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Pack exactly what you need without weighing yourself down or throwing off your stride.

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Trevor Raab

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The beauty of running is in its simplicity: just lace up your 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 a quality running belt.

Baby White Sun-San Sea Wee Shoes 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 handy for a quick run past the cafe or hauling a day’s worth of gear for your marathon training, the best running belts will keep you equipped in style. Keep reading to see which ones we recommend.

The Best Running Belts

What to Look For in a Running Belt

Storage Capacity

When choosing the best running belt for you, the primary factor you’ll want to note is size. How much stuff do you need or want to carry? And can the belt accommodate it? You can sometimes find a measure of storage capacity in liters if there’s a dedicated main compartment—they can get as big as 3 liters—but many smaller belts are stretchy and can fit more than they appear to. That’s especially ideal if you have a big phone or a gnarly set of keys, both of which can be a hassle to jam into a too-small pocket.

If most of your training is for 5K or 10K distances, you probably won’t want to take along more than a house key and phone. But 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

zapatillas de running La Sportiva hombre constitución media talla 46 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 that water will likely add much more weight to your cargo than most other things you’ll carry, and even good water bottle pouches can sometimes come loose and send your bottles flying—but we’ve found that it’s far better for your peace of mind to keep that weight and sloshing out of your hands.

Fit and Adjustability

Your running belt should as fit snugly as possible to stay put with minimal jostling or fuss, but it also shouldn’t constrict your movement or cause bruising—that’s why it’s important to find a good adjustment system that keeps you from fiddling with loads of buckles and straps before every run. Running belts typically come in one of 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 waist size listed with a given product to ensure a proper initial fit. Thankfully, if you know your waist size from your pants, it should transfer over relatively seamlessly.

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Runner’s World has been testing running shoes and gear for over half a century—in short, we know what works because we’ve spent collective decades dialing in the perfect setup. After all, we’re runners too, and we want our gear to work for us just as well as it does for you.

Our testing is as collaborative as it gets: We ask all around the office for as much input as possible when we can’t get the full picture on our own. And that kind of outreach has unquestionably affected our picks in this roundup and others. Any recommendations we make that haven’t gone through our testing process come from vigorous research on every spec we can grab—if we’re uncertain about any item, it won’t show up here.

How We Selected

To help you find the best running belt for your needs, we pored over a range of models based on size, capacity, fit, and extras like pockets and water bottles. Our goal: Cover as many niches as possible without compromising core tenets of quality like good materials and adjustability. Our staff has tested several of these models, including the best overall Nathan TrailMix Plus. For those we haven’t tested, we dedicated days of research to finding out which models shine amid a sea of lookalikes and cheapos. Be it extra storage capacity, a wide range of cosmetic options, or a level of quality we know we can expect from a given brand (Lululemon, for example), our non-tested options stand out for far more reasons than their popularity among online shoppers.

1
Best Overall

Nathan TrailMix Plus 3.0 Hydration Running Belt

TrailMix Plus 3.0 Hydration Running Belt
$65 at Amazon
Credit: Sean Abrams
Pros
  • Insulated bottles
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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.

If most of your runs are in hot weather, consider a hydration belt like the Nathan TrailMix. 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 center of the belt also has room for all kinds of essentials, including electronics, snacks, cash, and cards. There’s even a key ring to keep everything organized and separate.

Key Specs

SizeOne size fits most
FitBuckle closure, adjustable
ExtrasTwo 10-oz./300mL bottles, reflective trim, zipper pocket, two shock cords with one-pull tension lock at sides
2
Best Value

zapatillas de running Nike tope amortiguación apoyo talón talla 43 Running Belt

On Sale
Running Belt
Now 34% Off
Pros
  • Multiple pockets and storage options
  • Low-profile buckle closure
Cons
  • You have to wash it by hand

The price of this belt may lead you to believe you’re getting a cruddy knock-off. But it’s stuffed to the gills with functionality, especially if you’re looking to stay organized. 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 the dark? Its reflective logo and strips help keep you visible. Bonus: a sealed headphone hole that you can securely route your wired Lunar through.

Key Specs

SizeFits waists 22 to 46 in.
FitBuckle closure, adjustable
ExtrasWomen's Arizona Vegan Sandals Black
3
Best Fit

zapatillas de running Nike tope amortiguación apoyo talón talla 43 Running Belt

Zipster 2.0 Running Belt
Credit: Trevor Raab
Pros
  • Wide strap reduces pressure points
  • women usb shoe-care mats Pouches
Cons
  • ZSP7 nubuck sneakers

If you don’t want your phone and keys to bounce around too much on your runs, it’s prudent to keep your gear fitting as snugly against your body as possible. The Air: This can get uncomfortable pretty quickly without a well-fitting waistband.

Luckily, this three-pocket belt from Nathan has a wide profile that spreads the pressure across a greater area when you pull it snug. It may seem clunky at first, especially when you first try to cinch it up out of the packaging, but that big strap will pay dividends when you end your run without a ring of bruises around your waist.

Key Specs

SizeOne size
FitBuckle closure
ExtrasTwo stretchy pockets, one zippered pocket
Very nice and comfortable sneakers
4
Best Color Variety

SPIbelt Running Belt

Running Belt
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Pros
  • 34 color options
  • Stretchy, low-profile pocket
Cons
  • on crocodile-effect leather sandals Brown

Have you heard that fun-colored gear makes you run faster? We hope not—it’s not true. But it’s hard to argue that flair doesn’t make running more fun, and the SPIbelt comes in 34 different options to keep your fitness fit dialed.

We’re not prioritizing form over function here, either: While there isn’t much storage capacity on this belt, it’s great for short runs if you want to carry your phone and your house key. And the pocket can even stretch to hold a gel or two on top of that if you’re good at Tetris-ing your things.

Key Specs

SizeOne size fits waists from 25 in. to 38 in.
FitBuckle closure
ExtrasSneakers GORE-TEX 2891700 M Navy
5
Best Minimalist

Salomon Pulse Running Belt

Pulse Running Belt
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Almost unnoticeable around your waist
Cons
  • No water bottle

This low-profile belt is as minimalist as it gets, and it’ll feel great on your waist on a sweltering day. Constructed from breathable, four-way stretch material, it hugs your body for a snug, unobtrusive fit.

Two zippered pockets keep valuables secure, while two stretch pockets are capable of holding two pint-size flasks. Given that there’s no buckle (and therefore the belt isn’t adjustable), we appreciate that it comes in a range of five sizes.

Key Specs

SizeXS-XL
Fit4-way stretch fabric (no buckle)
ExtrasLightweight running shoes
6
Most Storage Space

Inov-8 Race Elite Waist Running Belt

Race Elite Waist Running Belt
Pros
  • 3 cups women shoe-care storage Towels
  • Plenty of room to mount gear externally
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Cons
  • Жіночі сандалі ecco summer sandal 858103 51536
  • 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 give 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

SizeOne size fits most
FitBuckle closure
Extras3L main pocket, side stash pockets, flask pocket for 500mL flask
Very nice and comfortable sneakers
7
Best for Hiking and Casual Use

Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt

Fast and Free Running Belt
Pros
  • Sleek appearance
  • Giuseppe Zanotti Krabi chain-link sandals
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 handy side compartments offer a bit more room for your miscellaneous trinkets.

Key Specs

SizeXS/S—L/XL
FitBuckle closure
ExtrasZippered stretchy main pocket, 2 side stash pockets

Writer and Runner Emily Shiffer Shares Tips on What To Pack in Your Running Belt

nathan running belt
Photo by Trevor Raab // Our expert Emily Shiffer says recommends packing flatter items to minimize bounce.

RW: Love Moschino logo-print colour-block sneakers?

ES: It’s all about minimizing bounce. As Jordan 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: zapatillas de running Inov-8 amortiguación minimalista minimalistas maratón?

ES: You don’t have to do long training runs to wear a running belt. As Jordan 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.

Headshot of Adam Schram
Adam Schram

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, STAUD Pippa 70mm heeled sandals.

Headshot of Emily J. Shiffer

Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania. 

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