If youre looking for a way to carry plenty of liquidor if you particularly want to bring both water and a sports drinkconsider this belt, which comes with two 10-ounce plastic flasks. As a semi-competitive runner (and someone who seldom leaves her apartment without her phone), she has tried umpteen running belts and waist packs and knows what makes a good one. What makes the SPIbelt better than many similar belts is that the band shortens and lengthens easily, even on the fly, with no dangling strap ends. For minimalists, this zippered pouch holds essentials and stays put with a comfortable, stretchy band that tidily adjusts to fit most waistsno dangling tails. This belt doesnt feel too tight, yet stays in place with no bunching or bulging of fabric. A minimalist in terms of what she carries while training, she focuses on maximum versatility for minimum interference when it comes to running belts. The Best Smartwatches, Fitness Trackers, and Running Watches. Good for long-distance runners or always-prepared types, this nearly bounce-free waistband has a pocket, loop, and clip for stowing your stuffbut it costs more than most of our other picks. The LotFancy Running Belt with Bottles had the same issue as the Aikendo Running Belt we tried: The band was stretchy to the point that it felt unsupportive and likely to stretch out completely over time. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Over the last few years, we have seen a shift from someone running with a phone carrier around their arm, a running belt around their waist, and a hydration pack on their back to now all of those things condensed into one, said Reid Grott, senior accessories buyer at the running shoe and apparel retailer JackRabbit. Join lifelong runner, running coach, and mother of two, Whitney Heins, as she talks with experts in areas such as nutrition, training and physical therapy to share their insider knowledge so you can run your best & BE your best in the time that you have. A great running belt should fit securely so that it doesnt bounce, ride up, shift, or otherwise become a nuisance to the wearer. Phone armbands and handheld water bottles are two options, but designs that can hold both have grown in popularity. If you just want to carry stuff with you and keep your hands and pockets free, its an ideal option. And larger-waisted runners can purchase a separately available belt extender, which adds up to 12 inches of length. Its the most stable and comfortable two-bottle belt that weve tested. Just make sure to consult the sizing guide to get the right size. Adjustable belts with dual hydration bottles. The central zipper on the pocket and its barely big-enough size made it really hard for us to get an iPhone 8 Plus in and out. Note too that the Naked Running Band costs more than most beltsparticularly if you also spring for a bottleand the company charges for shipping, though it reimburses the return costs for unwanted items. The outer mesh layer stretches to fit far more stuff than the pockets on any other pick. Because the belt had no stretch, it rode up a lot and was impossible to get back into place without our unbuckling it. It did great in its "The Best Running Belts" roundup where it was named its "Runner Up", which, in itself, makes it a product worth considering. If you need to tote more stuff than the SPIbelt Large Pocket can hold, or if you prefer several separate pockets on an adjustable belt with a low profile, the Nathan Adjustable-Fit Zipster is a solid choice. Once we had all of the belts in hand, we assessed them with the following criteria in mind: Capacity: Can the belt hold a large-format phone (we used an iPhone 8 Plus and an iPhone XS) clad in a sturdy case? Weve been seeing a lot of misleading information surrounding runner nutrition, protein and carbohydrate intake, and the Running is a wonderful full-body strengthening exercise. Our runner-up pick, the Nathan Adjustable-Fit Zipster, has a zippered pocket with a weather-resistant coating, and the SPIbelt Performance Series, which we recommend as another good belt, is made of weather-resistant fabric. We interviewed Alice Holland, DPT, a running physical therapist and co-founder of Stride Strong Physical Therapy in Portland, Oregon, to learn about the body mechanics involved with carrying stuff while you run. I would find myself checking that my ID or key fob was still in the belt. The Amphipod RunLite 10K Hydration Belt rode up frequently, and we had difficulty pushing it back into place because the silicone-strip-backed belt had no stretch. The Osprey Duro Solo and Dyna Solo waist belts, mens and womens versions, respectively, both have an odd triangular pocket with a window for your phone screen. She is a certified personal trainer and a runnerboth useful when shes wrangling her two kids. Does the belt bounce, ride up, chafe, dig in, or otherwise become uncomfortable? The Amazon best-selling Urpower Running Belt seems cheaper than most belts weve tested (because it is), and in our experience one water bottle leaked badly until we got the cap on just right. If organization and capacity are tops on your list, the stretchy mesh Naked Running Band may be worth a look. Should You Get a GPS Running Watch, Fitness Tracker, or Smartwatch. There was no way for her to tuck them into the elastic straps designed to prevent that. The FlipBelt Zipper, however, while a reasonable product for $39, doesn't stack up against its competitors quite as well. Adjustable belts with single hydration bottles. There is also a key hook, a feature the Zipster Lite doesnt have. The Adjustable-Fit Zipster is one-size-fits-most, which, according to the companys size chart, accommodates waists from about 26 inches to 44 inches, though we found the belt was able to fit up to 46 inches. However, running with the Zipster Lite, I never had this concern because everything tucked in snug and secure. In our testing, we ran with the companys Running Flask (which is sold separately and holds 500 mL or about 17 ounces), our iPhone 8 Plus, two gels, three cards, and our keys (on the belts built-in hook), as well as a race bib on the front elastics and a rolled-up windbreaker through the back loops. Although the Adjustable-Fit Zipster shifted a bit more on the run than our pick, it didnt bounce. The soft synthetic materials didnt chafe our skin, either. Like other waistband-style belts, its not adjustable. After researching and testing 32 types of insoles, we think the Superfeet Green for men and the Superfeet Blueberry for women are the best for most people. Because its top and bottom elastic stays firmly in place, you cant spin this belt around easily, but the yellow ribbon pull tabs make the pockets pretty easy to open, even in the back. The belt rode up a ton, with the heavy part of the pack dropping in the back. Sweat (and rain) goes completely through the mesh fabricyour phone or other items will get damp unless you also set them inside a plastic bag. Plus, the sizing goes up to only 36 inches. Both ways felt comfortable, whereas the FlipBelt feels better over or else it feels too bulky. If youre intrigued by our top pick, the SPIbelt Large Pocket, but want something a tad larger and slightly better equipped to withstand the elements: The SPIbelt Performance Series might suit your needs. The pockets synthetic fabric wicks sweat well, which should keep you cooler, but it isnt water resistantcontents can get a bit soggy. When the dust settled, our final testing pool consisted of 31 belts from 17 manufacturers. We found that the bottom edge of the Ultimate Direction Comfort Belt curled under in the front, and the back bunched up if not filled with stuffbut if we filled it too full, it bounced a lot. During both short and mid-distance runs, this running belt felt invisible on and didnt budge at all. Unfortunately, neither of our test phones fit into the pocket. With no buckle, the band can be trickier to get into and out ofyou have to pull it up over your hips. The bands are one-size-fits-most, with a wide size rangefrom about 24 to 46 inchesand their adjustability allows you to wear them with different thicknesses of clothing or on different spots on your body, as well as to tighten or loosen them while you run. The SPIbelt Large Pocket is the best option for comfortably bringing essentialsphone, ID, keyson a run. Also, the angled bottles stuck out past our sidesour hands hit them unless we modified our arm swing. The front and back pockets have zippers. Armbands and handhelds arent ideal if they cause you to alter your natural running form (nor is simply clutching your phone in your hand). In our experience, however, the bottle kept getting caught up in the elastic band at the top of the sleeve meant to hold it in. The Naked Running Band comes in just one color (black with yellow accents). All these wearables can get notifications, track runs, and monitor fitness level, but each type is best suited to only one task. So measure correctly when it comes to sizing. Wirecutter senior staff writer Ingrid Skjong is a certified personal trainer (NASM) and lifelong runner who has completed five marathons, several half-marathons, and numerous shorter-distance races. It also doesnt offer a belt extender, whereas our top pick does. This running beltlike the FlipBelt is not adjustable. The bottles are also smaller than most, capable of holding just 6 ounces each. We now recommend the Nathan Adjustable-Fit Zipster as our new runner-up. These two things combined made it my gear go-to when getting in some quick miles. Because runners have different needs and preferences, we decided to look at belts with a range of storage capacitiessingle pocket, many pockets, with extra organizational features such as key clips and bungee loopsas well as hydration options (single-bottle and two-bottle belts, with bottles made of hard or soft plastic). To prevent this, wear it lower on the waist. Though it kept our phone dry on a sweaty 5-miler, it got slightly damp on a humid 90-degree day while we were walking. This stretchy belt has three pockets: a roughly 8-by-3-inch zippered one flanked by two flap-topped ones measuring about 6 by 3 inches. Amy Roberts is a certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), a running coach (USATF Level 1), and a regionally competitive runner. The popular Classic FlipBelt and FlipBelt Zipper are neither bad nor uncomfortable, but we liked other belts more. Carrying one could cause soreness, cramping, and, over time, injury to the shoulder muscles (from modifying your arm swing) and forearm muscles (from gripping), and even hip, knee, or hamstring issues related to those upper-body form alterations. As much as you may like to run free, hitting the road without keys, ID, and a smartphone isnt always practical: You might need to lock your house or car, you may want your ID and a phone on you in case of an emergency (or maybe you just want to listen to music or a podcast), and even if your shorts or pants have pockets, they dont always cut it. The structured pocket of the Amphipod AirFlow Lite feels heavier and more solid when packed with a phone, ID, and keys than the softer pockets of other belts, and the super-stretchy belt cant prevent bouncing. The Zipster Lite shines when it comes to its pocket space. The Zipster Lite is one of the most comfortable running belts to run with and will be a major hit among anyone who swears by their FlipBelt. (If youd like a slightly larger belt that is built to withstand the elements a little better and to help facilitate more involved training, we like the SPIbelt Performance Series.) The TrailMix Plus comes in one color (black). The New Balance Performance Waist Pack (currently unavailable) stayed comfortably in place in our experience, but we struggled to think of a reason a runner would need a belt with so much boxy, unspecialized storage space, especially as the belts large size could make it feel too hot. Just confirm the belt sellers return policy before you buy.) The Wirecutter features reliable, extensive, and in-depth roundups and reviews that cover a wide variety of different consumer products. You will be wearing this belt for a long time and the last thing you want to worry about during a run is discomfort, said JackRabbits Reid Grott. As for the FlipBelt Zipper - iMore, a source that conducts reliable hands-on testing, has featured it in its Best iPhone 12 Pro Cases for Runners 2022 roundup. You can adjust the belt from about 25 to 47 or more inches, and it has no annoying dangling straps, unlike many such pouch-on-a-strap-style belts. We were amazed at how securely it stayed in place when we loaded its three pockets with a smartphone, cards, keys, two gels, and Nakeds soft Running Flask (sold separately), which holds 500 mL or about 17 ounces. The Zipster Lite also feels less heavy than the original Nathan Zipster Belt, which weighs just over an ounce. The clip closure is also a bit more finicky than the buckle of our top pick, as it occasionally caught when we took the belt off or put it on. Its pocket is roughly an inch longer than its siblings and can be similarly fussy in allowing you to retrieve items. The Nathan Zipster Lite can hold iPhone Plus sizes (as can the FlipBelt). To access gear in the inside pocket, you have to rip open and raise the phone-plus-pocket flapthe design is not very functional. We struggled to figure out how to effectively access the bottle (it fell out for us once), particularly when it was full and didnt seem to fit well in the pouch. It was easy to take out items during the run without slowing down. Worn around the waist, there is typically a slot for money, keys, a phone and sports nutrition. To keep the belt snug and less likely to bounce, Amy wore it near her natural waist (about 25 inches, or 1 inch smaller than the smallest size its supposed to fit). The fabric is soft, yet stretchy. The Nathan Zipster Adjustable-Fit Running Belt was loved by reviewers at Wirecutter (NYTimes), a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. Because not every runner has the same body shape or size, for our initial testing in 2018 and 2019, Amy Roberts distributed eight belt finalists to a dozen runners in New York City, including Wirecutter editor-in-chief Ben Frumin, who was training for a half marathon. And nothing bounced, shifted, or got in the way of an arm swing. Though the Adjustable-Fit Zipster covers more area than the SPIbelt Large Pocket, the fabric is smooth and remains comfortably cool even in sticky conditions. Items like chapstick gels, chews, keys, money, ID and earbuds are stores perfectly without wearing the athlete down. We felt no chafing on bare skin in any scenario. You can move the bottle holsters around on the strap to find the best positions, but we still found it hard to get the bottles in and out of them. Just enjoy added perks like being more lightweight and having better materialespecially during hot runs. The flat, non-stretch Aikendo Running Belt stayed put near our testers natural waist during a 5-mile run, holding an iPhone XS and keys. We wore the belt with the zippered pocket positioned both in front and in back, cinched snugly at the top of the hip points. The Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt is similar to the Naked Running Band but not as user-friendly: The pockets arent as versatile nor are the pull loops as easy to grab, and the belt can bunch up in back if that pocket is empty. The belt is designed to fit up to only a 44-inch waist, a smaller maximum than for most of our other picks; our 49-inch-waist tester wasnt able to put it on. This is something the FlipBelt doesnt do, which was a major reason why so many people purchase the product. Additional useful features include a key clip, race-bib clips, and silicone-backed loops for securing a light jacket. An elastic band secures the extra tail of the strap firmly. Our iPhone 8 Plus was a really tight fit in its pocket, too. We like the compartmentalization; in our tests, we typically zipped our iPhone XS and a credit card into the main pocket and tucked our keys, earbuds, and other small necessities into the others. Amy tested a size 2 to fit at her 29-inch lower waist but ended up wearing it a little higher (closer to her 25-inch natural waist) and probably wouldve been fine with a size 1. (No surprise: Tops is carrying a phone.). The Amphipod AirFlow MicroStretch Plus and AirFlow MicroStretch Plus Luxe, identical aside from their mesh and nylon-polyester fabric, respectively, share a couple of flaws. Made of stretchy mesh or spandex fabric, waistband-style belts have flat storage pockets all around, sandwiched between layers of the fabric. Then there are side mesh pockets, great for storing a smartphone. Just keep in mind that the more gear that is packed into these running belts, the bulkier they become. But we had a hard time getting a good fit (the top of the belt gapped at the small of our testers back), and the belt bounced a bit and rode up. Considering that it holds less water than the two-bottle Nathan TrailMix Plus, we recommend going with that belt instead. While being lightweight is its main selling feature, the amount of storage space is another attractive feature. The downside of the pockets sweat-wicking fabric is that it offers no water resistance. ", in "Im looking for a waist bag that isnt too conspicuous but is compartmented and easy on the eyes. Compared to the FlipBelt material, its defiantly lighter on and cooler. On the flip side, the mesh felt cooler than the thicker fabric of other belts we tested. One design drawback is that the hole to thread a headphone cord through proved too small for the three pairs of wired earbuds we tried. The material also features mesh paneling, making it breathable. We struggled to get the bottles back into the holsters, and mid-run we accidentally hit and opened the front-facing buckle, which made a bottle fly out. The Fitletic Hydra 16 Hydration Belt bounced constantly, rode up often, and twisted mid-run, with lots of chafing, even through clothes. This means runners can expect no chafing while wearing the Zipster Lite. The FlipBelt always felt light on, but it suddenly feels much heavier even in hand compared to the Zipster Lite. Weve tested dozens of wearables to help you find the best one for your lifestyle, whether its an everyday smartwatch, a fitness tracker, or a running watch. We liked the feel of the Salomon Pulse Hydration Belt, which has a mesh back and lightweight nylon front. In contrast to continuous-waistband designs, the Adjustable-Fit Zipster adjusts, thanks to a clip that you slide into the fabric end of the belt before pulling the strap tight (or loosening it). We couldnt get our iPhone 8 Plus to fit in the pocket of the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pak. ", in "What are some good ways to keep your valuables from getting swiped?". Thats 3 inches less than what we found to be the maximum of our top pick, and Nathan does not offer a separate extender for this belt (whereas SPIbelt does for our top pick). An elastic band secures the tail of the strap when the belt is tightened, but fastening it is an extra step that the SPIbelt Large Pocket doesnt require, and the clip can be fussier to close than the SPIbelts buckle. We also eliminated belts that didnt claim to hold large smartphones, such as plus models in the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy lines. (If you prefer a handheld option, however, we recommend the Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask.). You can also squeeze and squirt the bottles to douse your head when youre running in hot weather. Plus, the pocket openings can be hard to find because there are no pull loops. The FlipBelt is made of lycra but has moisture-wicking properties. The Adjustable-Fit Zipster is available in three colors (black, sailor blue, and gray). Of the eight two-bottle belts we tested, the adjustable Nathan TrailMix Plus bounced the least, thanks to its wide, slightly stretchy band, which flexes with movement. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. The Ultimate Direction Utility Belt has two layers of mesh, the front of which comes up higher than the inner one. Nathan is known for its high-quality hydration products for endurance athletes. (If youre unsure of your size, consider ordering two sizes and keeping the one that fits better. We are excited for you and th Carbs often get all of the hype when running, but protein plays a big part in your performance. As a result, it conforms to fit around the waist like a perfect fit. When it comes to running headphones, one size definitely doesnt fit allso we have multiple recommendations based on style, features, and price. But the more you fill it, the heavier and more lopsided the belt gets, which could lead to its bouncing, shifting, or riding up. RunnerClick is reader-supported. Does an adjustable belt fit snugly enough? Overall this model felt on the cheap side. Such belts also often come in a smaller size range, only up to about 40 inches or so. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. When it was tightened appropriately, our testers experienced very little, if any, bouncing, whether they wore it on the front of the body or the back. The belt also bounced a bit with a phone in the zippered pocket. This makes it awkward to get on, but it isnt a big deal. If you're considering Running Belts in the $50 range, you might want to check out some better options. And it keeps everything squeezed into one stretchy pocket, which means that if you need to pull something out mid-run, theres a chance other things might fall out, too. We independently review everything we recommend. If youre looking for a convenient, comfortable, affordable way to bring must-haves with you on everyday runs, the SPIbelt Large Pocket is it. She also polled runners on her former running team, the Hellgate Road Runners, based in Astoria, New York, about what items they wanted to bring with them on their runs. SPIbelts bottles (sold separately) affix securely to the belt with large hooklike clips. A running belt provides the most convenient, lowest-profile, and most ergonomic means of carrying your stuff when you go for a run. I wore the Zipster Lite both over and under my shirt. The FlipBelt has a zippered option, but only includes one zippered pocket. Adjustable belts with one or more pouches. Like many runners out there, this runner was a FlipBelt user. You clip it onno stepping into it, as you have to do with waistband stylesand adjust it to fit above or below whatever layers of clothing youre wearing that day. This design seems like it would be good for security, but even when using the pull loops, we werent sure whether we were getting things into the pockets or putting them entirely behind the band. Writer Amy Roberts is a certified running coach (USATF and RRCA) and has reviewed gear for runners, from shoes to GPS watches, for Wirecutter. More annoyingly, because the inside space is largely wide open from hip to hip, items can be hard to fish out, plus the seamed edges of the bands edges tend to curl and roll. The slightly stretchy band of the Nathan TrailMix Plus made it the most stable of the two-bottle belts we tested, a style designed for max hydration on the run. Just like its name suggests, this is one ultra-light running belt that goes unnoticed throughout the run. But this runner has experienced some sliding up the waist during long runs. (On the iPhone 8 Plus, we used the Speck Presidio Grip case, the current Wirecutter pick for more phone protection.). The lopsided weight and sloshing of a handheld water bottleand the need to grip itare more problematic. Its not necessarily the weight of the [handheld bottle or armband], but rather the change in posture and behavior as a result of the runners awareness of [them] that affects their run, explained physical therapist Alice Holland in an email interview. Breathability: Does the belt feel exceptionally hot or sweat-inducing during a run? Its the ideal product for runners or cyclists looking to get in some miles without worrying about needing pockets or how they will carry light gear. This meant pulling the band to its tightest setting; although the belt stayed put, having the belt at its tightest created very long strap ends that flapped around. If youre looking for an adjustable fit with compartmentalization, the Nathan Adjustable-Fit Zipster has three separate pocketsone zippered, two flap-toppedand an adjustable strap that you secure with a clip that slides into the fabric loop at the end of the belt. The zipper pull is easy to access during a run and doesnt get swallowed by the fabric.
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