In 1937, the PF Flyers story began by delivering quality American footwear for sport and leisure. In the same year, one of the most iconic cartoon characters in American history, Popeye the Sailor, took to the mound to play baseball against his arch-nemesis, Bluto, in a classic animated short. The iconic duo battle it out in front of a roaring crowd in an excitement-filled game featuring fireworks, grand slams, and an amazing come-from-behind win from Popeye.

In celebration of a new season of America’s greatest pastime, PF Flyers has created a capsule collection partnering with the game’s top players. Mitchell Bat Company, Ebbets Field Flannels and Leather Head Sports have all teamed up to participate in honoring PF’s deep history with baseball and celebrating a 78-year rivalry between the two iconic characters licensed for the collaboration by King Features.

The Opening Day Rambler Hi embodies retro athletic style, featuring a unique baseball stitch detail along the heel. The shoe has a full grain leather upper, gun metal eyelets, and flat waxed cotton laces. Inspired by the ongoing rivalry between Popeye and Bluto, the black Rambler Hi is fully Bluto themed and the cream Rambler Hi is all about Popeye. The style features a translucent outsole with Popeye/Bluto graphic, a Popeye/Bluto graphic lining, and the corresponding character’s team name stamped under the tongue.

The Opening Day Rambler Hi will first be available in two colors, cream and black, and will retail for $90. The style made its debut for purchase on www.pfflyers.com on Opening Day (April 6th). Shoppers can also find the shoes at Ebbets Field Flannels in Seattle, Gym Standard in San Diego and The Brooklyn Circus in San Francisco.

ABOUT PF FLYERS

In the early 1900’s, inventor BF Goodrich manufactured several lines of vulcanized athletic shoes from tire rubber. In 1933 he patented the Posture Foundation insole, changing the sneaker landscape and immediately growing in popularity. In the 1950’s and 60s, PF Flyers became one of the most popular shoe brands in America, dominating the athletic sphere and integrating into the military. Now owned by New Balance, PF Flyers continues to grow off of their past success and reclassify old designs with a modern twist. Touted as some of the best shoes for a secure ankle, PF Flyers incorporates contemporary design elements, colors and comfort technologies into a traditional style to revitalize an American classic.

New Balance is proud to be the only major company to make or assemble more than 4 million pairs of athletic footwear per year in the USA, which represents a limited portion of our US sales. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we label our shoes Made in the USA.