6 Best Running Belts of 2025, Tested by Runners and Fitness Experts
Pack everything you need for a quick jog or a full marathon.
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When I first started running, running belts were not on my radar. In fact, I completed my first marathon without a running watch or running belt (just one pocket in my shorts and a whole lot of faith in myself!). Nowadays, I cannot imagine going for even a quick jog without a running belt. And the more mileage you add to your runs, the more items you'll need to carry to keep you going. Sometimes you may just need earbuds for running, a phone and keys; other times you'll require running gels, water, snacks and a wallet for emergencies.
To find the best running belts, I ran wearing each of these belts multiple times over the last year, plus our consumer testers shared feedback after months of running with belts. Then, for each running belt, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles and Fitness Labs evaluated the design, materials and durability. Whether you're learning how to start running or you're signed up for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon or even an ultra-marathon (major props to you) — our top-tested running belts of 2025 can take a thing or two off your hands.
Pros
- Stretchy fabric fits comfortably yet snugly
- Individual pockets keep items separate
- No buckle to cause skin discomfort
Cons
- May get a bit sweaty in hot weather
Sizes: XXS–XL | Colors: 4
Thin, stretchy and comfortable, this belt feels like an extension to your shorts, almost like a high-rise waistband. I recommend sizing up with any waistband belts because you will not be able to adjust the length and too tight of a size may make it more difficult to take on and off.
This belt features four distinct pockets to keep your items separate and safe. There is a mix of meshy side pockets for quick access to gels and zippered front and back pockets to hold valuables like keys and credit cards.
✔️ Testing notes: Of all the belts we evaluated, this one received the most high marks from our GH testers, who were impressed by its subtle appearance, storage space, lightweight feel and comfort since there's no buckle to pinch or chafe. One tester who previously used buckled belts said they had no issue stretching this waistband onto their torso and that it "had no bounce and felt very secure."
The slightly thicker portions with the zippered pockets felt a bit sweatier on my skin in the summer compared to the fully mesh belts I tested. That said, one GH tester noted, "I am a sweaty gal and the material is light enough that it doesn't feel like an extra layer."
Pros
- Does not feel bulky on your body
- Can tighten or loosen to ensure it stays in place while running
- Zippered pouch
- Tons of colors
Cons
- Can be challenging to access items inside belt quickly
Sizes: One size (25"–47" waist) | Colors: 19
Stick all your essentials into the zippered pocket, tighten the belt strap around your waist and buckle up this lightweight running belt for short or long runs. I always thought a running belt would feel heavy on my core and annoy me, but I moved the pouch part to my back with the buckle in front and I had no problems with it. Despite how compact the SPIbelt looks, I was able to stuff it with my keys, phone and running gels, but I could have easily fit more if I needed to.
✔️ Testing notes: This belt was a winner of a recent Good Housekeeping Best Fitness Awards and was tested by our experts at the GH Institute. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Associate Director Emma Seymour, who uses this belt on her runs, says, "It's so small that you think it won’t hold anything, but it actually holds an impressive amount including my phone, keys and cards. It’s also super simple and not bulky at all, which is ideal for me as a beginner runner."
I only had one gripe with this belt, and some testers agreed: Since I do not run with a watch, it was a bit annoying to unzip and take my phone out to change a song or check my pace. Everything lays flat against each other inside the belt in order to fit so my keys fell onto the street a few times when I tried to remove my phone. I recommend this budget-friendly belt if you'll be carrying items that you will not need to access quickly while running.
Pros
- Holds 20 oz of fluids
- Doesn't bounce while running, according to testers
- Two large pockets
- Belt can be tightened and extended by a large range
Cons
- Bulky on waist or torso
Sizes: One size (26"–44" waist) | Colors: 3
For runs in the summer when heat and humidity are at their peak, staying hydrated is especially critical to not only optimize performance but also prevent heat-related illness, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Rather than carrying water in your hand, this running belt from Nathan has two compartments for two 10-ounce reusable water bottles. You can fill them with water or your favorite electrolyte drink; then double back to your house to refill them and continue a long run.
The belt is one size fits most, and it can be tightened and extended by a large range if you're within the sizes of 26- to 44-inch waists. However, I am a size 25-inch waist and it did not feel too loose on me.
✔️ Testing notes: While I wasn't a fan of how bulky this design feels on my waist, this running belt is ideal for long trail runs where you need to carry multiple essentials as well as have water with you. The large zippered pocket can easily fit a phone, keys, cash, AirPod case, gels and more. Plus, the smaller mesh front pocket allows you to quickly grab something like an energy gel during a race or check your phone.
Ultimate Direction Comfort Belt
Pros
- Mesh material is breathable
- Tight fitting without feeling uncomfortable
- Lightweight
- Large pockets
Cons
- No zippered pockets
- Long length of material on your torso
Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 1
After giving each belt its fair share of testing, this running belt is my favorite to run with by far. The mesh material feels extremely comfortable, smooth, breathable and lightweight. Its thin fabric and lightweight feel makes you forget you're even wearing it (one time I was looking for my phone and I forgot it was still in the belt's back pocket!).
While some testers disliked the lack of zippered pocked on this belt, I never had a problem with my phone, keys, gels or any items falling out. However, if you prefer the peace of mind that zippered pockets provide for items like cash, credit cards and keys, this may not be the belt for you. As a compromise, I think this belt is an amazing option for races, including 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and full marathons. Because you most likely won't be running with any valuable, it stays tight against your skin and the belt moves well with your body all without compressing your stomach (which can restrict your breathing), which is ideal for a race.
✔️ Testing notes: In the summer, it didn't make me any sweatier than I already was and the belt truly felt like an extension of my body. There are no restrictions to your movement and I never had to adjust it from my hips or torso while running. I even found it to be true to size and loved that I could just throw it in the washing machine with a load of laundry. Some testers didn't like the width of this belt (it covers a larger portion of my waist), but the large pocket sizes and lightweight material made this not an issue for me.
Meredith Edwards, a professional athlete who competes in ultramarathons, is also is a fan of this belt. She liked that she can carry up to two water bottles, some fuel, and poles, all while keeping the weight down for shorter workouts.
Pros
- Many color options to match your running clothes
- Zipperless openings to grab items quickly
- No uncomfortable buckle
Cons
- No option to tighten
- Fabric is thicker than other options
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: 12
This sleek, thin running belt includes multiple openings for the pockets and an internal key hook to securely put all your items. These easy-access openings make it simple to grab your phone or energy gels in stride.
It's available in sizes XXS–XXL and 13 colors so you can choose from neutral tones to match your workout clothes or neon pinks and blues for a pop of color. The wraparound, stretchy design can prevent chafing and discomfort from a buckle, but this also means there's no option to adjust the sizing.
This belt is zipperless, but if you want more security for your pockets, the brand also offers a zipper version for $5 more.
✔️ Testing notes: "I love how I can fit my phone, keys and money and then throw it in the wash," one tester said. Another tester shared, "The pockets are sizable too — so random, but on one run I stopped at my grocery store to get a baking potato for fries for dinner, and that fit! Although rather bulky, of course."
I found the material to feel much thicker than other belts, so I avoided wearing it in the summer months because it felt extra sweaty, although some testers preferred this substantial feel.
Pros
- Sleek, small design
- Zippered pouch protects belongings
- Tight fit prevents belt from moving as you run
- Sweat-wicking, quick-drying Lycra fabric
Cons
- Sizes run small
- Only one pocket
Sizes: XS/S–L/XL | Colors: 2
The Fast and Free Running Belt is designed to fit tightly along your hips or waist and minimize bouncing for maximum comfort. Recommended by GH Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, this belt is a fitness-enthusiast favorite for its sleek design, reflective detailing, roomy pocket and sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric.
The Lycra fabric creates stretch in the belt while maintaining stiffness to prevent the belt from slipping. It can be slightly adjusted and the buckle is small and thin to keep it from digging into your stomach.
This belt is similar to the SPIbelt Running Belt with its adjustable belt, buckle and single pouch. This means all the items fit into one small, tight pocket, making this belt better for storage than for grabbing items quickly mid-run.
✔️ Testing notes: One tester shared, "I like the soft material and that it blends discreetly with my leggings. It also fits well, thanks to its adjustable fit."
"Bulkier items make it bulge and it is hard to take items out if you have a lot in there, because there is no separation or organizational element so everything just kind of falls out," one tester said. It's also important to note that I found the belts to run a size smaller, so I recommend sizing up.
More running belts that we liked
There are tons of running belts on the market, so while the above are our top picks from testing, there were a few close runner-ups that you may prefer:
AiRunTech Hydration Running Belt with Bottles: This belt has two compartments for either two 6-ounce or 10-ounce reusable water bottles. "It feels secure and didn’t bounce," Sassos says. "The sizable compartment was able to hold my phone and gels easily, and it is reasonably priced and held up well through many long runs." The price is right, but testers found that the Nathan Trail Mix Plus Belt was more comfortable to wear.
Naked Running Band: Similar to the Ultimate Direction and Nathan running bands, this waistband belt without a buckle has meshy material that's breathable in the hot summer months and easy-access, zipperless pockets. I love that it can fit hiking poles in the back loops and testers loved the storage capabilities. However, many testers felt that it did not have enough "give" and felt very tight, even when following the size guide.
Osprey Duro Dyna LT Belt: Our testers liked that this belt didn't bounce, had large pockets and it was easy to quickly take items out of the pockets. However, the design is a bit bulky compared to similar options and one tester said the "fabric was heavy," so they wouldn't wear it in the hot summer.
USHAKE Slim Running Belt: For less than $15, this belt is a less expensive alternative to the Lululemon and SPIbelts. It's made with water-resistant material and has an adjustable buckle and one large zippered pocket with two layers inside.
How we test the best running belts
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute test all sorts of fitness gear and attire, including running sneakers and running vests. To test running belts, I ran in a dozen belts over the course of the last year and enlisted more than 10 runners to test different brands. Some of these belts were worn for hundreds of miles.
Here are a few factors and data points we considered when testing running belts:
✔️ Comfort: In my opinion, the better the running belt, the less you'll notice it's there. While testing running belts, testers and I rated which belts felt the most comfortable to wear. We made sure to note which belts felt lightweight, breathable, did not cause chafing and fit well (not too tight nor too loose). I even ran a few races in different belts to see which were the most comfortable when I was at my fastest speed.
✔️ Construction: We analyzed the pockets in each running belt to see how many items they could fit, how well they kept items secure and how easy it was to take items out of the belt. We also evaluated the fabrics to determine if they were moisture-wicking, compared buckled and waistband designs and considered whether there were options to store water bottles or soft water flasks.
✔️ Consumer testing: Our GH testers and I wore a variety of belts on casual jogs, brisk walks, long runs, 5K races, half marathons, trail runs and hikes (one of our testers even brought the belt to Swizterland!). These testers then rated the fit, comfort, ease of use, storage space and more. They also reported on whether the belt bounced or not while running.
What to look for when shopping for the best running belt
Quality running belts fit around your torso or hips, are made from breathable material, hold your items without feeling bulky and lay flat to prevent bouncing as you run. Here are some specific features to consider when you're shopping for a running belt:
✔️ Pocket sizes: Some running belts are designed to fit a phone, earbud case, wallet, keys, energy gels, snacks, water and more. Others are sleeker and thinner to only fit essentials, which you may prefer for race day when you may not need to carry as much.
✔️ Water supply: Consider if having pockets for water bottles is a feature that you'd like in a belt. This can come in handy for long runs if you don't want to make pit stops for hydrating or carry a water bottle in your hand.
✔️ Material: Running belts are made from a variety of fabrics, including ones that are moisture-wicking, water-resistant, breathable mesh or stretchy that determine the fit and comfort level. For workout leggings, our textile experts say, "Synthetic performance fibers like nylon and polyester are better than cotton for workout pants because they’re often moisture-wicking, more durable and have better stretch." This can also be true for running belts since they must stretch to fit your torso comfortably and withstand sweat or rain.
✔️ Pocket closures: While it's important to know that you can fit everything you need in big pockets, the closures can make or break a belt. Easy-access openings are good for race days when you need to quickly take out running gels or energy gummies. Zippers take more effort to open, but they can be more secure for valuables like your phone, keys, cash, credit card or ID.
✔️ Design: It's ultimately up to you in terms of what running belt you prefer, but I always opt for a step-through running belt over a buckled running belt for training runs and any races. In my experience, the buckled belts are better for trail running, long mileage or hikes where you'll need tons of snacks and hydration with you.
- A step-through running belt (like the Nathan Zipster Running Belt) can be more comfortable because there is no buckle pressing into your abdomen or back. However, it can be more difficult to get the sizing right because it must fit against your body tightly to securely store items and prevent the belt from riding up your waist. When in doubt, size down for a step-through belt because the goal is to have it stay in place with minimal bouncing. I prefer the step-through belts for races because they are the least noticeable on my body and stretch well, so the belt expands comfortably with my breathing more than buckled belts.
- A buckled running belt typically allows you to adjust the size to lengthen or shorten the strap. The tradeoff is that the buckle can feel bulky against your body.
Do I need a running belt?
Whether you opt for a belt or no belt is up to personal preference. The best way to decide if you need a belt is to consider what items you'd like to bring with you on your runs, how long you run for and if your pockets are suitable.
Women's leggings or tight shorts with pockets can keep items like phones, keys and gels tightly in place. If you run with a watch, do not need your phone, can fit your keys or wallet in a pocket when you run and don't mind holding a water bottle for long distances, then a running belt may not be a necessity.
On the flip side, if you wear looser clothing while running, don't want to buy new pants with tight pockets or you're gearing up to run greater mileage, a belt can be a beneficial addition. Plus, the ACSM recommends replenishing carbohydrates and electrolytes during exercise that lasts longer than an hour, so it's useful to have fluids or gels attached to a belt for longer runs.
I do not use a running belt for anything less than 6 miles or an hour's worth of running if I have a pocket for my phone. Otherwise, I always wear a thin running belt (like the SPIBelt or the Ultimate Direction Comfort Belt) to hold my phone. If you run without a phone or have no pockets in your pants, then I recommend belts for anyone running over an hour who needs to carry keys, money, gels to refuel or more.
Looking back at the marathon I ran, I wish I had used a running belt because I started my period the day before the race. I had to fit pads into my pockets with my phone and running gels. A belt could have fit more pads, tampons and even wipes for the porta potties, which would have been useful since I was on the bus to the starting line at 6 a.m. and did not cross the finish line until 4 p.m.
Can I use a running belt for other workouts?
Running belts come in handy when your exercise clothes do not feature pockets, the tiny side pockets in leggings are too small or your items are bouncing in loose shorts. I like to use running belts for more than just running — I also wear them for walking, cycling and skateboarding. My friends have worn them for skiing and hiking. They come in handy for any physical activity where you want your hands free, items secure and your pants pockets empty.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Isabella Cavallo is the assistant commerce editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Cavallo has experience testing all sorts of fitness gear, including the best running shorts for men and the best running vests. She also has experience with long-distance running, participating in races ranging from a 5K to a full marathon. Along with consulting experts and enlisting consumer testers, Cavallo ran with a dozen belts over the course of a year to determine which were the best.
For expert advice, we spoke to GH Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, who is an expert in fitness and all things athletic gear. We also spoke with Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour, who is an expert in textiles, fiber science and apparel design. Beyond collecting insight and information from our team of editors and experts, we scoured reviews and ratings for products online to find the best running belts.
Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.
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