Zapponians take their outdoor fun seriously…as you can see from our latest employee photo shoot! From hiking, cycling, swimming and trail running, we love getting out there and enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer.

We asked our four outdoor enthusiasts (and home page models of the week) some questions to get to know them a little bit more:

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

I: I love to play soccer on my days off or pretty much any day! I just recently got into cylcing which is very intense.

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

I:  “Let it Go”-Calvin Harris feat Ne Yo, “Heartbeat” -Childish Gambino, and “Levels”- Avicci 

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

I: I am very funny and tall.

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

I: Brooks Pureflow, Adidas Outdoor Terrex Hiking Shoes and Osprey Ariel 75 Backpack

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

J: Speeding down the roads on my TT Bike! 

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

J:  Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson; need I say more??? 

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

J: I am SUPER competitive! 

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

J: Columbia Roamin’ Right™ Knit Dress, Patagonia All Weather Dress, and CEP Allsports Sleeve

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

D: When the wind isn’t acting up, I LOVE to golf!!!

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

D: “The Motto” - Drake, “Public Service Announcement” -Jay-Z, “On to the Next One” - Jay-Z 

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

D: I’m an Ex-Navy Seal! Seal Team 6, Whoo Rah!!! 

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

D: The North Face Men’s Nimble Jacket, Nike Sunset Volley Boardshorts, and Nike Just Do It Swoosh Tee

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

C: Hiking in the mountains. 

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

C: I actually prefer not to listen to any music when I’m outdoors. Rare quiet time for myself and makes it easier to connect with your hiking buddies and random strangers you run into on the trail!

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

C: I’ll research and be prepared (I do analytics for living…) 

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

C: Suunto Vector, MSR Lightnight Axis Snow Shoes, Lowa Renegade GTX

Break free of that old treadmill rut and take your runs on a more scenic trail this season with Vivobarefoot’s patented minimal trail runners. From the beach to rocky riverbeds, trail running with one of their lightweight shoes allows for a more natural range of motion with maximum sensory feedback-- all while staying protected from the elements.

Styles featured: Vivobarefoot Neo Trail, Vivobarefoot Achilles, Vivobarefoot EVO II, and Vivobarefoot Ultra

Tired of the same old treadmill running? Why not make this year the year you take your runs outside and on the trail? As the weather heats up, there’s no better time to get some fresh air and take the trail on the way to your fitness goals.

Our resident running experts share their favorite running trails in the West coast:

Kelly R.- Skyline Ridge Trail Run - Palo Alto, CA

Braden M.- Blue Diamond Loop, NV

Raven M. - Temescal Canyon Loop in Santa Monica, CA

Jewels C.- Puget Sound Trails, Seattle WA

Check out our large selection of trail running shoes for every type of terrain and stride and hit the ground running!

In 2009, adventure racers Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud envisioned a new type of shoe. Dedication brought their dream to life and Hoka One One™ (pronounced: Ho ⋅ ká – Ò ⋅ né – Ò ⋅ né ) was born.

Driven by a trending popularity in outdoor recreation, namely trail running, they noticed that athletes are becoming increasingly faster, and that variation in performance is most noticeable during descents. Downhill running is often synonymous with fatigue, impact and muscle strain. Inspired, Jean-Luc and Nicolas responded by creating an innovative running shoe that focuses on freedom and enjoyment.

Each Hoka One One shoe is built upon a maximally cushioned midsole that offers superior protection, comfort and propulsion. The characteristic rocker geometry promotes optimally efficient running mechanics. Oversized outsoles, which have 50% more surface area than the average running shoe, ensure maximum stability, traction and connection with the ground. Being 15% lighter than most other running shoes, Hoka One One makes running uphill as much fun as running downhill, with much less body fatigue.

Left: K-Swiss Blade-Max™ Glide in Silver/Black/Fiery Red, Right: K-Swiss Blade-Max™ Stable in Fiery Red/Optic Yellow/Black

The K-Swiss Blade-Max™ Glide  and Blade-Max™ Stable were both featured in the Runner’s World 2012 Spring Shoe Guide. If you’re looking to add some trails in your running routine this season, check out Blade-Max™ Series with its Superfoam® technology. The anatomically-placed “blades” give the outsole progressive cushioning against impact. Happy running!

So many footwear companies out there are clamoring to replicate the barefoot experience while keeping feet protected. Inov-8 has quite possibly created the purest barefoot feel with the Evoskin.

More of a “foot glove” than an actual shoe, the amazing Evoskin is made of soft and flexible silicone rubber throughout. Inov-8 categorizes the Evoskin as a training tool for people who want to strengthen their feet and improve their overall form. It works great on the treadmill, trails, or just running errands around town.

This versatile “shoe” is also perfect for a variety of fun water activities. Talk about a unique boat shoe! The grippy rubber sole is perfect for a day on the boat. The Evoskin has a brilliantly simple design and an adjustable strap system, making it really user friendly.

If you love to run and explore the world with bare feet, the Evoskin is the next best thing. It allows for a better sensory experience while keeping your feet nice and protected. Not to mention, you get the anatomical benefits of barefoot walking and running, giving you stronger foot and leg muscles. So, get out there an experience the world in the Inov-8 Evoskin!

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

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.