Serious runners and running shoe enthusiasts are already well acquainted with Karhu, being that it is one of the oldest sneaker brands on the map, but for the uninitiated, Finland’s flagship sneaker manufacturer is a legendary name in the world of athletics.

A fixture in the Karhu catalog from 1977 through 1984 the ChampionAir is, at first glance, an ordinary enough silhouette, a nylon/suede racer with an EVA wedge midsole and sawtooth outsole from the days when running shoe technology took its first major strides into the modern era. The ChampionAir is only ordinary though, if you don’t know its background. Not only can it boast the first ever use of air cushioning, but the bright colors utilized by Karhu made the shoe one of the first lifestyle crossover hits in Europe. 

The ChampionAir returns, in full retro glory. But if it’s new to you, experience it for the first time. 

If a size is not listed, it is sold out. 

F805040