Left-Right: Saucony Hattori,Inov-8 Road-X155,Vivobarefoot Ultra (with insert shown), Biom Natural Motion by ECCO Trainer 1.2

If you’re an avid runner who’s interested in transitioning into the growing trend towards minimalist running, there are a few things you should keep in mind before switching from traditional pronation-control cushioned running shoes to minimalist running shoes:

1. Gradual transition: Your feet’s muscles need time to adapt to the new pattern of motion that comes with minimalist shoes. They need a gradual transition in order to avoid injury, especially in the tendons and joints.
2. Day-to-day: When you first get your minimalist shoes, get acclimated to them by wearing them during periods of regular walking, perhaps while running errands.
3. Start slow: To start, run slowly and only increase your distance gradually as your feet acclimate to the more natural range of motion.
4. Listen to your body: Make sure to pay attention to any areas that feel sore or tired after your initial runs. Keep your first run sessions to about 20 minutes, taking a day off in between as needed, and then gradually increase as you notice your feet getting more comfortable.

Remember, never push your feet! It takes patience and some time to strengthen all the tendons and muscles on your feet with minimalist shoes. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll reap the benefits of a more efficient stride, stronger foot muscles, and more sensory connection to the trail.

Happy running!

As pioneers in the barefoot movement, Vivobarefoot by Terra Plana was launched in 2004 with form and function in mind. Its use of a patented 6mm ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole provides sensory awareness without sacrificing protection.

The greater ground feel that Vivobarefoot shoes provide means your feet are able to move more naturally, reserving energy while helping to prevent injuries.

Vivobarefoot shoes are produced using recycled, locally-sourced materials with eco-friendly production techniques.

Happy running, and don't forget to sign up for the 2011 Zappos.com Rock n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon

Left to Right: Nike Legend S/S Tee, ASICS Emma Singlet, Brooks EZ T Polka Dot Top 

Many of us here at Zappos HQ are starting to train for the Zappos.com Rock N’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon in December. It’s exciting to see both experienced and beginner runners alike collectively embrace running as part of their weekly routine.

If you’re getting into running like many of us here, check out these simple and basic stretching exercises to make sure your muscles are flexible and ready for a good run. Hold each of these stretches for 20-30 seconds. Some runners prefer to do the majority of their stretching after their run to loosen up the muscles.  

1.  Calf stretch: Place both hands on a wall with one leg bent and knee closer to the wall. Keeping your lower back flat, straighten your back leg so that your heel is firmly on the ground. Hold then repeat on the other leg.  

2.  Groin stretch: Sit on the floor and touch the soles of both feet together, knees pointing in opposite directions. Wrap your hands around your feet and press against the inner thighs toward the floor.  

3.  Quad stretch: Stand on one foot with one hand on the wall for balance. Keeping your spine straight, take your right foot with your right hand behind you and gently pull the heel towards your backside. Hold then repeat on the other leg.

4.  Hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor and extend one leg out to the side and bend your other leg, touching your feet to the inside thigh of the extended leg. Grasp as far down your extended leg as you can and bend your upper body toward the floor. Switch legs and repeat.

For the best selection in running shoes and clothing, check out Zappos Running Central!

This summer, free yourself from the daily treadmill and concrete grind and take those daily runs on the trail. Trail running lets you push yourself harder by taking on rough and rugged terrain. It also requires the right gear in order to protect your feet from injury.

First off, make sure you have the right socks for the job. Look for socks with extra cushioning to protect your feet from blisters and impact. The Thorlos Coolmax Trail Running Quarter sock is a good choice for both cushioning and breathability.

Trail runners have trail-specific outsoles that offer more varied traction in rough terrain. Here are some excellent choices for both men and women:

Women:

ASICS GEL-Kahana® 4: These offer the same performance you’d expect from ASICS, but with a durable, trail-specific outsole that can handle all types of terrain.

Merrell Barefoot Pace Glove: For the minimalist shoe fan, the Pace Glove gives more freedom of movement and keeps you more connected to the trail.

Men:

Ahnu Woodacre: This versatile shoe is perfect for trail hiking and running.

New Balance MT915: The unique debris-free construction keeps all unwanted elements out of your shoe. It also has a moisture-wicking liner to keep your feet dry on warm-weather runs.

Take advantage of the warmer weather by taking your running sessions outdoors. Start off with the perfect pair of running shoes like the ever-popular ASICS. Taking the time to pick the correct type of running shoes for your pronation type is key to avoiding injuries on those long runs on concrete and asphalt.

When running outside in heat and humidity, it’s essential that you pick lightweight clothing with moisture-wicking properties. For women, try the sleek Fizz Tank II from Sugoi and the Adidas Stella McCartney Running Performance Short. For men, pick a comfy muscle tank, like the Adidas Response Tee, to keep cool on your run. A pair of lightweight shorts like the Nike Four-Inch Woven Short is a good basic.

Running outside also calls for some extra safety precautions. Here are 5 tips to make your runs safer and more comfortable:

1. When listening to music, keep the volume low enough so you are able to hear cars and cyclists. Never assume that a car can see you.

2. Run facing the traffic.

3. Be careful not to run on paths where you are consistently on a slant. This is very hard on your hips and knees.

4. When running in low light conditions, wear reflective materials.

5. Wear sunscreen when running in the daytime. SPF 30 or above is best.

To get the latest and greaest in running shoes, clothing and accessories, check out Zappos Running Central.

A couple of weekends ago, a few Zapponians represented in the Corporate Challenge 5K race, taking home first place in the Group A division. A handful others are also running 5Ks and 10Ks as part of their personal Fitness Challenge. With all this enthusiasm for fitness and running going around at Zappos HQ, we thought it would be cool to talk to one of our Corporate Challenge 5K runners, Jay, to find out a little about how he started getting into running and how he prepped for Corporate Challenge.

H: What made you decide to run a 5K?

J: For fun!  My wife (Rowena) and I have been training for awhile for this and thought it’d be nice to run it together for fun.  We had a little change of plans when I found out I made it on the scoring team (first 5 in any age bracket scores points) and had to run a competitive time.  I actually had to run hard to try and score a point for us.  Plus, Rowena never got to run since they (the officials) didn’t let anyone else on the course, only the competitors.

H: How long have you been a runner?

J:  On and off since high school…so about 17 years. I’ve never been a long distance runner.  This body’s not very aerodynamic and not built for long distances, but I like to run regularly for cardio purposes.

H: What was your time in the Corporate Challenge 5K?

J: A paltry 00:26:54.  Again, I'm not built for the long haul!  But I am aiming for under 24 mins next time.

H: What was your main motivation during training?

J: Getting my daily cardio and doing something athletically challenging with my wife.

H: What were some of your favorite running gear to use during training?

J: I like the Nike Pro Core Long Compression Shorts and my Zappos Corporate Challenge t-shirt of course! I also liked the K-Swiss Tubes Run 100.

H: How did you prepare the day before the race?

J:  I ran a brisk mile and a half, went to sleep early, and had a light breakfast (cereal bar) I also drank Gatorade throughout the day to stay hydrated. 

H: Are you planning on running more 5Ks?

J: Sure! A lot of people here in the office are doing various 5Ks and 10Ks, so it’ll be easy to stay motivated.

H: Any advice to people who are considering running their first 5K?

J:   Train right, train regularly, eat right and always stretch before each run.  And don’t get caught up in the competitiveness of it all, run your own race and have fun!

Want to keep up on all things running at Zappos? Click the LIKE button below to be a fan of the Zappos Running Facebook page!

Whether it’s training for a marathon or just your daily morning run, the right jacket helps to protect you from chilly winds and light drizzles. With the right outerwear, bad weather is no excuse to forego that training session.

For all you guys out there, try the Nike Vapor Running Jacket on your next run. It features Nike’s Dri-FIT™ material to wick away moisture as its water-resistant properties protect you from light rain. This classic windbreaker jacket is designed with the runner in mind; even the hood is designed to keep your view unobstructed.

Nike also has all the lady runners covered with lightweight and performance-minded outerwear. The Nike Phenom Jacket  is a versatile wind and water-resistant  option, not only for working out, but for running around during a busy weekend with the family.  

If you’re looking for a sleeker jacket option, try the lightweight Nike Sport Tech Cover-Up. It also features the Dri-FIT™ technology to keep you dry during those long runs, but its simple, stylish design makes it the perfect jacket to throw on for your pre-yoga stretch or just to grab coffee with friends. This is a perfect everyday jacket for the on-the-go woman.

No matter what your active lifestyle entails, there’s a perfect Nike jacket to suit your needs. Make sure to check out the entire Nike line of clothing, shoes and accessories on Zappos.com!

The BIOM Natural Motion collection from ECCO® is based on the principle that by adding support only where the foot needs it, the foot is allowed to move and flex the way nature intended. This departure from traditional stability and motion-control footwear is the basis of the minimalist movement in athletic shoes.

Built on an anatomical last, all BIOM shoes provide a more natural flexion and dynamic stride. This allows your feet to move within its natural range of motion, breaking the habit of a heel-strike stride encouraged by more traditional cushioned pronation-control shoes.

Whether you’re looking for a walking shoe or a fitness running shoe, there’s a BIOM shoe tailored for your specific needs. The thing to remember when first transitioning into minimalist shoes, such as the BIOM Natural Motion,  is to start slowly. It takes some time for your feet to acclimate to the lack of heel lifts and motion control found in more traditional running and walking shoes.

Check out the video below, featuring world class triathlete Torbjorn Sindballe, explaining the proper way to gradually adapt to the BIOM Natural Motion shoes.