Kless Fuga EX3 Review: A Bold Redesign That Works

Introduction

It has been over two years since the Kless Fuga EX2 earned its place among the top trail running picks, so the arrival of the Fuga EX3 carries some weight. The good news is that Kless has not simply refreshed the old shoe. With a new upper design, a new midsole and outsole construction, this is essentially a brand-new trail shoe from the ground up.

The biggest question going into a redesign like this is always the same: did the brand fix what needed fixing without spoiling what already worked? After a first run through genuinely muddy woodland, the answer looks reassuring.

Specs, Price, and Fit

The Fuga EX3 sits at £130 on the Kless website, but since the shoe has been out for a while, it can be found at some online retailers for as little as £108, which is strong value at this quality level. Weight comes in at 317 g for a UK 9.5, so this is not the lightest trail shoe available, but the trade is a deep stack of cushioning underfoot.

The heel offset is 8 mm, which is on the high side for a trail shoe and about as far as many riders, or rather runners, will want to go. Seven colorways are available, and each pair ships with a quality shoe bag made from surplus material, a small but welcome touch.

A meaningful change from the EX2 is sizing: the range now includes half sizes. Anyone stuck between a UK 9 and a UK 10 before will appreciate that. The shoes run true to size, and the fit feels similar to a Salomon trail shoe, with a touch more wiggle room in the toe box than the previous model.

Upper and the Dual-Pull Lacing System

The new upper uses lightweight, breathable engineered mesh with plenty of TPU overlays for structure and durability. Padding is moderate in the gusseted tongue and generous around the ankle collar and heel, and a substantial toe bumper adds front-of-foot protection. For gaiter users, Kless includes its 4-point gaiter attachment system, which keeps trail debris out without fuss.

The standout feature remains the lacing system. Instead of a single quick-pull buckle, the EX3 uses two: one near the top of the laces and one further down. This two-section tightening setup allows genuinely personalized fit adjustments. Once the cords are dialed in, the ends tuck into a pocket at the top of the tongue and stay out of the way. On the test run, the midfoot lockdown held firm for the full distance with a solid hold in the heel.

Midsole and Outsole: Stability Over Bounce

Kless has widened the midsole profile noticeably: 4% more width at the forefoot and 15% more at the heel, with the heel now sunk into the midsole for extra stability. Wider profiles have sometimes made shoes feel flat and slappy in the past, but that is not the case here. The EX3 still feels responsive on trail.

The PowerGrip outsole uses a tire-like, multi-directional triangular lug pattern on the forefoot for uphill traction and washboard-style lugs at the heel that dig in on descents. Flex grooves across the forefoot aid flexibility, and the rubber is a sticky Mega Grip compound. Lug depth is only 4 mm, which sounds modest, but the triangular design overachieved in mud, shedding it quickly rather than clogging.

One honest caveat: this midsole is not a high-energy bouncy ride. It feels comfortable, stable, and well connected to the trail rather than springy. Runners who want a soft, propulsive feel should look elsewhere; those who value stability and ground feel will be pleased. A quality insole also adds real underfoot comfort, something some brands skimp on.

First Run on Wet, Muddy Trails

The first test run covered roughly 7.5 miles of tarmac paths, gravel, rocky trails, wooden boardwalks, and plenty of slippery, muddy, rooted singletrack after days of non-stop rain. The upper felt comfortable straight out of the box, with no break-in required.

Despite the shallow lug depth, the PowerGrip outsole coped with the boggy conditions remarkably well. Traction felt confident on the sticky stuff, grip on wet rock was excellent, and the few slips were limited to the truly sodden sections. The cushioning soaked up the varied terrain with ease throughout.

If there is one refinement worth asking for, it is weight. Shaving 20 to 25 g would make the shoe feel even more nimble, and it seems like an achievable target for the brand.

Who Should Buy the Fuga EX3

The Fuga EX3 suits trail runners who want a stable, secure, well-cushioned shoe with excellent wet-surface grip rather than maximum energy return. It is especially compelling for anyone whose foot shape works well in Salomon-style trail shoes, and for runners who previously skipped the Fuga line because half sizes were unavailable.

At the discounted street price of around £108, it represents very good value for a shoe with this build quality. Anyone chasing a plush, bouncy ride may want to compare alternatives first, but for everything else, the EX3 makes a strong case.

Conclusion

The worry with any beloved shoe redesign is that the brand will change too much. Kless has avoided that trap. The Fuga EX3 keeps the clever dual-pull lacing and the brand’s distinctive fit character, while adding a more stable, wider midsole, a grippier outsole, and better sizing options. First impressions are genuinely positive, and the reduced price makes this an easy recommendation for stable, all-round trail running.