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

There’s no better way to start those New Year’s fitness resolutions than with brand new shoes. That’s right! It’s time to toss out those dirty, old sneakers! The right shoes are imperative to making sure your workout routine begins with the right support and cushioning.

Here are a few of our tried-and-true picks to get you started on the road to a healthier 2012:

Men’s:

1. Nike Free Run +2: Liberate your runs with the natural gait movement that come from these ultra-light minimalist runners.

2. New Balance MT20: The off-road enthusiast will love the flexibility and more natural gait from these trail runners.

3. Saucony Progrid™ Guide 4: These offer an extra layer of shock protection to soften the impact of your daily runs.

4. ASICS GT-2160™:  These offer the same cushioned support you’ve come to expect from ASICS with a couple of sleek design updates.

5. Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS 12: This updated version of the GTS 11 gives moderate over-pronators the stability and cushioning needed for a great run every time.

Women's:

6. ASICS Gel-Kayano® 17: Designed for the moderate over-pronator, these combine breathable cushioning with enhanced stability for running and gym workouts.

7. Nike Free Run +2: Ideal for the runner who is looking to strengthen with minimalist shoes. We love them for their super flexible, super lightweight construction.

8. Saucony Progrid™ Guide 4: The Comfortride™ sockliners not only provide superb cushioning, they are also antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, giving you a drier, more comfortable run.

9. New Balance WT20: These trail runners offer great breathability and makes a great introduction to the world of minimalist running.

10. Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS 12: This gives moderate over-pronators the stability they need without added bulk.

For even more running shoes and clothing to get you on your way to a healthy new year, check out the Zappos Running page!

There’s a certain amount of freedom that comes with running. It’s just you and the track. However, the right running accessories can really help every runner make the most of their run sessions.

Here are some of our favorite must-haves as we train for the upcoming Zappos.com Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll Marathon coming up in December!

1. Nike Women’s Dri-FIT Cushion Low Cut Socks (6-pack): Keep sweaty feet at bay with these durable socks. They even have shock-absorbing pads and arch support for a more comfy run.

2. Feetures! Elite Light Cushion Low Cut Socks (3-pack): Feet stay cool and dry while the high-density cushioning keeps high-impact areas cushioned.

3. Brooks Nightlife Hat: Running in low light? Slip on this adjustable cap to help visibility while keeping your hair out of your face.

4. Tifosi Optics Slope™ Interchangeable Lens Sunglasses: Keep your eyes protected from the harsh sun and focus on the road ahead with these anti-fog and shatterproof sunglasses.

5. Saucony Drylete Ponytail Headband: Keep those pesky flyaways and sweat beads from distracting you! This handy headband keeps everything in place.

6. Soleus Chicked: Keep track of your training progress with this sleek and lightweight watch. It has a 30 lap memory and five interval timers for all your sessions.

7. Fuel Belt R20 Revenge Hydration Belt: Stay hydrated and keep your small essentials close at hand during those long runs with this lightweight and comfy belt.

8. Nike + Sportband: Share, keep track and connect on nikeplus.com with this genius watch! This keeps track of your distance, pace, time and calories burned so you can clearly see your progress.

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!

Preparing for a marathon can seem daunting, especially if it’s your very first one.  There are some key elements to a successful marathon that every runner, particularly first-time or rookie runners, should keep in mind during the training period and the day of: staying positive and motivated throughout, training smart, and maintaining proper nutrition and hydration. Keeping these things top-of –mind during your entire marathon journey will give you the best advantage towards personal success.

But, first things first, you can’t attempt to start the journey without the proper pair of running shoes. Luckily for you, Zappos Running Central is a one-stop shop for everything you need, starting with the bare essentials: the perfect pair of running shoes for your feet.

It’s always best to start your training period with a fresh new pair of running shoes, especially if you’re new to the game. The first thing you need to determine when shopping for a new pair of running shoes is your pronation type. This step is crucial for finding the proper cushioning and support.

Pronation is the natural flattening of your foot arch after your heel strikes the ground. This is illustrated by the foot's tendency to roll inward or outward at the end of each stride.

Runners with normal arches typically have normal pronation, which means the impact after the heel strike goes slightly inward toward the big toe and distributes evenly through the remainder of the foot.

Runners who have high arches are typically under-pronators, where the foot has the tendency to roll more outward, pushing off harder with the outer toes to begin another stride. Normal and under-pronators benefit from shoes designed for neutral to mild pronation such as the ASICS GEL-Nimbus®-12, ASICS GEL-Cumulus® 12, and and Brooks Glycerin® 8.

Runners with low to flat arches tend to overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward. This puts more pressure on the big toe and ball of the foot as it strikes the ground. . Stability or motion control shoes will help stabilize and cushion an over-pronator’s foot properly. For stability, try the ASICS GEL®-2160, ASICS GEL-Kayano®, Saucony ProGrid® Guide, or the Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS11. For motion control, try the Brooks Beast® for men or the Brooks Ariel® for women.

As you start your marathon training, remember that it starts first and foremost with a positive attitude. It’s as much about mental stamina as it is physical. Staying motivated is key. Always keep in mind that it’s a journey that not only requires the right gear, like the right pair of running shoes, but also the right attitude.

Don't forget to sign up for the Zappos.com Rock 'N' Roll Marathon this year. It will be run on the Strip at night for the first time! Sign up HERE. Good luck, and may you have many healthy miles ahead of you!

Runner’s World Magazine has just named the Saucony Progrid Kinvara as the Best Debut in their June 2010 issue. The Kinvara is the perfect unisex running shoe that features minimal midsole construction to keep your feet closer to the ground while providing excellent protection from the pavement. Molded, antimicrobial, breathable and removable EVA sockliner provide superior cushioning and ride. The Heel ProGrid LITE absorbs impact, dissipates shock and sets the foot up for a smooth transition while the XT-900™ carbon rubber outsole material offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability. Coming in at just 7 ounces, the Kinvara won’t slow you down. Get yourself a pair of Kinvara running shoes at Zappos.com.

Hello there, runners!

We are well into October, and the Dec. 6 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon is sprinting towards us at a fast and crazy pace! I have decided, at the advisement of the Zappos Running Team, that I just do the half. The thought that I should run this powerfully and next year do the full. I agreed, and now I have my mind set on completing the Half at a good time and still have enough energy to have a beer and listen to some rock and roll afterward!

This week I am at the goal of 7 miles. I’m not moving along at the pace that I really wanted; I’ve been flat-lined at 5 miles, and I am going to break it!

Brooks, Asics, New Balance and Saucony have all helped me along with some gear, and it is much appreciated. The only thing I had to run in before this was a plaid moo-moo and wooden clogs I fashioned out of a tree in the forest near my house. (Picture that…..yes…yes….frightening, I know.)

But this week, I came across the finest piece of running gear known to man. (at least this man)

Behold:

Playlists for Brett’s Running This Week:
-Robert Palmer-Sneaking Sally Through the Alley (obsessed with this album)
-JEM-Finally Woken
-Old Crow Medicine Show-Tennessee Pusher

Sign up here for the Half or the Full Marathon!

Our Product Descriptions are painstakingly written by our fabulous Content Team here at Zappos.com. They are a rather competitive bunch…so, I present:

The Product Description Smackdown!

Where you decide which description is the ultimate champion. Will it be the Tyrant of Text? Maybe the Wizard of Words? You decide! Just comment below and state which product you think is the winner. Remember though, two descriptions enter the ring but only one will become the Verbiage Victor.