Open-ear, bone-conduction headphones like Shokz OpenRun Air 2 help runners stay alert while exercising outdoors. Shokz recently upgraded the OpenRun with a stronger bone-conduction driver for a better sound quality and improved the built-in microphone, so runners can take calls in windy conditions. I tested these headphones for a month as I geared up for a half marathon.
They are comfortable and secure. I wore them through my daily miles, speed sessions, and even the few times I got caught in the rain. The open-ear, bone-conduction design allows me to hear those around me (as long as they speak up) and that makes me feel safe.
They’re also convenient to wear when I’m not running and super easy to use, so I end up wearing them all day long. One of the first things I noticed about these Shokz headphones is the silky smooth silicone finish that feels soft against my cheeks. The ear hooks were the next thing.
They fit snugly and the headphones don’t fall off when I bend down. I can wear them for long periods of time, even with my glasses on, before fatigue sets in. When I take them off, they sit comfortably on my neck so I don’t lose them.
At first, I found the non-adjustable headband hard to manage with my long hair, but it got better once I realized it was easier to slide the band behind my neck, instead of over my head. Senior Gear Editor Cat Bowen said the neckband bounced as she ran, but otherwise they don’t rub in an unusual way. I like to wear the Air 2 while running on busy trails because I can hear others around me.
But that doesn’t mean you should let down your guard while wearing these (or any other bone-conduction headphones). They’re meant to increase your awareness, but they won’t make you fully aware—especially if you have the volume on full blast—and you should always follow the rules of the road (run facing car traffic, look both ways before crossing the street, follow traffic signals). The biggest issue I noticed with these headphones is volume.
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