PF Flyers Castlerock Suede

Unknown Leather

75% complete

Worn over 2 years

Open Thunderdome 2023-2024

Photos

Reviews

A Modern Take on the Timeless Design of the Classic Hi-Top Sneaker

I don't know if these are my favorite shoes of all-time, but they're certainly up there and blow every pair of Chuck Taylors I've ever had out of the water. It's like they're everything you could ever want out of a classic hi-top including being affordable, but well-made. The affordability of these really makes them feel cheap and cheerful. Like yeah, you can spend $200 and up on a more premium sneaker and it'll probably be way better, but that misses the point. Part of why they're great is because they're so affordable and so solid for that price. Like, they're as good for a kid in elementary school as they are for a grown adult in grad school, and there's just something so charming about that.

Read the full review

almost 2 years ago

Specs

Maker

PF Flyers

Model

Castlerock Suede

Leather

Unknown Leather

Sole

Posture Foundation Rigid Wedge Non-Marking Sole

Purchased from

PF Flyers

Order info

Cost: 63 USD

Availability: Stock Model

Lead Time: 7 days

More about this item

These were worn for a day to make sure they fit right and I didn't have any heel slip since they're my first pair of PF Flyers. This was before I knew I'd be submitting them for the Patina Thunderdome (the boots I originally had in mind fell through). I e-mailed pictures of them to Ben who approved them for the dome. The soles are a bit dirty, but that's cause they're white and it's a soft sneaker rubber. Otherwise they look immaculate. I plan on otter waxing them immediately to help deal with Louisiana weather and also assist whatever cheap suede this is in developing a rich patina.

Q&A

Why did you choose this item?

Availability: Stock Model

Other

I originally bought these because I liked how minimalist they looked, and I felt like a pair of grey sneakers went with more or less everything (which they totally do). I couldn't afford to buy the boots I really wanted to wear for the thunderdome, but I still had these lying around, which I had only worn once up to that point to make sure they fit and were comfortable. After getting approval from the folks at Stitchdown, I thought it'd be fun to wax them as well, and give me an edge with patina since they're hardly a well-known shoe or leather. I figured it was all just an economical way for me to get into the contest, learn some things, and have fun.