Karhu (sports brand)

Karhu (Finnish: Bear) is the name of a Finnish sports equipment manufacturer. Owner since 2008, Karhu Holding B. V.

History

The company was founded in 1916 under the name From sports artiklar Oy. In the 1920s, the name was changed to Karhu. It was produced at this time in Porvoo and Helsinki, mainly discuses and javelins, but also running shoes. The antretenden with the company's products was Olympic champion athletes Jonni Myyrä from the flying finns mentioned javelin team that took the first four places at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

In the 1930s, the product range has been changed and extended. Paavo Nurmi also belonged now to the appointed by Karhu athletes.

During the Second World War Karhu produced uniforms, tents, skis and boots for the Finnish Army. After the war, sporting goods were restored. At the 1952 Olympics Karhu was one of the most important sports shoe manufacturer. The typical three stripes that adorned the products were sold as brand of Adidas, according to the company for around 1600 euros and two bottles of whiskey. The running shoes from Karhu will henceforth, the initials of the designer Mäntylä, marked with M.

In 1965, nylon is used for the shoes. In the 1970s, the Air cushion system is introduced. From the Champion shoe over 1,000,000 pairs are sold. In the 1980s, developed the Karhu Fulcrum system for its running shoes.

In the 1990s, the outdoor division Merrell has been sold. In 2008 the company was acquired by an investor group. In 2009, the Karhu strong fulcrum ride- shoe the Runner's World Best debut award won:

Famous athletes

Among the successful with the company's products include athletes Jonni Myyrä, Urho Peltonen, Pekka Johansson, Julius Saaristo, Paavo Nurmi, Olavi Suomalainen, Harri and Marja -Liisa Kirvesniemi Kirvesniemi and Normann Stadler.