Category: Running (neutral, racing)
Best For: Competitive runners looking for a go-to shoe for racing and training at faster speeds
Key Feature: Karhu’s Fulcrum technology; light weight neutral cushioning
Weight: 7.6 ounces
The Finnish brand Karhu (meaning “bear”) has been making performance running shoes for almost a century now, with some great additions to the market in the last few seasons alone. This spring, the company updated their popular Flow trainer with two separate models to continue the “Flow” namesake. These were the Flow Trainer (review coming soon) and the Flow Light featured here.
The Flow Light promised to be a great update from previous Flow models, as it aligned more with my preferred style of running shoe than some older Karhus. The brand only recently began to move away from greater heel-to-toe offsets and heavier cushioning than that of many competitors, and the resulting shoe was the Flow Light. This model features a light-weight, low-profile design with only a 7mm differentiation between heel and toe, thus improving mid-foot strike tendency while keeping their famous Fulcrum technology.
The runner performs well at a variety of speeds, from moderate paced long runs to fast fartlek on the road, and works with the body’s natural mechanics rather than against them. The ride is firm and fast with little left to the imagination in terms of ground-feel, but still offers adequate cushioning for longer training sessions and races. While a bit heavier than many traditional “racing flats”, the Flow Light would serve the competitive runner well in races from 10K-Marathon; over-pronators or heavier runners would enjoy the Flow Light for any racing endeavor, making it a versatile shoe for all.
The Flow Light comes in spring-appropriate color-ways for both men and women. Karhus have traditionally had rather insulated uppers, making them great winter shoes but a bit warm in the summer. The Flow Light breathes very well and I did not notice such heat production with this model. The upper is very comfortable with no irritating seams or liners; I have not worn them sockless, but I think many runners could get away with the practice if desired.
Durability and thin outsole materials may be the only drawbacks to the Flow Light. As of this writing, I have logged approximately 80mls in the shoes with minimal wear to the outsole, but knowing how similarly built shoes fair over the long haul, I would say this one should retire after 350-400mls of road running.
The only specific issue I have had with the shoe may have been pure happenstance. I was running on a packed limestone trail one day in the Flow Light, and suddenly felt something stab me in the bottom of the foot. I stopped for a second, and nothing was visibly stuck in the outsole, but every time I took a step I felt something stab into my foot. Well, it turns out a tiny, sharp pebble had pierced the outsole and was sticking me from the midsole of the shoe through the insert… a clean penetration of the material. This was a quick fix, but it did make me hesitant to run over rocky ground in them again.
Bottom Line: In conclusion, the Flow Light was definitely one of my favorite shoes of the spring, and my favorite Karhu to date. If you weren’t a fan of their older designs, I strongly suggest you giving these kicks a try. They would make a great marathon racer or flat for those looking for a go-fast road shoe for long intervals, tempo runs, and impromptu fartlek when one is pressed for time. With a comfortable upper, sleek design, and adequate cushion to go the distance, the Karhu Flow Light may be the perfect summer shoe for you.
Peyton Hoyal is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, GA where he was a 2009 NAIA Track & Field All-American. Working as a high school teacher and coach in Blowing Rock, NC, Peyton still competes at a high level today and has aspirations to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials, pursue races in the mountain/trail arena, and help others achieve their goals in the sport.
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