Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Headphones: A Game-Changer for London Marathon Runners
On a brisk Wednesday morning, I found myself enthusiastically gesturing to my partner to try on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 open-ear headphones. These sleek devices, adorned in a special London Marathon-inspired colour scheme, had already impressed me during testing. As she slipped them on and began mimicking running motions with vigorous headbanging to check their stability, the headphones remained firmly in place. When I played music through Spotify, her surprised reaction was immediate: "Oh, they sound really good."
From Skepticism to Admiration: A Personal Journey with Shokz
My history with Shokz headphones dates back approximately four years, when I tested an earlier model shortly after the brand rebranded from AfterShokz. While I appreciated the innovative open-ear concept at the time, the audio quality fell short of expectations. This latest iteration, however, represents a significant leap forward, showcasing the company's dedication to refinement and improvement.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 employs bone conduction technology, transmitting sound vibrations through the upper cheek and jaw bones directly to the ear drums. Unlike traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones, these devices sit just in front of the ears, leaving the ear canals completely open. This design proves particularly advantageous for runners who need to maintain awareness of their surroundings, whether navigating busy city streets or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of race day events like the London Marathon.
As the official headphone partner of the 2026 London Marathon, these headphones have earned prestigious recognition, including our best running headphones award. The primary consideration for potential buyers remains the premium price point of £179, prompting the essential question: do they justify this investment?
Comfort and Design: Engineered for Endurance
An ideal pair of running headphones must excel in several key areas: comfort, security, sweat resistance, and audio performance. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 excels remarkably in comfort. The flexible band contours snugly around the ears and extends comfortably around the back of the head, while the earpieces rest gently in front of the ears without exerting excessive pressure.
This design proves superior to many running earbuds I've tested, which often feature silicone wings that can cause discomfort during extended wear. Weighing a mere 31 grams, these headphones become virtually unnoticeable during runs, allowing users to focus entirely on their performance rather than their gear.
Performance Under Pressure: Testing in Real-World Conditions
To evaluate security and sweat resistance, I subjected the headphones to rigorous exercise scenarios. For running applications, they performed exceptionally well. Despite initial skepticism about the band's relaxed fit, my concerns proved unfounded during testing. The headphones remained securely in place throughout long runs, interval training, and sprint sessions, even during high-impact movements.
The open-ear design allowed me to enjoy audiobooks while maintaining environmental awareness—a crucial safety feature for urban runners. In gym settings, the headphones worked well for strength training, enabling music enjoyment while facilitating conversation with training partners. However, during dynamic exercises like burpees and high-intensity interval training, the changing head angles caused minor movement as the band occasionally brushed against the neck.
It's important to note that these headphones are specifically engineered for running, with performance in other workouts representing a secondary benefit rather than a primary design objective.
Audio Quality: A Remarkable Transformation
The most striking improvement over previous models lies in the audio performance. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 delivers crisp, clear sound that surpasses expectations for bone conduction technology. Whether streaming motivational running playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, or even folk music—my unconventional running preference—the audio quality remained consistently excellent.
The intuitive control system features three buttons: one for power and volume increase, another for volume decrease, and a multifunction button for playback control and track navigation. The special London Marathon edition adds aesthetic appeal with its regal purple finish accented by gold trim, accompanied by a stylish carrying case featuring a line drawing of the marathon course.
Value Assessment: Premium Performance at a Price
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones represent an outstanding choice for dedicated runners. The bone conduction technology successfully balances audio enjoyment with environmental awareness, while the lightweight, sweat-resistant design (rated IP55) ensures comfort and security across various running paces.
The London Marathon edition commands the full £179 price, though standard versions frequently appear on sale for approximately £135. While this investment may seem substantial, particularly for those seeking affordable fitness solutions, these headphones deliver exceptional value for serious runners who participate regularly in races and will utilize the open-ear design frequently.
For casual runners who only occasionally listen to music during exercise, more economical alternatives exist. However, for enthusiasts committed to running who will maximize the product's capabilities over several years, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 stands as arguably the best running headphones currently available on the market.
Testing Methodology: Rigorous Evaluation for Accurate Assessment
My evaluation process involved comprehensive testing across multiple running scenarios: long-distance runs, interval training, and hill sprints. Additional testing occurred in gym environments during exercises including squats, press-ups, and burpees. Assessment criteria focused on three primary areas:
- Comfort and Fit: Evaluating whether the headphones maintained position without causing discomfort, rubbing, or pressure during extended use, while assessing their lightweight design's impact on running focus.
- Durability: Testing resistance to sweat, rain, and gym conditions to determine longevity and value retention for a premium-priced product.
- Sound Quality: Assessing audio performance despite the open-ear design's inherent limitations compared to noise-isolating alternatives, with particular attention to clarity and motivational capability during challenging workouts.
As The Independent's senior fitness writer with extensive experience reviewing sports equipment and recently completing a mountainous ultramarathon in New Zealand, my expertise provides qualified perspective on health and fitness products. This background ensures thorough, informed evaluation of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones' performance capabilities and suitability for runners preparing for events like the London Marathon.
