Finnair has teamed up with iconic Finnish footwear and apparel brand Karhu to design an exclusive sneaker for its ground and air crew.

The new centenary sneaker has been designed with both comfort and style in mind, and reinforces Finnair’s commitment to the well-being of its staff.

Named the ‘Finnair Mestari Control sneaker’, the shoe combines black synthetic-suede uppers with dark-blue detailing in a look that complements the sleek Nordic-inspired design of Finnair’s uniforms.  

Originally released in the 1970s as a running shoe, Karhu’s Mestari shoe quickly became popular for its classic style, durable construction, and lasting comfort.

Karhu is the first sports brand to have patented air-cushion technology, and Mestari was the first shoe to feature it.

As an aviation spin on a classic design, the Finnair Mestari Control’s midsole features an Air Cushion unit for comfort and stability, while an OrthoLite® footbed provides an extra layer of protection and softness underfoot.

Finnish designer and frequent Karhu collaborator Sasu Kauppi has added special details in the tongue label, the footbed, and on the shoebox.

The Karhu brand grabbed international attention in the 1920s through Finnish athlete Paavo Nurmi. Controversy arose when Nurmi wore white Karhu shoes during the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, which were then considered inappropriate because of their colour. 

Widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, Nurmi won a total of 12 Olympic medals between 1920 and 1928. Nurmi’s success and his bold style helped to build Karhu’s reputation as a leader in sports footwear. 

The Finnair Mestari Control sneakers will be available for Finnair employees exclusively from the start of the autumn season.

Whether in the air or on the ground, many aviation jobs demand a lot of standing and walking. It’s not uncommon for a member of Cabin Crew to walk five kilometres or more during a typical 12-hour flight in the air. Meanwhile, on the ground, some airport gates can be situated a significant distance from main airport buildings, which means long walks for operating crew.

These all take their toll and can add up to long days standing and walking. Finnair’s collaboration with Karhu highlights the importance of practicality and comfort, ensuring crew can stay in step during the Nordic carrier’s busy centenary.