diff --git a/trellis/representations/mesh/flexicube.py b/trellis/representations/mesh/flexicube.py
index 2d78bbb..ea28661 100644
--- a/trellis/representations/mesh/flexicube.py
+++ b/trellis/representations/mesh/flexicube.py
@@ -8,7 +8,11 @@
 
 import torch
 from .tables import *
-from kaolin.utils.testing import check_tensor
+try:
+    from kaolin.utils.testing import check_tensor
+except ImportError:  # kaolin only backs optional FlexiCubes tensor-shape asserts
+    def check_tensor(*args, **kwargs):
+        return True
 
 __all__ = [
     'FlexiCubes'