Why these bone conduction headphones are game-changing for runners

Running clubs have exploded in popularity over the last 12 months and show no sign of slowing down any time soon.
Now, running may technically be free. But of course that is not quite the case.
I have four pairs of running shoes, including race-day shoes in rotation. Shorts, tops, running socks, sports armband, belt and of course all the nutrition that comes with training.
For how much I run, and what I get out of it in terms of physical and mental health, I see that money as a worthwhile investment.
But there’s one crucial aspect of running that I think a lot of runners always overlook – how we listen to the hours of music that keeps us on track.
Given I spend around three-to-four hours a week pounding the pavements, I’ve always just made do with my everyday headphones to filter through the playlists to keep me going.
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But recently, while training to take part in my first marathon, it just didn’t feel like they were doing the job.
Wireless earbuds never quite sit well with me when running or in the gym. I compare it to a shoelace that is not quite right – it might not slow you down but plays on your mind, wasting energy and focus. They also tend to ache after a while.
Likewise, wired headphones can get in the way. And both types, unless equipped with a top-notch ambient sound option, leave you isolated, either unable to enjoy the atmosphere of a race or potentially be a danger around traffic.
I was given a pair of the Shokz Open Run Pro 2 bone conduction wireless headphones to test out during the closing stages of my training and the race itself. Even though I was given a loan of them, there is no way I would have worn them for the race itself unless I was completely won over – I’d just put too much into training to compromise.
Bone conduction headphones basically wrap around your ears and deliver sound through your cheekbones. I’d always been sceptical because, basically, it’s hard to make the quality of the sound any good.
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But these were a game changer. And, like my shoes, have quickly forced their way into the rotation of not just my runs and gym sessions, but day-to-day life as well.
I am not a tech reporter, so write this review from the point of view of someone who loves running. Previously I had been using the Yamaha TW-E5B wireless earbuds which had great sound quality but were a terrible fit for exercise.
I then turned to Google Pixel USB-C wired headphones which fit well, and had good sound quality, but of course left me tied to my phone. And I often found myself totally detached from my surroundings when running and using them for music – and on one occasion had a scare when a car pulled up behind me from nowhere and narrowly overtook me on a road without pavements, knocking my confidence.
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So the big selling point for me with the OpenRun Pro 2s was this idea of quality sound with comfort and confidence they won’t fall out, as well as being able to stay aware of my surroundings.
Whereas previous bone conduction Shokz had to compromise on quality of music because of the technology, the OpenRun Pro 2s also use an air conduction speaker as well as bone conduction to provide a more rounded and fuller experience, particularly around bass. The vibration from conduction is also barely noticeable.
The open-ear design keeps you attuned to your surroundings and it comfortably sits around your neck.
The USB-C port offers quick charging and promises 12 hours of playtime but in reality I found the charge to last slightly less than this.
These are so comfortable that you barely know they are on – think more like a really comfortable pair of sunglasses. The sound quality is great, although if you want to listen to podcasts it can be a bit of a struggle in heavy traffic.
I also found some slight noise leakage. But I think this is unlikely to be much of a problem unless you have full volume on while in the office.
The microphone is also claimed to be wind resistant to allow clear calls in all conditions and generally I found this to be the case, with again the audio on the call excellent.
It’s when you run these really come into their own.
The controls are simple and sweat proof. Simple play and run. I felt like I was aware of my surroundings and safe at all times – from being wary of traffic to enjoying hearing the everyday ambience of a coastal run while music was also pumping through.
And for the marathon itself they were a bit of a game-changer for me. All the advice I had was to enjoy the crowd, the atmosphere – and race organisers almost always discourage runners from using closed earbuds so they can hear safety instructions.
But the flip side of that was when I knew the legs would start to need a helping hand around the 30km mark.
The Shokz offer that solution. I teed up the playlist at the start of the race and paused. I was then able to run the first 32km pushed on by by the noise of the crowd, forgetting I had the headphones around my neck.
Then when I needed a lift with the end 10km in sight I pressed play and pushed on towards the finishing line with my marathon playlist providing the inspiration – a mix of Chemical Brothers, Blur, Beyonce and Braveheart, by the way.
And, of course, a kilometre from the end I was able to pause again and enjoy the finish.
But it’s also in the office and home where I’ve found that these can be really useful. The app allows multipoint pairing so I can listen to a press conference or radio station on my computer while still being able to accept calls on my phone. And of course, the open ear means I am able to hear when any colleagues need something from me.
And at home I find them useful, for example, if I am in the kitchen listening to a podcast but can still hear what the kids are up to in the next room.
At $319 the OpenRun Pro 2 are expensive and I would only recommend them if you run or cycle regularly.
But, for me, like my shoe rotation, I see them as an essential part of my running routine.
And while I continue to use my Pixel wired headphones, they now complement the Shokz so I can get the most out of time limited by work and family commitments.
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