Fit: aim for a belt that you can pull tightly around your waist so it lies flat against your back, as this will minimise the amount it moves during your run.Size: if you need all your essentials, look for a belt that's big enough to fit your phone (some of the bigger iPhones aren't considered standard size so double check) and other bits.When it comes to finding the right belt for you, consider the following points before you make a purchase: They usually have a number of compartments, they can be made of different materials and come in a range of sizes, depending on what you need it for.' What to look for in a running belt 'There are countless options out there, but most running belts are very similar. 'They fasten around your waist to hold your belongings while you work out,' explains Anthony Langley-Smith, co-founder of sports brand Proviz. But belts are best suited to the sport of running, because most brands have designed them specifically to benefit the action of forward motion, while also minimising the risk of bounce and chafing which often comes with high-impact exercise. Best belt for hill running - OMM Classic Waist Belt, £22.49 What is a running belt?Ī running belt is a must-have accessory for fitness enthusiasts who need something to hold their bits and pieces.Best running belt on a budget - Titan Runners Pack, £13.59.Best belt for experienced runners - Inov-8 Race Elite Waist, £35.00.
Best race day running belt - Decathlon Bottle and Number Holder, £19.99.
Best stylish running belt - Lululemon Fast and Free Run Belt, £28.00.In a hurry? Here are some of the best sellers. To help you narrow things down, keep scrolling for our pick of the best running belts on the market. The good news is there's a belt for every type of runner and it is possible to find the right carrier that doesn't wriggle or chafe when you're on the move.
(If you prefer a handheld option, however, we recommend the Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask.New to running or a seasoned marathoner looking for the latest kit? Irrespective of your experience level, when it comes to carrying your essentials the playing field is level and all runners face the same struggle: where do you put your stuff? From your smart phone to your keys, wallet, gels and emergency plasters, it can be a minefield figuring out what to do with your gear when you head out the door. 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. The lopsided weight and sloshing of a handheld water bottle-and the need to grip it-are more problematic.
“The bottom line when it comes to extra gear is that has to completely disappear from the runners’ consciousness.” A phone armband might suffice, particularly if you use Bluetooth headphones-there’s no cord to one side that might cause unnatural neck or shoulder gripping-but if you feel any uneven soreness in those muscles after running with an armband, the armband could be affecting your form.
“It’s not necessarily the weight of the, but rather the change in posture and behavior as a result of the runner’s awareness of that affects their run,” explained physical therapist Alice Holland in an email interview. (If you’d 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 SPIbelt Large Pocket also works with a belt extender (sold separately).Īrmbands and handhelds aren’t ideal if they cause you to alter your natural running form (nor is simply clutching your phone in your hand). And it keeps everything squeezed into one stretchy pocket, which means that if you need to pull something out mid-run, there’s a chance other things might fall out, too. The pocket’s synthetic fabric wicks sweat well, which should keep you cooler, but it isn’t water resistant-contents can get a bit soggy. 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.
With the adjustable band tightened snugly, it doesn’t bounce during runs.
The single stretch-fabric pocket can hold a large phone (the SPIbelt website says that includes an iPhone 12 Pro Max or a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra), cards, and keys. If you’re looking for a convenient, comfortable, affordable way to bring must-haves with you on everyday runs, the SPIbelt Large Pocket is it.