PF Flyers vs Converse: Which One to Buy?

PF Flyers vs Converse has been a long-running debate for sneaker lovers everywhere. If you want more comfort and support, PF Flyers is the better pick. If you love style variety, Converse is a good choice. PF Flyers give your feet more cushion and room, while Converse offers that timeless feel. Both are classics, but they serve different needs.

You’re about to read a complete comparison that’ll help you decide which one is for you. Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

• PF Flyers are built for comfort, while Converse is more fashionable.

• PF Flyers offer better arch support and cushioning.

• Converse is easier to find and comes in more styles.

• PF Flyers fit true to size and suit wide feet better. Converse runs narrow and may need a half size up.

• PF Flyers last longer with daily use and hold their shape well.

PF Flyers vs Converse: Which One Should You Choose?

If you want more comfort and support, PF Flyers are the better choice. They have a built-in insole that helps your feet feel good even after hours of walking. Converse is better for everyday style. They are lighter and more flexible but have less support.

If you have wider feet, PF Flyers will feel better. If you want a stylish sneaker you can wear with anything, go with Converse.

Here’s the PF Flyers vs Converse comparison table:

Brand and History

Both PF Flyers and Converse have been around for a long time, but their paths are very different. PF Flyers started in 1933 under B.F. Goodrich. Their main goal was comfort and performance. They added the Posture Foundation insole, and that is where the “PF” in the name comes from.

Converse came earlier. The brand started in 1908 and took off in 1917 with its basketball shoe. That shoe became known as the Chuck Taylor All Star.

Both brands changed owners over time. PF Flyers was brought back by New Balance in 2003. Later, in 2021, Kassia Designs took over. Converse became part of Nike in 2003, which helped it grow even bigger.

If you care about sneaker history, Converse has the bigger name. But if you like shoes with a purpose, PF Flyers has something different to offer.

Design, Build, and Technology

When you put both shoes next to each other, you’ll see how different they really are. PF Flyers was designed with support in mind. Inside the shoe, there’s a special insole that lifts your arch. It is not something you see, but you feel it when you walk. If you spend hours on your feet, that extra support can make a big difference.

Converse, especially the classic ones, keeps things very simple. The original Chuck Taylors are flat with almost no padding. Some people like that lightweight feel. You feel close to the ground. If you want something more modern, Converse has made updates in newer versions. Chuck 70 and Chuck II have more foam and better insoles, but the classic still feels pretty flat.

Comfort, Fit, and Daily Wear

If your feet get sore from walking or standing for long hours, comfort is going to matter the most. That’s where PF Flyers really stands out. The insole gives your heel a soft cushion and supports your arch. You don’t need to add any extra insoles or padding.

Fit is also easier with PF Flyers. If you have wide feet, you’ll probably feel more relaxed in them. Converse is the opposite. Most of their styles run a bit narrow.

Style and Everyday Use

When it comes to style, Converse is one of the most recognizable sneakers in the world. Almost everyone knows what Chuck Taylors look like. They are simple and go with just about anything. You can wear them with jeans, shorts, dresses, or even a suit.

PF Flyers have a different vibe. They keep that retro athletic look. If you like a sporty style with a vintage twist, they stand out in a good way. You probably won’t see everyone wearing them, which makes them feel a bit more special.

Price and Where to Buy

Both PF Flyers and Converse cost almost the same. Most pairs are somewhere between 60 and 90 dollars. Sometimes PF Flyers can cost a bit more, depending on where you live. They are not as easy to find in stores, so you may need to order online. If you’re outside the US, that could mean paying more for shipping or waiting longer to get them.

Converse is everywhere. You can find them in shoe stores, malls, and almost every major online retailer. If you need a pair today, it won’t be hard to find them in your size.

When it comes to limited editions or rare versions, Converse has a lot more going on. They do collaborations with artists and big brands.

PF Flyers vs Converse: Which One Should You Choose?

If you plan to wear your sneakers for many hours each day, PF Flyers will likely feel better for you. They have built-in cushioning and arch support that help your feet stay comfortable. If you’re after a lightweight shoe, then Converse is for you. Their classic models are light and go with almost any outfit. You can throw them on and go out without thinking too much.

If cost and availability matter to you, Converse will be easier to find. They are sold almost everywhere, and you can usually grab a pair in-store or online without much searching. PF Flyers are less common, so depending on where you live, you might need to order online or pay a little extra.

PF Flyers vs Converse: Which Came First?

Converse came first, and it started way back in 1908. The company was originally called the Converse Rubber Shoe Company, based in Massachusetts. In 1917, they launched the “Non-Skid” basketball shoe, which later became the famous Chuck Taylor All Star. That shoe changed everything. It was one of the first sneakers built for sports, and after Chuck Taylor, a basketball player and salesman, endorsed it, his name was added to the ankle patch. That’s how the Converse All Star we all know today was born.

PF Flyers came much later. It started in 1933 under B.F. Goodrich, a tire company that decided to make sneakers. The name “PF” stands for “Posture Foundation,” which was their special insole designed to help people walk better.

PF Flyers vs Converse Sizing

PF Flyers generally fit true to size. If you usually wear a size 9 in sneakers, you can safely order the same in PF Flyers. Converse fits differently. Most of their classic models, especially the Chuck Taylor All Stars, run slightly narrow and about half a size larger in length. That’s why many people go down half a size from their usual sneaker size.

For example, if you normally wear a 9, an 8.5 might fit better in Converse. However, if you have wide feet, you might prefer staying true to your size so your toes have space. Converse has kept its slim fit design for decades, which is part of its iconic look.

Final Words

Both PF Flyers and Converse have earned their place in sneaker history, but they’re made for different kinds of wearers. If you care most about comfort and lasting support, go for PF Flyers. They’re built to protect your feet while keeping a classic look. If you want a lightweight shoe that goes with everything, Converse will never disappoint you.