Finnish Running Brand, Karhu Unveils Spring '09 at The Running Event

Beverly, MA (November 18, 2008) – KARHU unveiled the new Spring 2009 line of running footwear at The Running Event in Dallas, TX. The line is engineered to deliver a Natural Ride and Feel™ powered by its patented Fulcrum™ technology and made its preview retail launch at Luke’s Locker in Dallas, Texas, a premier running specialty chain. With a limited edition collection honoring Finland and four new models for women and men, KARHU delivers a collection for all runners available March 1st at select specialty retailers.

“KARHU is an authentic specialty running brand so it is important for us to have them on our wall,” stated Luke’s Locker President Matt Lucas. “KARHU provides us with a unique brand and product story to sell our customers and has delivered the support we need to create sell-through. I am extremely pleased with our partnership and with the execution by the KARHU team since they purchased the brand earlier this year.”

KARHU CEO Huub Valkenberg commented, “We sincerely appreciate the partnership with Lukes Locker team and will emulate their success with select running specialty dealers in the Spring. The KARHU story appeals to runners with its authenticity and is dedicated to specialty running. ”

The all-new Spring 2009 models in the Stability and Neutral categories promote a Natural Ride and Feel™ for all running types. All models are inspired by Finnish design and are engineered with the patented Fulcrum technology. KARHU’s Fulcrum technology promotes the foot’s natural abilities in three fluid movements through the phases of the gait cycle. This Fulcrum-enhanced transition reduces wasteful vertical forces and promotes an efficient gait cycle creating the Natural Ride. KARHU introduces its new M-TREAD outsole inspired by the legendary originals of the 1980s and available on all its Stability models.

The Stability Collection showcases a new asymmetrically engineered support Fulcrum midsole and midfoot plate integrated to naturally guide the foot to neutral and provide torsional stability. This collection is led by the STRONG fulcrum_RIDE delivering a high-end performance stability ride with an advanced and lightweight carbon fiber plate and retails for $139.99. The STABLE fulcrum_RIDE is built for everyday use and delivers great stability with a Hytrel plate (a highly engineered plastic) and the new stability midsole fulcrum retailing for $119.99.

The Neutral Collection showcases a symmetrically engineered neutral fulcrum midsole for efficient running and biomechanics. This collection is led by the FAST fulcrum_RIDE, a performance shoe powered by a lightweight fulcrum that allows the runner to run with less effort and weight and retails for $129.99. The FLUID fulcrum_RIDE is built for runners seeking additional cushioning features while still promoting an efficient heel-to-toe transition and retails for $109.99.

Visit KARHU.COM to find out more about Karhu.

About KARHU

Born in 1916, KARHU is Finland’s legendary running brand. Meaning “bear” in Finnish, KARHU has an authentic heritage in running and a deep connection to the outdoors. KARHU follows the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity in providing technical running and outdoor gear for nearly 100 years. KARHU shoes have been worn on the feet of some of the greatest Finnish runners, including Boston Marathon champion Olavi Suomalainen, and Paavo Nurmi, giving rise to the Flying Finns. Engineering innovative product that promotes a “Natural Ride and Feel”™ through the patented Fulcrum™ technology, KARHU footwear products are sold globally by specialty retailers. KARHU is owned by KARHU Holding B.V. and designs, markets and distributes KARHU branded products. For more information about KARHU, visit www.karhu.com.