The Inspiring Journey of VING
"When Pain and Courage Sparked the Birth of VING"
It all started with a painful realization during the Buriram Marathon in 2019. I had barely crossed the 21-kilometer mark when my trusted running shoes began crushing my toes, causing unbearable pain with every step — as if I were stepping on hundreds of needles. Forced to stop, I took off my shoes and walked barefoot for 5 kilometers. In desperation, I entered a 7/11 bought a pair of flip-flops for 2.5USD, and finished the marathon.
That moment planted a seed of an idea: What if there were footwear that didn’t hurt my feet, felt comfortable, and made running a joy rather than a struggle?
EUREKA MOMENT 💡
Surprisingly, the sandals I used turned out to be a game-changer. I realized that sandals could work for marathons too! That was the spark that ignited VING. I envisioned a future where running sandals would become a new normal for runners worldwide.
Driven by this vision, I began researching everything — from shoe design to advanced materials. I tested countless prototypes, ensuring they weren’t just good for professional athletes but also for everyday runners, heavier individuals, and even my family. Today, almost everyone in my family proudly wears VING sandals.
Our Design Philosophy 🎯
Our mission is to create running sandals that deliver comfort, performance, and protection. Here are the 10 principles that guide every pair we design:
- Lightweight: Reducing strain on your feet.
- Soft and Cushioned: Like stepping on a luxurious sofa, evenly distributing weight.
- Energy Return: A spring-like bounce for better performance.
- All-Terrain Grip: Non-slip, even in the rain.
- Durability: Long-lasting and resistant to wear, even under harsh sunlight.
- Secure Fit: Comfortable yet snug, ensuring they won’t slip off.
- Injury Prevention: Reducing issues like plantar fasciitis and bruised toenails.
- Foot Health Support: Alleviating common foot problems.
- Pure Joy to Wear: Bringing happiness with every step.
- Eco-Friendly: Committed to reducing waste and environmental impact.
Building VING from Scratch 🏃♂️
Starting a business wasn’t easy. With over 1.2 million baht needed for development and no savings to speak of, I turned to crowdfunding. We launched Thailand’s first Virtual Run with Sandals, also the first in the world to offer running sandals as rewards.
Proven by Top Runners 🏆
Even without prior experience in shoemaking, we rigorously developed and tested VING. Our VING 100K model was proven to handle over 100 kilometers in one go, including a 230-kilometer ultra-marathon across mountains in 60 hours. (2025 Note: Now we have world's first super carbon-plated super sandals, Nirun)
Most recently, our team secured 5 awards, including first place, at the KKIUR 2020 Ultra-Marathon (122.5km) — outrunning competitors with high-performance running shoes.
Beyond Athletes: Improving Lives 🥰
VING isn’t just for runners. Our customers include seniors and people with foot health issues like plantar fasciitis and joint pain. Thanks to our innovative materials and design, many have shared how VING sandals helped alleviate their pain and improve their mobility.
Constant Innovation 🤔
At VING, we never stop improving. From the launch of the VING 100K Elite Edition, the world’s first running sandal with antibacterial straps during COVID-19, to new designs tailored for various needs, innovation is at our core.
Future plans include:
- Marathon sandals with slip-on designs.
- Recovery sandals tailored for foot health.
- Running gear such as socks, shirts, hats, and bags.
A Thai Brand Competing Globally 🇹🇭
My dream is to position VING as Thailand’s sportswear brand that competes on a global stage — delivering quality products that rival international giants while staying true to our roots.
Thank you for supporting our journey. Every step you take in VING brings us closer to our vision of creating a healthier, happier world.
Warm regards,
Uncle Way
Founder, VING