• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best headphones for jogging?

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

brikis98

Diamond Member
I know this messageboard has a lot of runners, so I figured this would be a good place to ask for headphone recommendations.

Requirements

1. Stay securely in the ear: ear buds and in-ear headphones always seem to fall out for me, which is incredibly distracting and interferes with the run. I want something that will absolutely, positively not fall out even if I'm running at 10+ mph.

2. Good sound isolation: I usually listen to audiobooks while running, so being able to clearly hear everything the speaker says is essential, even when I'm running in loud environments.

3. Preferably under $40: I don't run that often as part of my Crossfit workouts, so dumping a lot of money on this doesn't make sense. However, since these headphones are just for jogging + audiobooks, the sound quality doesn't matter at all, so long as I can hear it (as per requirement 2).

Options I've Found So far

Sennheiser MX75: $25
Sennheiser PMX70: $24
Sennheiser PX 100: $32
Sony Mdr-As20J: $15
Sony Mdr-As50G: $37
 
You could try behind-the-neck headphones, those never fall out for me. They may not give you the best sound isolation though. I've never listened to an audiobook before while running so I couldn't tell you how clear it would sound...I have definitely ran in noisy environments while listening to plain old music and the music sounded fine to me. 😛
 
I have a fairly cheap (~$20-$30) pair of over-the-ear street style (behind the head) Phillips headphones that I generally wear for running, they are comfortable and stay on my head very well, but as they are inexpensive over the ear types, they might not give you the sound isolation you want.

These are my day-to-day headphones that I wear at work and walking around downtown/on the bus: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WAHFBU They have great sound quality and block out almost all outside noise. I don't wear them for running because they require a near-perfect seal on your ear to get a good bass response, and running jostles that too much. However, I doubt you need a pounding bass for audiobooks, so they might actually do the job for you.
 
Thanks for the opinions so far. I updated the first post with a few options I'm considering, currently leaning towards the Sennheiser MX75. Any more advice is appreciated 🙂
 
The shures are awesome. And while they don't match your criteria in that they aren't under $40, the sound quality is exceptional and you could use them for all your workouts as opposed to just running. I have a pair of shures that I bring everywhere with me: work, working out, travel, etc. What you do is get the foam ear pieces so that you can mush them up and stick them in your ear canal where they expand, creating a sort of seal that won't come free when running. Something to think about, if not you've got the right selection already narrowed down most likely.
 
I know you want something secure but if you are running outside, isn't it better to avoid sound-isolation so you can more aware of your environment? I guess if you are on a treadmill this wouldn't matter.
 
Originally posted by: skace
The shures are awesome. And while they don't match your criteria in that they aren't under $40, the sound quality is exceptional and you could use them for all your workouts as opposed to just running. I have a pair of shures that I bring everywhere with me: work, working out, travel, etc. What you do is get the foam ear pieces so that you can mush them up and stick them in your ear canal where they expand, creating a sort of seal that won't come free when running. Something to think about, if not you've got the right selection already narrowed down most likely.
Click to expand...
Is there a specific model you have in mind?

Originally posted by: RKS
I know you want something secure but if you are running outside, isn't it better to avoid sound-isolation so you can more aware of your environment? I guess if you are on a treadmill this wouldn't matter.
Click to expand...

I mostly run on an olympic track and on a treadmill, so I'm not too worried about that.
 
The isolation ones help block noise and stay in your ear better. (The Shure's are great!!)

I'd avoid Phillips headphones like the plague (contrary to what Deeko said) - 2out of 3 pair that I've had have just crapped out after < 6 months of everyday use.

My stock iPhone ones have never given me any trouble running, and that's 4 days a week of various running (LDR, tempo, intervals, etc) Maybe I'm just cheap and haven't bothered getting another pair though. 🙂
 
The MX75's are really nice. I have had them for about a month now and are well worth $25. I run on a treadmill and they do a good job of blocking out the noise from it. They sound very good, not great, but very good. If you get them take the time to play around with all the inserts to get the best fit. Once properly fitted I have had no troubles with them. They are very comfortable and can hardly tell they are in. Even after a long work out when I am very sweaty they do not slip out. If you can get over the fact they are ugly as sin they are very good, especially for the money. They are sweat/water resistant so that also makes for a nice bonus(you can rinse them off). I have mine matched with a Sansa Clip and for a light weight running set-up I couldn't ask for better.
 
Bump! Curious as well... I've been using some cheapo Sony ear clips and have been looking for something better.
 
Originally posted by: boomhower
The MX75's are really nice. I have had them for about a month now and are well worth $25. I run on a treadmill and they do a good job of blocking out the noise from it. They sound very good, not great, but very good. If you get them take the time to play around with all the inserts to get the best fit. Once properly fitted I have had no troubles with them. They are very comfortable and can hardly tell they are in. Even after a long work out when I am very sweaty they do not slip out. If you can get over the fact they are ugly as sin they are very good, especially for the money. They are sweat/water resistant so that also makes for a nice bonus(you can rinse them off). I have mine matched with a Sansa Clip and for a light weight running set-up I couldn't ask for better.
Click to expand...

This. I have the same setup, MX75s w/ the Sansa Clip and find it excellent.

Skace mentioned Shure's but I can't stand working out with inner-ear headphones. I use a pair of e2c at my desk but find them uncomfortable while jogging.

Before the MX75s I was using a pair of Nike Skylon Flight. I liked the fit, the sound was decent, but the build quality was poor and they broke.
 
Let me preface this by 2 things:

1) I am a regular runner (~2 marathons and 2-3 half marathons a year) who regularly listens to audiobooks on my long runs.
2) I am very particular on my headphones when I'm listening to music while flying (I travel a lot) and working/around the house (Shure 520).

That being said, my headphone of choice for running is a simple MDR-J10 headphones from Sony that cost $9.99 at Best Buy or even cheaper at Amazon. They are perfectly adequate for listening to audio books and music. The sound quality is absolute crap compared to my Shure 520's...but that is to be expected. They are very comfortable to wear...I've never had any issues with them hurting or falling off while exercising. On top of that, I like the open ear design when I'm going to be running down streets and around traffic as an in-ear design is a little dangerous in my opinion. This is my second pair....I retired my last pair (might not have been the exact same model number...but the design was identical) after over 5 years of use...I hope they are still making them the next time I want to buy them.

The only negative would be if you are using an armband for your music device as the cord is very long and you will have to find a place for all that cord.

You really can't beat < $10.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top