The 5 Best Running Belts in 2019

Editors' Choice: Flipbelt Zipper Running Belt

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The Flipbelt zipper running belt is one of the most popular running belts on the market and our top choice amongst basic running belts.

The belt fits close to your body and don’t bounce or chafe. One long strip of material, it has a continuous main compartment with four openings. The belt comes in five sizes between 18 inches and 38 inches. Comprised of a micro-poly and Lycra blend, it is breathable and super lightweight. It comes in a variety of colors as well and has reflectors so you can feel safe running at night.

Flipbelt Zipper Pros

• Comfortable: This running belt fits like a second skin
• Reflective: Want to run at night? This belt helps keep you safe
• Machine washable: Work up a sweat? Just throw your belt in the washing machine.

Flipbelt Zipper Cons

• Size: This is a small running belt; if you need to carry more gear, this will not be the best choice for you.

Best Value: SPIBelt Running Belt

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SPIbelts have been around for years and it’s easy to see why: they’re affordable, high-quality, and comfortable. They may look small, but they can expand to hold your smartphone, keys, credit card, and up to five energy gel packs. The material is durable; it’s water-resistant so will keep your valuables dry from rain (and sweat!) while you run. The belt fits tight to your skin and won’t bounce or ride up while you run.

SPIBelt Pros

• Price: One of the most affordable running belts on the market
• Comfortable: Won’t ride up or chafe while you run
• Spacious: Large enough to hold up to five energy drinks

SPIBelt Cons

• Hard to access: If you have a large phone, it will be hard to store and access it from this belt.

Best For iPhones: uFashion3C Running Belt

Amazon

If you like listening to (and flipping through) your iTunes while you run, you’ll need a running belt that gives you easy access to your iPhone. In our opinion, the best belt for your iPhone is the uFashion3C Running Belt.

This running belt not only holds your iPhone but also gives you access to it thanks to a clear touchscreen PVC window. Haven’t invested in wireless headphones yet? It has a headphone hole as well. In addition to a special spot for your phone, this running belt has two inner pockets for items such as keys, money, and more. The pockets are waterproof and sweatproof, too.

uFashion3C Pros

• Touchscreen window: This running belt lets you access your phone without having to remove it from the belt.
• Storage: Running belt has two additional pockets in addition to main phone pocket.
• Price: This is the most affordable running belt on our list.

uFashion3C Cons

• Ventilation: Runners say this belt isn’t as breathable as others on the market

Best With Water Bottles: Nathan Trail Mix Plus

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If you enjoy running in the summer, it’s imperative to stay hydrated. You can attempt running and holding a water bottle, but why not just invest in a running belt with a built-in water bottle?

The Nathan Sports Insulated Trail Mix Plus belt is our top choice for a running belt with built-in water bottles.  This belt has two 10-ounce insulated Fire and Ice flasks. They keep water cool on hot days and prevent it from freezing on cold days. The water bottles are stored in Nathan’s trademarked SpeedFit holsters and are easy to grab with one hand.

In addition to the water bottle holders, this running belt has a decent-sized front zippered pocket large enough for most smartphones as well as a separate pouch for your keys.

Nathan Trail Mix Plus Pros

• Two water bottles: Two 10 ounce insulated flasks will keep you hydrated with cool water.
• Easily accessible: The front zipper is easy to open should you need a snack mid-run and the SpeedFit holsters are made so you can grab a flask with just one hand.
• Comfortable: Fabric is soft and mold to your body so it won’t cause chaffing or bounce when you run.

Nathan Trail Mix Plus Cons

• Price: More expensive than other running belts

Best For Race Days: Nathan VaporKrar Waist Pak

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Finding the perfect running belt is tricky, especially if you’re a long distance runner and enjoy running 10Ks, half-marathons and even marathons. You need to carry your essentials, but you also don’t want them weighing you down or making you uncomfortable. Thus, your goal is to find a lightweight belt with maximum storage capacity. In our minds, this is the Nathan Sport VaporKrar.

This belt comes with an 18-ounce soft flask to keep you hydrated and enough storage for your phone and a few small snacks. Th belt fits snugly against your waist and won’t cause chafing or bounce uncomfortably while you run.

Nathan VaporKrar Pros

• Lightweight: This belt has ample storage but won’t weigh you down
• Hydration: Belt comes with an 18-ounce soft flask to help you stay hydrated while you race (and not weigh you down)
• Tight fit: Belt will not bounce or cause chafing while you run

Nathan VaporKrar Cons

• Storage: Less capacity than other running belts, which is a negative for some runners

Types of Running Belts

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If you’re looking for the best running shoes (whether men’s running shoes or women’s running shoes), you’ll find that running shoes differ based on your running style. There are trail-runners, road-runners, and cross-training running shoes. Running belts are similar and differ based on your needs.

If you’re looking for your first running belt, take a moment to consider when you’ll use it. Is it for your weekend runs, when you go to your local park and run a leisurely five miles, stopping at water fountains along the way? Or, is it for your half-marathon, when you’re trying to beat your personal best and there’s no stopping no matter what? Thinking about when you’ll use a running belt can help dictate the type of running belt you’ll

The three main types of running belts are waistband belts, water bottle belts, and race day belts.

Waistband Belts

Waistband running belts are the most basic of running belts. If you’re going on short runs and simply need to bring a few items like keys, your phone, and perhaps a credit card, this should suffice.

Waistband running belts have at least one pocket for your items and sometimes two. They fit close to your body and mold to your waist and are akin to an extension of your running tights or shorts. Thanks to the close fit, they won’t bounce or ride up.

Water Bottle Belts

Water bottle belts are the next step up from your basic waistband belts. As the name infers, they are built not only to carry your small personal items but water as well. As such, they are ideal for long runs and hot summer runs.

Water bottle belts can carry between one and four small bottles. As you can imagine, the more bottles the more bulk, so make sure you choose a belt that perfectly suits your hydration needs without overdoing it.

Race Day Belt

If you’re a marathon runner (or half-marathon runner) you’re going to need a bit of gear while you run. You’ll not only need water or gels, but you may want to bring a snack or two. You’ll also want a belt that won’t ride up or chafe but instead will feel like a second skin.

A good race day belt should have toggles to attach your race number and be easily accessible while you run. Some runners like having water bottles on them while they run while others don’t want the extra weight and prefer gels. If you fall into the former category, consider purchasing a belt with add-on accessories such as water bottle attachments.

Running Belts Buyer’s Guide

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Once you know what kind of running belt (or belts) you want to invest in, there are a few key attributes to consider. You’ll want to look at the storage size and make sure it’s comfortable and durable. Perhaps you’ll even want it to be pretty. You’ll also want to look at whether or not it has additional features such as a water bottle holder, reflective stripes, and even race number pins.

Storage Size

What are your running essentials? Most people bring their keys, phone, some money, and perhaps some sort of hydration. Start by asking yourself what you’ll need to bring with you when you run and that will help determine what size storage pocket you need. You’ll also want to look at how the belt fits, if it’s durable, and if you like the design.

• Fit and Comfort: A good running belt should fit as though its an extension of your running shorts or tights. Make sure it doesn’t ride up for chafe your skin.
• Quality: A good running belt should be waterproof – against both sweat and potential rain! Take a look at the material and make sure it can stand up to the elements you need it to. Make sure the zippers are easy to unzip, the straps will fit snuggly without stretching out, and the pouch won’t tear should your keys poke it.
• Design: Running belts come in a variety of designs and we suggest trying on a few different models. What’s comfortable for one person’s body won’t be comfortable for another, so see which fit you like best.

Additional Features

A running belt’s primary goal is storage; it acts as an extra pocket while you run and should be big enough to carry your necessary personal items. However, it can also do more, and some running belts come with additional features such as water bottle holders, reflective strips, race number pins, and more.

• Water Bottle Holders: If you enjoy running in the summer, we recommend investing in a running belt with water bottle holders so you can stay hydrated while you run. Some belts can only carry one, while others have the capability to care four or more.
• Reflective Strips: Are you a night runner? If so, make sure you wear bright, neon colors and/or reflective strips. If you don’t want to put reflective strips on your shirt, consider purchasing a running belt with reflective strips.
• Race Number Pins: If you plan on joining a few races you’ll need to wear a running bib. Yes, you can use safety pins and pin it to your clothes, but why not invest in a running belt that easily allows the attachment of your race number?