The 7 Best Running Belts for Storing All Your Stuff
Pack exactly what you need without weighing yourself down or throwing off your stride.
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bella thorne stuart weitzman shoes shoes and go. Unless, of course, you’re going on a long run. Then you might need a couple of snacks… and a drink or two. Plus the key to get back into your house or your car. Naturally, you’ll want your phone in case of emergency or to snap the perfect picture. Suddenly you’ve got a lot of stuff and not a lot of places to store it all. Hence the genius of the running belt.
short nike eclipse running para mujer pack that stays put and keeps everything secure, leaving your hands free to swing at your sides. These aren’t just fanny packs, either: They’re made with running in mind, more dedicated to hugging your body to prevent all your belongings from slapping around on your stomach or back. And many are made of light, breathable materials that’ll keep you comfortable as the miles stack up.
Whether you’re just keeping your wallet woven for a quick run past the cafe or hauling a day’s worth of gear for your marathon training, these belts will keep you equipped in style. Keep reading to see which ones are our favorites.
The Best Running Belts
- Best Overall: martens mackaye leather strap sandals black
- Best Value: E Tronic Edge Running Belt
- Best Minimalist: Salomon Pulse
- Best Fit: puma x sophia webster leadcat slide sandal pink
- Most Color Options: nike womens wmns free rn cmtr 2018 black marathon running shoessneakers
- Most Storage Space: Inov-8 Race Elite
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What to Look For in a Running Belt
Storage Capacity
When choosing the best running belt for you, there are a few factors to consider. But the primary one is size—how much stuff do you need or want to carry, and can the belt accommodate it? You can usually find a measure of storage capacity in liters if there’s a dedicated main compartment, but many smaller belts are stretchy and can accommodate more than they appear to.
prada strappy low heel sandals item 5K or 10K distances, you probably won’t want to take along more than a house key and phone. If longer-distance runs are your jam, you may need more storage space for food and fluids. Some belts have removable pouches and attachments that allow you to run a more minimal setup for shorter outings and stack it up for multi-hour runs.
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Hydration Capabilities
If you want to store a water bottle on your belt instead of holding one in your hand, check if a running belt has a dedicated pouch or mount for a water flask (or several, if you’re really going the distance). It’s worth noting, though, that water will likely add much more weight to your cargo than most other things you can fit on or in a running belt. And even good water bottle pouches can sometimes come loose and send your bottles flying. You aren’t likely to encounter this problem often, but it’s worth noting that it can happen.
Fit
Once you’ve figured out capacity needs, consider fit and adjustability. The running belt should fit snugly and stay put with minimal jostling or fuss. Running belts typically come in two adjustment styles: tubular or buckle. This one ultimately comes down to personal preference, but it can certainly make a huge difference in comfort during your run. If you’re petite or plus-size, check the dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
Material
A decent running belt should have cushioned, breathable material against your skin for comfort. Look for cues in the description that note if the fabric is water-resistant or weatherproof. Even if you don’t plan to run in rainy conditions, a moisture-wicking and water-resistant belt will help keep you dry during sweaty runs.
Extras
Don’t overlook those little touches you might appreciate, such as headphone ports that let you wire earbuds between inner compartments. Some running belts also offer key rings to secure your house or car keys, and reflective elements can help keep you visible during your morning and evening runs.
How We Selected
To help you find the best running belt, we evaluated a range of models on the following features: size/capacity, materials, fit, and extras (like pockets and extra storage elements). We rounded up running belts from brands we trust and have personally used. Our staff has tested most of these models. Those that we haven’t used we’ve carefully chosen based on their value, performance, comfort, and secure fit. We also considered budget; the most expensive running belt on this list is under $100.
From the minimalist designs to belts you could take on any adventure, there’s at least one here that’ll carry everything you need.
martens mackaye leather strap sandals black Running Belt
martens mackaye leather strap sandals black Running Belt
Pros
- Insulated bottles
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Some online reviewers reported that the bottles fall out
Taking a big swig of hot water on a sweltering day is never ideal, and it can feel woefully unavoidable without the right gear.
air jordan jumpman 2020 pf mens shoes play sports hydration belt like the Nathan TrailMix. This isn't a belt we’ve tested ourselves, but we love the culmination of its little details on top of its solid water-carrying system nonetheless. The belt comes with two 10-ounce insulated flasks to help keep your water cool. We also appreciate the wide and stretchy waist straps, plus Nathan’s creative use of shock cords for storage as well as a better fit.
The small compartment in the ruffle of the belt also has room for all kinds of essentials, including electronics, snacks, cash, and cards. There’s even a key ring on here to keep everything organized and separate.
Key Specs
| Size | One size fits most |
|---|---|
| Materials | Nylon, polyester |
| Fit | Buckle closure, adjustable |
| Extras | Two 10-oz./300mL bottles, reflective trim, zipper pocket, two shock cords with one-pull tension lock at sides |
E Tronic Edge Running Belt
Pros
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Cons
- You have to wash it by hand
The price of this belt may lead you to believe you’re getting a lot less. But this thing has all the bells and whistles. At 3.8-inches wide, it features two larger slit pockets (one 4 inches; the other 9 inches) to store everything from your fuel to small water bottles. There’s also a zippered pocket to secure ID or cash, as well as a smaller pouch for keys and coins.
The low-profile buckle closure sits flush on your waist, and the belt is adjustable from 22 to 46 inches. Running in dark conditions? Its reflective logo and strips help keep you visible. Bonus: a sealed headphone hole that you can securely route your wired headphones through.
Key Specs
| Size | the chinese running boom. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Neoprene, elastic |
| Fit | Buckle closure, adjustable |
| Extras | new runner low top sneakers item |
Salomon Pulse Running Belt
adidas ivy park super sleek boots cloud white | Salomon Pulse Running Belt
Pros
- Lightweight
- Almost unnoticeable around your waist
Cons
- No water bottle
This low-profile belt is as minimalist as it gets. Constructed from breathable, four-way stretch material, it hugs your waist for a snug, unobtrusive fit. Two zippered pockets keep valuables secure, while two stretch pockets are capable of holding two pint-sized flasks. hydron that there’s no buckle (and therefor the belt isn’t adjustable), we appreciate that it comes in a range of five sizes.
Key Specs
| Size | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyamide, elastane |
| Fit | 4-way stretch fabric (there’s no buckle) |
| Extras | Reflective details, multiple expandable pockets, two diagonal straps with silicone grip for poles |
puma x sophia webster leadcat slide sandal pink Running Belt
puma x sophia webster leadcat slide sandal pink Running Belt
Pros
- Low profile
- Doesn’t bounce
Cons
- Doesn’t have space for water
If you don’t need to haul water with you, the FlipBelt is a smartly designed option for carrying just those small essentials. It grips your hips like an extra waistband, with no bulk or protrusion—and weighs just 3 ounces.
Add your phone and a few gels to one of the three slits in the 4-inch-wide fabric band, and the belt will remain just as bounce-free and comfortable as if it were empty, stretching to meet the needs of your cargo. In fact, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it while running until you need some fuel. It’s that unobtrusive.
Key Specs
| Size | XXS—XXL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Micropoly, Lycra |
| Fit | Tubular band |
| Extras | 4 slide-in pockets, internal key hook, reflective logo |
nike womens wmns free rn cmtr 2018 black marathon running shoessneakers Runner Sling
nike womens wmns free rn cmtr 2018 black marathon running shoessneakers Runner Sling
Pros
- Excellent color selection
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Cons
- Not ideal for larger phones
Athletic apparel company Free People (FP) Movement has created an excellently comfortable belt in the brand's Runner Sling. Even better? There are loads of color options to make this belt a perfect match for everyone's favorite running fit.
The neoprene fabric feels substantial yet smooth and helps minimize the impact of your gear's bouncing around. The rear compartment is also packed with small pockets that keep your gear organized and easily accessible.
Key Specs
| Size | S/M: 23-35 in.; M/L: 27-42 in. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Neoprene, polychloroprene |
| Fit | Buckle closure, adjustable |
| Extras | balenciaga speed2 lace up sneakers item |
Inov-8 Race Elite Waist Running Belt
Pros
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Cons
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- Doesn’t come with a bottle
For the seasoned runners out there who need extra fuel for their longest runs, look no further than the 3-liter capacity of the Race Elite. This extra-roomy belt will hydro you plenty of space to store everything from your phone and wallet to a packable jacket, all while exterior pockets offer more dedicated space for smaller items and a 500mL flask.
Key Specs
| Size | One size fits most |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyamide, polyester, elastane |
| Fit | Buckle closure |
| Extras | 3womens ua micro g valsetz leather tactical boots |
product eng 1021521 Shoes Veja Nova HT Canvas Running Belt
product eng 1021521 Shoes Veja Nova HT Canvas Running Belt
Pros
- Sleek appearance
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Cons
- Doesn’t hold any bottles
This sleek running belt from Lululemon offers effective performance with its lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric. But it can also function as an essentials bag that’s ideal for the store or the cafe. The stretchy main pocket offers enough space for a phone or a wallet, and woven side compartments offer a bit more room for your miscellaneous trinkets.
Key Specs
| Size | XS/S—L/XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | adidas ivy park super sleek boots cloud white |
| Fit | Buckle closure |
| Extras | Zippered stretchy main pocket, 2 side stash pockets |
Writer and Runner Emily Shiffer Shares Tips on What To Pack in Your Running Belt
RW: What is a must-have for a great running belt?
ES: It’s all about minimizing bounce. As someone who always runs with my phone (an iPhone 13 Pro), I prefer a running belt with a zippered pocket that keeps my gear secure. Speaking of pockets…the more, the better. On a long run, I usually have my apartment key and/or car key, lip balm, and fuel. That all needs to fit someplace securely and safely, so whether there are hidden pockets, extra compartments, or added zippered pockets, I prefer lots of space.
RW: When should you wear a running belt?
ES: You don’t have to do long training runs to wear a running belt. As someone who runs with lots of extras, I throw one on for most of my outdoor runs. There’s typically room to store gels or energy cubes. However, if you need more packing space, consider a fanny pack.
RW: What should I pack in my running belt?
ES: My running essentials include my phone, keys, credit card–and you will never find me on a run without lip balm. (I prefer one with SPF.) My other essentials: Glide, sunscreen packets, GU energy gels and bandages. The flatter the items, the better to minimize bounce.
*Editor’s Note: Selene Yeager and Caitlin Giddings contributed to this article.
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, sandals karl lagerfeld kl33010 black lthr.
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