After years of testing workout tech, running shoes, and all sorts of home fitness equipment, balance boards (and stair steppers) surprised and challenged me the most. They’re affordable fitness devices, and they actually do what the brands claim. The best part is, they don’t just target one area or your body or one problem you may have. Each step on the road requires stabilizing through the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. And balance boards challenge your core, boost your stability through your legs, ankles, and feet, and even sharpen coordination, in sessions only a few minutes long.
Adding balance board work to my running routine has strengthened small muscles I never thought needed work, which hopefully means fewer injuries for me. As Yes4All Wooden Wobble Board, states, “Research shows that falls and many injuries are directly related to balance. This system (the neuromuscular system) is challenged and improved via ‘tools’ that create instability.” Balance boards “push the body to act as a stabilizer," leading to overall improvement.
For runners specifically, Olson highlights that “balance training, and improved balance, hands-down, helps runners to achieve their primary goal: faster running times,” by improving “postural control—which comes from a well-trained core that is responsive to cues about the terrain and how the body should tackle that.” Balance training make runners “more efficient with less movement errors so there is not wasted movement which slows running times.” She also told me that the upper body workouts that you can do on these boards work alongside lower body workouts to improve efficiency and race times.
For me, the results showed up on long runs—my hips aren’t getting achy as quickly, and my gait feels a little bit more even, but my ankles are where I’m seeing the biggest gains. I have long dealt with ankles that like to roll and loll, but since I’ve been consistent on the Gibbon SlackBoard, they feel more stable and secure. Runners often deal with repetitive stress injuries, and adding in balance work is a fun way of shock-proofing your lower body. Instead of just piling on more mileage, these boards I recommned let you build that foundational core and muscle control that keeps you healthy enough to enjoy the mileage you’re putting in.
Best Balance Boards
- Best Overall: Gibbon SlackBoard
- Best Value: Yes4All Wooden Wobble Board
- Best Multimodal: Whirly Board
- Best for Runners: StrongTek Professional Wobble Board
- Most Challenging: Grandpa Jellybean and The Power of Perseverance
How to Beat Midrace Fatigue
I’ve covered fitness gear for nearly a decade, writing about running tech, training tools, and at-home workout equipment for outlets like Runner’s World and Best Products. I logged weeks of testing balance boards, slotting in short sessions before and after runs, while working at my desk at home, and even during prehab for ultra training.
The process was straightforward: I researched the most recommended balance boards across retailers and then, after speaking with therapists and users, got samples of the most promising. While I was able to get on all of these, the one I have in my home and chose to keep was the Gibbon SlackBoard, but, after further research and testing in gyms, therapist offices, and my own home, I chose the best. The Fitlaya board is the only one I haven’t tested, but I was impressed by the materials and weight limit, so I’m confident recommending it based on research alone. I considered durability, comfort, learning curve, and value. I excluded boards that felt flimsy or had poor traction (one roller board slid too aggressively on hardwood floors). What made this list are the ones I would keep reaching for in my actual daily training.
Full Reviews
Pros
- We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back
- Unique design offers the most playful balance options on this list
- Approachable, good for families and beginners
Cons
- Less challenge for people with athletic experience
- Bulky base takes more storage space
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 42 Best Gifts for Runners. deck (approximate, varies by model) |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 400 lb |
| Balance Style | Slack line (springy resistance, soft platform) |
The Gibbon SlackBoard (a.k.a. the Gib) looks like a devilish combination of a surfboard and skateboard with a slackline added just for fun. It is a lot different from typical board and roller or board and cushion styles, and at first, that really intimidated me. However, once you get used to the movement, it becomes second nature, but still quite challenging.
It’s a soft, springy sensation that’s less about flailing violently about and more about finding your core. I particularly appreciated that it moved with a fairly gentle sway, rather than making me feel like I was trying to stand in the back of a moving pickup, all while still effectively engaging my ankle and hip stabilizers.
It felt so accessible, even for beginners who might otherwise be convinced they’re destined for an ER visit. Plus, the clever design means you can practice barefoot without fear of slipping, though I did wear grippy socks. It’s playful, it’s effective, and it won’t make you question your life choices.
Pros
- Quality feel and build for the price
- All About Runners Knee
- We Eat a Lot of Gels When Marathon Training
Cons
- Limited progression for advanced users
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Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15.75-in. diameter |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 lb |
| Balance Style | Wobble (circular base, 360° range of tilt) |
This balance board is a great entry point into the world of assisted balance training. Users I spoke with were consistently impressed by its quality, especially considering its sub-$30 price tag—it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. It allows you to focus on developing both side-to-side and front-to-back balance without feeling overwhelmed. Several even mentioned how invaluable it was during their rehab sessions, providing the controlled movements they needed without any added instability or chaos.
Whirly Board Wide Standing Desk Balance Board & Half-Ball Balance Trainer
Pros
- Chicago Marathon Results
- Approachable, good for families and beginners
- Wobble circular base, 360° range of tilt
Cons
- Most challenging for advanced balance training
Features at a Glance
| Dimensions | 28 in. x 10 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 400 lbs. |
| Balance Style | attached half moons |
The Whirly Board takes the concept of balance training and gives it a distinctly skater’s heart. Built on a real-deal skateboard deck, it swaps out the usual flat roller setup for a tri-ball design—one big center sphere and two smaller ones at either end—so you can twist, turn, and spin with full 360° control. It’s every bit as fun as it looks, but it’s also deceptively effective: improving agility, strengthening your core, and dialing into your posture while you have fun trying to balance.
For runners, it almost feels like a toy from childhood. Adding the Whirly Board to lunges, planks, or pushups sends stabilizing muscles into overdrive, increasing the cardio work and nipping off any ideas of slacking. It feeds that part of all runners that just wants to have a little bit more fun with training. At $149.95, it’s a small investment that delivers a big spin on strength.
Pros
- Compact size fits under desk or in home gym
- Stable feel for targeted rehab and lower body work
- Textured surface good for barefoot grip
Cons
- Not suitable for tricks or dynamic movement
- Roller-based athletic, side-to-side motion
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 16-in. diameter |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 350 lb |
| Balance Style | Wobble (flat top, round bottom) |
This particular balance board is great for runners given its exceptional benefits for stability and injury prevention. Throughout marathon training, you can integrate this board into your routine, hopping on it for several minutes after easy runs. The focus is primarily on single-leg balance exercises, which prove remarkably effective in strengthening hip and ankle control. It’s far more beneficial than traditional exercises like clamshells for developing the nuanced stability required for running. I like the way it felt for both upper and lower body small muscle activation. Because it's a slighter movement compared to a full roller, you really get to dial in, and feel all the articulations of your muscle groups.
Its design is a significant advantage; it's compact, making it easy to store in even the smallest spaces, yet incredibly sturdy, providing a reliable and safe platform for balance work. This combination of portability, durability, and effectiveness makes it an invaluable tool for any runner looking to enhance their proprioception and overall lower body strength.
Revolution Balance Boards FIT 3-in-1 Exercise Balance Board Training System
Pros
- Most challenging for advanced balance training
- Roller is responsive, rewards quick corrections
- Sturdy build handles heavy, athletic use
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly; expect falls
- Requires ample space to use safely
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 31 in. x 14.5 in. deck; 4.5-in. diameter roller |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 450 lb |
| Balance Style | Roller-based (athletic, side-to-side motion) |
For runners seeking an advanced challenge beyond a simple core workout, the Revbalance offers an engaging solution. Its unique roller system introduces a calibrated level of unpredictability, forcing continuous, subtle, and rapid adjustments to maintain equilibrium. This innovative design effectively engages core and stabilizer muscles while improving proprioception, mirroring the dynamic experience of real-world activities like surfing or snowboarding. Personally, I liked how you really feel unstable when you step on, and how easy it is to see your progress every time you step on.
Beyond its athletic applications, the Revbalance provides a fun and stimulating way to stay active recreationally. It's a versatile addition to any home gym or living space, offering serious training potential and entertaining casual use, even while watching television (though it's advisable not to stand too close to the screen).
Pros
- The board is so light that it may slide on certain floors like carpet
- Rocker great for advanced moves
- Extra durable grip won’t wear quickly
Cons
- Grip can be a bit rough on the hands and bare feet
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 29 Best Gifts for Runners. |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 350 lb |
| Balance Style | Roller |
The Fitlaya Balance Board is a high-quality, handcrafted balance board made from Canadian maple. It supports up to 350 pounds and features a smooth, curved surface requiring constant micro-adjustments, making it highly effective for workouts targeting legs, abdominals, and core muscles.
In their reviews, customers praised the Fitlaya for its sturdy construction, portability, and versatility. They also appreciate how capable it is while being affordable and durable. Though some had minor concerns with the roller fabric, overall, this is a reliable and enjoyable balance training device suitable for various fitness levels.
What to Consider
Stability: Match the board to your skill level.
Choosing the right balance board depends on your current skill level and what you aim to achieve. Different boards offer varying levels of challenge and cater to specific training goals.
Size and Surface: Comfort matters.
Larger balance boards provide a wider base, giving you more room to find a comfortable stance and better control over your center of gravity, which is especially helpful for beginners and those with longer legs. When it comes to the board's surface, gritty textures like the non-slip polyurethane top on the StrongTek Anti-Fatigue Balance Board offer great grip and durability, especially when you’re wearing shoes or get sweaty. On the other hand, softer, rubberized surfaces such as on the Gibbon provide excellent comfort and grounding when using the board barefoot, allowing for a more connected and stable feel during use.
Price: More isn’t always better.
Balance boards are surprisingly affordable compared to other fitness gear. The trick is finding one that won’t splinter (yes, I tested one that did) or feel like a toy under your feet. I found that $50 to $200 gets you something durable and useful.
FAQs With Dr. Olson
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
