This $200 Kailas Fuga trail shoe feels like a super trainer for technical ultras

Introduction to the Kailas Fuga EX330

RENEE: I didn’t know much about Kailas as a brand when this shoe arrived, so I had to put on my detective hat. To the internet we go! My non-AI overview, compiled from their website, is that the brand focuses on climbing and outdoor gear, with trail running innovation starting in 2016. I’ll say the quality and innovation are apparent just by looking at this shoe.

A side note: I also received the Fuga Air 7 running vest at the same time, and as much as I love a running vest, I had a few fit issues with it. The vest has a front pocket specifically made for lipstick, which, to be honest, was a bit confusing and off-putting for me. I’ve developed a new appreciation for facial glitter while on the trails, so maybe one day I’ll decide to refresh my lipstick while running. I probably need to actually purchase lipstick first, but never say never.

Anyway, this is a shoe review, so let’s dig into the Fuga EX330, a shoe with numerous features that set it apart from the hundreds (literally) of trail shoes I’ve reviewed over the past several years.

What we like about the Kailas Fuga EX330

RENEE: Quality? Check. Every detail of the EX330 is clearly thought out. Let’s start with the midsole. If you complain about EVA on trails and are seeking more excitement underfoot, here you go. There’s no plate, and the shoe doesn’t need it. The midsole is extremely protective, comfortable, and responsive. If you scour the internet for videos showing how a midsole compresses, you’ll likely see how soft and responsive the EX330 looks.

At my size (probably 125 lbs at the moment), I don’t feel that compression, but the midsole still feels soft and comfortable without affecting the responsiveness. I don’t know what else to say other than the midsole is premium as premium can feel on the trails without being unstable.

Speaking of trails, the shoe is meant for technical terrain. The lugs are 6mm along the edge and 4mm in the middle. If you want traction and grip, you’ve got it. The forefoot platform is wide with a narrowing midfoot section. Along with the flex lines across the outsole, the shoe runs much more nimble than I expected from a shoe with this much stack height.

Given the stack height, the shoe has comfort on sections of moderate/easy trail, too. Normally, with such deep lugs, a shoe can be uncomfortable on both hard and easy terrain, but this one has plenty of cush.

Moving up, we have a protective mesh material with some breathability. The quick-lace system is Salomon-esque, with a secure fit. I prefer a narrow heel and midfoot hold with a roomy (but not sloppy) forefoot and toe box. Check, check, and check here. For sizing, I suggest the same size as any Salomon S/lab shoe, using EU sizing instead of US.

What we don’t like about the Kailas Fuga EX330

RENEE: The second generation of the EX330 is supposed to be lighter than the previous generation, which I did not review. Lighter is better, but the shoe is not at all lightweight. There are a lot of design elements, and as I said, the shoe is of quality.

At some point, though, the shoe feels over-designed. The lateral side has an open eyelet/hook instead of a hole, which I assume prevents any lace bite on the foot. There’s a four-point gaiter attachment, which seems excessive. The quick-lace system is cumbersome to tuck into the lace pocket, an issue I have with most Salomon S/lab shoes as well.

While the midsole is responsive and protective, it’s a lot of shoe for my size. The stack might be needed for ultra distances on technical terrain to save the forefoot, but with this much height, there’s no ground feel. The shoe is stable with great traction, but without ground feel, I need to be careful and completely sure-footed on technical descents. As with sizing in Salomon S/lab shoes, I suggest going down half a size if you’re using US sizing. I have a good fit with the shoe, but it’s just a bit too long.

Final thoughts on the Kailas Fuga EX330

RENEE: The shoe reminds me of a mesh between the Salomon S/lab Genesis and the new Pulsar, but completely beefed up. Consider the Fuga EX330 to be those two shoes on performance-enhancing drugs, with all of the pros and cons that I assume go along with PEDs, but I don’t know because that’s not my thing. Compared to those two shoes, the EX330 midsole feels more premium, and its outsole is more technical. If you like those shoes but want more cushion and more responsiveness, along with a more aggressive outsole, this is your shoe.

My only real complaint about the shoe is the weight. The Fuga EX330 is better suited to technical terrain than other super trail shoes, largely because of its outsole. This is one of the most responsive and comfortable midsoles I’ve ever worn for technical terrain. At $200, the price puts this shoe in the category of several $250 shoes, so just know the purpose of the shoe is clearly ultra distances on technical terrain.

You can pick up the Kailas Fuga EX330 for $200 from Kailas by using the buttons below.