Did you know that some people consider running a sport? To them, it isn't just something you do as a final, desperate act before the liquor store closes. That amazes us.

We're not alone. Team CSC/SaxoBank has no runners on the payroll. They only have extraordinarily manly bike racers, and they know that running shoes are -- at their most useful -- a fashion accessory. To wit, please take a look at this image from the Champs Elysses upon the completion of the 2008 Tour de France where Carlos Sastre slayed all. The team took a ceremonial victory lap around the world's most famous boulevard, and they did so resplendent in a fresh CSC kit, including a pair of black Karhu M2 running shoes that jumped out at us for their handsomeness.

Who is Karhu? It's a small Finnish company that specializes in running shoes. They've been making shoes since 1916, and they kinda, sorta remind us of Sidi: Their focus is on the high-end, both style-wise and technology-wise. We were especially taken by the look of these M2's when we saw them worn by Team CSC, which is why we decided to bring in a small allotment of them. We wanted a pair for ourselves -- and by extension we figured out customers would be tempted the same.

We could cut and paste the tech text from the Karhu website to tell you how you'll slip these on and obliterate your 10k PR and otherwise get in touch with your inner Steve Prefontaine. (Actually, Karhu will get you in touch with your inner Paavo "Flying Finn" Nurmi). But we're not gonna do that, because we think running-the-sport is a little bit silly, and we recommend instead that you wear these with a pair of jeans and maybe a black Assos DB Activity Polo. Your feet will thank you, and every Scandinavian lovely within 3 zip codes will be pre-disposed, if asked, to meet you for a coffee.