I’m a 10-Time Half Marathon Runner and These Are the Only Headphones I Use

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I’ve been a runner since high school and, after running two marathons and 10 half marathons, there’s one thing I’d recommend to runner friends and newbie runners alike: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2s. These open-air headphones have literally changed my life as a runner and I’d rather have no music than wear another pair.

I first discovered the Shokz brand (formerly AfterShokz) in 2019, when I tried on the brand’s now-discontinued Titaniums at a Boston Marathon convention. The wrap-around style appealed to me, offering a stable construction that would stay on my head during long runs (before that, I was struggling with corded headphones that would fall out every time). What really blew me away, though, was the sound quality: I could play music through the headphones and sit them on the counter, but you could only hear the sound once I put them on my head. I bought them on the spot.

Since then, there’s been many iterations of the Shokz headphones and I’ve been along for the ride. Each model has gotten better and more tuned into my needs as a runner. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2s ($180) are my go-tos now — and trust me, you’ll love them, too.

What I Like About the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Headphones

I’ve loved every one of the Shokz headphones and that’s for two primary reasons: they actually stay on my head during my runs and they make me feel safe. This is thanks to the magic of bone conduction technology, which delivers sound through your cheekbones. The sound is somehow crystal clear despite the headphones resting on my ears instead of being in my eardrums. Still, I’m able to hear ambient sounds, like the ringing bell of a Citi Bike whizzing by or if a car tries to pass me on the right. As someone who’s watched one too many true crime documentaries, I like being aware of my surroundings while still having music playing to make the time go by.

These headphones are also perfect for my sweaty ears. They sit right on top of the outer rim and wrap around my head, meaning they cannot physically fall out of my ears, even on a hot, humid day. They’re also IP55 water resistant, an asset for sweaty runners or rainy days. Plus, I’ve never had an issue with any of my pairs short circuiting from water.

The OpenRun Pro 2s also have an incredible battery life of 12 hours on a single charge and it only takes an hour to fully charge. I find that I only need to charge it every other week, depending on how much I’m running. But if I do forget to charge it, I can quickly juice it up for 2.5 hours of usage in 5 minutes with its quick-charging feature. As someone who hates listening to their own breath while running, these headphones have been a lifesaver.

What’s the Sound Like on the OpenRun Pro 2?

Before upgrading to the OpenRun Pro 2, I owned the Shokz OpenRun and this is a major upgrade in terms of sound quality and comfort. Boasting DualPitch technology that reduces vibrations and a deeper richer bass, the OpenRun Pro 2 claims to be the best sound of any Shokz headphone — I’d agree. I’ve also tested the sound on everything from running playlists to audiobooks; I’ve never been disappointed in the quality.

If you download the Shokz App, you’ll get access to two different modes. This includes the Classic Mode that accesses bone conduction sound and a Volume Boost Mode for loud environments. I opt for the Volume Boost Mode on noisier city streets or during crowded races and I’ve seen an improvement of noise cancelation compared to the Classic Mode while still feeling comfortable that I’m aware of my surroundings.

What It’s Like to Run a Marathon with the OpenRun Pro 2

Last year, I ran the New York City Marathon and used the OpenRun Pro 2s. While the cheering was so loud I didn’t really need music to carry me through, having access to a playlist was helpful over bridges where there were no spectators and the quieter parts of the Bronx.

Plus, whenever I wasn’t feeling the vibe of the music or wanted to listen to my surroundings more clearly, pausing or skipping songs was as easy as tapping or double tapping a button on the left side. Though I’ll admit, I did tear up when “Empire State of Mind” came through my Shokz as I was running down the Queensboro Bridge. So I’m especially appreciative of the assist in my main character moment.

What’s Worth Noting About the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

The OpenRun Pro 2s can be bit large on some people. Mine can jostle around a bit depending on how fast I’m going. So if you have a smaller head, the mini version might work best for you.

I’ve also tried to use these headphones at the gym and the fact that I can still hear the gym music can be distracting, especially if I’m trying to watch a show on my phone. In these instances, I prefer the noise cancellation of my AirPods Pro.

Are Shokz OpenRun Pro 2s Right For You?

I recommend the OpenRun Pro 2s for anyone who is serious about running and is logging multiple miles per week. It’s an investment, but something you’ll get a ton of use out of, especially if you’re training for a half or full marathon.

If you want a cheaper model that still has Shokz’s amazing bone technology, I also recommend the Shokz OpenRun. They’re a bit cheaper at $130, but they don’t have all bells and whistles as the Pro 2s. The battery doesn’t last as long. But either are a great choice depending on your running needs.

Additional Details

Price: $180

Battery life: 12 hours

Colors: 3 (black, orange, silver)

Courtney Campbell is a freelance writer and editor and a marathon runner. With a passion for service journalism, she loves covering food, fitness, lifestyle, and home content.