KHPNKAEN, March 17 (TNA) – Thai marathon sandal brand “VING” is making waves globally after a Kenyan runner clinched victory in the Khon Kaen International Marathon wearing these sandals.
VING’s origin stems from the pain point of a Khon Kaen marathon runner who experienced discomfort from traditional running shoes, leading to the development of sandals specifically designed for marathon running.
Earlier this year, Kenyan runner Barnabas Kiplimo caused a sensation when he crossed the finish line first in the Khon Kaen International Marathon wearing VING Nirun sandals, beating competitors by nearly three minutes. This victory showcased the potential of Thai sandals to compete with high-end running shoes.
VING founder Vatee Wichiannit was inspired to develop the sandals after he had to switch to wearing roadside sandals during a marathon race due to pain caused by regular running shoes.
VING has continuously developed and improved its sandals, introducing features such as carbon fiber plates for enhanced responsiveness, and TPE and EPOS foam materials for superior comfort and shock absorption.
To test the sandals’ performance, VING collaborated with runners in Iten, Kenya, known as a hub for world-class marathon runners.
VING has also partnered with Khon Kaen University Science Park to develop health sandals and utilize AR technology for enhanced marketing.
Currently, VING has over 80 stores and has sold over 300,000 pairs of sandals, generating 150 million baht in revenue last year. The success of VING Nirun is attracting interest from distributors worldwide. -819 (TNA)
