Brand: Shokz
Category: Running General
Recommended by Abigail West, Ultrarunner, Artist, & New Mom — Southeast, USA
Highlights: lightweight
Experience unparalleled audio clarity with the OpenRun bone conduction headphones, designed for active lifestyles. With advanced technology and a lightweight build, these headphones deliver premium sound while keeping you aware of your surroundings. 1. 8th Generation audio technology for superior sound quality and clarity. 2. Up to 8 hours of continuous playtime with a quick charge feature for on-the-go convenience. 3. IP67 waterproof rating, making them ideal for workouts in rain or sweat-intensive activities. 4. Weighing only 26 grams, these headphones provide a comfortable, barely-there fit. 5. Open-ear design allows for ambient sound awareness, ensuring safety during outdoor activities. 6. Bluetooth connectivity for seamless pairing with devices, enhancing your listening experience. The OpenRun headphones are perfect for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who values both sound quality and situational awareness. Ideal for running, cycling, or gym workouts, they perform best in active environments where you need to stay alert. Designed for users of all skill levels, these headphones excel in both casual and intense workout scenarios, making them a versatile choice for year-round use.
Price: $129.95
- Who it's for
- Runners — especially trail runners, racers, and those doing long training sessions — who need situational awareness while listening to audio. Also suits people with smaller heads, given multiple hosts specifically chose the mini fit.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the lightweight fit, long battery life, and the ability to hear surroundings while still enjoying music or podcasts. One host notes true bone conduction (no sound bleed) sets it apart from cheaper lookalikes, though sound quality is acknowledged as a step below studio headphones.
- Worth noting
- A mini size variant exists and is recommended by multiple hosts with smaller heads. Battery life is reported as exceptional — one host charges roughly once a month.
Abigail West's review
I started running a lot more with music during pregnancy to give me a boost, and now postpartum, running is my primary alone time in the day, so I want it to be as fun as possible! I also use these around the house in place of my old noise canceling headphones, because even if baby is sleeping, I always have one ear out.
Recommended by Abigail West, Ultrarunner, Artist, & New Mom
Frequently asked questions
Who is the OpenRun for?
Runners — especially trail runners, racers, and those doing long training sessions — who need situational awareness while listening to audio. Also suits people with smaller heads, given multiple hosts specifically chose the mini fit.
What do experts say about the OpenRun?
Hosts consistently praise the lightweight fit, long battery life, and the ability to hear surroundings while still enjoying music or podcasts. One host notes true bone conduction (no sound bleed) sets it apart from cheaper lookalikes, though sound quality is acknowledged as a step below studio headphones.
What should you know before buying the OpenRun?
A mini size variant exists and is recommended by multiple hosts with smaller heads. Battery life is reported as exceptional — one host charges roughly once a month.
What does Abigail West say about the OpenRun?
I started running a lot more with music during pregnancy to give me a boost, and now postpartum, running is my primary alone time in the day, so I want it to be as fun as possible! I also use these around the house in place of my old noise canceling headphones, because even if baby is sleeping, I always have one ear out.
Why does Abigail West recommend Shokz?
Abigail West recommends the Shokz OpenRun for running general. I started running a lot more with music during pregnancy to give me a boost, and now postpartum, running is my primary alone time in the day, so I want it to be as fun as possible! I also use these around the house in place of my old noise canceling headphones, because even if baby is sleeping, I always have one ear out.
Is the OpenRun a good running general?
Yes — Abigail West recommends the OpenRun by Shokz as their running general pick. I started running a lot more with music during pregnancy to give me a boost, and now postpartum, running is my primary alone time in the day, so I want it to be as fun as possible! I also use these around the house in place of my old noise canceling headphones, because even if baby is sleeping, I always have one ear out.
More from Abigail West's Pregnancy & Postpartum Training Essentials
View Abigail West's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
15 experts recommend the Shokz OpenRun.
I've had mine since 2020!
Recommended in Daily Essentials
Robyn Lesh, Pro Trail Running Athlete
The Minis are awesome. So much better than the regular size in any other brands of bone conducting headphones. Like actually. I had no idea they'd make such a difference. Don't get stuck on my hair, don't bounce. I got converted!..
Recommended in Broken Arrow Race Kit
Corinne Shalvoy, Ultramarthoner | Commentator | Podcast Host | Coach | Community Builder
I love listening to fun playlists during races and these headphones allow me to also hear what's going on around me. I have a tiny head so I get the 'mini's'. Great sound, weigh nothing and long battery life!
Recommended in Desert Rats 100k Race Gear
MINI version for small headed people like me. These open ear headphones are amazing when on the trails. I like to hear my feet hit the ground and everything around me. These headphones allow me to listen to my favorite podcast while being aware of my surroundings.
Recommended in Tunnel Hill 100K
These are super great headphones. I like the smaller version but not as loud. Can hear everything around you but also listen to music. It's great! Highly recommend.
Recommended in Canyons 100
Long training runs made easy.
Recommended in Items I Can't Race Without
Hunter Tart, Ultra Runner/Trail Runner
Love these headphones. Super light and stays on without ever having to adjust.
Recommended in Uwharrie 100k Gear
being able to hear bike/cars/other runners dare I say bears is key on the run.
Recommended in Broken Arrow
the best running headphones I’ve ever used. Sound quality is great while still letting you listen to the world around you.
Recommended in ✨CCC✨
My go-to head phones for every run. Wireless, waterproof, and you can still hear. Ideal for trail running where you need to stay aware of your surroundings, but still want to jam out or listen to a podcast. The long battery life makes them perfect for training and racing.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Love it until the first time I try it!!
Recommended in Accessories
My Shokz OpenRun have become a must-have for my long-distance running. When I’m spending hours on the road or trail, I love being able to listen to music while still hearing what’s happening around me. They’re comfortable enough for long training runs and ultras, stay put mile after mile, and have become one of those pieces of gear I never want to start a long run without.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Rachel Schack, Trail/Ultra runner 🏞️🏃♀️, climber 🧗♀️, adventurer
I didn't used to be an audio listener when I went on runs, but with these headphones, I can still hear my surroundings and they pair easily to my watch or phone. Great audio for music listening or podcasts or talking on the phone. I use these for work meetings or to chat with friends. So comfortable I forget I'm wearing them.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Sara Aranda, Trail/Ultra Coach, Athlete, Creative
I've been using these bone-conducting headphones since early 2026 and have been very impressed by their quality. My husband has a different brand and the differences have been stark: the Shokz battery lasts a long time (I charge mine about once a month), there is no bleeding of sound as these are truly bone-conducting (vs lookalikes that are merely speakers), and the materials used are comfortable and smooth. I chose the mini variation because of my smaller head size, and I absolutely love it. The sound itself is more than good enough to enjoy (it'll never be the same as true studio headphones, but that's not the point). Lightweight, easy to use, and worth the investment.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
