Zack Schlemmer 
Finnish sneaker brand Karhu honors one of their nation’s greatest athletes ever with a special colorway of the Synchron Classic for Paavo Nurmi. Nurmi, a middle distance runner who was active during the early 20th century, is one of the most dominant athletes in Olympic history, one of only two track and field athletes to win nine Olympic gold medals. Known as the “Flying Finn”, he also set an astounding 22 world records during his racing days, participating at distances between 1,500 meters and 20,000 meters. With nine gold medals and three silver medals, Nurmi is the most decorated track and field athlete in the history of the Olympics.
Karhu celebrates their 100th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of the Paavo Nurmi Games—a track and field event that attracts top international talent to Nurmi’s hometown of Turku, Finland—with a very special edition of the Synchron Classic in premium black and white leather and mesh. The colorway is inspired by Nurmi’s choice to wear white Karhu track spikes when all other runners of his time wore standard black footwear. Additional details include a rubberized heel panel with Nurmi’s signature, an injected rubber treatment to the tongue, and graphic insoles highlighting his Olympic accomplishments and medals won.
The Paavo Nurmi edition of the Karhu Synchron classic releases May 13th at Karhu stockists worldwide.
