While the old saying goes that all you need to run is a pair of shoes and the open road, it doesn’t always work out that way. These days when we set off to run we will probably have our phones (how else can we listen to music or record our distance), keys, emergency money, possibly emergency food supplies, and even water with us. That’s a lot, and much too much to stuff into pockets, but not enough for a backpack. That’s where a running waist belt comes in.
The best running belt is sleeker than a bumbag of old, it is so light you barely feel it, and it is big enough to hold your phone, keys, and other running essentials.
For many runners, the two main factors for the best running belt is whether it can fit their phone, or a water bottle. So we’ve looked at a range of belts that can do one or both.
Reviews: Best running belt for phone
1. Nike slim waistpack 2.0
This Nike running belt is a favourite because of its slim yet expandable design. The belt pocket is stretchy, expanding to let you slip in all your running essentials including your phone, keys, and gels.
The Nike running belt is just 3.1cm high and weighs only 76g, so light you won’t remember it’s there. It clips securely around your waist with a single button closure that is easy to close or open, so even if you forget about it, you can be sure it will still be there! The swoosh logo is reflective to help you stay visible in poor light.
Don’t leave the important stuff behind with the Nike running belt.
- Weight: 76g
- Size: 28.5 x 13.1 x 3.1
- Reflective logo
- Stretchy pocket for essentials
2. Fitletic Ultimate II running waist belt
The Fitletic running belt is the perfect accessory for long distance runners who don’t want to take a running backpack. The main pocket is big enough to put a phone (including most plus size phones) and other essentials, the side pocket has a key ring to secure your keys, and exterior loops hold up to 5 gels.
The Fitletic running belt is made from sweat proof neoprene, which will keep your essentials dry as you run, protect them from light rain, and wash easily when it needs a clean. It is designed to be comfortable, and the belt is adjustable to sit on the widest part of your hips to reduce bounce, chafing, and stop it riding up your back.
If you are looking for a (bottle-less) running belt specifically for race day, this would probably be our top pick.
- Great for long runs
- Phone and gel pockets
- Water resistant neoprene fabric
- Pouch size: 19 x 9 cm
- Belt length: 61 – 107 cm
3. Eono running waist belt
No products found.The Eono running waist belt is the best running belt if you are looking for a cheap belt that competes with the more established (and more expensive) brands.
It is super lightweight, and thin, so you won’t feel that you are wearing it. The Eono running belt has two zip up pockets, which are big enough to hold most phones (even the big ones), and your other running essentials too.
The ultra light, breathable, and skin friendly material, is comfy to wear and the fully adjustable elastic strap sits on your hips with no bounce or movement. The zips give easy access to your essentials. The stretchy fabric is water resistant, keeping everything safe and dry whatever the weather.
Forget you are wearing it, and enjoy your run!
No products found.
4. Flipbelt Classic running belt
The Flipbelt Classic running belt is one of the best running belts around. The sleek tubular design, and comfortable stretchy fabric is unique among running waist belts.
The Flipbelt Classic is a wrap around belt made from stretchy material, with no buckles or zips. Simply pull it on like your running shorts and settle it around your waist, and flip it over to seal the pocket. Wear it under or over your running clothes depending on your preference.
The Flipbelt Classic is made from stretchy, moisture wicking fabric, which is quick drying, extra soft, and won’t chafe or rub. It sits flat and secure across your hips, no bouncing or riding up.
The stretchy pocket has multiple openings – which are little more than slits in the fabric, but which stay closed when you are not using them. It is stretchy enough to fit all sizes of phone with extra space for keys, gels, credit cards, and more. An internal key hook secures keys in place.
The Flipbelt Classic comes in sizes XXS to XXL – measure your hips and use the size guide to find the right size for you. It is also available in different colours from carbon to neon yellow, so you can show off some colour as you run.
Try the Flipbelt Classic running waist belt today, and you won’t look back!
- Available in sizes XXS to XXL
- Fits most phones
- No zips or buckles
- Water resistant
- Reflective logo
5. Nathan Zipster running belt
The Nathan Zipster running waist belt is another best running belt contender. The Nathan running belt is a super light, stretchy belt that you pull on and off. It has four pockets – two big zipped pockets in the front and back (where the Zipster name comes from), and two small, fold over pockets on the sides for easy access. The pockets are big enough to hold a large sized phone, keys, and even a small soft water pouch.
The water resistant fabric will keep your valuables dry, safe, and secure, and the breathable, soft material is comfy against your skin, and will wick sweat away, keeping you cool and dry. The Nathan running belt sits securely on your hips, without any movement or bounce, and it has a flat profile so you can wear it over or under your clothes.
- Available in sizes XS to XL
- Fits most phones
- Weight: 40g
- Water resistant
- Space for a small soft water bottle
Best running hydration belt
6. CamelBak Ultra Hydration running water belt
If you are looking for the best running belt for water bottles, the CamelBak Ultra Hydration has you covered. CamelBak are the leaders in hydration packs when you are on the move, and this is their most minimalist option yet.
The Ultra Hydration running belt sits around your waist. There is a small pocket with a 500ml Quick Stow soft flask, featuring all the benefits of CamelBak’s soft water bottles. A stretchy zip pocket has space for your phone and other running essentials. The belt also has a reflective patch for when you are running in poor visibility. This running belt comes in two sizes – XS/S and M/L, and is not adjustable between sizes.
Stay hydrated with the CamelBak running belt.
- Available in sizes XS/S and M/L
- Fits most phones
- Weight: 82g (without water)
- Water: 500ml soft flask
7. Salomon Active running water bottle belt
This Salomon running belt has all the convenience of a belt with the added benefit of a space for a water bottle, making it perfect for runners who need water but don’t want to carry a backpack.
The Salomon Active running belt comes with a 600ml lightweight plastic bottle which slots into a side pocket which is perfectly angled at 45 degrees for you to grab when running. An additional large pocket has space for your phone, gels, keys, and other essentials.
The Salomon running belt is adjustable to sit comfortably on your hips, and has additional padding in the back so that it sits comfortably. Breathable fabric and 3D mesh on the bottle pocket add ventilation and stop you sweating too much.
- Adjustable belt
- Fits most phones
- Weight: 94g (without water)
- Water: 600ml lightweight bottle
8. Fitletic Hydration running water bottle belt
This Fitletic running belt has everything you need for a long run – two small water bottles, a big pocket for your phone and other essentials, and ultimate comfort. Silicone grippers on the inside of the belt will keep it in place against your running tights – what more can you ask for!
The two small water bottles sit in pockets on the front of the belt for easy access.The bottles have quick flow caps so you don’t need to break your stride as you drink. Exterior gel loops provide easy access to nutrition.
This running water belt is made from water resistant neoprene, keeping your essentials undamaged by sweat or rain as you run. The fabric is strong and durable, and will stay with you on your long, hard runs.
Get your running hydration belt on, and off you go!
- Available in S/M and L/XL
- Water: 500 ml
- Pouch size: 19 cm x 9.5 cm
- Large phone pocket
- External water and gel pockets
9. URPower running hydration belt
The URPower running hydration belt is the best running waist belt for runners who want to take a small amount of water with them on every run. The best thing about this running water belt is the price – it’s a great starter belt for beginners.
It comes with two very small water bottles (170 ml each), which will provide enough water for a short run, without being heavy. The large pocket sits between the bottles, and has enough space for your phone and other essentials. The belt itself is fully adjustable, and will sit comfortably on your waist without moving, bouncing, or rubbing. This running belt is made from neoprene, which is both waterproof and tear proof, keeping your valuables safe.
- Fully adjustable strap
- Water: 2 x 170 ml bottles
- Pocket size: 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)
- Weight: 220g
- Fits most phones
What to look for in the best running belt
When you look at your running waist belt options, you will want to consider the following:
Size: How big do you really need your running belt pockets to be? Yes, you will need pockets that are big enough to hold our ever bigger phones, but does it need to be much bigger than that. Remember, the bigger it is, the more you’ll pack in, and the more it will weigh. Just saying.
Weight: Most running belts are super light, but if you regularly run long distances, or you are a smaller runner, look out for the absolute lightest belt you can find.
Access to essentials mid-run: If you are someone who is constantly reaching into your belt for water, snacks, even your phone, then you’ll want to look at how they fasten, or whether water bottles are easily pulled out.
Water: If you are a runner who likes to take water on every run, look at running hydration belts that have space for small bottles. Also consider the size of the water bottles and where they sit on your body. Some running water belts have space for a soft flask inside a pocket, others have one or two small bottles in external pockets. You decide what works best for you while running.
One size vs adjustable belts: Running waist belts tend to either come with adjustable straps or in just one size. One size running belts have their advantages in that they tend to have a sleeker profile, softer material, and fewer opportunities to chafe. But they also have the disadvantage that they can’t be adjusted if you change size – you will need to buy a new one at that point. Adjustable belts fit a wide range of people, and can be made tighter or looser as required, but they also tend to have straps, buckles, or clips that can irritate some people’s skin.
Waterproof: Let’s face it, your running waist belt will get wet – if not from rain then from sweat. Look for running belts that are water resistant or waterproof to keep your valuables safe and dry.
The verdict: The best running belts
The best running belt overall: The Flipbelt Classic running belt
The Flipbelt Classic is simply one of the best running belts around. It is sleek, fits comfortably around the hips, and has plenty of pocket space. There are no zips or buckles, which reduces the risk of chafing, and it can fit under or other clothing, depending on your preference. The range of available sizes means that you can find one that fits you properly.
The best running belt with water bottles: Fitletic Hydration running water bottle belt
This Fitletic running belt has everything you need for a long run – water bottles, a big enough pocket for your phone and other essentials, and exterior gel loops. The two small bottles have quick flow caps to make drinking as frictionless as possible. And the belt itself is made from strong, durable neoprene that will stay dry even as you sweat.
The best running belt for the budget conscious: Eono running waist belt
The Eono running waist belt is an excellent running belt for beginners or those who don’t want to spend too much. It is strong, lightweight, and comfortable, with a stretchy pocket that can carry all your essentials, and the adjustable waistband will keep it in place (even if your own weight changes).
Need something with more space? Check out our reviews of the UK’s best running backpacks.
References:
https://outdoorfitlab.com/marathon-running-belt-should-i-wear-one/
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20820865/should-i-wear-my-fuel-belt-on-race-day/
https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=3044888
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
