Mestari Classic Blue White

$ 118.00

( / )
Unavailable

Please select all options.

The Return of a Champion: KARHU Launches the Mestari OG with Iconic Finnish OGs

This Fall, KARHU reaches back to the past with the exciting release of the Mestari OG. The original colorway of this beloved silhouette returns to capture a whole new audience of running-culture buffs and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

 Who was the first to use air-cushioning technology in running shoes? During the 1960s and 70s, KARHU pioneered the incorporation of several new synthetic materials and technologies—including nylon and air cushioning—into their running collection. The development of Air Cushion began in the early 70s which led to an official patent being filed in 1976. Then, in 1977, Air Cushion was introduced to the world with a shoe called the Champion. The Champion would go on to become a bestseller for KARHU, selling over 1,000,000 units worldwide at that time, and was eventually renamed the Mestari in honor of their reputation as mestarin jalkinee, “the shoe of champions”. Mestari, the Finnish word for “champion”, is a representation of their success on the feet of Finland’s legendary Flying Finns in international competition.

In launching the Mestari OG, KARHU has recruited the talents of three well-known OGs from our home city of Helsinki. Isa Kukkapuro is the daughter of late Finnish design legend, Yrjö Kukkapuro, and now leads the much-loved Finnish design brand of the same name. EGS is an iconic Finnish artist known for his diverse and dynamic repertoire that has evolved from graffiti to sculpture and blown glass over the years. Rising talent and future OG, Grande Mahogany, rounds out the trio with his talents as a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer. Together, these three legends help tell the story of the Mestari, one of KARHU’s most important silhouettes that helped shape the industry.

Karhu size advice: Order 0.5 size bigger compared to your regular size.