WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR RUNNING HEADPHONES

If you’re really focused on running – and specifically focusing on your form, rather than constantly having to manage what’s sticking in your ears – not just any headphones will do. Over-ear headphones, for example, suit only those of a particular gait; bounce around too much or lean the wrong way and you may spend your entire run adjusting them. And soft ear pads just wick up sweat, which isn’t nice to have hanging around. Some people prefer them, and that’s okay: we’d probably elect to use a sacrificial set just for working out, rather than dedicating our daily drivers to the grind.

Standard ear buds may be okay, but if you’re prone to perspiration – and, let’s face it, we’re all a little sweatier right now – you’ll at least want to look for some kind of water ingress prevention. It’s also worth considering the fit; a set of buds that really suits your ears (and, critically, stays in them when you’re running) is important, whether that means finding the perfect size of ear tip or something extra like a silicone hook.

Bear in mind that as much as you might want to keep your ears filled with tunes, hitting the streets in urban areas is a lot safer if you have some kind of transparency mode to let the sounds of the outside world in just a little. If it’s adjustable, all the better, and ideally your buds’ microphones will offer some kind of wind resistance so you don’t spend your whole session fighting with wind noise.

Connectivity is also crucial. A strong Bluetooth connection helps fight against distracting signal drop outs and gives you the option to place your audio source exactly where it’s most comfortable. This can be an issue with true wireless ear buds, so beyond these three sets it may also be worth considering a connected Bluetooth pair with a neckband or even (whisper it) some old-school wired buds. Though fighting with a cable isn’t exactly the most distraction-free experience...