Shokz headphones review – are they worth it?
Yep! I love my Shokz OpenRun after a few runs. Sound quality and comfort is so much better than I was expecting. Full story of why I wanted them, where I bought them to save some money, and how I’ve found the Shokz below.
Why I wanted Shokz headphones
I’d been looking for some bone conductor headphones because I had signed up to run the Stratford half marathon. And ShakespeareMarathon.org.uk explains that because it’s a road race, you’re not allowed to run with the big chunky headphones; it’s so that runners stay safe and are aware of the traffic. But as someone who has been running in chunky headphones for years, I needed to adapt. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do the race.
I found Shokz Open Pro for a bargain!
So I researched around on Argos, and at Shokz themselves. I’d had some birthday money and I was willing to spend £150-£200. But I wanted to try and find some slightly more affordable. I shopped around and found some brand new, un-opened Shokz OpenRun headphones on Vinted for £86.99! I was buzzing.
What are Shokz headphones?
Instead of sending the sound through your actual ear drum, Shokz headphones work by sending the “sound” through vibrations via your cheek bones. So, nothing actually goes into your ear, it sits just outside your ear and you can still hear the sound VERY clearly. That’s how bone conduction headphones work.
Shokz sound quality
I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical that because there’d be nothing in my ear, they wouldn’t be as good. But I was wrong! Shokz are probably the best headphones for outdoor running (and this isn’t a paid article). I can hear the sound very clear and would probably not use any other headphones for running now, even in winter.
What’s the battery life of Shokz like?
The battery life on the Shokz Open Run Pro is expected about 12 hours, according to Shokz. So far I’ve been pleased with the battery life, although I’ve not done 12 hours running with them yet so I’m not sure exactly when these will die. When I first charged the Shokz, it took a couple of hours and when I turned them on it said “battery high”. I’ve since done a few hours of running in them and they’re not even saying “medium” yet, so that’s good.
Are Shokz good for any runner?
I probably wouldn’t wear the Shokz training in the gym because you might want the noise cancelling feature to block the gym music. And they can be on the pricey side if you’re a beginner runner, any earphones are probably more affordable. But if you have the budget, I would definitely recommend the Shokz headphones.
My experience with Shokz after 6 runs (2 weeks)
9/10. So far, the Shokz Open Run Pro are brilliant. Can’t fault the quality, design, comfort, anything. The only thing I’m aware of is that I wonder how long the battery will last. So far, I’m pleased.
FAQs about the Shokz Open Run headphones
Do Shokz fall off while running?
Nope, I was worried about this, but they sit so securely around your head/neck. I’ve done several runs in them now, and I honestly can’t even feel that they’re on. They’re super lightweight, while simultaneously secure. They’ve not fallen off at all.
What are the best headphones for running?
I’ve worn chunky headphones and the bone conduction headphones, and I definitely prefer the bone conduction headphones because they pass the sweat test, feel safer running through traffic and the sound quality is better. See here, these chunky headphones keep my ears warm, but you can’t hear the traffic running outdoors.
Can you hear traffic with Shokz headphones?
I can hear traffic with Shokz headphones. But it’s just the right balance of being able to hear the traffic for my own safety, as well as cyclists etc, and hearing the quality of the music. In fact, I’ve been running with Shokz listening to crystal clear music at a reasonable sound level, and then been able to hear emergency vehicles from out of sight I definitely would have missed if I was wearing my Kvidio headphones.
Are bone conduction headphones safe for running?
Yes, bone conduction headphones are super safe running because you can hear the traffic around you far better, and you’re much more aware of your peripheral vision. So you can hear your music, and also pedestrians and all other road users.
Are Shokz comfortable for long runs?
Yes, my Shokz are really comfortable on long runs. I’ve done 2 runs both over an hour long, and they’ve been really comfortable to wear. You don’t even realize they’re on your head/neck. I have full confidence they’ll be great on half marathon race day.
Do Shokz work with running watches?
Yes, my Shokz works really well with my running watch. I connect my Garmin Forerunner 265 to my Shokz via bluetooth. I turn it on via the volume button, the voice alert tells me it’s on and connects within a few seconds. Then, when I’m running and I reach my ‘mile’ milestones, I hear the Shokz tell me my pace.
Can you wear Shokz with sunglasses?
Yeah I wear my Shokz with running sunglasses and they don’t get in the way at all. They’re super comfy and it just fits nicely. Shokz really thought that through as well.
Are bone conduction headphones comfortable?
They’re actually far more comfortable than wired earphones and big chunky headphones. I’ve worn all 3 types and the bone conduction headphones are the most comfortable because there’s no annoying wired that keeps dropping out, and no sweat building up in your headphones like the big ones can result in!
How loud are Shokz headphones while running?
As loud as you’d want them! I bought the Open Run Pro, and the sound is great. You can turn it up with easy access volume buttons. But the quality is nice and clear so I’m really pleased. I don’t think you need them at too high of a volume. But if you’re running in a very busy city around lots of people or traffic, you might want them a little higher, but the crispness is good so I’d have no concerns.
Do Shokz work in windy conditions?
Yes, I went for a long run in windy weather, and I was a little nervous the sound quality might not be as good, or they might fall off. But not at all, I could still hear the wind, but the sound quality remained strong and clear, and the Shokz didn’t budge at all.
Written by Katie McDonald, 15th March 2026
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