Karhu has a long tradition of running shoe production, made in Finland since the country received its independence from Russia in 1916. Karhu was the preferred running brand of the Flying Finn, Paavo Nurmi, multi Olympic gold medalist and world record holder between 1500 meters and 20 kilometers. The Ikoni 2.0 is a neutral running shoe that manages high mileage, daily training, and some of your faster miles, wherever you do your running. Building on the strengths of round one’s good blend of comfortable upper and generous cushion, the Ikoni 2.0 has a bi-layer mesh, gusseted tongue, sturdy heel counter, and the 1-2 combo of EVA Strobel board and and contoured insole, for a comfortable feel against the foot. The midsole and outersole were perfectly fine on round 1, so why change what ain’t broke? With shoes like this, the Bear should be around for years to come.
Tester: “Great shoe, I had some other Karhu shoes, back in the day… these are better, more high tech…”
Price: $140
Sizes: Men 8–13,14; Women 7–11
Weight: 10.6 oz. (men’s 11); 8.6 oz. (women’s 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation