If you’ve ever struggled to fit your phone, keys and gels into your pockets before heading out the door, you’ll understand the need for a good running belt. Yet finding a running belt that doesn’t move or chafe when you run can be difficult. To help you narrow things down, we’ve rounded up the best running belts on the market, for every kind of runner.
What to look for in a running belt
When it comes to finding the right belt for you, there’s a few things to think about:
– Size: What are you planning on carrying in the belt? If you’re planning on using the belt to carry all your essentials, look for one that is big enough to comfortably fit your phone (some of the bigger iPhones will not be considered standard size) and other essentials. You should also look for a belt that you can pull tightly to lie flat against your back, as this minimise the amount it can move when running.
– Weight: Most running belts will be designed to be lightweight, but if you’re a particularly petite runner, or you’re planning on wearing the belt over a long distance, like a marathon, the lighter the belt the better.
– How easy is it to access? There’s nothing worse than struggling to unzip your belt to reach a gel at mile 20. Look for a belt that is easy to get into when you’re running. Added extras like loops on the waistband for gels are always handy.
– Do you need the option to carry water? Some running belts will have pockets for little bottles of water – this can be handy during longer training runs, or if you’ve signed up to a race where you need to carry water.
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1 Flipbelt Classic Premium Running Belt
FlipBelt amazon.co.uk
£24.49
There’s a reason why FlipBelt has a lot of dedicated fans. The large belt has multiple access points, has a non-bounce design and sits flat against the waist. It’s available in a number of different colours and has a buckle fastening.
2 SPIbelt Running Belt Original Pocket
SPIbelt amazon.co.uk
£19.99
Another belt we really rate is the SpiBelt. It expands to fit just about everything, it doesn’t bounce when you run and it has loops on the belt for your gels. It’s a great choice for smaller runners, as the belt can be adjusted for just about all waist sizes. The only downsides here are that it can be tricky to pull your phone out mid-run, without dropping your keys and bank cards behind you.
3 Kalenji running waistband
kalenji decathlon.co.uk
£14.99
A super popular running belt, this affordable option from Decathlon comes complete with two 250ml water bottles, which come in handy on long training runs. The waistband is adjustable and the zip pocket is big enough for most phones, your keys and your gels. The only downside is that you have to remember to re-secure the bottles after using them, or they will fall out.
4 Slim Hip Pack
Nike nike.com
£17.95
A great option for smaller runners, this Nike running belt is pretty slim, so won’t weigh you down. We’re a big fan of the reflective details, which make running in low light a lot safer and the waistband is easy to adjust.
5 Ultimate Direction Race Belt v4 Running Waist Pouch
Ultimate Direction amazon.co.uk
£41.99
It might be one of the most expensive belts on the list, but it’s one of the best we’ve ever run with. The velcro waist straps make it super easy to pull the belt tight against your waist, it’s got easy to reach quick-stash pockets and it’s big enough for all your essentials.
6 All Terrain Pro 1
inov 8 inov-8.com
US$60.00
Another serious piece of kit for runners looking to run far, this inov-8 running belt carries two 250ml soft flasks and all your essentials. The easy-to-reach compartment on the front of the belt is perfect for carrying gels and nutrition, while the zipped pocket on the back is big enough for your phone, keys and even a light waterproof if you’re heading out on an adventure.
7 Eono by Amazon – Water Resistant Running Waist Pack
Eono amazon.co.uk
£6.98
A super affordable option from Amazon, this water resistant running belt is a good option for beginners, heading out to a particularly rainy parkrun. It might not be too comfy over long distances, but for the price, it’s a good option and will help stop your phone getting too wet in the rain.
8 Ron Hill Marathon Waist Belt
Ron Hill sportsshoes.com
£9.99
As it’s name suggests, this running belt was designed for marathons. It’s lightweight, it’s got eight loops on the belt for your gels and three race number fasteners to allow you to secure your number to the belt should you wish.
