They are angled in a way that they fit better in the ear and the angle helps with noise cancellation as well as keeping them in your ear if the wire gets tugged at a little. ( im returning this! I have hallux rigidus (bunion at base of big toe), a high arch, and sensitive back of toes and ball of foot and this sneaker is a godsend. I purchased this to secure a HD action camera to my bicycle handlebars to record my commute in the event of a traffic incident. These are sturdier than the ones I replaced. cons: Bass sounds ?punchy? like it?s coming through tinny tiny speakers. After several attempts with different makes and models I finally found some that didnt fall out when I run or work out. When I opened up the washer I found a complete disaster as my two shoe organizers not purchased at Amazon had completely been shredded and torn apart! They cost a bit more, but. I agree with some other folks that its a bit short for 3 pairs of shoes.