Karhu

In 1916, Ab Sportartiklar Oy opened a workshop in Helsinki, producing skis, javelins, and discuses from birch, and later running shoes worn by athletes like Ville Ritola and Hannes Kolehmainen. In 1920, the company rebranded as Karhu, meaning "bear" in Finnish. The Flying Finns, particularly Paavo Nurmi, gained fame in Karhu footwear, with Nurmi winning nine Olympic gold medals.