SURROUND SOUND

Aftershokz’ new OpenMove headphones help you train to the beat while staying aware of your surroundings

Disclaimer: if you soundtrack your sweat sessions with ear-blasting music, Aftershokz headphones won’t be for you. The opposite of noise-cancelling, the brand’s trademark bone-conduction technology generates mini vibrations that travel through the cheekbones. These vibrations go directly to your inner ears, bypassing the eardrums, which means surrounding noise like traffic, cyclists and runners can be heard as normal.

SHOKZ TACTICS

The downside, for anyone who enjoys getting lost in the music, is that sound quality is never going to stand up to the inear alternatives. It’s certainly not bad, but being able to hear what’s going on around you comes with a compromise. That said, for any outdoor fitness enthusiast – especially in busy, urban environments – the OpenMove is an excellent option.

Beyond the safety benefits of spatial awareness, the wraparound, over-ear design also negates having to readjust mid-session – you can simply put them on and forget they’re there. You get a decent six hours of continuous play on one charge and the hardy, sweat-resistant design is durable enough to withstand the dirt and scrapes of the grittiest outdoor workouts.

AFTERSHOKZ OPENMOVE WIRELESS BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONES | £79.95, AFTERSHOKZ.CO.UK