The Best Running Belts for Runners

Buying Guide: Running Belts

Buying a running belt can be tough. There are multiple factors, which is why we came up with this comprehensive buying guide.

What to Look for When Buying a Running Belt

Material

The ideal running belt should be lightweight and elastic, for which regular fabric won’t work. We recommend buying nylon, polyester, or lycra, as these fabrics are lightweight and feature supreme stretchability. Most athletic wear is made of such fabrics; micro-poly is also a great option for UV resistance.

Size

Running belts come in a variety of sizes ranging from small to XXL. While it is necessary to get the right size, we also recommend buying a belt with an adjustable size. Velcro straps or buckle fasteners can be a great backup in case you lose or gain belly fat that affects the waist size.

Water-resistance

Running belts loaded with sweat can add to your weight, and apart from being gross, they distract you from the track. A running belt with moisture-wicking abilities can keep you and the components inside dry and safe.

Room

Check for sufficient storage space in the running belt before buying. Since the main purpose of running belts is to keep your belongings attached to you, skip products with only two to three pockets. The ideal running belt has multiple regular pockets, with a few small ones and a smartphone compartment.

Extras

Most running belts add extra features to the design, like earphone opening and stain resistance. While these features aren’t necessary, they can make a huge difference. Sturdy zipper and velcro attachments on pockets are our recommendations to keep your belongings in place.

Safety

If you’re a night-time runner, a running belt with reflective strips is worth considering. The reflective strips are usually neon-illuminating strips that glow in the dark. While they don’t glow as much to light your path, they can prevent serious road accidents by highlighting your presence.

Benefits of a Running Belt

Increased storage space

Athletic wear usually lacks pockets and storage space for keys or phones. This is where the running belt comes in handy. It has a lot of space for storing smartphones, keys, and other objects, including passports or cash. The running belt prevents all these objects from falling when you’re running.

No accessories required

Carrying a bag while running might seem odd, which is why most people prefer running belts. Apart from storing belongings, these belts are a great way to accessorize your gym wear or athletic outfits. Since they snug around your waist, the running belt becomes a part of your running gear without seeming like an addition.

Keeps your hands free

Running with a smartphone in your hands attached to earphones can be a hassle, but not with a running belt. Running belts have openings for earphones, which means you can run with your hands-free while enjoying music.

Maintains low body temperature

Running belts are a great way to keep yourself warm during winter while running. A winter running hack proves that placing the smartphone or a power bank activated in the belt can cause it to heat up a bit, offering you a heat source.

How to Take Care of Your Running Belt

Machine wash

Not all running belts are machine-washable, but those have an advantage. Use a sports detergent and a gentle spin setting to get rid of any smell, germs, and stains without ruining the belt’s quality. You can also give it a strong spin; but if the belt is not of good quality or well-stitched, it might tear apart.

Hand wash

The safest option to clean a running belt is by washing it with your hands. Since you’re using your hands, you can skip the hard sports detergent and use regular laundry detergent. A half cup is enough for single use. Simply wash it under running water by rubbing its corners against each other and rinse it with clean water.

Soak-in

Machine-washing a running belt daily might affect its elasticity. For this reason, we recommend you soak it in cold water daily to eliminate the smell or sweat. You can always deep clean it weekly, but the constant spin can tear the fibers making it less durable with every wash.

Hang dry

Although machine-drying is a quicker option to get your running belts ready for the next use, hang drying is more efficient. For one, sunlight kills the remaining germs leaving the belt bacteria-free. Second, the running belt can dry better in the air, evaporating minor traces of sweat or smell.

Tips for Wearing a Running Belt

• Always tuck the top of your sports into your pants before wearing a running belt. This gives you a better fit and makes accessing it easier.
• The correct spot to wear a running belt is right above your hips on your waist. Place it on your belly button and then fasten it. You can adjust it afterward accordingly.
• No matter what the size of your running belt is, always full use the adjustable fasteners. They add extra grip to the belt and offer a snug fit, keeping it secure.
• A pro tip for burning calories by utilizing the running belt is to add weights to it. These weights can give you a tough time without ruining the running belt, as they are durable and elastic.