Download our Free 8-Week Plan here →
News

Carbon-Plated Sandals: The Secret Behind Kiplimo’s Khon Kaen Triumph

January 21, 2025
By

Kenyan marathoner Barnabas Kiplimo captured the spotlight at the 2025 Khon Kaen Marathon in Thailand, not just for his impressive victory in the men’s race but for his choice of unconventional footwear.

Crossing the finish line with a time of 2:18:55, Kiplimo outpaced Ethiopian runners Ebisa Kure Takele (2:21:43) and Fekadu Tesfaye Degefa (2:21:45), who claimed second and third places, respectively.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian Tsega Desta Mehari triumphed with a winning time of 2:52:11, narrowly edging out Kenya’s Jemutai, who finished in 2:53:13, and fellow Kenyan Elizabeth Chepkanan Rumokol, who clocked 2:55:40.

Sandals Steal the Show

What set this marathon apart from others was Kiplimo’s groundbreaking choice of footwear: the world’s first carbon-plated running sandals, dubbed Nirun, created by Thai running brand VING.

The sandals' unique design features a full-length carbon plate embedded in a foam midsole, promising enhanced cadence and responsiveness.

Unlike traditional running shoes, the Nirun combines a flip-flop thong-style upper with a foam heel strap for added stability. This innovative approach to performance footwear aims to simplify running gear while maintaining high levels of efficiency and speed.

Carbon Plate Race Sandals by VING

A Game-Changer in Running Footwear?

VING, the Thai brand behind the sandals, has been testing their product extensively with elite athletes in Kenya.

The Nirun prototypes have proven durable and effective under the warm training conditions of Iten, Kenya, one of the world's top destinations for distance runners.

Kiplimo's triumph at Khon Kaen wasn’t just a win for the athlete, it was also a testament to the potential of the Nirun. Notably, Kiplimo shaved eight minutes off his previous marathon personal best, fueling the buzz around this minimalist yet high-performance footwear.

What’s Next for VING?

Photo via VING/Weibo

Currently, the Nirun sandals remain in the testing and development phase, with limited prototypes available.

However, VING has plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in February to fund the next iteration of the sandals.

They’re also gearing up to showcase the product at the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon in March.

With endorsements like Kiplimo’s victory, the brand is poised to disrupt the running footwear industry.

You Might Also Like

I Missed One Run and Immediately Thought My Running Season Was Over

Missing one run rarely costs you fitness in any meaningful way. What it does cost (if you let it) is momentum in your head...

Ethan Shuley Runs 2:07 in Osaka, Becomes Sixth-Fastest American Marathoner Ever

Unknown a week ago, Ethan Shuley just ran 2:07:14 at the Osaka Marathon on February 22, finishing 14th and becoming the sixth-fastest U.S. marathoner ever on a record-eligible course despite having no sponsor, no agent, and an unconventional path back to elite running.

17-Year-Old Brody Chisholm Finishes 12th at Cocodona 250, Emerging as a Rising Ultrarunning Talen

At just 17, Brody Chisholm delivered a breakout performance at the 2024 Cocodona 250, placing 12th overall and finishing the brutal 250-mile Arizona traverse in 75:42:42 to become the youngest finisher in race history.

Yann Schrub Breaks European 10K Record with 26:43 in Castellon

Yann Schrub stunned the field at the Facsa Castellon 10K, clocking 26:43 to break the European record. With Andreas Almgren matching his previous mark, four men dipped under 27 minutes as Europe’s road scene lit up.

Ashley Paulson Breaks Women’s World Record at USATF Championships, Runs 12:19:34 for 100 Miles

Ashley Paulson stunned the ultrarunning world at the Jackpot 100 in Henderson, Nevada, clocking 12:19:34 to break the women’s 100-mile world record and cut 17 minutes off the previous mark.

Runner A.J. Swann, 74, Dies After Vehicle Enters Florida Half Marathon Course

A 74-year-old runner, Albert Jernigan “A.J.” Swann of St. Simons Island, Georgia, died after a vehicle entered the Florida Half Marathon course in Melbourne and struck him less than a mile into the race on February 8.