A Vintage 1940s Sneaker Makes a Big Comeback for Summer 2024: Here’s Where to Buy Online
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Footwear brand P.F. Flyers has been crafting shoes since the 1940s with an emphasis on creating footwear that helps align posture — with style, of course. The shoes have graced the feet of athletes like Bob Cousy and even NASA’s Gemini II team in the ’70s, according to P.F. Flyer’s website. Now, the shoe brand is flying to a new era using inspiration from the early days of aviation with the release of P.F. Flyers’ Vintage Soles line.
Besides acting as comfortable shoes to wear on your errands or pack in your luggage, the Vintage Soles collection acts as a celebration of the soaring breakthroughs the aviation field has accomplished. There are three colorways to choose from: Clay, cream and black, and black and gum, depending on what your style preferences are. Each component of the high-top kicks represents the simplicity of the 1900s — including the colors, which were inspired by old newspapers and stamps. While the shoe is based on a bestselling silhouette from the past, it has been thoroughly updated with new materials and construction for 2024.
Keep reading to shop the new collection below.
PF Flyers Center Hi Sneakers, Cream/Black
Trade your white sneakers for these edgy Center Hi shoes from P.F. Flyers, which comes with a canvas upper in an off-white shade as well as rubber sole that trades the classic white look for a punk-approved black. Inside, you’ll find a foam cushion that will absorb moisture, help align your posture and keep you comfortable.
PF Flyers Center Hi Sneakers, Black/Gum
Keep your feet swaddled in coziness with a neutral pair of black high top sneakers. The shoes come with your typical canvas upper as well as a rubber toe guard that’ll keep your toes safe and increase longevity of your kicks. The gum sole was also built with extra traction to keep you sturdy — especially when switching terrains.
PF Flyers Center Hi Sneakers, Clay
Add a touch of red to your feet with these clay colored Center Hi sneakers. The upper comes with a muted colorway inspired by aged paper and classic airmail envelopes, according to the product description. Amelia Earhart and the Wright Brothers were just a few of the historical figures the shoes were modeled after, giving off an elevated look in both height and style.
The shape of the high top sneakers may remind you of another iconic shoe shape — the Converse Chuck Taylors — and it’s no coincidence: P.F. Flyers has been previously owned by a range of classic shoe brands including Converse and New Balance. It’s also been recognized for its notable placement in the movie The Sandlots where you can spot their black high-tops on the characters.
With nostalgia being one of the most talked about trends (in addition to Brat summer), the Vintage Sole collection will take you even further back in time with styles representative of the early 1900s, only re-issued and remodeled for today.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best jelly shoes, platform sandals and belly chains.
Rylee Johnston
Billboard
