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

Zappos employees ham it up during our Mother's Day Picks photoshoot.

Mom definitely deserves more than just one day out of the year in her honor; all those sleepless nights, all the lunches she’s packed for us over the years, and the countless rides to soccer games and the mall—we think she’s better than any superhero!

However, since there’s only one designated Mother’s Day, it’s your chance to really make it count. Show her your appreciation with thoughtful gifts she won’t have to fake enthusiasm for!

We asked this week’s Zappos employee “models” about their own moms (and wife) and their gift picks for her. To get a real mom’s perspective, we also threw in Sunshine who is a mom of two.

Cheers to all you moms out there! We love you!

What was the best/craziest/most creative gift you have ever given your mom for Mother’s Day?

T: I surprised her with a huge bouquet of tulips last year. I'm bad about forgetting holidays, so she was genuinely shocked that I remembered! 

What is your fondest, most cherished memory of your mom?

T: I had a lot of hearing problems when I was a kid, and I remember her putting her hands over my ears and praying for me every day. 

What three words best describe her as a mom?

T: Affectionate, self-sacrificing, and fun! 

What three things are currently on your Mother’s Day gift list?

T:  Essie 6 Piece Mega Mini Color Cube in Winter , Dooney & Bourke Lambskin Collection O-Ring Shopper , UGG Coquette

What was the best/craziest/most creative gift you have ever given your mom for Mother’s Day?

D: Five years ago my brother, dad, and myself bought my mom a Jack Russell Terrier puppy for Mother’s Day. His name is Rusty.

What is your fondest, most cherished memory of your mom?

D: Going to the mountains with her.

What three words best describe her as a mom?

D: Loving, Cheerful, Humble 

What three things are currently on your Mother’s Day gift list?

D: Keen Coronado sandals,  LeSportsac Cosmetic Bag Combo , Lucky Brand Garden Stack Ring Set

What was the best/craziest/most creative gift you (or your kids) have ever given your wife for Mother’s Day?

S: The gift of making her a mother! 

It’s Mother’s Day morning—what is the first thing you and the kids do to greet mom for her special day?

S: Hugs and kisses.  

 What three words best describe her as a mom?

S: Best Mom Ever.

What three things are currently on your Mother’s Day gift list?

S: Volcom All Day Long Creedlers Sandals, Michael Kors MK5038 Watch, Michael Kors MK5216 Watch

What was the best/craziest/most creative gift your kids have ever given you for Mother’s Day?

S:  They always make me breakfast in bed. It's fun to listen to them "cooking" downstairs while they think I'm still sleeping. One year I got to eat soggy Cherrios, gummy worms and a Diet Coke.

Describe each of your kids in three words (each):

S:  Scarlett: Independent, willful, wise. Zack: Empathetic, funny, lovable.  

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

S: They give me purpose. Everything I do is for them.  

What three things are currently on your Mother’s Day wish list? (Kids, pay attention!):

S: Kitchenaid 5-Quart Artisan Design Series Stand Mixer, Fossil Flight Chronograph Watch , Ray-Ban New Wayfarer

Check out our Gifts page for more gifts ideas for mom!

Here at Zappos, there’s definitely no shortage of runners from every level—from seasoned triathlon athletes to beginners who are just getting into running. That’s why this week, we’re featuring four Zappos employees on the home page along with their picks for colorful running shoes. We think there’s no reason why you can’t look good while putting in those miles every day! Running is just more fun with cool running shoes, right?

We asked our Zappos “models” a couple of questions to delve into their running routines:

Describe your workout style in three words.

J: Loose, relaxed, maneuverable 

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

J: “Push It”- Salt n’ Peppa

   “Supermodel” –Ru Paul

   “I’m Too Sexy”- Right Said Fred

Describe your typical running routine.

J:  Stretching before and after every run is a must, and so is staying hydrated! 

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

J: Nike, Vans and Adidas

Describe your workout style in three words.

K: Comfy, trendy, all-purpose 

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

K: “Beautiful Day”-U2

     “Pump It” -The Black Eyed Peas

     “Redemption Song” -Bob Marley

Describe your typical running routine.

K: Two miles on the treadmill jamming to my iPod.

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

K: Nike, Adidas and Brooks

Describe your workout style in three words.

K: Technical, functional, memorable.

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

K: “Free Yourself” –The Untouchables

     “Sexy Back” –Justin Timberlake & Timberland

    “Cuddly Toy” –Roachford

Describe your typical running routine.

K: Wake up, down a PowerGel and a glass of water, easy 45 minutes with focus on form, walking cool down for 15 minutes then recovery with ramen noodles!

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

K: K-Swiss, Pearl iZumi, Zoot.

Describe your workout style in three words.

S: black, white, and something bright.

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

S: “Let the Drummers Kick” –Citizen Cope

    “How I Roll” –Britney Spears

    “Last Night of the Dynasty” –Shanghai Restoration Project

Describe your typical running routine.

S: Stretch for a little bit. Walk for a little bit.  Run for a lot of bits.  Stretch a medium bit. Ice knees.  Eat lots.

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

S: CW-X, Any brand that offers highlighter-colored shoes –Nike and Saucony do neon really well--, knee-high socks from Injiniji

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!

You’ve probably noticed four of our lovely staff members highlighting some of their favorite spring sandals on the homepage this week. Here they are creating some “fun and a little weirdness”, hamming it up during their photo shoot! 

We asked these Zappos ladies a couple of questions to get to know them a little better:

Describe your personal style in 3 words:

A: Urban, girly and relaxed

What is your favorite sandal currently for spring? :

A: I LOVE the “Manngo” espadrille wedge by Steve Madden!

What are your top three favorite Zappos brands? :

A:  Free People, BB Dakota and Nike

If you could have any theme song, what would it be and why? :

A: “I’m in a Hurry” by Alabama. I’m a master in multi-tasking and always on the go. 

Describe your personal style in 3 words:

S: Comfortable, colorful and striped. I love stripes!

What is your favorite sandal currently for spring? :

S: I live in the Volcom Forever Creedler  flip flops when it’s warm out.

What are your top three favorite Zappos brands? :

S:  Converse, Volcom, Purminerals

If you could have any theme song, what would it be and why? :

S: “The Imperial March” (Darth Vader’s Theme). Not because I'm evil and part machine, but because I'm determined and under the impression that I'm tall.

Describe your personal style in 3 words:

E:  boho, low-key and comfortable

What is your favorite sandal currently for spring? :

E: The Volcom New School Creedlers. I literally own four different pairs!

What are your top three favorite Zappos brands? :

E: Roxy, O’Neill and Volcom

If you could have any theme song, what would it be and why? :

E: “The Science of Selling Yourself Short” by Less Than Jake. It has such a great flow and I can listen to this song over and over again. It makes me want to take the top off of jeep and blast it while driving down the highway!

Describe your personal style in 3 words:

C: fun, effortless, comfortable

What is your favorite sandal currently for spring? :

C: I love the Steve Madden Manngo in Coral!

What are your top three favorite Zappos brands? : Joie, Jessica Simpson, BCBGMAXAZRIA

If you could have any theme song, what would it be and why? :
C: "Daylight” by Matt and Kim. I absolutely love this song because the beat is so up lifting. This song always puts me in a good mood!