For the in-ear isolation buds, to cut down on the microphonics I suggest you take the cord as it leaves the bud, bring it forward and up and over the back of your ear and down.

It takes a bit if adjustment, but the contact with the back of your ear will dampen the microphonics a good bit. I've been wearing them this way for well over 10yrs daily. Some buds are angled a bit better than others for this too.

Also, don't underestimate the more entry level buds like the Klipsch S4's as an example. They all have varying characteristics, but a lot of the subtlety that the highest end models give you gets lost in the din of travel, whether on a plane or in a subway car. The S4's for the cash are pretty darned nice as are many others that are similar.

An mp3 player with a nice EQ option helps out quite a bit too.