They are Posture Formulated Flyers, perhaps better known as PF Flyers, and they are on the market again.

The PF Flyer company is one of the oldest to make rubber-soled shoes. The company was formed as a B.F. Goodrich subsidiary when the company attempted to expand its rubber business into other areas of life.

PF Flyers have a history that dates back further than Pro Keds and Converse All Stars.

New Balance bought the PF Flyer name in 2001, and it has not only re-issued the classic, canvas Flyers, it has also designed some original footwear.

“PF Flyers were originally marketed as a performance shoe,” said Joe Casagrande, PF Flyers’ associate product manager.

He said the classic canvas shoes, known as centers (high tops) and grounders (low cut), are similar to those from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. The only exceptions include new technology that improves durability and arch support.

“We actually got old PF Flyers off of Ebay and created the mold from them. The fit is the same. We just used more modern technology,” Casagrande said.

The shoes range in price from $40 for canvas shoes and $65 to $70 for the new designs.

Gene Lewis, owner of Lamar Lewis Shoe Store at 131 E. Clayton St., said he has had all the styles in for a month.

“We have men’s, women’s and children’s shoes,” Lewis said.

Since Lamar Lewis was an original PF Flyer dealer in the 1930s, it is among a limited number of stores chosen to carry new PF Flyers.

Only independent boutiques in large cities and select college towns will carry PF Flyers.

One of the new shoe designs is called the Ghost. It comes in a number of different color schemes and is made of a material that is very stain resistant.

Its retro design a la late 1970s gives the shoe a stylish look, and a reflective strip along the side is attractive at night.

The Ghost looks good, but what about its performance?

To test the Ghost, I borrowed a friend’s dog.

Anyone who has seen “The Sandlot” should remember the scene in which one of the baseball players outruns the Beast, a large dog, with the help of PF Flyers.

I threw a small rubber ball, and when the dog ran after it, I started running too to see if I could outrun it with the Ghosts on.

Unfortunately, the dog was friendly, and instead of going all out, it ran along and tried to jump up on me. The experiment was ruined.

Nevertheless, the Ghost is a good shoe. It is lightweight and comfortable for all-day use.

The rubber sole extends onto the heel of the shoe, a feature that is particularly functional while pressing the pedals of an automobile.

Breathable fabric on the top of the Ghost keeps the feet from overheating.

I am honored to own one of the only 500 pairs of Ghosts in existence.