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26 of the best running belts to carry your phone, keys and gels
Our pick of the best running belts on the market for every distance
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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. Enter, running belts.
The extra 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. To help you narrow things down, keep scrolling for our pick of the best running belts on the market.
Running belt bestsellers
In a hurry? Here are some of the best-selling running belts available to shop now. Keep scrolling for the full list.
What is a running belt?
A running belt is a must-have accessory for fitness enthusiasts who need something to hold their bits and pieces. 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.
'They fasten around your waist to hold your belongings while you work out,' explains Anthony Langley-Smith, co-founder of sports brand Proviz. 'There are countless options out there, but most running belts are very similar. 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
When it comes to finding the right belt for you, consider the following points before you make a purchase:
- 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.
- 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.
- Weight: most running belts are lightweight, but if you're a particularly petite runner, or you're planning on wearing the belt over a long distance such as a marathon, the lighter the better.
- Fabric: if you're a particularly sweaty runner or you're exercising in a hot climate, it pays to consider the fabric. 'It is essential that the material is breathable and doesn’t retain moisture,' says Anthony. 'You need the material to allow heat to escape, so you don't overheat.'
- Access: there's nothing worse than struggling to unzip your belt to reach a gel at mile 20. Look for a belt that is easy to access on the move. Added extras like gels loops on the waistband are always handy.
- Water: some running belts come with pockets for mini water bottles. This can be useful during longer training runs, or if you've signed up to a race where you need to carry water.
26 best running belts to buy in 2024
Whatever your preferred distance, to help you choose the right kit we've rounded up our pick of the best running belts on the market.
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