top versions were available In 2010 an archival reissue was released 20 SumfumOriginally released in 1947 the Sumfum featured an espadrille styled upper and refined foxing details An archival reissue was released in 2010 21 GlideIn 1979 the Glide model was released It was a basketball high top that featured era specific markings padded tongue and heel ribs In 2009 an archival reissue of the sneaker was released 22 Number 5Released in 2010 the Number 5 featured a variety of material make ups full grain leather and woven nylon builds The signature chevron in the saddle separated this design from other PF Flyers models 23 In Media editPF Flyers featured in the 1993 film The Sandlot 1 for the film s 20th anniversary a limited edition shoe was made In 2018 PF Flyers created another limited run reissue PF Flyers appeared in the animated television series Jonny Quest 1964 1965 as the main sponsor of the show Commercials for Jonny Quest would be centered around advertising PF Flyers shoes One notable highlight of these commercials was the PF Magic Ring which featured decoder dials magnifying glass and a secret compartment inside the ring and would be included in the purchase of a pair of PF Flyers 24 References edit a b c d e f Our Story PF Flyers Archived from the original on 27 October 2018 Retrieved 11 October 2018 Schneider Jason 1 July 2015 12 Glorious Moments in the American History of PF Flyers Retrieved 11 October 2018 a b Brettman Allan 24 December 2014 PF Flyers Strike Back at Nike Retrieved 21 June 2021 White George 15 September 1988 Sneaking Back P F Flyers Live Los Angeles Times Retrieved 21 June 2021 Feitelberg Rosemary 15 July 2016 ITC Rules Against Converse in Trademark Infringement Lawsuit WWD Retrieved 21 June 2021 newbalance 12 January 2021 Hey These unfortunately have been phased out Tweet Retrieved 12 October 2021 via Twitter Ciment Shoshy 21 July 2021 Exclusive Looking to Empower Women in Footwear Kassia Davis Buys PF Flyers From New Balance Her Family Business Footwear News Retrieved 21 July 2021 Center Hi PF Flyers Archived from the original on 16 August 2018 Retrieved 11 October 2018 Grounder Hi PF Flyers Archived from the original on 16 August 2018 Retrieved 11 October 2018 PF Flyers Introduces the Foundation Sole Collector Retrieved 9 September 2022 Introducing the All new Grounder PF Flyers Retrieved 7 November 2023 PF Flyers Bob Cousy All American Low Top Reissue 13 May 2009 Retrieved 9 September 2022 PF Flyers All American Cousy Kicks On Fire Retrieved 9 September 2022 a b Introducing The Allston PF Flyers Retrieved 7 November 2023 Jack Purcell Retrieved 9 September 2022 Jack Purcell RaceAround 22 January 2018 Retrieved 9 September 2022 Introducing Ball and Buck s Newest Offering Photo BostInno Retrieved 6 October 2016 New Balance plans to close its Boston factory for good trimming 60 plus jobs in the city The Boston Globe Retrieved 9 September 2022 Made in USA Windjammer PF Flyers Archived from the original on 16 August 2018 Retrieved 11 October 2018 PF Flyers 2010 Spring Rambler Hi amp Lo 26 February 2010 Retrieved 9 September 2022 PF Flyers Fourth of July Pack 28 June 2011 Retrieved 9 September 2022 PF Flyers Glide 29 December 2009 Retrieved 9 September 2022 PF Flyers Number 5 30 July 2010 Retrieved 10 September 2022 Blosser Lyle Jonny Quest Memorabilia Classic Jonny Quest com Retrieved 22 June 2021 External links editOfficial website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title PF Flyers amp oldid 1187664746, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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