A few weeks ago, it was that time again—buying new running shoes. For years I wore Mizuno. That is until my shoe was discontinued and its replacement just didn't work for me. So I moved on to Saucony. Same story. My shoe was tweaked and just didn't work the same. So, this go-round, I decided to try something different.I was reading my Runner's World April '09 issue and ran across an ad for the Strong Fulcrum Ride by Karhu. Karhu? Never heard of that shoe company. The ad was announcing the shoe had won "Best Debut" from Runner's World. So, I dug out my March issue of RW which had the new spring shoe review. The article featured a couple of Karhu shoes. I've been running for over 20 years, but somehow I've managed to miss this brand. Evidently it's been around since 1916 and is legendary in Finland.
Karhu's unique feature is its Fulcrum Technology. This design is supposed to reduce wasted vertical forces, minimizing the time the heel is on the ground; provide a natural ride and feel through the three phases of the gate cycle—feel, ride, stride; and promote the foot's natural abilities. I've been reading a lot about the benefits of avoiding heel striking and landing on your forefoot instead. Since the Fulcrum Technology helps decrease the time the heel is on the ground, I thought I'd give this brand a try. Plus, the shoes look really cool!
After reading the review of the Karhu Strong Fulcrum Ride and the Fluid Fulcrum Ride, I decided the Fluid best met my needs, and ordered a pair. In a few days I was tearing into the box and slipping on m
y new kicks. They felt really good from the get-go. They have a slightly lower profile than what I'm use to. Due to the Fulcrum Technology, there's not the need for a thick heel. I've run an 8-miler, 5-miler, and 6-miler in my new Karhu's and they feel awesome. Usually there's a "breaking-in" period for me with new shoes, even if it's a new pair of the same brand I've been using. But with my Karhu's, they felt good from the first run. The Fluid Fulcrum Ride is for a neutral runner. It has a cushioned but supportive feel. The toebox is roomy and the heel has a snug fit. It did take me a little while to get use to being lower to the ground, but that soon passed.
y new kicks. They felt really good from the get-go. They have a slightly lower profile than what I'm use to. Due to the Fulcrum Technology, there's not the need for a thick heel. I've run an 8-miler, 5-miler, and 6-miler in my new Karhu's and they feel awesome. Usually there's a "breaking-in" period for me with new shoes, even if it's a new pair of the same brand I've been using. But with my Karhu's, they felt good from the first run. The Fluid Fulcrum Ride is for a neutral runner. It has a cushioned but supportive feel. The toebox is roomy and the heel has a snug fit. It did take me a little while to get use to being lower to the ground, but that soon passed. So, if you're looking to change up your running kicks, give Karhu a try! You'll be pleasantly surprised. Click here to find a dealer near you.
13 comments:
For the past couple of years I've seen these running shoes in magazines but never came across anyone trying them. Now, thanks to you I may give them a try. Thanks for the review. Btw, do they have any kind of mileage limits or anything recommended by the manufacturer that you know of? Good for 13-26 miles? Jim
Hey Jim! Glad you liked the posting. Except for racing flats, I've never really known of mileage limits for any running shoes. I checked the Karhu website and they don't specify anything mileage limits. They do have the shoes divided into "Performance" and "Training" categories. Shoes for training should carry you though any distance runs. Hope this helps. Thanks!
I have a couple pairs of the previous models (M10, M2) and they were great shoes for me: very minimalist, light, responsive ... crazy colors. I tried on the Fluid Fulcrum yesterday and found the fit quite different than those others. There seems to be more padding around the collar and the fit through the arch seemed looser. I may still pick up a pair at some point, but I wasn't as taken by them as I was with the earlier shoes. That said, I've put in plenty of long runs in them, especially the M10 which is basically equivalent to the Fast Fulcrum they have out now. If you're a neutral runner and don't require much support, these will be great for long runs.
Hey Dengaterade! Great to hear from someone who's had more experience with Kahru. Thanks!
Question from a total novice runner: how does pronation figure into the equation for ordering Kahru's or any other shoe (if at all)?
Hi Weatherchaos! Karhu shoes are more for runners with a neutral gate. From what I understand most runners pronate, but it's when you over pronate that you may need a different kind of shoe. If you overpronate, then a stability shoe is probably better suited for you. A former posting titled "Which Shoe Is Right for You?" helps you figure out which kind of shoe you need (neutral, stability, motion control) The follwing link will take you there.
http://ncrunnerdude.blogspot.com/2009/01/which-shoes-right-for-you.html Hope this helps.
those karhu's still working good? I'm currently running in nike zoom vomero 3's, but contemplating checking out other brands on my next go-round. Also, I'm a "bigger" runner (190 lbs), you think the karhu's would hold up? Thanks! And your blog has great info!
Hi Troy! Yep, my Karhus are still working well. Really like them. I think the Fulid Fulcrum Ride that I have would work well with any sized runner as long as they have a neutral stride. If you are an overpronator and need more stability you might want to go with the Karhu Strong Fulcrum Ride. Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Weatherchaos,
I overpronate, & have always had a very difficult time finding shoes that provide the right kind of support (& after finding something which could work, I'd buy several pairs, they would ultimately no longer be made, & then I was back to square one).
I have been stunned by the support offered by the Karhu Stable Fulcrum shoe -- several weeks after first trying them on (& knowing instantly that these were engineered in a way that many shoes are not), I still marvel at the fact that these shoes provide the kind of support & comfort that they do -- I'm sold on these, plan on purchasing several more pairs, am grateful to whoever came up with the overall design specs relevant to the stability features of the shoe, & do hope (albeit perhaps futilely) that they someday allow for less colorful options.
Hi AR! It's great to hear that an overpronator has had the same great experience that I've had as a neutral runner. I agree the colors are a little funky, but they do help spark conversation. LOL! Thanks!
Thanks for pulling this together and sharing!
Thanks for the info-lived, studied, taught English in Finland(Suomi-as Finns call their country)for 6 years.
I have Karhu cross-country Skis -
Karhu is the Finnish word for bear...thanks for the review- I've been running about 8 years-mostly Half Marathons(4 so far in 2010)& 3 Marathons-last '09, using mostly Asics-Kayano(now #16, size 10(2E)for stability)... but would like to try the- is it? strong or stable Fulcrum Ride- cheers jeb3
The Karhu Steady Ride is the only shoe I've found that allows me to run with an extruded disc pinching my L5 nerve root. I needed a stability shoe with lots of cushioning, and I finally found it. The fulcrum allows for a smooth heel strike to toe-off. I've never felt anything like it! Now I just wish they'd make it in Wide!
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