By Marnie Kunz,
Certified trainer and run coach

The best running belts offer convenient and secure storage of your essentials while helping you stay comfortable on runs. As a longtime runner and coach, I often run around New York City, and a good fuel belt is a staple for me to stash my keys, ID, and running fuel. I’m generally a minimalist when it comes to bringing things on the run, and I’ve found that a fuel belt helps me keep the basics on me without a heavy load on my back or carrying things in my hands or tiny running clothes pockets. This list includes the best running belts I’ve tried, tested, and recommend.

What Are Running Belts?

A running belt, also called a hydration belt, is a belt that goes around your waist that’s designed for runners. Running belts have sleek, synthetic materials that are designed to keep you comfortable on the run. The best running belts offer comfort and function, allowing you to carry everything you need on your runs.

A running belt allows you to pack your ID, a couple of gels or other running fuel, keys, a smartphone, and other small items you may need. You can also use a running belt to stash pepper spray or other small protection devices like a whistle or alarm. If you see dogs on your run, you could stash some dog treats.

Most running belts have at least one zippered pocket, a phone pocket, and adjustable straps for comfort and convenience. Some belts are one size fits all with an adjustable waistband, and some come in different sizes.

Different running belts can have different features to suit your needs. Some hydration belts have reflective strips for night runs and some may have waterproof materials that will keep your items dry even on rainy runs. Some fuel belts come with a water bottle holder to bring your soft flask or water bottle on the run. For shorter runs, you may want a more streamlined, simple belt that has one zip pocket for the basics.

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Wear Test Methodology

When you're shopping for running belts, it can be overwhelming because of the number of options. So many sponsored posts pop up on Amazon when you look for the best running belts, and it’s a lot to go through all the products and reviews. For my wear tests, I narrowed down the search to top-rated belts that earn at least 4.5 stars on Amazon and fit different categories, ranging from sleek and simple belts to belts that hold water bottles for marathon training, trail runs, and long runs.

I tested these belts running in Brooklyn on city streets and also on trails in parks. I ran a lot in warm to hot weather, giving me lots of opportunities to test the sweat wicking materials of different running belts. I rated the belts based on features, comfort, storage capacity, and price.

These are my top picks for the best running belts, with a top choice selection for each category. The categories include the Best Running Belt for Short Runs, the Best Overall Running Belts, and the Best Running Hydration Belt (which has water bottle holders). I also included a runner-up option for the Best Overall Running Belt category.

Best Running Belts Based on Wear Tests

These are my top choices for the best running belts based on my running wear tests:

Best Running Belt for Short Runs

Filoto Running Belt Fanny Pack

If you want a lightweight, simple running belt that's budget friendly, the Filoto Running Belt Fanny Pack is one of the best running belts I tested. This sleek pack has an adjustable belt and zippered closure with one compartment to store your valuables. It’s the perfect choice for short runs where you need just a few things like your keys and phone.

The Filoto Running Belt is very lightweight and comfortable and adjusts to your body. The secure waist clip in the back is easy to fasten. The belt fits waist sizes from 26 inches to 40.5 inches with an adjustable belt. The pack should fit most phones, holding up to a 7-inch display. The belt is made from Lycra and is water- and sweat-resistant.

Pros: Filoto Running Belt Fanny Pack is a streamlined, functional running belt that is cost-effective. It’s a versatile basic running fanny pack that you can use to stash your phone, keys, ID, and credit card.

Cons: The belt has one storage compartment so if you want organized storage and extensive space, this may not be your best choice.

Features: 3/5
Comfort: 5/5
Storage capacity: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5

Best Running Belts Overall

Fitletic Ultimate II Running Belt

The Fitletic Ultimate II Running Belt is my overall go-to running belt. This belt has a medium amount of storage, making it perfect for most of my runs. The belt is comfortable and easy to use, with a handy Velcro side pocket where you can put running fuel or keys. The main compartment has a zipper closure and inner subcompartments, with convenient pockets for ID and credit cards, and a main compartment that fits smartphones or larger items like packs of running fuel or trail snacks.

The Fitletic Ultimate II Running Belt is made from a flexible material that includes 60 percent polychloroprene, 35 percent nylon, and 5 percent spandex. The waist pack is very flexible and comfortable and you can adjust the belt to make it fit securely on your hips. The back clip is easy to open and close and stays secure on the run. There are also two reflective strips on the front of the belt for visibility on night runs.

Pros: Fitletic Ultimate II Running Belt is a versatile running belt that can store essentials like running fuel, a phone, keys, ID, credit cards, and other small items. This is an excellent running belt that works well in different temperatures and keeps items secure. The flexible material is comfortable and the adjustable waist band has a secure clip that's easy to open and shut.

Cons: If you need a belt with water bottle storage, this does not have a compartment for storing a hard water bottle. You could put a soft flask in the main compartment if needed but would have less space for a phone or other medium-sized items.

Features: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Storage capacity: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5

Runner Up: FlipBelt Classic Running Belt

For a sleek, functional waistband, I recommend the Flipbelt Classic Running Belt. The FlipBelt has a tubular shape that allows you to put items in the belt all around your waist. This running belt comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your waist measurement. The Flipbelt can hold your phone, ID, keys, running fuel, and even a soft flask. It’s comfortable and stays in place well and is machine washable, making it very easy to use. The belt also fires well underneath layers, making it a great option for winter running.

Features: 3/5
Comfort: 5/5
Storage capacity: 4/5
Price: 4/5

Best Running Hydration Belt with Water Bottles

Fitletic Hydration Running Belt with Water Bottles offers a comfortable way to carry all your running essentials and two hard-sided water bottles on your waist. This spacious running belt has two 8-ounce water bottles, one that goes on each side of the belt. This is the best running belt for long runs and runners training for races that are longer than 10K. It's also excellent for trail running when you need to carry all your water or for running on really hot and humid days.

The Fitletic Hydration Running Belt has a flexible, comfortable material and non-stick grips that help prevent the belt from bouncing on the run. The belt is adjustable so you can make it just the right fit for your waist. This Fitletic belt comes in two size options - small/medium for waists ranging from 24 to 34 inches and size large/X-large for waists measuring 35 to 42 inches.

The roomy main compartment of the running belt fits almost any phone, including the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. As with the other Fitletic Belt I mentioned above, this one has a secured, zippered main compartment with subdivided areas, including a convenient credit card and ID pouch within the main compartment. There are also loops to hold running fuels, gus, or gels for easy access on the run.

I like to wear the pack with the main compartment in the front, but you can also twist the belt to put the pack on your back, depending on your personal preference. Overall, this is one of the best running belts for runners who want to carry water in their belts and store everything they need in it. Considering how much capacity it has, the belt is very comfortable and lightweight, and it's my go-to for long runs in the heat and long trail runs in backwood areas.

Pros: Fitletic Hydration Running Belt with Water Bottles has lots of storage space and holds two 8-ounce water bottles. You can easily store your phone, keys, running fuel, ID, and credit cards in this fuel belt. The belt comes in two general size options that you can adjust to your waist. As with the other Fitletic belt I tried, I found this one to be very comfortable and flexible.

Cons: Any belt with two water bottles will be somewhat bulky when you’re running. As a runner who prefers to keep things light, I generally prefer the other Fitletic belt and don't mind carrying a water bottle in my hand when running. If you don't mind the water bottles on your waist, however, this is a great option for long runs and trail runs where you don’t have access to water.

Features: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Storage capacity: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5

How to Choose a Running Belt

When you’re deciding on the best running belt for you, consider your preferences and the running conditions where you’ll be training and racing. For your personal preferences, what is most important to you - storage capacity, comfort, securing your phone, or other features like reflective or waterproof materials? Prioritize the most important features you're looking for and this will help narrow down your search.

Also, consider your training conditions. Will you be running on trails or city streets? What weather conditions do you train in, and how long are your runs? If you're training in the heat or doing long runs, you may want a hydration belt with a larger storage capacity and the ability to carry water bottles, for instance. If you do a lot of trail running, you also may need more space to carry items on the run, including extra layers, water bottles, bug spray, sunscreen, nutrition, and a few emergency items.

You may want different running belts for different seasons and conditions. For example, I have more pockets when running in the winter and don't need my light running belts since I can use my pockets for my phone, keys, and ID. Also, it’s easier to layer a running belt with fewer clothes on, but you can easily put one over your jacket in cold weather when needed. Just make sure your waist with a jacket fits into the belt.

Once you invest in a running belt, take care of it by following the wash directions. Keep your belt clean by emptying your gels and gus after long runs and races so you don’t get any sticky buildup. Many belts have instructions to hand wash, which means they should not be thrown in the washing machine. Taking good care of your running belt will help prolong the life of your belt and keep you comfortable on your runs.

Train Well, Run Well

The best running belts will help you stay comfortable on your runs and in races, making training go more smoothly. For the best all-around running belt, I recommend the Fitletic Ultimate II Running Belt. If you want a sleek, simple, and budget-friendly belt, I recommend the Filoto Running Belt Fanny Pack. For long-distance training with water bottles in your belt, my top choice is the Fitletic Hydration Running Belt with Water Bottles.

If you need a running training plan to help you step up your pace and crush your next race, visit the Runstreet Training Center, and I’ll be happy to help you. As a running coach, I have helped hundreds of runners improve their fitness, endurance, and speed.

Whether you're running the NYC Marathon for the first time or training for your first 5K, I can help you achieve your big running dreams with a Customized Running Plan, including strength workouts, endurance training, and speed.

Do you have a running belt you love? Follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your training and gear and get cheered on. Happy running to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she's not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

Best Running Belts Based on Wear Tests

What Are Running Belts?

Wear Test Methodology

Best Running Belts Based on Wear Tests

Best Running Belt for Short Runs

Best Running Belts Overall

Best Running Hydration Belt with Water Bottles

How to Choose a Running Belt

Train Well, Run Well

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