My Honest Experience After Months of Running

If you're a runner who enjoys listening to music or podcasts, you've probably wondered whether bone-conduction headphones are worth the investment. Before finally taking the plunge and buying the Shokz OpenRun Pro, I'd tried what felt like countless pairs of in-ear earbuds, but none of them ever seemed to stay put for more than a few strides. Maybe I've just got awkward ear canals—I see plenty of runners wearing them without any issues!

I also tried over-ear headphones, but they always ended up feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable, especially on longer runs. So, when I started my marathon training in 2024, I decided to treat myself to a pair of Shokz OpenRun Pro and see if they lived up to the hype.

After putting them through months of road and trail running, here's what I've liked, what I haven't, and whether I'd recommend them to other runners.

Staying Aware While Running

As I mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons I bought the Shokz OpenRun Pro was because I'd had enough of earbuds constantly falling out and over-ear headphones becoming hot and uncomfortable on longer runs. The open-ear design seemed like the perfect solution, and thankfully it hasn't disappointed.

Unlike traditional headphones, the Shokz don't block out the world around you. Whether I'm running along busy roads, through the local woods or out on the trails, I can still hear passing traffic, cyclists and other runners. One thing I particularly enjoy is being able to hear nature around me when I'm off-road. Listening to birdsong, the wind through the trees and everything else going on around you makes the run feel far more enjoyable than shutting yourself off completely.

For me, that's one of the biggest advantages of the Shokz. They let me enjoy my music or podcasts without sacrificing awareness of what's happening around me, making me feel much safer and connected to my surroundings.

Lightweight for Long Runs

One of the first things I noticed was how light these headphones feel. At just 28 grams, they're barely noticeable compared to bulkier headphones. It might not seem like a huge difference, but when you're running long distances, every bit of unnecessary weight can make a difference.

They're also compact enough to slip into a running vest or pocket if you ever need to take them with you. Although, in all honesty, I’ve never felt the need to remove them—even on runs lasting four hours. That said, if you did want to take them off at any point, they’re small and light enough to carry without taking up much space.

During races I rarely listen to anything because I enjoy taking in the atmosphere and interacting with other people along the way. However, during those later miles when the going gets tough, the mind starts wandering and the legs start feeling heavy, it's great to have the option of putting on a motivational playlist or a podcast for that extra mental boost.

Audio Performance

I'm not someone who can tell you about every technical detail or explain the difference between every sound setting. For me, it's much simpler than that: do my podcasts sound clear, and does my music sound good while I'm running? With the Shokz OpenRun Pro, the answer to both of those questions is yes.

Podcasts come through clearly, as long as the original recording quality is good. The same applies to music—the sound quality is impressive considering the open-ear design and the fact that you're still able to hear what's happening around you.

If I'm going to be picky, the only downside is when running alongside busy, moving traffic. The outside noise can sometimes compete with what you're listening to, but to be honest, I would expect this with open-ear bone-conducting headphones. The whole point of the design is to allow you to stay aware of your surroundings, so it's a trade-off I'm more than happy to accept.

Comfort on Longer Runs

For me personally, comfort is one of the biggest strengths of the Shokz OpenRun Pro. I've worn them on long runs lasting four hours and beyond, and I've never experienced any pressure, discomfort, or irritation from wearing them.

I also haven't had any issues wearing them alongside the sunglasses and headwear that I personally use while running. They sit comfortably and don't cause any problems during longer training sessions.

That said, comfort is always a personal thing, and everyone's head shape, ears, sunglasses, and choice of headwear are different. I have seen other reviews where runners have mentioned some minor issues when combining them with certain eyewear or hats, but this simply hasn't been my experience. For me, they have remained comfortable even on my longest runs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I've been extremely happy with the Shokz OpenRun Pro. They provide good sound quality, feel incredibly light, and most importantly allow me to stay aware of my surroundings while running. For training runs and long-distance events where comfort, safety, and reliability matter, they've become my go-to headphones.

I actually spent over a year considering whether to buy these. The price made me hesitate, and instead I ended up spending money on countless cheaper in-ear and over-ear options that simply didn't work for me. Looking back, if I could turn the clock back, I would have saved the money and gone straight for the Shokz.

The main reason I held back for so long was that I struggled to find genuine, honest reviews from runners that weren't just paid promotions or sponsored content. That's one of the reasons I wanted to share my own experience—hopefully it helps other runners who are sitting on the fence make a more informed decision.

As with any piece of running equipment, headphones are a personal choice. What works perfectly for one person may not suit another, so if you're considering a pair, try them if you can. Comfort, fit, and sound preferences will vary, but for my running style, the Shokz OpenRun Pro have been a fantastic investment.

Keith's Long-Term Verdict

Time Owned: 6 Months

Still Using It: Yes

Would I But Again? Yes

Would I Recommend It? Yes

⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5