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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness and positive attitude, making interactions pleasant and productive. Many people highlight the exceptional customer service, appreciating the personalized and understanding approach when issues arise. The quality of the products is frequently noted as excellent, with many consumers finding the shoes comfortable, well-built, and durable. However, some people were dissatisfied with the product, experiencing issues such as dye bleed, holes after limited use, or sizing inconsistencies. A few other people also felt that the response times from customer service were slow or that their inquiries were not adequately addressed, leading to frustration with returns or exchanges.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers had ambiguous experiences with product. Many reviewers praised the comfort, design, and durability... See more

Customer service

Users describe positive interactions with customer service. Many customers praise the excellent, prompt, and... See more

Quality

Reviewers mention positive feedback about quality. Many customers praise the comfort and durability of the... See more

Staff

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of staff. Customers consistently praise the customer service team for... See more

Response time

People report ambiguous experiences with response times. Many customers praise the quick, clear, and helpful... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I love Karhu shoes, they are very comfortable, great designs and they are built to last. I also had a really good response from customer services when I contacted them about a small issue with my most... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently received a pair of Karhu shoes with a small factory defect, and I reached out to their customer service. From the very first response, Markus handled everything with care, professiona... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’d had several pairs of trainers from Karhu in the past. I bought a pair of Legacy 96 in October 2024, and had worn them fairly regularly before a fault saw the toebox split from the sole in Septembe... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was really happy with my purchase. Unfortunately when I wore my trainers and it rained there was some dye bleed into the uppers. I contacted customer service and they sent out a replacement pair.... See more


Company details

  1. Shoe Factory
  2. Sportwear Manufacturer

Written by the company

Karhu, founded in 1916 in Helsinki, known for their running shoes and lifestyle sneakers.


Contact info

4.2

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

152 reviews

5-star
4-star
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2-star
1-star

Replied to 44% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was really happy with my purchase

I was really happy with my purchase. Unfortunately when I wore my trainers and it rained there was some dye bleed into the uppers. I contacted customer service and they sent out a replacement pair. This was done efficiently and communication was always with the same person. This is so rare these days.

The trainers are really comfortable and true to size.

April 10, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

OK here’s my review: DO NOT BUY ONLINE

OK here’s my review: DO NOT BUY ONLINE!

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction regarding my recent online purchase and the subsequent refund process.

After eagerly awaiting my order, I found that they weren’t as expected (style and size). Already disappointed I decided to accept the financial hit of return postage costs AND an exorbitant $10 "restocking fee." and initiated a refund request, clinging to the false hope that this would be a straightforward process.

Despite receiving a notification that my request was "under review," I have yet to receive a single response, acknowledgment, or even a simple "we're working on it" email. After nearly a week of radio silence and multiple unanswered follow-up emails, my disappointment has left me no choice to express my serious frustration over what should be a simple matter.

So if you buy online forget changing your mind. Once the package is delivered, consider yourself permanently stuck with the unwanted merchandise.

My only recourse at this point is to warn potential customers: if you have ANY hesitation about an online purchase, DO NOT PROCEED. Their so-called "online policy" appears to be a fabrication, designed to mislead and deceive.

And the $10 "restocking" fee! It's clear that this is just another tactic to discourage refunds and squeeze customers. Why do tehy need to charge $10 to put a box back on the shelf!

Given the trust we put into online companies and how most operate today, your complete lack of communication and utter disregard for my refund request is completely unacceptable. This level of neglect is not only frustrating but also a blatant demonstration of your contempt for your customers.

I now feel I need to file an official complaint with the attorney general's office for your false, misleading, and deceptive online practices.

On top of that they deleted my initial review that I submitted so it's nowhere to be seen!

fyi this is what I order: fusion-2-0-bright-white-evening-primrose?variant=43033790808255

April 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really positive customer service experience (despite my mistakes!)

I'm not sure if there's been a change in the way Karhu approach customer service since some of these 1* reviews were made, but my experience was great.

Ordered two pairs of shoes with different sizes. Sent one pair for return, and thought I'd put the incorrect receipt in. Emailed customer service, and Markus' reply was prompt, cheery, and calming, confirming I would still get my refund.

I then realised I'd actually put *no* receipt in the box. Even though this was my mistake, I was still refunded for the shoes, no problem.

Yes, there was a £5 charge for the refund, but I think that's okay (maybe we've got a bit too used to totally free refunds these days).

I found the customer service excellent. I can't comment on the quality/longevity of the shoes, as I've only just bought them.

I had to go a size up from my usual size but this was clearly stated on the website, so I didn't find the sizing misleading at all.

April 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding customer service – truly impressed!

I recently received a pair of Karhu shoes with a small factory defect, and I reached out to their customer service. From the very first response, Markus handled everything with care, professionalism, and empathy.

He immediately acknowledged the issue, offered me a refund or a replacement, and had the new pair shipped out the same day—no hassle, no back-and-forth. Just honest, human service the way it should be.

It’s rare to see this level of commitment to customer satisfaction. Mistakes can happen, but it’s how a company deals with them that truly shows their quality. In this case, Karhu went above and beyond.

Highly recommend—five stars without hesitation!

April 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No refund

Horrible. Sizing is wrong and they won’t refund the money only partially. They won’t refund shipping cost and they deduct 5 euro more for every return doesn’t matter if you send it back in perfect condition.. prohibitive.

April 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Karhu logo

Reply from Karhu

Dear recipient, we of course never aim to displease our customers and if you feel slighted, then we apologize.

In terms of sizing, we can only give an estimate when it always of course can differ between individuals.

On our returns page all is clearly stated what is charged for the return, if this has been missed or not understood then we're sorry and will look to have it better worded.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

customer support and return

The customer support has always been active, efficient, and polite. Recently I bought my second Sneaker from the company. I had to change the shoes, but the whole process went smoothly, the money was returned, and in parallel I ordered another piece, which fits well.

April 2, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Genuinely horrible customer service

Genuinely horrible customer service. I'm actually blown away by how bad it is. I made my first direct purchase from the site using the first time discount. At NO POINT during the transaction was I made aware that the purchase would be final sale. Received the shoes and wanted to return them only to be fed a contradictory return policy. Here's the verbatim text that accompanied the denial of my return request: "Products purchased at a discounted price can / will be accepted, but all return shipping costs are to be paid by the recipient." According to this I should be allowed to return. I was not given a reason for the denial.

I pointed out that the return policy seemed to contradict itself and was promptly ghosted. They literally just never responded to my email. The worst part is that before this transpired I actually purchased a second pair in the interim that I wanted to keep, and even that wasn't enough to get them to work with me. I guess the goal isn't to retain customers - what other reason would there be to prevent someone from returning their very first order? I was shocked to find out that these items were final sale - why not disclose this before the transaction is completed? This feels quite predatory, especially given the response (or lack thereof) from customer service. Is this company going under? Are they that desperate for revenue that their preference is sticking customers with unwanted merchandise? This has totally altered my perception of the brand for the worse.

April 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Karhu logo

Reply from Karhu

Hi!
I am so sorry to hear about this, and am sure there must be some mixup somewhere.

Would it be possible for you to write us at support@karhu.com with more detailed information so that we can go through the process and see where it's gone wrong and make it up to you?

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Top-notch customer service

Markus helped me with my broken product. Everything went smoothly and the service is top notch. To the complainers give companies some time not everything has to be done in fracture of second.

April 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Markus!!

After few weeks waiting to receive a credit for return, I was assisted by Markus. I really appreciate the way he explained the problem, his attitude and even more the fact that 2 days after speaking with him, the credit was on my account.

@Karhu, keep this employee happy because he really cares!

April 2, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Avoid ordering from Karhu

Avoid ordering from Karhu. No return label, instructions in the pack are directly misleading (they ask you to create your own return label in these terms: "For the return label you will need your order number (example order number: SO1234567)". This does not work, with the website saying that all items for this order are already registered. The customer service on the phone then say you should use a different number instead, and deny that the instructions are wrong. Once you then try to use the (secret) correct number, the system allows you to insert your reason for the return, then fails to display any options for the method of the return, freezing above a black box. Fortunately I had stayed on the line and demanded that they email me the return label – but essentially, the only way to get a return label is to waste a lot of time on queuing and then persuading the recalcitrant customer service on the phone that their instructions are as incompetent as they are. And from the other reviews, I can see that they still tend to fail to make the actual return payment, so it will probably have to be a regulatory complaint to get any money back. What a mess.

November 20, 2024
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely terrible customer service

Absolutely terrible customer service. If you're thinking of purchasing anything from Karhu think again and purchase through a proper retailer that distributes their products. Due to a mix up with a birthday present I'm left with 2 x pairs of trainers and it's impossible to get a response from them.

October 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

It's really an absolute mess

It's really an absolute mess. Bought some trainers and did not receive an invoice. Asked the support for it. Waiting for weeks, nothing happens. Nice wear, customer support is a catastrophe.

September 2, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AVOID ordering anything directly from…

AVOID ordering anything directly from Karhu. Poor customer service and communication. I sent my trainers back for refund the day after they arrived as they were too big. I was told I’d have to wait up to 30 days for a refund. It’s been over that time now and I’m still waiting, dispute contacting them several times to chase. They have stopped replying to my messages. I can see that they have been delivered back from the tracking.

July 3, 2024
Unprompted review

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