[arh68]

How many pairs have you bought? which ones?

I've never broken a pair. Most of mine seem to have some natural protection, through either detachable cables, wrapping above the ear, shirt clips, or recables. You are kicking the cord? The cord shouldn't be on the floor. Why not put it on a table?

If a headphone has a detachable cable that screws in, that'd be the best by far. That and metal-on-metal framing. If that's not available cheaply, then a Kickstarter might be interesting.