Since the mid 1980s, running shoe innovator Karhu and the University of Jyväskylä (UoJ), Finland-based sports and fitness research institute, have worked together to advance running shoe technology. Fulcrum, a patented technology that promotes a foot and shoe collaboration with the body was the result of more than two decades of rigorous testing. It was introduced this year in Karhu’s new running shoe line.

Now, the two organisations are to delve deeper into this and other technologies that can improve efficiency and performance by working in harmony with the natural biomechanics and physiology of runners.

“Research on runners using the Fulcrum technology showed significant, measurable results in lowering heart rate and decreasing oxygen consumption,” said Huub Valkenburg, CEO, Karhu. “Our partnership with the UoJ provides us with additional critical information that could essentially change the way we look at running performance. It’s conceivable that this research yields shoes that can significantly alter our notion of what is possible for the distance runner.”

Founded in 1934, the University of Jyväskylä has one of the most extensive neuromuscular research centres in the world and is the only academic institution in Finland educating experts in the field of sport and health sciences. Biologists in the Physical Activity Department put athletes through rigorous tests in a variety of conditions while wearing different types of footwear.

“The department of biology of physical activity has a long history of working with Karhu,” said Janne Avela, vice head of the Department of Physical Activity, UoJ. “We look forward to our continued involvement in this research and with the Karhu engineering team.”