kailas flywing pro trail running shoes may become the top pick for trail running

[Preface]

Kailas is considered a well-known brand in the outdoor field. Their various outdoor equipment is highly regarded in the outdoor community. Of course, the author first learned about Kailas through their jackets, which are known for their quality and cost-effectiveness. This is the first time the author is trying their shoes, so let's see how they perform through this review.

[Unboxing]

The packaging box was damaged during shipping, so this review starts directly with the product. The main color of the Kailas FUGA PRO trail running shoes is sunset orange. As you can see, a lot of thought has been put into the color scheme, with blue and orange contrasting colors and various gradient transitions used effectively. The overall look is vibrant and dynamic, and the slogan 'Only for Climbing' on the product label is quite inspiring.

The Kailas FUGA PRO trail running shoes are primarily made of synthetic leather and fabric. Although they look ordinary, they are far from simple. While they are designed for trail running, they are not limited to it; they can be used for hiking, mountaineering, fitness, travel, and daily wear. The design is also quite cool, with a sleek and beautiful shoe line.

The full-foot adjustment system is designed to fit different foot shapes. The side view shows the use of ultrasonic bonding technology, which not only gives the shoes a more technological look but also greatly enhances their durability. The slightly upward tilt of the forefoot ensures a more scientific distribution of force during use, making it easier to run. The key feature is the high-abrasion, lightweight PU synthetic leather film (commonly known as a waterproof membrane), which offers breathability and some waterproofing, making it suitable for various harsh environments.

The heel branding is quite prominent, and the seemingly simple small air holes are actually quite clever. The breathable window mold stamping increases support, and these three points can also serve as attachment points for sand-proof covers, effectively avoiding the awkward situation of mesh shoes being used in desert areas.

For sports shoes, comfort is essential, but grip and anti-slip properties on various surfaces are also crucial. The Kailas FUGA PRO trail running shoes have a rubber sole with neatly arranged arrow-shaped particles. The tire-like design makes walking more responsive and greatly enhances ground stability. The main feature of the arrow-shaped particles is their forward grip, which naturally generates forward force through friction with the ground during movement.

The inner layer's craftsmanship is also commendable, with pleasing stitching and materials. This design adds an extra layer of protection, further enhancing resistance to sand and stones.

The insoles are thoughtfully designed in terms of both thickness and material. Although the composite craftsmanship may show some flaws in appearance, the use of different materials for different stress points is quite scientific. This ensures balanced force distribution between the forefoot and heel, and the sufficient thickness provides good protection during exercise.

During the experience, unlike traditional running shoes with laces, these shoes use a button-type lace tightening system, which can be adjusted for tightness and is easy to put on and take off. This saves a lot of time, although the semi-enclosed fixed ring on one side makes it relatively difficult to adjust the balance of the laces compared to the previous double-ring structure.

Of course, once tightened, the excess laces can be tucked inside, which not only maintains the aesthetic but also prevents the laces from being snagged by branches during trail running.

[Experience]

The first impression upon wearing them is their lightness, thanks to the use of high-load materials. The second impression is their strong breathability. It's no exaggeration to say that you can feel the wind blowing through them when standing in the wind. But as a pair of trail running shoes, can they withstand the test of different terrains during actual exercise?

First, on flat stone pavement, you can see that no matter how you bend your foot, the shoe surface quickly recovers, and the rebound is strong.

Next, on real mountain trails with fallen branches, stones, and leaves, the terrain is quite complex, with an upward angle of about 15-20°. During the ascent, the force on the foot is evenly distributed, although uneven stones can cause uneven force. However, the shoe's rebound significantly reduces foot pressure, making the run enjoyable. The arrow-shaped particles on the sole also save a lot of energy during the climb.

Upon reaching the summit, whether due to the cooler weather or the shoes, I felt much less sweaty than usual, which might also be a sign of energy conservation.

Additionally, I tested non-sport activities like tree climbing. Initially, I thought the grip would be less effective on flat surfaces, but the irregular force surfaces of tree climbing also benefited from the shoe's particle layout.

For running on flat marble surfaces, I used a GIF to illustrate. The sunset orange color is really cool, with a touch of blue flashing by. Regardless of running posture, the shoes are eye-catching. In outdoor sports, aside from performance, I believe the appearance of a pair of shoes is very important.

Regarding the shock absorption of the Kailas FUGA PRO trail running shoes, I also used a GIF to demonstrate. Jumping up and landing, a seemingly simple action, is not so simple for an 85kg weight. Jumping 15-20 cm off the ground and landing, the test showed no overload due to weight. The shock absorption is at least 30% better than my previous running shoes, making them quite cost-effective in my opinion.

Running uphill, the shoes performed well, with strong grip and energy efficiency.

On grassy surfaces, the performance was similar. However, it's worth noting that wet grass after rain can be slippery, and soft-soled running shoes have a common issue: they save energy and absorb shock on hard surfaces but require more effort on softer surfaces. This is an industry-wide issue unless a material is developed that can automatically adjust the sole's hardness based on the surface. Currently, this trail running shoe does not have that feature.

[Summary]

Honestly, due to the typhoon and constant rain, I couldn't deeply experience the Kailas FLYWING PRO trail running shoes. However, through various terrain tests, they can be considered an excellent choice for trail running. They offer great breathability and comfort, proving that good shoes require high-quality materials and craftsmanship.