The best headphones for running?

[Xyress]

I bought the popular Sony Fontopia ear buds for my new iPod Shuffle (which I'm using exclusively for running). So far, my experience with the Fontopias while sitting at my desk has been positive, but they don't mix well with sweat ... they pop right out as soon as sweat enters the equation.

So ... what are my alternatives? I'm thinking just a set of cheap behind the neck headphones or clip headphones. The focus here is sport headphones that do not fall out while running (at hopefully high speeds) ... I would rather give up sound quality for comfort and stability. I've been searching all day for reviews and suggestions for running headphones and I haven't seen much consensus. One set that looked really enticing to me, but is impossible to find now are the Aiwa HP-JS36 Swoops. Are they available anywhere? Or are there similar headphones that are just as good or better for running?

 

[meat01]

Koss KSC75s

 

[insomniac]

Don't think the KSC-75 would be that great for running, especially if you run outside. I feel like they'd fall off if you picked up the pace.

The swoops you linked look better (although far inferior sound quality probably... but who cares when you're running). I once saw some earbuds with ear hook attachments. Those would work as well.

 

[Burns11]

I think I saw those on audiocubes, but my guess is that the koss would be better.

 

[Burns11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by insomniac Don't think the KSC-75 would be that great for running, especially if you run outside. I feel like they'd fall off if you picked up the pace.

The clips can be bent to hug your ear better, but I guess the stability of them would still depend on the shape of your ears.

 

[Xyress]

I've had the Koss KSC-50's before (at the suggestion of these forums) and they had great sound quality from what I could tell, but I don't think they'd stand a chance of staying on while running.

Thanks for the tip about audiocubes ... they have an older model of the aiwa swoops, but that might be my best bet: Aiwa HP-SN51

Anyone have any experience with sport clips like this one: Koss KSC22 Sportclip Headphones? I saw a very positive review from someone looking for specifically for running headphones.

 

[arisen]

KSC55 fit very well for me and sound fairly good. But they're not that great for biking because if you look up, the band hits the back of the neck.

 

[Xyress]

Quote:

Originally Posted by arisen KSC55 fit very well for me and sound fairly good. But they're not that great for biking because if you look up, the band hits the back of the neck.

Mm ... the KSC-55's look interesting. I'd forgotten about the behind-the-neck variant. I feel like the foam on the KSC's would get gross in sweaty conditions though ... anyone have any experience with that? Do they get all soppy?

 

[gshan]

MDR-EX81LP - improved sound, and lightweight earclip design for support and great reduction of microphonics

clip doesn't work well with shorter/smaller ears though, so in-store purchase with return policy would be a better idea

Pricey in-store though.

 

[wang228]

i use ksc35 for running. It's lighter and the fit is tighter than ksc75. My ears got hurt a bit the first time, but got used to it after a while.

 

[samk64]

xypress, maybe you would be interested in sennheiser px-10 or mdr-j20 (or some kind of vertical or clip headphones)
http://phonephile.blogspot.com/2005/...px-10-low.html

i'm not too sure about the aiwa swoops though... they don't give me the impression they will stay on.

 

[sonick]

i recommend something like this:
http://www.audiocubes.com/category/H...eadphones.html

i got a pair from a loooong time ago.. they sound like crap, but are lgihtweight and stay on your head and in your ears even witht he most vigorous exercise

 

[RedLeader]

ksc-75, I use them for running all the time. I put them on my ears, squeeze the earpiece a little bit, and they don't come off. I'm not talking about speed-walking, 5/10km race pace and it doesnt feel like I'm wearing headphones. And I dont care if I'm running, I still want good sq and they deliver.

 

[Xyress]

Thanks for all the good advice. I finally found some of the aiwa swoops online at Overstock Auctions ... someone is selling a bunch of them brand new.

They were only a total of $20 after shipping, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to jump on them since they appear to be pretty scarce now. If they don't work out, I think I'll have to check out the KSC-75 or one of the vertical sport headphones. I remember wearing the classic yellow sport headphones when they first came out for the walkman and they seemed to stay on pretty well as far as I can remember. I definitely like the sound of the inexpensive Koss KSC line though.

 

[jfalford]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wang228 i use ksc35 for running. It's lighter and the fit is tighter than ksc75. My ears got hurt a bit the first time, but got used to it after a while.

It mst have something to do with ear shape, but running with the 35s my arms got more exercise catching the phones than my legs did. John