Health & Injuries

Many running armbands only have space to hold a caseless phone—which means if you need to stop to answer a call, you risk fumbling all that precious technology to the ground through sweaty hands (how I cracked my last phone screen beyond repair). This case is slim enough to fit into most armbands so it can save you from that tragedy, but also burly enough to provide top-notch protection, courtesy of an anti-slip grip and built-in shock absorption. The case comes in eight bright colors and patterns. 

If you want an even slimmer case and have an XS-sized phone, this one is so lightweight and low-profile that you can easily slide it in and out of armbands or pockets. The case measures at just .03 inches thick and .65 ounces, with slightly raised edges to protect the screen from falls. Find it in five colors. 

In keeping with its oceanic name, the Wake case not only has a textured wave pattern that makes it easier to maintain a grip on the case, but it’s also made from recycled packaging and sustainable polycarbonate materials—more than 85 percent of which came from the sea. It’s robust enough to survive drops up to two meters, but still built with a slim, un-bulky design that’s easy to slide on or off the phone.

Textured, rubber ridges make this case easy to grip, no matter how sweaty your hands start to get. The raised bezel on the front will protect the screen from hitting the ground to help avoid scratched or shattered screens. Speck also makes a screen protector you can bundle with the case for full coverage. (Note: This case is designed to fit the iPhone 12—go here for a Plus-sized Speck.)

There’s a reason “Otterbox” has superseded its trademark and practically become the generic term for “hardcore phone case.” OtterBox cases will safeguard any phone, whether you are an Apple Nutrition - Weight Loss Samsung camp, or use anything else. The durable case comes in a variety of styles and colors that will protect your phone out on the trail or on the roads. 

For those who like to end their runs at the coffee shop—or simply bring the contents of a wallet along, just in case—this otherwise thin phone protector has enough secure storage space to hold three cards plus cash. The sides of the case are textured so it’s easier to hold it with sweaty palms, and slightly raised to prevent the screen from cracking if it bounces out of your hands. Get it in basic colors or a floral version.

If you’re plagued by low-battery anxiety midway through a long run, this case with a built-in battery charger can help. Built for an iPhone X or XS, the charging case will double your phone battery’s lifespan by restoring it to a full charge. The case also promises heavy-duty protection from falls.

No matter what kind of weather you’re training through, your phone will be safe in this hardcore case. Submerge it in water for an hour, or drop it in snow, ice, or dirt—it’s fully sealed and dust/waterproof, with a built-in scratch protector to shield your screen. Yet the case is still thin and light enough to ride in your pocket or armband.

If you want a case that will biodegrade when you’re done with it, check out this lightweight, minimalist design from Pela. The case is durable and provides military-grade drop protection for your phone while in use. But it’s built from 100 percent compostable bioplastics that can break down in just six months in an industrial composting facility if you move on to a new size of phone and no longer need it.

This case also promises military-grade drop protection, meaning it will help your iPhone 7 or 8 survive multiple drops if your phone flies out of your hand or you hit rocky terrain. The storage compartment can securely hold up to four cards, or a combo of cards and cash, so you can easily transition from your run to the cafe. 

Galaxy S21 users who want to tote their transit or credit cards around sweat-free will find a lot to love about this slim case, which has a sliding back that opens to reveal card storage. The case also boasts Spigen’s “Air Cushion Technology” in the corners for extra safety should you need to protect the phone from an impact.

Featuring a built-in screen protector and designed to be rugged enough to protect against drops up to 20 feet, this case has you covered from any manner of mishap. Plus, if you want to run hands-free, The Best Running Shoes for Men.