22 best running belts in 2023

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Our pick of the best running belts on the market for every distance

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 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.

In a hurry? Here are some of the best-selling running belts available to shop now. Keep scrolling for the full list.

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.'

When it comes to finding the right belt for you, consider the following points before you make a purchase:

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.

This stylish belt from Canadian fitness gurus lululemon is made from the same fabric as the brand's famous leggings, so it promises to feel soft and comfortable against your skin over any distance. It's also reassuringly light, sweat-wicking and big enough for all your essentials. Available in black, pink or highlighter yellow for added visibility.

Storage: Main zip pocket plus side drop-in pockets.Fit: Available in S/M (67 - 102cm) and L/XL (102 - 128cm).

Training for a big race and looking for a kit carrying solution? problem solved. This clever running belt has space to hold two 115ml soft water flasks, gels and a smartphone. Best of all you can pin your race number onto the front, leaving you free to sprint across the finish line and claim that PB.

Storage: Main zip pocket plus two water bottle pockets.Fit: One size adjustable elasticated waistband.

Winter runs call for great visibility, so add this super reflective running belt to your jogging wardrobe. It has reflective detailing all the way around, plus three pockets large enough to stash your phone, keys and a spare gel. It's breathable and sweat-wicking, with comfortable four-way stretch that feels good against skin. Also available in highlighter pink and yellow shades.

Storage: Three pockets.Fit: One size adjustable, max 46 inches.

This running belt from Sweaty Betty sits flatteringly high on the waist and holds everything in place. It comes with an elasticated pocket to keep your phone secure and separate zipped compartments for gels, tissues and cards, plus a little key pocket! Stretchy nylon keeps you comfortable while silicone grips hold the belt steady. Also soon to be available in multi-coloured leopard print.

Storage: Main ruched front compartment plus ones side zipped pocket and one side slip pocket.Fit: One size with adjustable waist.

If you’re an experienced hill runner planning to go further afield but don't want to lug a backpack about, this classic pack from UK adventure brand OMM is a great compromise. It holds up to three litres of kit but even at full capacity it promises to remain stable against your lower back. The wide waistband keeps things comfortable around your middle while mesh back panelling will help you stay cool. Also available in grey and green, or pick it up in orange, purple or pink at Alpine Trek.

Storage: Main zip compartment plus removable hip pockets with key clips.Fit: One size.

One for experienced runners with miles under their belt, this clever waist carrier from our favourite Cumbrian brand Inov-8 comes with a three-litre central pocket, leaving plenty of room for all your essentials. It also have a sleeve big enough to hold a 500ml soft flask. Like all Inov-8 products, it's designed to be durable – so you can use it for casual urban runs or hardcore fell running.

Storage: One main and two side zip pockets, plus a 0.5L flask section.Fit: One size adjustable belt.

This wide belt made from breathable and stretchy fabric has a number of hidden pockets to store all your gear, so it's well suited to slow runners, hikers and even sightseers on holiday who need somewhere to stash their essentials. It also comes with diagonal straps with a silicone grip to secure a jacket or walking poles and it's also available in red, grey or black.

Storage: Two secret horizontal pockets plus space for a 500ml hydration flask.Fit: Available in sizes XS-XL.

We love everything in adidas' collab with Finnish design house Marimekko, but this running belt might just be the best piece to come out of the collection - because quality running kit shouldn't mean sacrificing style. Despite its skinny appearance it fits a smartphone easily, plus other small essentials. It fastens with an adjustable plastic buckle, while mesh padding on the inside stops your keys digging into your midriff as you clock up the miles. Bear in mind that each product is unique - while cut from the same fabric, you might not get the exact print pictured. Even better, if you ask us!

Storage: One padded zipped front pocket. Fit: Adjustable fit.

This classic pack is an excellent option for beginners on a budget. It's durable and weather resistant, so will cope with a spring shower or two. And if you're a fan of wired headphones, there's also a handy port for your lead to slip through, plus the front pocket features reflective detailing for improved visibility after dark. Also available in yellow and pink.

Storage: Two zipped pocket plus a rubber opening for headphone cables.Fit: Suitable for 66 - 106cm waist.

Sometimes you just want something simple and pared back that will do the job. This is that running belt. The nylon construction makes it super stretchy so you can expand it for a larger smartphone or strip it back and just hold your gels and keys with ease. It's super lightweight and has reflective detailing to catch the light on those twilight runs. Also available in grey with a pink strap.

Storage: One main zip pocket.Fit: One size, adjustable with buckle.

Mountain runners take note! The Trailblazer 3 from Montane is a lightweight belt with multiple pockets and a padded, breathable mesh back panel, so it's ideal for a tough day out in the hills, but will look just as fly packed with Snickers bars at your local parkrun too. It's available in blue and charcoal grey.

Storage: Main zip pocket with inner sleeves and key clip, two mesh hip pockets and a bungee system for external storage.Fit: One size.

Designed to sit close to the body as you move, this simple Nike running belt can be expanded to fit a smartphone as well as your keys and a gel or two, making it the ideal storage solution for a quick 5K around the park. Also available in pink or highlighter yellow for just £9, turquoise blue or this funky green/blue design for £6, or in bright orange from ASOS.

Storage: Expandable main zip pocket.Fit: One size adjustable belt.

This lightweight running belt has two inner pockets to keep your valuables safe and a hook fastening to ensure a good fit, but most importantly it's made from reflective material to help you stay visible to other road users after dark. And if you're feeling extra jazzy, it's also available in hot pink and day glow yellow.

Storage: Two expandable zip pockets plus headphone socket. Fit: Adjustable belt to suit sizes 72 - 132 cm.

All-weather runners will appreciate this lightweight belt from cool US brand Nathan Sports. It has plenty of room to comfortably store all your essentials, and promises to remain watertight in all seasons. While classic black is always a winner, we're quite partial to the snazzy blue version too.

Storage: One front and one hidden zipped pocket.Fit: Available in sizes XS-XL.

US brand FlipBelt has an army of dedicated fans, with good reason. This clever belt has been designed to sit flat against your waist, so it won't bounce around or ride up when you run. It comes with multiple pockets to store your essentials and it's available in a range of colours (we personally love the Acrylic Summer design for a pop of colour against an all-black outfit), plus the key hook is a nice touch.

Storage: Multi-access zip pockets.Fit: Available in sizes XXS-XXL.

This pack manages to squeeze in all your essentials, plus a water bottle and a pocket large enough for your phone and gels without bouncing around, even when the bottle is full. It's reassuringly easy to access the pockets on the move, plus the mesh padding on the inside is quick drying in case you come across any inclement weather on your run. Also available in black, red and blue.

Storage: Main zip pocket plus space for a 500ml water bottle.Fit: One size adjustable belt.

If you're a fan of traveling light this minimal hydration belt will appeal. It includes a sizeable flask that moulds to the shape of your body for water breaks, while the 3D mesh material will help you keep your cool. Also available in this frosty aqua/silver colourway.

Storage: Main zip pocket plus foldable flask.Fit: Size S/M.

If hydration is high on your agenda this adjustable belt with two insulated flasks, multiple storage pockets and enough space for a smart phone will tick your boxes. It promises not to bounce, shift or chafe on your run, plus we love the vibrant turquoise blue version too.

Storage: One main pocket plus two water holsters and external bungee storage.Fit: One size.

A great option for beginner runners, this affordable belt from Amazon brand Eono is water resistant and has enough pockets to store all your essentials. We wouldn't recommend it over longer distances as it starts to wobble after a few miles, but for the price, it's a good option for your first foray into the glorious world of running. Also available in black.

Storage: Two zip pockets.Fit: One size.

This snazzy little belt might look small but it's not as miniature as the name suggests. It expands like a python's jaws to comfortably fit a plus-size phone, as well as your card and keys in a separate compartment. It's a great option for shorter distances but could work well over longer miles if you're happy to carry your water bottle.

Storage: Expandable main zip pocket.Fit: One size adjustable belt.

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