Whilst technology and innovation are very much part of Karhu's DNA, there's a unique consideration for quality that has gained the respect of many: Karhu’s history and heritage inform today’s product range, presenting a fresh take on modern essentials.
The story of the Karhu Trampas starts in the 1960s when it was presented as one of the first running shoes that had been designed with training in mind. Back then, the market for performance running footwear was still in its infancy, yet despite the primary focus of most brands being on competition, Karhu saw the need to create a silhouette that was suitable for everyday training too.
The Trampas was presented in two variants; an athletic performance edition which featured the iconic M-logo, and an alternative version which utilised a form stripe for support and a deluxe leather lining that offered superior levels of comfort. It was this alternative version that cemented the Trampas’s status as a shoe that could be worn casually as part of everyday attire.
After a successful re-introduction in 2019 via popular collaboration projects with Amsterdam-based skate label Pop Trading Company and Seattle-based retailer LIKELIHOOD, the Karhu Trampas returns with four new iterations of the shoe. Introducing cow suede uppers and luxe leather linings to the classic Trampas silhouette, the footwear line is presented alongside a capsule collection of apparel that has been inspired by the casual nature of the original Trampas design.
With Karhu’s archive as the starting point, the collection features a tonal colour palette and high-quality material executions. Unstructured wool caps, heavyweight raglan sleeve crew neck sweats, shorts and a classic coach jacket adorned with chenille applique branding appear alongside terry cloth crew socks, short sleeve t-shirts and a handy tote bag.
Karhu is launching The Trampas SS21 Capsule Collection on Friday the 23rd of April at select retailers worldwide, KARHU.COM, the Karhu Store Helsinki and the Karhu Pop-up Store Verona.
Creative Direction, production and copywriting by GENERATION.works / @Generation.works Photography by Hollie Fernando / @holliefernando Videography by Luke Miller / @lukesmiler Styling by Lottie Warren / @lottiewarren Models courtesy of Contact Agency / @contact.models MUA by Michele Moody
In the mid-1960s, “training” shoes didn’t exist. Track and field athletes demanded a shoe they could do their everyday training runs in, so Karhu developed the Trampas.
