- Men's sneakers and shoes
- KARHU
- Karhu Mestari 76
- Karhu Mestari 76 Boulder/ Jet Black
5 Color Options
Returns within 30 days
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Karhu Mestari 76
Finnish Legend from 1976 with Patented Air Cushioning - Karhu Mestari 76
Karhu Mestari 76 belongs to the lifestyle category – it is one of the historically most significant silhouettes of the Finnish brand Karhu, now reimagined for everyday wear.
History: The Shoe That Introduced Air Cushioning Before the Competition
The Mestari model was first introduced in 1976 and quickly became a trusted choice for performance athletes. Crucially, the Mestari was among the very first shoes in the world to feature air cushioning technology in the sole – at a time when this concept was just emerging in the running shoe market. Since then, the silhouette has maintained its position as one of the most recognizable models in Karhu's history and today returns as an updated retro sneaker that combines vintage character with modern comfort.
Technology and Materials
The Mestari 76 remains true to its original technical foundation, adapted for today's wear:
- Patented Air Cushion System: Air cushioning in the heel, which the shoe was among the first on the market to introduce – ensures a soft yet stable impact with every step.
- Suede Overlays and Organic Cotton: The combination of materials gives the shoe a distinctive vintage look while maintaining durability.
- Foam Insole with Arch Support: Ensures comfort for all-day wear.
Who the Model is For
The Mestari 76 is for you if you are looking for a retro shoe with a genuine technological reference from the 1970s – ideal for lovers of archival silhouettes and vintage running aesthetics for everyday wear.

Materials
The Finnish Bear Who Taught the World to Run - Karhu
Looking for sneakers with an authentic story that combine Nordic minimalism and cutting-edge sports technology? Finnish brand Karhu (which means "bear" in Finnish) is one of the oldest and most respected names in the world of sport. Founded in 1916 in Helsinki, it has managed to outfit Olympic champions and define modern streetwear in its more than 100-year history. If you want shoes that aren't just another mass trend, but carry a piece of history and unique design, Karhu is the right choice for you.
An innovation once owned by adidas
The Karhu brand has always been one step ahead. Did you know it was this Finnish legend that originally owned the iconic three stripe logo? It was later sold to the adidas brand for an amount that today would be equivalent to a few thousand crowns and two bottles of good whisky. Karhu then focused on developing its own technologies, such as the revolutionary Fulcrum system. This technology harnesses the body's natural energy to move more efficiently, and to this day makes Karhu sneakers one of the most comfortable shoes for everyday wear and sport.
From the running trails to the forefront of streetwear
Today, Karhu rules the streets with its iconic models from the Legend line, such as the Aria, Fusion 2.0 and Legacy 96. These silhouettes masterfully combine a retro '90s aesthetic with premium materials - from soft suede to technical mesh. What really sets Karhu apart is their eye for colour. Inspired by Finnish nature, forests and lakes, the colour combinations are so unique you'll know them at a glance. It's the perfect choice for those who embrace the "if you know, you know" style - fashion for connoisseurs who value quality and tradition over fleeting hype.
What if my shoes won't fit?
If you receive the wrong size, you can return it easily. Please visit our Return page for assistance. UK-based customers: In order to continue to provide high-quality and easy returns, and to partially cover the costs associated with returns, we will deduct a small fee of 2 GBP from the refund. More info
How to return damaged goods?
First, please read our return policy, where you’ll find all the rights and responsibilities of both the buyer and the vendor. More info




