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.

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's 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, our 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.