Footwear

Fusion from Finland – New Karhu at Fresh

Good things come to those who wait is a phrase various credited to everyone from Jesus Christ himself to Abraham Lincoln. No matter who first uttered this sage statement, it’s something that rings true on a daily basis for many of us.

When calling to mind nations in a hurry, Finland isn’t up there. It’s perhaps no surprise then, that the location for this latest Karhu shoot was 22 years in the making, from start to finish. Not quite Spanish levels of maƱana, but still a long time to wait. Thankfully, the Kaisaniemi Garden attraction is now open to the public and has been for the last 12 years proving the aforementioned quote quite correct. Good things do come, eventually.

Its greenhouse is home to more than 800 species of plant, providing shelter from the long Finnish winters as well as doubling up as a nice spot to take some photographs of this attractive species of trainers.

The Karhu Fusion 2.0 is probably the nicest of their offering. The bulky sole and unashamed use of colour always sits well on this silhouette. Karhu itself is a Finnish institution that has been around for a long time. Originally founded in 1916 as Oy Urheilutarpeita (catchy!), it eventually rebranded as Karhu, the Finnish word for bear, a name it shares with a native beer brand. Trainers and beer named after bears. What’s not to love.

You may be the type to remain loyal to the three stripes and in fact unaware Karhu owned that particular trademark back in the day. Regardless of that historical nugget, it’s worth taking another look at Karhu when you’re choosing your summer sneaker of choice.

See all Karhu at Fresh.

Mark Smith

I had pizza for tea.

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