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hey guys--

i'm looking for a pair of headphones that can withstand a long-distance run. i've tried ipod earbuds, nike vapors, and a bunch of different neckstrap headphones. none of them are comfortable and can last longer than a few miles without falling out.

i'll admit that i have freakishly large ears, so this is a problem i'm destined to grapple with, but i was wondering if anyone (preferrably with irregular ears) had any good experiences with a particular brand or model before i go shopping again.

dude i think everyone has problems with earphones no matter how their ears are. its just something that i think is never gonna be solved. but i aint no professional. try the ones that wrap around ur ears, they arent as comfortable but they will probably work for ya... holla bud!!!

have you tried the type that kind of strap behind your ear? thats what i use they never fall out and they were only six dollars i forget the name brand but i bought them at target

You can get ones custom made that fit into your ear...expensive but they will never fall out.

I use Sennheiser PMX 70 Sport Earphones, which I got at my local Apple store for $50. They never fall out, and are very comfortable. They have a slightly open design, which is a mixed blessing: you have a better chance of hearing traffic before it hits you, but if you are running into a headwind, the windnoise will drown out your music. If you don't like headphones that wrap around behind your head, these also come in over-the-ear (OMX 70 $45) and earbud (MX 70 $35) versions, but I would think those would tend to pop out more.

Overall, I am really happy with the purchase. My partner got a pair (I can't find them right now, and I don't remember the brand) that was a set of earbuds with attachable over-ear clips and an attachable behind-the-head band, so you can configure it however you want.

Also, if you own a new iPod Shuffle, I just found the Monster iFreePlay Cordless Headphones, which look amazing (the shuffle plugs right into the headphones--no cords!). http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4449

I have a pair of earbuds with the soft rubber flanged thingies that fit snugly into the ear canal, and I can't imagine them falling out during a run. However, they do a remarkable job of blocking out all external noise, and that could be dangerous if you're out running in public.

Phillips has a set (available at Target/BestBuy) that loop behind the head, they are earbuds with a plastic tip you can change for size-

they are 'virtual surround' and have a really great sound to them, and the rubberized doohickey keeps then nicely snug in the ear. I do distance and seldom ever have a problem with them.

good luck

I had a pair for years made by Sony. They cupped behind the ears and were blue. Ten dollars at Target.

Check out this website:
http://www.v-moda.com/collection/modaphones/vibe.aspx

It has the solution for what we call 'Big-Ear Syndrome' asthe ear phones were constructed in tilted position. Catered for high end user and sport enthusiasts who can't live without music!!!

Expensive tho.

rgds

I use the buds in this link, best earphones I've ever had. They do a great job withstanding rain and sweat..

http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones-headsets/sony-mdr-e827g/4505-6468_7-6900023.html

Good question, and I think I can help. I too have large ears, and no earbud has ever stayed in my ear while feeling even remotely comfortable (must less providing anything close to decent sound quality). Most pop out even before I've finished stretching. And none ever sound decent.

Making things more complicated, I'm also a bit of an audiophile, often spending extra money to download high bitrate mp3s. I don't understand why 99% of people spent a lot of money on music and music players but then are totally content listening with tinny sounding earbuds. I've tried everything from Sennheisers to Bose tri-ports, and was disappointed with all of them (Except my Grado SR-60s, which are too bulk to use while working out).

Try these:
http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^sc^KSC75

You can walk into most Radio Shacks and grab them. They aren't the coolest looking, but they will stay on your ears even while doing inverted crunches or jogging for several miles. And the sound quality rivals some $100 headphones. Bonus: Radio Shack's return policy. You can try them for a few days and return them for a refund if you don't like them.

ewww... you mean they might have been in someone else's sweaty ears for a week already?

joewag, please, you do not have "freakishly" large ears.

Also, as a long distance runner of many, many years, make sure that if you are listening to your iPod that you have the volume turned down enough so that you maintain awareness, contact with the surroundings, including traffic other people etc.

I have an iPod and tried it on a couple of runs when injured (needed to be distracted a bit from the discomfort). But, generally, I'd rather concentrate on my body and surroundings.

I understand it is a personal preference for me. But for safety's sake, don't crank up the volume too much.

You do NOT have "freakishly" large ears.

John

I like the ones by Bose that fit into your ear. They have never popped out during a run. They are available at the Apple Store.

I completely feel your pain. I've gone through so many earphones it's ridiculous. I think I've spent more money on earphones than my iPods. Earbuds are ridiculous for running. The bouncing from running jostles them out of your ear and if your arms should accidentally even brush against the strap, they go flying out of your ear.

I would recommend two for running.

Sennheiser SportLine http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJD5IA
These are a good fit and put a lot of pressure on the earphone part of it to make sure they stay well in the ear. The only thing I don't like is where they have the cord coming off.

A cheaper pair are from Nike.
http://www.amazon.com/Nike-HJ020-Flight-Sport-headphones/dp/B0009MFKDQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214595267&sr=8-1
These aren't as good but they're 1/2 the price and they do the trick. I don't feel like they sit in the ear as well so you have to turn the volume up more than you might with other earphones.

Another vote for the V-Moda Vibes. I love mine!

Music is nice to listen to but maybe only have a single headphone in one ear. Of course, if you are anything like me. Sometimes near the end of a long distance run, it actually is difficult to concentrate on my surroundings, never mind music.

Safety first kids!