Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones review

As a female runner who likes to be able to lace up whenever the mood takes me, these Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are a game changer.

• Brand: Shokz
• Product: OpenRun Pro headphones
• Price: £159.95
• From: uk.shokz.com
• Review by: Zoe for 3 months

We received one pair of Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) OpenRun Pro headphones. They arrived boxed and are seated in a nifty zip-up case with a USB C charging cable. The case is great for supporting the headphones as well as storing the charging cable. 

Shokz OpenRun Pro are listed as being IP55 sweat-proof (against splashing water) so they are fine in a bit of drizzle but not for a downpour or in the bath. 

The OpenRun Pro charges using a magnetic cable instead of the usual small fiddly rubber cap. It snaps into place in such a satisfying way making charging easy. However, beware, this is not a normal charger, so make sure you look after it as it is specialist you can’t just easily replace it.

Turning the headphones on is a simple one-touch button; press and hold. If you do this whilst wearing the headphones, you will hear a lovely clear voice say “Welcome to Shokz, battery high/ medium/ low.” This is especially handy as you know straight away the battery level so you know that you can make a full run/ride without plunging into dreaded silence halfway through. 

Pairing is very simple as I only use my iPhone for music, I just pair the headphones in my Bluetooth settings which takes literally a couple of minutes.

Battery and Connection

Battery life is a boastful 10 hours! I’ve not been able to run for 10 hours to test this out, but I have used them before, during and after a run, doing housework for example. So I can honestly say they are good for about seven to eight hours and they have kept up with my music addiction. The quick charge feature is fab meaning I can be ready to run when the mood takes me.

Fit, Comfort and Sound Quality

The comfort of the OpenRun is brilliant, not too tight but secure enough on your head that they won’t fall off. There is no pressure on your head whatsoever, so no induced headaches or uncomfortable earache. The headphones are one-size-fits-all which in my honest opinion is the only flaw of them, but I do have an abnormally small head. I find the large loop at the back of my head can wobble as I run, but not enough to feel like they will fall off, but enough that I notice. A smaller (child size) version would be ideal for me but if you have an average head they fit fine. 

The shape of the OpenRun is much slimmer and more streamlined, meaning they sit in the correct place on your ears. No fiddling about for a sweet spot, just hook them on and go. Which is especially good for running as we all know you can’t afford to lose time messing about with headphones on a good run. 

The sound quality according to Shokz is “premium sound quality with enhanced bass”. I can’t compare this to the other Shokz in the Range but I do feel the sound quality is fab, I like music, particularly heavy bass music and I like my music to be really clear as it really is a motivator when out. So I have found that if I go too loud sometimes they Tickle my face but this is usually a sign that they are too loud. I feel they are the same quality as my over-ear headphones so I’m impressed with them. 

In Use

The pause button is easily located on the side, as is the volume if you knock them accidentally they make a noise so you know. However, I don’t tend to touch them when I’m out, I pair up, start my timer, set the music and I’m off.

Again the most important feature in these headphones is spatial awareness. I absolutely love how I can hear everything and my music. I can hear the door knocking while doing chores, I can hear my son asking for snacks while I work out, I can hear cars on the road while I run. 

Overall

Like I stated in the opener, as a female runner who likes to be able to lace up whenever the mood takes me, these Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are a game changer. I can hear my surroundings, feel confident in my run and within myself and enjoy my music. I used to constantly be removing my in-ear headphones at junctions, checking my safety and often felt scared when loud cars or people crept up on me but now my running has improved, as has my confidence and I owe all of that to the Shokz OpenRun Pro. 

• Brand: Shokz
• Product: OpenRun Pro headphones
• Price: £159.95
• From: uk.shokz.com
• Review by: Zoe for 3 months

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