Karhu

Karhu is Finnish for "bear", and the brand began in Helsinki in 1916 making track spikes and skis from local birch. Its spikes went to the 1920 Olympics, and it became Finland's official equipment provider. It also sold its three-stripe trademark to Adidas for two bottles of whisky, plus some cash. The M symbol comes from "Mestari", meaning champion. In the 1970s Karhu pioneered a patented Air Cushion midsole, and later developed Fulcrum technology, a midsole designed to move the foot forward. The range includes the Fusion 2.0 and Aria 95, plus running shoes like the Ikoni and Mestari Run. Urban Industry says the Fusion 2.0 and Aria 95 run slightly small, so try half a size up.