Karhu asks you to accept cookies for performance, social media and advertising purposes.
Social media and advertising cookies of third parties are used to offer you social media functionalities and personalized ads.
To get more information about these cookies and the processing of your personal data, check our
Privacy & Cookie Policy.
Do you accept these cookies and the processing of personal data involved?
THE HISTORY OF KARHU

Karhu is Born — Ab sportartiklar Oy establishes a small workshop in down- town Helsinki where locally sourced birch is transformed into the first products: javelins, skis and discuses. Running shoes are also developed and land on the feet of Hannes Kolehmainen, the first “Flying Finn”, and Ville Ritola.

Flying Finns — The company name is changed to Karhu, which is Finnish for bear. “The Flying Finns” dominate tracks around the world, garnering recognition for Karhu running shoes. Oh, and a guy named Paavo Nurmi returns back home with nine Olympic gold medals.

The Three Stripes — Karhu dominates the 1952 Helsinki Olympics with 15 gold medal-winning spikes, including those of Emil Zatopek. Karhu sells its three stripes trademark to a now well-known athletic shoe company that still uses it to this day.

M-symbol — Karhu officially registers its famous M- symbol—the only trademark used in running shoes—derived from the word “Mestari,” which means “champion” in Finnish. Various designs of the M-logo have adorned Karhu shoes over the years which are still in use today.

Air — Continuing its tradition of efficiency-driven innovation, Karhu develops the first patented “Air Cusion” mid- sole system for its running footwear.

Fulcrum — Karhu R&D’s collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä results in the development of the “Fulcrum” technology. The fulcrum is a cushioning system designed to Move Forward.

Ortix Fit — The 100 year history of Karhu sees the brand continuing to innovate its footwear collection. Karhu develops Ortix Fit to provide runners with the next level of comfort.

Fit id — In collaboration with Fleet Feet, Karhu utilizes fit id to develop the first shoe created on foot scan measurements.