Mysteries of the mind-body connection: Why does Willie Nelson make me run faster than the White Stripes? And why do both sound so much better coming out of the Thump Pro? I don't have answers, but I do know that after several trail runs I fell shamelessly in love with these 1GB digital audio player-cum-sunglasses, to the point where the stupid-expensive price mattered not at all. In contrast to earlier models, the Pro is lighter, with racier lines and swappable lenses. Plus the earbuds' sound quality beats iPod's standard-issue jobbies by a landslide. But mostly the Pro rules because there are no messy wires, no tugging when you turn your head—you and your tunes are fully integrated. Though, come to think of it, that may put me closer to Willie Nelson than I care to get.

Oakley Thump Pro $349 oakley.com