I use 'phones in a gym, that has a lot of noise, on treadmill, stationary bike (what other kind in a gym?
), and elliptical.
You need to keep out the noise, otherwise, you have to crank up the volume, to a point that is not good for your ears, or your portable can't provide.
You are also going to SWEAT.
I have never used the Ety's, so can't comment on them. The microphonics from the cable on those may be a pain in the ear.
What I have been using for a long time is Radio Shack NOVA-71's.
They are about $25. They were on sale for $13 a few weeks ago and I bought two spares. After a few weeks, they stink up. They are closed cans with vinyl earpads. I just wipe them off every time and spray them with Lysol periodically. they have a long cord so you can strap the player to the machine and not worry about skipping. Or you can just wrap the wire up and strap your device to you bod.
Sound on my minidisc, RIO500 (audiobooks), and Rio 800 is fine.
Sounds great with the RIO 800! I also use the Novas as a portable phone or when in hospital, with MP3/CD player.
They are not the biggest headphones in the world. They can be tight for my fat head, but not painful like the Beyer's.