A Quintessential American Sneaker Gets a Refined, Affordable Desert Boot-Inspired Update

Although obviously not as well-known as Converse, P.F. Flyers hold a special place in the annals of American sneaker history. That’s especially true for ’90s kids who fell in love with them via The Sandlot.

Personally, I prefer P.F. Flyers to Chuck Taylors, as they have a thicker upper and a sturdier outsole. But that’s just one man’s opinion.

That said, the new P.F. Flyers All American Crepe High Top Biscotti Canvas has the potential to change some minds or at least turn some heads.

P.F. Flyers

Creped-up kicks

Originally launched in 1944, classic P.F. Flyers were designed as basketball shoes. Obviously, that means they followed in Converse’s footsteps.

Also like Converse, P.F. Flyers are typically made with a canvas upper and a rubber outsole. And that has largely been the case for the last 80-or-so years. However, these ones are a bit different and more refined.

Instead of a canvas upper, they’re made with mixed materials. The canvas remains for some of it, but it’s also joined by suede, giving the upper a bit more texture, character and refinement.

P.F. Flyers

Another interesting change can be found at the toe. Instead of a classic rubber cap, this one gets a cloth reinforcement. While not as durable, it’s a bit more sophisticated and lends itself well to this more grown-up take on an iconic sneaker.

However, those are really the only big differences with the upper. It retains the shoe’s signature 10-eyelet design, robust embossed ankle badge and that iconic silhouette. But there is another alteration down below.

P.F. Flyers

Just deserts

The suede and canvas upper are also paired with a somewhat unusual outsole, but there’s a reason for this: these sneakers draw stylistic inspiration from classic desert boots, like chukkas (and other crepe-soled footwear).

To that end, the outsole has been redesigned to resemble a crepe outsole. That includes the gum color (a signature of desert boot styles).

P.F. Flyers

While the underside is still distinctly P.F. Flyers (meaning it doesn’t have boot-like treads), the sidewalls are slightly different. Usually, these sneakers have a signature ribbed toe bumper. However, that’s been deleted in this version of the sneaker to give it a more uniform, minimalist appearance.

It’s also worth noting that, in conjunction with the high-top version of this sneaker, there’s also a low-top version, should you prefer that style. The low-top also has an additional colorway called Tobacco, which is a bit darker on the upper.

P.F. Flyers

Availability and pricing

The P.F. Flyers All American Crepe High Top Biscotti Canvas is now available for just $90 on the brand’s site. There is also a low-top version for $85.

P.F. Flyers

P.F. Flyers All American Crepe High Top Biscotti Canvas

• $90 at P.F. Flyers

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics