Best Running Belts
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10 Best Running Belts of 2021: Unbiased Review
Running may seem like a simple and economic fitness activity that only needs a pair of shoes. But there is more to it. In fact, most people are unaware of the fact that serious runners may need more than just a pair of running shoes. After some time running, you’ll realize that you need somewhere to store your cash, keys, and your phone. This is where the running belt comes in. A running belt has become a necessity for serious runners, whether amateurs or professionals. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best running belts on the market today.
Running belts may also be referred to as a fanny packs, running packs, or waist packs. Whichever name you’d like to call them, it’s the first piece of gear that I suggest runners get. After a good pair of shoes, of course.
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At a Glance: Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best Running Belts
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL  | BEST OVERALL |
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BEST AFFORDABLE  | BEST AFFORDABLE |
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BEST RUNNING BELT FOR HALF MARATHON  | BEST RUNNING BELT FOR HALF MARATHON |
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BEST RUNNING HYDRATION BELT  | BEST RUNNING HYDRATION BELT |
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BEST RUNNING WATER BOTTLE BELT  | BEST RUNNING WATER BOTTLE BELT |
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Best Rated Running Belts Reviewed
Choosing the best product can be difficult with all the options available in the market. You may have to consider a lot of factors and assess your needs. The running belts below are the best on the market, and having tested them ourselves, we will guide you in choosing the best one for you!
FlipBelt Fitness Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Very comfortable and sweat-resistant
- Will not cause any chafing or irritation
- Easy access to your stuff
- Large compartment
Cons
- Expensive
- Some reported that the color on the belt rub off and stained stuff
- Some found hard putting phone in and out
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Very comfortable and sweat-resistant
- Will not cause any chafing or irritation
- Easy access to your stuff
- Large compartment
Cons
- Expensive
- Some reported that the color on the belt rub off and stained stuff
- Some found hard putting phone in and out
This is one of the most popular running belts in the market and has a sleek tubular design. Moreover, it is a continuous loop of fabric that is made from flexible micro-poly and Lycra materials. As a result, this makes it elastic and gives a lot of comfort around the waist. Also, it still fits in securely and will not fall off or bounce with you while running.
SPIbelt Running Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Made of high-quality material
- Fits securely around the waist but not too tight nor restrictive
- Has reflective details making it ideal for night use
- Material prevents chafing and irritation
- Stylish and fashionable
Cons
- May lose its reflective properties over time
- Not waterproof
- Some found the zipper lock to be a hassle
Pros
- Made of high-quality material
- Fits securely around the waist but not too tight nor restrictive
- Has reflective details making it ideal for night use
- Material prevents chafing and irritation
- Stylish and fashionable
Cons
- May lose its reflective properties over time
- Not waterproof
- Some found the zipper lock to be a hassle
This midrange running belt is perfect for runners who only need to store a few small essentials while still looking stylish and fashionable. The material is high-quality spandex that’s stretchable. It also has sturdy buckles and glides that are adjustable. Moreover, it can fit waist sizes from 24 to 47 inches. In addition, it fits securely around the waist and it’s neither too tight nor too restricting
Nathan 5K Running Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Very light-weight at 1.9 ounces
- Has a 3M Scotchlite reflective surface
- Storage space can fit large smart phones and other gadgets
- Secure storage
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Only four colors to choose from
- Cheap material
Pros
- Very light-weight at 1.9 ounces
- Has a 3M Scotchlite reflective surface
- Storage space can fit large smart phones and other gadgets
- Secure storage
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Only four colors to choose from
- Cheap material
This affordable running belt is one of the most light-weight running belts in the market but has the right storage size for your needs. Moreover, one of its special features is that its reflective surface is from 3M Scotchlite technology. This is the kind that’s used to create fabric for traffic enforcers and those who work at night on roads. In addition, it has a simple design but does a great job when it comes to providing a secure storage for your stuff while running. At the same time, it is comfortable to wear. It can fit waist sizes from 18 to 55 inches.
Fitletic Hydration Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Comes with two water bottles in quick-draw water holsters
- Has energy gel loops and integrated toggles to keep your bib number in place
- Dura-Comfort Technology prevents it from riding up, bouncing, or chafing
- Water-resistant
- Has an insulated pouch for your gadgets big or small
Cons
- Water may leak from the bottles when it is too full
- Expensive
Pros
- Comes with two water bottles in quick-draw water holsters
- Has energy gel loops and integrated toggles to keep your bib number in place
- Dura-Comfort Technology prevents it from riding up, bouncing, or chafing
- Water-resistant
- Has an insulated pouch for your gadgets big or small
Cons
- Water may leak from the bottles when it is too full
- Expensive
This multi-purpose running belt is perfect for those who are looking for more than just storage for their essentials. Moreover, it is great for hydration with its 2 BPA-free water bottles with rapid-flow race caps that are nestled in its quick-draw water holsters. Thus, this makes it easier to get them in and out. Besides the usual insulated pouch and interior pocket, it has energy gel loops and race bib toggles. As a result, this makes it ideal for those who plan to run in races and marathons.
Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Made from AirFlow Micro-stretch material for good ventilation
- Can expand up to four times its normal size
- Made of high-quality materials
- Value for money
- Doesn’t bounce while running
Cons
- Some may find the mesh fabric to be rough
- Fabric may be very see-through for some
- May be too tight and restricting for some
Pros
- Made from AirFlow Micro-stretch material for good ventilation
- Can expand up to four times its normal size
- Made of high-quality materials
- Value for money
- Doesn’t bounce while running
Cons
- Some may find the mesh fabric to be rough
- Fabric may be very see-through for some
- May be too tight and restricting for some
This special running belt is one of the most appealing in the market especially for long distance runners due to its unique features. Moreover, it is quite affordable and is designed keeping purpose and durability in mind. Also, it has AirFlow Micro-stretch pockets to keep you well-ventilated and keeps your stuff sweat-free. In addition, it has a 9 x 2 inches compartment that can consequently stretch up to four times its normal size. Also, it lets you store even huge phones such as an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6.
Gear Beast Dual Pocket Running Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Enough storage space for even large phones
- Soft elastic waistband to keep it in place and to prevent chafing
- Rear headphone access for you to listen to music while running
- Elastic accessory holster to easily access your stuff
- Water-resistant and zipper-locked
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with small waists
- Can be challenging for some to get stuff in and out of it
- Some reported broken zippers after a few uses
Pros
- Enough storage space for even large phones
- Soft elastic waistband to keep it in place and to prevent chafing
- Rear headphone access for you to listen to music while running
- Elastic accessory holster to easily access your stuff
- Water-resistant and zipper-locked
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with small waists
- Can be challenging for some to get stuff in and out of it
- Some reported broken zippers after a few uses
This sleek-looking affordable running belt is great for those who are just newbies in the running belt arena. This is an entry-level belt that focuses on purpose and style. Moreover, it provides enough room to store your stuff and is comfortable to wear. Furthermore, it has two adjustable and expandable pockets for you to tuck in even huge phones in it. In addition, other great features include a rear headphone access for your earphones and an elastic accessory holster for easy access to your smaller items such as lip balms.
URPOWER Running Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Has two BPA-free water bottles for hydration
- Zippered pocket in the front that can fit even large phones
- Made of high-quality neoprene material
- Can serve as a running belt or a shoulder bag
Cons
- The material can be irritating on the skin
- Weight of water may drag you down
- May move around the waist and may not stay in place
Pros
- Has two BPA-free water bottles for hydration
- Zippered pocket in the front that can fit even large phones
- Made of high-quality neoprene material
- Can serve as a running belt or a shoulder bag
Cons
- The material can be irritating on the skin
- Weight of water may drag you down
- May move around the waist and may not stay in place
This hydration running belt is great for runners who need plenty of water during their runs but can’t stop to buy some hydrating drink. Moreover, it has two 6-oz BPA-free water bottles, one on the left and the other on the right. In addition, it also has a 5.7 inches zippered pocket in the front that can fit even large phones. Additionally, it is of high-quality Material neoprene material and that makes it light-weight. Besides that, it is tear-resistant and waterproof as well. You also get a lifetime guarantee with this product.
Aqua Quest Kona Running Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Light-weight and comfortable
- Water-resistant
- Storage is big enough to fit in any smartphone
- Can stretch and expand
- Fits securely around the body which prevents bouncing
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to access their stuff
- Some experienced zipper opening while running
- Maybe a little too big for some
Pros
- Light-weight and comfortable
- Water-resistant
- Storage is big enough to fit in any smartphone
- Can stretch and expand
- Fits securely around the body which prevents bouncing
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to access their stuff
- Some experienced zipper opening while running
- Maybe a little too big for some
This hybrid running belt is considered one of the most durable running belts in the market. It can serve as a sports pouch or even as a money belt. Moreover, inspired by the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, this gear has many features that make it a great product. In addition, it is from a light-weight and Material material which makes it comfortable to wear. Finally, it is also water-resistant and has a sleek seamless design.
Illumiseen LED Running Belt
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Has LED light with USB rechargeable batteries
- Has optional belt clips
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable and can expand
- Value for money
Cons
- No water bottle holder
- Only three colors to choose from
- Some have problems with the battery after a year or so
- LED light may not last as long as indicated
Pros
- Has LED light with USB rechargeable batteries
- Has optional belt clips
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable and can expand
- Value for money
Cons
- No water bottle holder
- Only three colors to choose from
- Some have problems with the battery after a year or so
- LED light may not last as long as indicated
This one-of-a-kind running belt has safety written all over it. Built with an LED light, it is great for nighttime runs or to run in low-lit areas. Moreover, it is much better than other running belts with reflectors as its LED strip is USB rechargeable. Also, it has two light modes that you can choose from namely solid and flashing. Not only is it adjustable, but it can also expand. Finally, it comes with optional belt clips.
Types of Running Belts
There are three types of running belts you can choose from based on your needs, preferences, and style. Each type offers unique features that you might look for based on your needs.
- Belt with Compartments – This is the most common type of running belt that seasoned runners use. It has buckles and zippers that may not appear to be the most attractive, but keeps your things organized, and in place.
- Tubular Design – This is a simple type of belt which has a single compartment and wraps around the body. It is stretchable and keeps your stuff secure without being too tight on the body. It’s arguably the most comfortable.
- Pouch – This is not a belt per se but something that you can attach to a belt. It provides a lot more room to store your things but may not be as comfortable as the other types.
Key Considerations When Buying a Running Belt
While choosing a running belt, you need to consider a few things. What size would you be comfortable with and the how frequently you will use it? I’ll give your a few factors to consider when buying a running belt.
- Cost – You can either choose the most expensive one, something mid-range, or something that is budget-friendly. If you are looking for one that’s from high-quality materials, you’ll shell out a few extra bucks. If your focus is on the function and you don’t mind that it’s less stylish, then a mid-priced one is perfect. Finally, if you are new to running belts or you don’t want to spend too much on one, then consider budget options.
- Storage – Since you are looking for a running belt, you already have a few things in mind that you’d like to store. The storage size depends on your storage needs. If you just need to store essentials, you don’t need to find a big running belt with many compartments. But if you have to carry many things (a phone, wallet, cards, keys, water bottle, sunglasses, mp3s), then you may need a bigger one.
- Comfort – I’d say this is the one thing that you need to consider the most. It can make or break your run. The belt should fit comfortably around your body without hurting or restricting your movement. It should stay in place without bumping, bouncing, or swaying too much.
- Material – To make the most out of your buck, it is best to consider a high-quality product. This will ensure that it’s durable. Some other important things to consider are what kind of weather you will run in, as well as how often you run.
- Customer Service – No matter how much a company tries to perfect their product, it is likely to have some issues. When this happens, you want their customer support to be responsive, professional, and efficient. They should go out of their way to provide you with the best service possible.
Final Thoughts
In summary, whether you consider running to be a sport or a workout, having a running belt across your waist has become essential gear to wear. Both pros and amateur runners always want to get the best out of their running, and a running belt will make your experience a lot more enjoyable.
Some factors are negotiable like a style, but others are not. Try to not compromise on durability or your storage needs. Finally, choose one that is comfortable. One that you will forget you are wearing during your runs.
I hope that I’ve been able to guide you in choosing the best running belt for you! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Godspeed on your runs!
