Focus on nailing your PB and less on fussing with your possessions as you head out on your runs.
When you’re pounding the pavements, you need to get creative to be able to store all the essentials with you. From your phone and keys, to energy gels to keep you fuelled along the way, running belts are a handy solution to keep your belongings secured hands-free and allow you to focus on the miles at hand.
Why use a running belt?
A practical piece of running equipment, a running belt will save you from holding your phone or water bottle when on the move. For the best running technique, your arms serve to enhance your strides so having a running belt frees them up and allows you to focus on the movement of your legs and arms to propel forwards. They will safely affix your belongings to your waist instead of your prized possessions falling out of your pockets.
Ideal for training, a first time 10km park run, a competitive marathon attempt, or even a 100km+ ultra marathon, the humble running belt will quickly become the arsenal of energy and mentality boosting tricks you can’t do without - so make sure you’ve got the right one to carry you over the finish line.
What to carry in your running belt?
- Phone
- Keys
- Money/ cards
- Gels
- Water (in some)
What features to look for in a running belt?
There are a few things to look out for when choosing your running belt, including the following:
- Material: make sure the fabric is lightweight and stretchy for a comfortable fit around your waist that ensures breathability.
- Pockets: some come with one large pocket, others with several. Look for expandable pockets that work for you, whether you want one purely for your phone or a couple to spread across your gels, keys and phone.
- Adjustable waist: most running belts will have an adjustable waist so that you can customize to your measurements. An easy clasp to clip on and off will make it a simple accessory to use.
- Other features: from water resistance to having extra space for a water bottle, consider what additional features you need so that you have everything you need to achieve your running goals.
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Osprey Duro Dyna Belt
Never leave the essentials behind with Osprey’s running belt. The US brand, which has seen increasing popularity here in the UK, has created a super practical design to make your run as smooth and comfortable as possible.
A smart pocket with padded mesh straps, simply clip around your waist using the quick adjust ErgoPull hip belt and have easy access to your belongings while on the move.
Buy now £40.00, Osprey
Proviz Refelct360 Waist Belt
Pop your phone, keys and gels inside this nifty belt and be well on your way. With two expandable pockets, it’s roomier than it looks and can be zipped up to keep things secure and stable while on the go.
It’s made from the all-new Reflect360 material so will keep you visible in low light conditions and is water resistant. There’s a useful headphone outlet to feed your wire through when you’re listening to your favourite tracks.
Buy now £16.99, Proviz
Under Armour Flex Speedpocket Run Belt
Take the weight off your shoulders and out of your hands when running with this fluorescent-accented belt to wrap around your waist (for the colourphobes, it also is available in black).
Water-resistant and bounce-free, take the necessities with you including your phone, keys, any sports gels, and zip safely shut in the front compartment. The adjustable buckle fastening means that the one size fits most.
Buy now £12.97, Under Armour
Gymshark Running Belt
Get the miles in with Gymshark’s running belt, made from a light and super stretchy material to ensure the ultimate comfort. Adjust the elasticated waist to fit you, and fill the central zip pocket with your essentials, including your iPhone and house keys. The slimline design also features a reflective trim to keep you visible in low-level conditions.
Buy now £12.00, Gymshark
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt
Go hands-free on your run with this super slick and compact running belt. It neatly packs away your smartphone and features a touchscreen-friendly mesh pocket to allow easy access so you to stay connected, check maps if you need and tap to shop.
There’s also extra room for your cards and gels, and an internal key loop to keep your keys secure and bounce-free. Choose from pink, black or neon yellow, all with reflective detailing.
Buy now £35.00, Lululemon
Nike Slim Running Hip Pack
Whether a sprint around the park or jog through town, wear this hip belt for a hassle-free run. Simply clip on and off and use the small, expandable pocket for the essentials. With the contoured, lightweight design, you’ll barely notice it’s there.
Neon yellow, with a silver reflective detail, not only will you look like a pro, but it will help keep you visible and safe when you’re racking up the miles after dark.
Buy now £18.95, Nike
Adidas Marimekko Running Belt
Add a splash of colour to your running gear with this funky running belt from Adidas in collaboration with Finland’s Marimekko design studio. The eye-catching print boasts eco-credentials as it’s made from recycled materials. There is also an adjustable waist strap to fit most sizes. The padded pocket will protect all your belongings including your phone whilst on the move.
Buy now £19.80, Adidas
Salomon Active Unisex Belt
This will be your ultimate running companion, whether you’re at beginner, advanced or intermediate level. The cushioned belt has a large pocket to store away your phone, keys, gels etc, as well as a separate holder for the lightweight water bottle which is included, so you can keep hydrated during your excursion. A snug fit with its adjustable buckle fastener, enjoy a streamlined run with minimal movement from the belt.
Buy now £22.00, Salomon
Eono Running Belt
Amazon’s own lifestyle brand Eono has created a super practical, ultra-light running belt to allow freedom of movement while running with your belongings at your waist. With two functional zipped pockets and a slim fixed buckle, pop the essentials in and get on the move. The material is stretchy and breathable providing the ideal amount of comfort and is available in a variety of colours. All water-resistant.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
Kiprun Hydration Running Belt
Carry snack bars, drink and maybe even the kitchen sink on your running adventures thanks to Kiprun’s expansive yet high-performance belt.
Available in six different sizes according to your waist circumference, you can choose the best fit for you and run without the stress of holding your belongings. The belt holds two 250ml flasks and up to six gels so you can stay hydrated, and is easily adjustable with a drawstring fastener. A top-rated choice on Decathlon.
Buy now £19.99, Decathlon
Sweaty Betty Swiftie Run Belt
Sweaty Betty is a great go-to for luxury activewear - as proven by this running belt. With an adjustable waist for the perfect fit, silicone grips to ensure it stays in place and two pockets with ample space for all of the essentials, you’ll be running in hands-free style.
Buy now £30.00, Sweaty Betty
