Carry Your Long-Run Essentials With the Best Running Belts Out There
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Thinking about investing in a running belt? It’s one of the most affordable pieces of running gear and one of the most practical. Once you have one, it will inevitably find its way into daily use. And while running shorts, running shoes and a good gps watch are also pretty necessary to have a good run, you won’t get very far if you are juggling with your phone, nutrition, running earbuds, keys and anything else you may need.
But if you just search for a “good running belt,” you are going to be bombarded with a slew of options. To help you out, we gathered up our favorite options for every type of runner from the newbie that’s following a training plan in a running app training to the seasoned trail runner training for an ultra.
Check out our top picks below as well as a guide on what to look for and how to choose the right belt for you.
Our Picks for the Best Running Belt of 2024:
- Best Low-Profile Running Belt: Nike Slim Running Fanny Pack
- Best Running Belt for Your Phone: FlipBelt
- Best Hydration Running Belt: Salomon Active Running Belt
- Best Running Belt for Hot Weather: Nike 24oz Flex Stride Double
- Best Running Belt for Carrying Lots of Stuff: Hoka Flight Ultra Belt
- Best Low-Profile Running Belt: Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Belt
- Best Expandable Running Belt: SPI Belt
- Best Running Belt for Everyday Use: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt
Best Low-Profile Running Belt: Nike Slim Running Fanny Pack
Nike
Key features:
- One size
- Two colors
- Zipper pocket
- Buckle closure
Affordable, light and secure, this Nike running belt is great for everyday runs or even walking the dog. It has a zippered pocket enclosure with a stretchy fabric material. This keeps your items secure without having to deal with any extra fabric. It can be worn either on the waist or over the shoulder, and the slim design keeps it from bouncing around no matter which way you choose to wear it. It has an adjustable strap with a single button closure allowing you to get a perfect fit every time, and take it off and on with ease.
What we like:
- Affordable
- Secure fit
- Adjustable size
What to consider:
- Not a ton of room for storage
Best Running Belt for Your Phone: FlipBelt
Amazon
Key features:
- Slip on design
- Zippered and unzippered pockets
- Secure key hook
- XS–XXL sizes
Flipbelt has been the favorite of runners for years. Unlike many belts which consist of a belt and pocket section, this has pockets lining the circumference of the band. This allows you to carry so much more than a single pocket bag—and since it is built into the band, it sits snugly against the body and has minimal bounce.
It also has a total of four pocket openings which fold over themself, keeping your items secure, and allowing you to access them easily without a zipper. The tricky part with this band can be finding the right fit since it has sizes but is not adjustable—it does have a sizing chart though, so that’s super helpful when looking for the right fit for you.
What we like:
- Easy to put on
- Lots of storage
- Comfortable
What to consider:
- May slide up on some
Best Hydration Running Belt: Salomon Active Running Belt
Salomon
Key features:
- Holds 600 milliliter water bottle
- Adjustable fit
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- One size fits all
If you are going to be hitting the trails, or heading out for a long run, you may want to opt for a belt that can hold not only your personal necessities, but water as well. This one by Salomon comes with a 600 milliliter water bottle that sits at an angle in the pouch. This design helps prevent it from bouncing, and distributes the weight a bit more evenly.
It also has a zippered pocket which can hold some small items like nutrition or keys and keeps valuables secure. It should also be able to fit most phones, and there’s some extra fabric allowance that makes it easy to reach in and grab what you need without stopping.
What we like:
- Holds water
- Light and breathable
- Zippered pocket
- Affordable
What to consider:
- Not as much storage as some other models
Best Running Belt for Hot Weather: Nike 24oz Flex Stride Double
Nike
Key features:
- Holds two squeezable bottles
- Zip mesh pocket
- Silicone grips to prevent slippage
- Clip allows for easy on and off
Hot weather running will often lead you to opt for some sort of hydration carrier, but the key is finding something that will hold enough liquid without weighing you down or allowing you to overheat. This belt holds two squeeze flasks (great if you want to fill one with water and the other with fuel or electrolytes) and has a middle mesh pocket that allows you to store essentials while still giving maximum possible airflow.
The belt is adjustable and even has silicone grips on it to prevent it from slipping, sliding or riding up as you run.
Looking for more ways to stay healthy when you’re off the trails? Check out our top supplements for runners.
What we like:
- Two squeeze bottles
- Breathable mesh material
- Large zippered pocket
- Easy on and off
What to consider:
- A bit pricier than some other options
Best Running Belt for Carrying Lots of Stuff: Hoka Flight Ultra Belt
Hoka
Key features:
- Lightweight stretch woven fabric
- Reflective details
- Bungee loops
While most running belts are designed to hold a decent amount of stuff, this one really takes the cake. Hoka made this running belt with the intent to provide an alternative to a lightweight backpack. It is thicker than most which gives it deeper pockets and more storage space overall. It also has the addition of bungee cords on the back which are great for carrying trekking poles on a trail run, or for attaching a race day bib.
This sits slightly higher than most belts with the top hitting just at the small of the waist. While this is not a hydration belt, the pockets are deep enough that you can fit a water bottle in there—if you choose to do so, a soft bottle will be the most comfortable.
What we like:
- Tons of storage
- Packable
- Reflective
- Bungees on back for outside storage
What to consider:
- Expensive
Best Low-Profile Running Belt: adidas by Stella McCartney Run Belt
Adidas
Key features:
- Elastic band
- Made with recycled materials
- Zippered pocket
- Stretch material
This belt by Adidas is a great option for those that are looking for something that is slim, lightweight, and comfortable. It is made with an elastic band and stretchy material for the pocket which allows it to sit flush with your body and prevent bouncing as you run. It has a single zippered pocket that stretches to allow you to fit your phone, keys or some small nutrition.
When it’s not stretched out, this belt is definitely on the smaller side which is great for days when you don’t want to carry a ton. It also has a thicker band than some similar styles which makes it a bit more comfortable and less likely to pinch or roll.
What we like:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Large pocket
- Adjustable
What to consider:
- Expensive for the design
Best Expandable Running Belt: SPI Belt
Amazon
Key features:
- Large pocket
- Stretchy band
- Highly adjustable
- Buckle closure
The SPI Belt is another classic that has been around for years. It uses the typical belt and expandable pocket design, but this one is so highly stretchy it may offer even more volume than contenders. The pocket is designed to lay flat against the body, and accommodate essential supplies. Unlike many belts where you have to try to shove everything in one at a time, SPI belts allow you to stack your items and then easily zip them in in a single go.
It also has a chafe-resistant elastic band that is highly adjustable to accommodate a range of waist sizes and a sturdy buckle that won’t come undone during your run.
What we like:
- Large pocket
- Chafe-resistant band
- Sturdy clasp
- 17 color choices
What to consider:
- May not hold enough for super long runs
Best Running Belt for Everyday Use: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt
Lululemon
Key features:
- Four colors
- Sizes from XS–XL
- Adjustable
- Sweat-wicking fabric
This belt is not only practical, but it also comes in some of the quintessential Lululemon colors like sonic pink and highlight yellow. But the reason to buy is not just to match your Align jacket. This belt is also expertly designed to help you hold and keep track of everything you need on your run. It has a large zippered pocket in the back, and smaller side pockets—one with a key ring which prevents your keys from bouncing out while you run.
It is also made with super stretchy fabric that is also moisture-wicking and highly breathable so you won’t find yourself overheating even in hot weather.
What we like:
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Fun and classic colors
- Great organization
- Reflective features
What to consider:
- A little pricey
Why Buy a Running Belt?
While you don’t absolutely have to own a running belt to head out for a run, many people find them quite useful for everything from training to racing. Most are large enough to hold your phone, keys, credit cards, nutrition, and some even offer the option to carry hydration. Unlike an armband which can slipdown or make you feel a little lopsided—speaking from personal experience on that one—belts sit low on the waist, don’t bounce when fit properly, and are lighter and cooler than the other option of a hydration vest or running waist pack.
While they may not offer enough storage for all of your runs, most people find that it is more than enough to get them through daily training, and having slightly limited space can help you pare down what you actually need so you don’t feel like a pack mule by mile two.
Benefits of Running Belts
Running belts are fantastic for runners of all speeds, sizes and distance preferences. The biggest benefit that you get from wearing a waist belt is the ability to have your phone with you while remaining hands free. No matter what type of belt you get, they are now designed really with smartphones at the forefront, so even if you have a big ol’ tablet sized cell, it should still be compatible with most belt pockets.
Belts are also surprisingly pretty bounce-free. When fit properly, they sit flush to the body so they won’t move or slip around jostling your body and its contents.
Many also offer the option of hydration. This is great for longer runs when you need to be taking in some fluids but may not need a whole water bladder. Some even have multiple bottles which allow you to take both water and a hydration or fuel beverage with you as well.
How to Choose the Best Running Belt for You
Size
This is arguably the most important aspect when choosing a running belt. Size is completely dependent on what you intend to carry. If you only need room for a phone and a key, you can definitely opt for something on the smaller, lighter side. If you are going to be trail running or covering longer distances however and may need to pack hydration, nutrition and even extra clothes, you want to make sure that you have a belt that is able to accommodate that.
Intended function: Though all running belts are obviously built for running, there are some differences between designs that may inform your choice. The biggest thing to note is durability and storage—some belts are made to carry only a lightweight phone and some small items and if you overstuff it you will inevitably get some dragging and bouncing. If you are going long distances and need to pack a little more, make sure that you get a sturdier design—this usually means deeper pockets and a thicker band.
Material
Materials matter more than you think. Even though it probably won’t have direct contact with your body, it can definitely trap heat if you don’t have the right type of fabric. Look for materials that have high stretch, high breathability, and are moisture-wicking.
Features
Though not all of these features are necessary, there are some that can definitely make a difference. Zippered pockets are ideal as they will prevent anything from falling out while you run, a key ring helps to keep track of your keys and ensures that they won’t get lost or bounce out, an adjustable elastic waistband helps to get the perfect fit every time, and mesh paneling is an excellent way to help keep you feeling cool.
How We Chose the Best Running Belt
To choose the best possible running belts on the market, we looked into some of the most popular models available. We used our own expertise with testing running belts as well as reviews left by people that bought and loved these models. We also chose a selection that ranges in size, price, design, purpose and features to find the best option for every type of runner.
Running Belt FAQs
What is the purpose of a running belt?
Running belts allow you to hold necessities like your phone, keys, fuel and whatever else you may need without carrying them in your hands or having to use something bigger like a hydration vest.
What can you put in a running belt?
Though they do vary in size quite a bit, hydration belts can hold at least your phone and some small additional items like energy gels, headphones, money and keys. Some will also have a bottle holder which lets you take some water with you as well.
How tight should a running belt be?
It should feel snug but not tight. A good hydration belt will fit well enough that it doesn’t feel like it will slip off or bounce around but it also shouldn’t be cutting off circulation.
What is the difference between a running belt and a fanny pack?
Running belts tend to be more elastic and have a snugger fit as well as having slightly less storage. Fanny packs fit looser and often allow you to store more inside. They can also be a bit easier to access.
Takeaway: Are Running Belts Worth It?
Running belts are definitely a worthwhile investment. Even the most expensive models won’t cost you much more than $60, and most you can get for under $30. And just like your shoes, these are something that you can use all year round so you will definitely get your use out of them. A good belt or waist-pack will allow you to run to your fullest potential while leaving you hands-free without having to leave anything at home.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
