Best Running Belts
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. So, whether you are a professional runner or a fitness enthusiast, you will need some running gear. This will help you get the most out of your running session.
To start with, after some time of running, you will realize that you need something to store your cash, keys, and your phone. In addition, you may also want to pick some other gadgets and tuck them in somewhere.
This is where the running belt comes in. With our present lifestyle, a running belt has become a necessity for serious runners, whether amateurs or professionals.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best Running Belts
- Best Overall: FlipBelt Fitness Belt
- Best Affordable: SPIbelt Running Belt
- Best Running Belt For Half Marathon: Nathan 5K Running Belt
- Best Running Hydration Belt: Fitletic Hydration Belt
- Best Running Water Bottle Belt: Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt
| 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 |
| View on Amazon → | |
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 items below are some suggestions to help as a guide.
FlipBelt Fitness Belt
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.
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
SPIbelt Running Belt
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
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
Nathan 5K Running Belt
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.
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
Fitletic Hydration Belt
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.
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
Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt
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.
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
Gear Beast Dual Pocket Running Belt
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[/su_row]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.
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
URPOWER Running Belt
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.
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
Aqua Quest Kona Running Belt
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.
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
Running Buddy Belt
This running buddy belt is not a typical running belt. However, it is close to being one, as you can latch on to a belt, an armband or a waistband. Moreover, it has the same features of a typical running belt except that you just need to latch this. Overall, it keeps the pouch secure and in place.
Pros:
- Great alternative for those who find running belts to be too restrictive
- Larger storage space compared to most running belts
- A hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed
- Water-resistant
- Made of Dri-Fit material
Cons:
- Only two colors to choose from
- Tendency to bounce
Illumiseen LED Running Belt
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.
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
Types of Running Belts
There are three types of running belts that you can choose from based on your needs, preferences, and style. Each type offers different features that you might be looking 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 keep your stuff 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.
- Pouch – This is not a belt per se but something that you can attach to a belt. Moreover, it provides a lot of room to store your stuff 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. You must take look at a lot of things, such as the size that you would be comfortable with and the how frequently you will use it. Below are a list of 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 must be willing to shell out a few extra bucks. Moreover, if your focus is on the function and you are willing to opt for a lesser stylish one, then you can opt for a mid-priced one. But if you are new to running belts or you don’t want to spend too much on one, then you can consider the cheaper ones.
- Storage – Since you are looking for a running belt, you must have some stuff in your mind that you’d like to store in it. The storage size would, therefore, depend on your storage needs. If you just need to store essentials, you don’t need to find a big one with a lot of room in it. But if you have a lot of stuff to store like a sipper bottle, sunglasses or a protein shake, then you may need a bigger one.
- Comfort – This is one of the things that you need to consider as this can consequently make or break your run. The belt should fit comfortably around your body without hurting or blocking your movements. In addition, 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 consequently ensure its durability. Some important things to consider are what kind of weather you will be running 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. Moreover, they must be able to go out of their way to provide you with the best of their products.
Final Thoughts
In summary, whether you consider running to be a sport or a workout, having a running belt across your waist has become an essential gear to wear. Both pros and amateur runners always want to get the best out of their running gears. So, choosing one of these few factors sounds good.
Some factors are negotiable like a style, but others are not. For instance, no compromise is possible upon its durability and your storage needs. Overall, you will have to choose one that you are comfortable with during your runs.
