Story Mfg and PF Flyers Launch Handwoven All-American High-Top

Story Mfg. and PF Flyers have collaborated to release a limited edition of the All-American High-Top sneaker, reimagining the classic canvas silhouette with handwoven, naturally dyed fabrics. This partnership, launching online on August 10, unites two brands with a shared commitment to slow-made, durable products. PF Flyers, established in 1937, has maintained its core shoe design principles for decades, emphasizing longevity and quality craftsmanship. Story Mfg., with thirteen years of experience, specializes in producing naturally dyed, handcrafted apparel in small batches, working with artisans in India and Thailand. The collaboration aims to demonstrate how these distinct origins converge on a common philosophy of building enduring items.

The distinctive feature of this release is the fabric used for both versions of the All-American High-Top. Both makeups incorporate handwoven textiles created by weavers in Thailand who work from their homes. The Signature Wobbly Waffle version utilizes a unique brown hue derived from homegrown cotton that naturally possesses this color, which is then woven with yarn dyed in genuine indigo. This artisanal process ensures that no two fabric panels are identical, a deliberate characteristic intended to enhance the shoe's aesthetic appeal as it ages. The construction is designed for the shoe to wear in, not out, reflecting a philosophy of developing items that improve with use over time.

Similarly, the Signature Indigo Handloom model employs handwoven indigo cloth. This fabric is colored using fermented vats and locally sourced plants, a traditional dyeing method that allows the material to soften and develop a unique patina as the wearer uses the shoes. The brands highlight that such intricate and time-intensive textiles are rarely integrated into footwear production due to the challenges associated with their slow, irregular, and non-standard nature. Bringing this concept to fruition required the cooperation of a willing textile mill, a cooperative manufacturing facility, and the persistent dedication of both Story Mfg. and PF Flyers to overcome these production hurdles.

PF Flyers has a long-standing heritage of producing considered canvas shoes, a legacy that spans nearly 90 years. The partnership with Story Mfg. represents a continuation of this tradition, infusing the iconic All-American High-Top with the unique artisanal qualities that Story Mfg. is known for. The collaboration underscores a mutual respect for traditional craftsmanship and a dedication to creating footwear that stands apart through its material integrity and thoughtful design. The MSRP for these limited edition sneakers is $130 USD, and they are available for purchase through the PF Flyers and Story Mfg. websites.