KARHU: Run with the Bear

Fleet Feet Sports has formed an exclusive partnership with Finnish running brand Karhu.

Adorned with a century of rich running history, we are excited to bring this exclusive line to runners and walkers in San Antonio.  Not only did Karhu sell Adidas their "three strip" logo in the 1920's but in the 1970's they developed air cushioning found in most of Nike's performance footwear.

Meaning “bear” in Finnish, Karhu and its "Flying Finn" athletes have a legacy of dominant running performances thanks to continued advancements in technology. The brand's patented Fulcrum technology uses a runner's natural energy to create a smoother ride and keep all forces moving forward. The newest additions to the Karhu line—the Fast 6 and Fluid 5—put that technology on full display. 

Karhu's new mid-sole innovation reduces the runner’s vertical bounce by 13% over traditional shoes and by 5% over barefoot running shoes. Their continued innovation and honest understanding of running is why we’re excited to bring in the brand starting this July.

“Both Karhu and Fleet Feet Sports share a deep understanding in providing the right fit for every runner, “ said Karhu CEO Huub Valkenburg.

As of late, the brand got a huge jump in recognition after adidas collaborator and artist Kanye West was spotted out in a pair of Karhu Fusion 2.0’s, a shoe from its original lifestyle collection.

“We have been around for 100 years, so I wouldn’t say that our existence is depending on it, but getting a stamp of approval from Kanye West is huge! It is a big compliment for the brand.”, said Karhu’s Global Lifestyle Manager Remko Nouws.

More notable for performance, Karhu's rich history has see the feet of accomplished runners world wide including Paavo Nurmi, Hannes Kolehmainen (the first “Flying Finn”), Ville Ritola (the “Flying Wolf), coach Sir Arthur Lydiard, and even American distance legend Steve Prefontaine.

Read more about Karhu's 100 years of running history here.

Karhu's Fulcrum technology is designed to keep all forces going forward, reducing the braking forces and using your natural energy to create a smoother ride. Come try a pair at either Fleet Feet San Antonio location; at the RIM or the Quarry.