Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) brings a whole new vibe to outdoor audio with its bone-conduction headphones. If you’ve ever wanted to listen to music on a run without shutting out the world around you, Shokz is the answer. The company debuted its innovative open-ear headphones in 2011, pioneering a way to transmit sound through your cheekbones instead of traditional earbuds. That means you can hear your playlist and the ambient sounds – like traffic, your friend chatting, or birds chirping on the trail – all at the same time. Runners, cyclists, and hikers quickly fell in love with this technology because it keeps them safer and more aware of their surroundings. Over the past decade, Shokz has expanded into multiple product lines (from the everyday OpenMove to the premium OpenRun Pro), but all their designs share that distinctive wraparound, open-ear style and a featherweight comfort that makes you forget you’re wearing them. The brand’s ethos is rooted in innovation and human-centered design: they aim to “make people’s lives better with innovative technology” while encouraging folks to “keep exploring” new sounds and adventures. These headphones are sweatproof, durable, and have solid battery life – built for the kind of active, on-the-go lifestyle outdoor enthusiasts lead. While not a traditional “gear” company with tents or packs, Shokz has become an outdoor staple in its own right by allowing adventurers to add a soundtrack to their experience without compromising safety or comfort. In short, Shokz lets you hear it all – your music, your buddy, and the world around you – which is pretty awesome when you’re out and about.
