The Kailas Fuga Ex 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Kailas Fuga EX 3 is a versatile off-road trail shoe designed for durability and stability. Its notable 13.7 mm drop makes it ideal for heel strikers who prioritize cushioning in their runs.

Lab tests revealed the shoe features a robust Vibram outsole, contributing to its rugged design. However, the lower energy return may not meet the needs of runners seeking a performance-oriented experience.

For those who appreciate durability and distinctive design elements, the Kailas Fuga EX 3 presents a compelling option in the trail shoe category.


Pros

  • Excellent Vibram outsole
  • All-around durability
  • Stable ride
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Well-designed upper
  • Versatile for various terrain
  • Good option outside mainstream brands
  • Elastic lacing system

Cons

  • Poor energy return
  • Higher drop than stated
  • Not for those with wide feet
  • High price for its performance

Key Features

  • Vibram Megagrip outsole: Provides unparalleled grip on wet and slippery surfaces, enhancing your safety during runs.
  • Increased forefoot and heel width: The forefoot width has been increased by 4% and the heel width by 15%, offering a more comfortable fit and reducing foot fatigue.
  • Upgraded EVA midsole: Features a 20% rebound improvement for lightweight cushioning, which enhances comfort and responsiveness during long runs.
  • KAILAS 4-point gaiter holder system: Prevents debris from entering the shoes, keeping your feet clean and comfortable on rugged trails.
  • KAILAS AWS (Adjust Whole Sole) 3.0 lace tightening system: This dual-buckle system minimizes impact to toes while providing stronger wrapping and stability.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Vibram
  • Outer material: Engineered mesh / TPU film
  • Closure type: Lace-Up

Kailas Fuga Ex 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Kailas Fuga EX 3 The North Face Vectiv Enduris 3 Brooks Caldera 8 Merrell Nova 4
Price $180 $150 $150 $130
Trail terrain Light Light Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.3 oz / 293g 9.7 oz / 275g 10.9 oz / 309g 9.6 oz / 272g
Drop lab Drop brand 13.7 mm 11.6 mm 8.8 mm 12.1 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size - True to size True to size -
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Normal Big Small
Toebox durability Decent Good Bad Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Good Good Decent
Outsole durability Good Good Decent Decent
Breathability Moderate Warm Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Flexible
Lug depth 3.4 mm 3.3 mm 3.6 mm 4.0 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 38.4 mm 35.8 mm 36.7 mm 37.7 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 24.7 mm 24.2 mm 27.9 mm 25.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 45% Top 14% Top 25% Bottom 48%
Popularity Bottom 6% Bottom 48% Top 47% Bottom 47%