Trail Runner Review: Fuga EX Pro
This Chinese brand seems to be set on taking its spot amongst the best brands in the sport !
By Sean Clifford · · Runner Reviews
We took the Kailas FUGA EX PRO out for a proper hammering over 60km of Kerry’s wet rocks, slick descents and boggy pulls – and we came back genuinely excited. This carbon-plated trail super shoe surprised us with its bouncy TPU cushioning, serious Vibram grip and surprisingly light feel, even when the rain was lashing down. We’re diving deep into how it performed on real Irish terrain, what our local sponsored runners think, and whether it’s worth the investment for your next big adventure. 💚
Is FUGA the HOKA Killer ??
{adinline=b8f176b0-1cf3-4ff2-ba21-5f11fadae4d2}Kailas, the Chinese outdoor powerhouse that's been shaking things up since 2003 when Zhong Chengzhan kicked it off, named after that sacred Tibetan peak, Mount Kailash.
Starting out in climbing gear, they've grown massive, riding the boom in China's outdoor scene from 2016 onwards, ditching the fluff for proper technical kit during the pandemic years. Now, with their FUGA line leading the charge in trail running, they're hitting revenues north of half a billion dollars and sponsoring epic ultras like Tor des Géants and Penyagolosa Trails, all while keeping things lightweight and built to last.
I found out about them in 2020, got a pair of runners and I have been telling people ever since they were one of the best runners I ever wore...