I have been a Converse fan for years and have always bought my 4-year-old Converse as well.  He asked for PF Flyers because of the Sandlot.  Honestly, I might have to switch to PF Flyers.  I watched Converse's slow slip into mediocre material that doesn't last as long.  My son went through his Cons within half a year from wear and tear.  These have been holding up very well and I see no obvious signs of wear on them.  The soles aren't ripping from the canvas material which is a big pet peeve of mine with other shoes.