1950's Partly because of the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and due to its technical expertise, Karhu becomes one of the true sports equipment producers and earns its international reputation as the leading manufacturer of athletic shoes. Somewhere round the 50´s Karhu sells its three stripes trademark to one nowadays well known man who´s sport brand also uses the same trademark. The price they got was two bottles of good whiskey and about 1600 euros. 1960's The era of internationalization; Karhu becomes a well-known trademark for athletic shoes for top runners worldwide. The shoe factory moves to Askola. The famous M-symbol, the sign of the Mäntylä brothers, the designers of Karhu, is made official and the only trademark used in running shoes. In 1965 Karhu is the first manufacturer using nylon widely in its running shoes. 1970's Karhu buys the trademark Titan, which produces downhill skis, ice-hockey sticks and skates. Many technical innovations still in use today were born in Askola. For example in 1970 Karhu´s product development department invents the air cushion system. Karhu AirCushion® is commercialized 1976 as the first air cushion system in the world. It is still one of the best structures for absorbing shock and providing support.