by Nick Jones

There’s nothing like having your favorite tunes in your ears to get you pumped and motivated for your run. For some, the music helps take their mind off of everything else so they can focus on their run and others just need the extra oomph to get them through the next mile. No matter why you have music for your run, you’re going to need a great pair of headphones.

Why are good headphones important?
Wearing proper headphones when you’re working out, especially if you’re going for a run, are important for several reasons.

Comfort
One of the most important factors for choosing headphones is comfort. You will need to find a pair that will not have to be constantly adjusted due to the constant movements from running. Additionally, the headphones you choose should not cause pain or irritation after wearing them for an extended period of time.

Many runners looking for comfort turn to over-the-ear headphones. These are ideal for a few reasons. Not only will they provide a more comfortable fit, they are actually better for your ears. According to BBC.com, over-the-ear headphones are better for the ears and your hearing when compared to ear buds.

Another deciding factor when it comes to comfort is down to the cord. If you do not want to have a cord in your way while you are running, wireless headphones are a great alternative.

Durability
When you’re exercising, you’re going to be moving a lot, especially when you run. You will need a pair of headphones that will be able to keep up and last through several workouts. Durability is important because the last thing you want while you’re out on a run is for one side of your headphones to suddenly cut out, or fall apart after a short time of using them.

Durable headphones are also useful if you intend on taking runs outdoors. Waterproofing is available and it adds to the durability of the overall headphones. It also gives you the peace of mind that your headphones will be safe should you get caught in a sudden downpour.

Quality of Sound
The way the headphones sound can affect your final decision. Are you after a clear sound often associated with audiophiles? Or do you prefer a deep bass? Regardless of your personal preference for sound, a pair of headphones is out there to suit your needs. Keep in mind, you should be cautious of turning up the volume, no matter if you use over-the-ear headphones or earbuds.

Some people make the mistake of turning up the volume to drown out environmental noises. This practice is unsafe for your ears. According to Dr. James Foy, an osteopathic pediatrician, turning up the volume on your headphones will cause significant damage to the ears over time. In fact, Dr. Foy suggests limiting your use of headphones to a maximum of one hour, with no more than 60% volume.

If you’re prone to turning up the volume to block out external noises, consider getting a pair of noise cancelling headphones. This will allow you to block out sounds and focus on the music and your run without damaging your ears.

At the end of the day, runners should look for headphones that will be durable and comfortable through several runs and will provide a great sound. Just be mindful of your delicate ears when you’re making your final choice, so you can be sure to hear the music you love while you’re running for many years to come.

Nick is the Editor of Headphone Selection which helps you choose the best headphones. He is music obsessed and loves hiking.