Karhu Shoes
Karhu started in 1916 in a small workshop in Helsinki, crafting sports gear from locally sourced wood. Our running shoes were already making history, worn by legends like Hannes Kolehmainen. In 1920, we changed our name to Karhu, meaning 'bear' in Finnish, and gained global fame thanks to the success of the "Flying Finns."
Innovation has always been in our DNA. In the ’50s, we dominated the Olympics with our iconic three-stripe logo. In the ’70s, we launched the patented "Air Cushion" midsole, and in 1986, we partnered with the University of Jyväskylä to develop the "Fulcrum" technology, enhancing both cushioning and forward momentum for runners.
In 2018, we introduced Ortix-Fit, designed using data from over two million runners. Today, with models tailored for every fit, Karhu combines tradition with cutting-edge innovation to remain a leader in running and lifestyle footwear.