Karhu running shoes are now available to the triathlon market after 90 years of running shoe innovation. Karhu introduces the high-performance M-Series running shoes with ACS technology. This Anotomic Controlling System (ACS) uses a patented horizontal mid-sole element that promotes and supports a more efficient stride.

When compared with current running shoe technologies like spot cushioning and vertical posting, the ACS system proves superior in every phase of the runners stride:

- During the impact phase of the stride, Karhu’s ACS Movement Control and Impact Balance components spread the impact load over the entire heel area without interrupting the runners stride. Using Paromed ™sensor insoles to measure the impact, Karhu shoes reduced shock absorption up to 34% in the heel.

- During the rolling phase, the ACS Mid-Sole construction ensures the kinetic forces are not lost allowing the runner to roll over the shoe’s fulcrum point faster. When tested using Force Plates to quantify, the rolling phase of Karhu shoes proved shorter and more balanced and when compared with competitors top running shoes.

- During the exertion phase, Karhu’s unique hourglass front cushioning element better supports the metatarsal bones where pressure is highest and avoids soreness caused by traditional cushioning design.

Because of these overall advantages, Karhu shoes are not only the fastest rolling from the heel strike through the exertion phase of the stride but can actually lower the runner’s heart rate up to 4 beats per minute and decrease oxygen consumption by 4%.

Despite having been the first to use air cushioning and posting as early as 1972, Karhu abandoned these features in the late 80’s to focus on the rolling motion of the foot and in 1988 launched their Fulcrum technology. In collaboration with the world famous University of Jyväskylä Fulcrum leapfrogged conventional thinking and vastly improved the efficiency of runners wearing Karhu shoes. Building on that success, Karhu introduces the high-performance M-Series running shoes with ACS technology.