KARHU has long been a champion of both sport and innovation. With an authentic heritage in athletics and a deep connection to the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity, KARHU has spent the last century and beyond developing world class footwear and industry-changing midsole technologies. This fall, we look to celebrate Karhu rich history with the release of refreshed colourways in two of Karhu iconic silhouettes from the 70s and 80s—the Mestari and Albatross 82.    

 

The Mestari was introduced to the world in the 1970s with the first trademarked Air Cushion midsole unit in a performance shoe. “Mestari” is the Finnish word for champion, a nod back to the early days when KARHU footwear was referred to as mestarin jalkinee- “the shoe of champions”. The Mestari became an instant top-seller, and Karhu novel Air Cushion technology would go on to be replicated throughout the industry. A decade later, the Albatross was released and took the world by storm as a lightweight trainer with mass appeal. This, too, came equipped with KARHU’s now well-known Air Cushion technology.  

 

As a means to “re-introduce” these classic silhouettes, Karhu photoshoot for the Fall/Winter 23 Mestari and Albatross 82 features original photos and sketches from old catalogues and adverts. This historic imagery serves as a fitting backdrop to showcase the modern-day versions of two sporting fashion icons.