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!

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!

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.

For the serious trail runner who likes to conquer various types of terrain, the Oboz Lightning is the go-to shoe. It's a great combination of durability, interchangeable cushioning, and stabilty.

Recently voted Editors’ Choice for Best True Trail running shoe by TrailRunner Magazine, the Oboz Lightning provides both stability and cushioning for rugged trails. It’s got an outstanding grip thanks to its multi-directional low profile lug pattern outsole, so it can definitely handle anything you throw its way. It's available in both men's and women's versions.

Check out the video below where Josh, head of product development for Oboz, gives you a detailed tour of the amazing Oboz Lightning:

With the growing trend towards minimalist footwear in the world of running, New Balance introduces the predecessor to the New Balance 100, the New Balance 101. The 101 is an extremely lightweight trail running shoe that combines elements of natural running technology with a minimal design for unsurpassed comfort and responsiveness on the trail.

Built to satisfy the world’s most demanding runners, those who tackle miles of tough terrain on a regular basis, the New Balance 101 was designed with the idea that less is more. By allowing your feet to move the way nature intended it to, wearing minimalist shoes mimics your natural gait when running barefoot.

The New Balance 101 is the antithesis to traditional cushioned pronation-control running shoes. Its deconstructed design both on the minimal upper and traction outsole creates an ultra-lightweight shoe with increased ground contact and ultimate foot flexibility. This allows the trail runner more freedom of movement, just as nature intended.