When purchasing the best belt for running, it can be hard to choose. Weâve done the hard work for you by compiling our list of the best belts out there. Letâs take a look.
Buyerâs Guide: All You Need to Know about Running Belts
When looking for the best running belts, there is a variety of products you can choose from. With all the different items on the market, which characteristics are you going to assess, and what will be the best waistband? Here weâve come up with a buyers guide to let you know about what to go for. Letâs take a look at some defining features and tips you need to know.
Types
- Waistband belt â this type stretches from your waist to an attachment. Itâs made from stretchy material.
- Traditional type â features zippers and buckles that hold valuables in place securely.
- Tube belt type â has a large area for holding items that is wrapped completely around the body.
- Water bottle type â excellent for staying hydrated. Engineered mainly for carrying water bottles.
- Race belt â a very slick and minimal design that is designed not to bounce a lot when running.
What Makes the Best Running Belt?
When looking around for the best running belt 2019 has to offer, there are several different factors that you need to consider. Whether youâre purchasing a womenâs running belt or are looking for some other type, itâs essential to read every running belt review with an eye for specific criteria. One neednât only use price to assess which belt is the best for them. Letâs consider what makes a decent belt â here we go through the most critical factors.
Comfort
Running belts are great for both men and women as long as they can fit all of your items; however, what about if theyâre just going to bounce around constantly. What use are they then? Youâll get an irritating run with plenty of chafing against the skin and general discomfort. After looking at the storage size of your waistband, you need to consider how comfortable the belt is going to be, just like the comfort of your best gym towel. Itâs best to take a good look at the adjustability, materials and how well a belt can sit on your waist while you run. Donât forget that even the most minor of irritations can lead to significant problems by the end of your run, plus if this repeats over time, then things will get even worse. Comfort is a significant factor to consider when thinking about long distance runs, because once the miles start to pile up, so will your pain if the belt isnât comfortable. Youâll really be able to feel the difference between a comfortable waistband and a cheap one.
Look and Appearance
Always remember that your hydration belt becomes part of you and your look, so you might as well choose something that looks good. With different styles out there to choose from, it makes sense to consider the appearance of your waistband. Donât forget that many packs come in a variety of different designs and colors to choose from. Whatever kind of style youâre looking for, whether it be plain or something that fits in with current fashion, there are different looks to fit with your preferred taste.
Storage Capacity
The main reason people are buying these belts is that theyâre able to hold a multitude of belongings. Storage space is one of the most important things when youâre choosing the best belt for running. Something too small isnât going to be suitable, and likewise, a pack that is too large will be bulky and result in unnecessary weight and friction. One of the most important things will be to determine what youâd like to carry and then to pick a running belt which is most suitable for those items.
Quality
Higher prices may break the bank, but itâs often worth it if the quality is excellent. In general, packs which are a lot cheaper are lower in quality. Those that are higher in price like a fitletic belt are usually better in quality. When choosing a waistband, itâs essential to consider how youâre going to be running. As an example, if youâre a novice and working towards a 3K run, you may want to choose a lower cost option rather than when training for a marathon â here a pricier option will last longer and be a better long term investment. Any wear and tear that youâre going to have from running will put some stress on the materials of your belt. It is this stress that leads to a breakdown of the buckles, zip, and general materials. Do consider the quality of your product before making a purchase.
Customer Team
If you are purchasing a running strap from a company that is unknown and doesnât have reputable branding, consider getting in touch with them. Itâs important to gather as much information as possible about returns, warranty, and how complaints can be handled. It is a great company that puts out great products, and if the customer service team isnât there, itâs unlikely that theyâll treat their customers well too. If you want to purchase a Spibelt, for instance, call a company up.
Breathability
Running often happens in different settings and environments. Weather is a significant factor, and youâll want to know how waterproof materials can be. Not all waterproofing is the same, so check if the fabric is breathable. Can your skin breathe well through a material of the running waistband too? If a fabric is one that is dense and unbreathable, it may be highly uncomfortable when running, so do make sure to check before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
After taking a look at the product reviews weâve provided, there may still be some ambiguity on certain issues. Here weâve come up with answers to possible questions and queries. Letâs take a look at an FAQ.
What Is a Running Belt?
Running belts are worn around the body. They help one to carry certain items with them whilst running. Itâs important to carry water and fuel when going on long runs and running belts can help with this.
Whatâs the Best Running Belt?
The best kinds of waistbands are ones that work best for the kinds of runs you typically do. If youâre a marathon runner, itâs best to get something that holds a lot of fuel and water. If going on 1k strolls, a slimmer fit will be more applicable.
How Do You Wear a Running Belt?
Wearing a running belt is easy. One can tuck their shirt into their pants to bring about comfort and after that, put the belt around their waistline. A waistband ought to fit securely around a personâs belly button before adjusted to suit their size. If itâs worn much too low around the hips, it is far more likely that it will slip off as one moves. It is after all these steps that one can then add their items, such as keys, wallet, phone, or even water bottles if a belt has holders for them.
How Can One Make Their Running Belt Stay in One Place?
Once a belt is around, it can be adjusted usually by fastening velcro straps or clasps. One should have a feeling that is tight and right, i.e. without any slipping when running around. A fit needs to be close but not too tight that it cuts off circulation. Just like best running shoes under 50, your waistband needs to be under a certain excessive level of tightness.
What Size Pack Do I Need to Purchase?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on how far one needs to run and what they are planning to carry with them. If runs are of long distances and fuel is of importance, consider going for a large pack. When youâve got more room, thereâs more space to bring along any supplies and fuel with you. If instead, your typical runs are only a mile or two, opt-in for a slim and sleek pack because you wonât need to refuel constantly on the go. When answering this question, itâs good to consider how far one is running, what one plans to take with them, racing strategies and typical runs.
Can I Still Purchase Packs When Iâve Got a Limited Budget?
Of course, itâs possible! Every budget has a pack that can be purchased. One of the best parts is that even when you buy an economical pack, there are a lot of options for still being able to take items with you on the run. When you become a more serious runner, you can invest further and purchase products which will last longer in general.
Will I Need to Purchase Belts That Have Reflective Material?
We think that it would be wise to do this, I mean, it wouldnât hurt you to do so. Do bear in mind that if you really donât want to run at night, it wonât be necessary. You never know when a day will become dark, though, like in the winter time. Itâs also possible to attach your own separately bought safety material on when youâre running â safety comes first!
Can You Wear Running Belts on Race Days?
Absolutely! Hydration is very important when youâre racing, and you wonât want to be without adequate hydration. Likewise, with refueling, youâll need plenty to keep you going so that you donât hit a wall. Belts are ideal for race days.
Can Packs Keep Items Dry?
A lot of packs out there include waterproof materials. If one plans to wear a belt in the rain, make sure that the materials are waterproof so that theyâre not made wet. Thereâs no point in putting things inside if theyâre to get ruined. Looking around will show you that most belts you buy are designed to hold electronic items safely in the wet, just make sure that you check. Itâs good to know that you can run with your most important items safe and sound.
Where Does One Keep Their Phone While Running?
Regular running shorts arenât great for placing belongings into. Itâs difficult to run with keys that are jingling up and down, for instance. Having some large pockets on your best running belt is great for racing. These pouches are usually made to keep a phone inside.
Final Thoughts
Thatâs about all we have for the best running belt advice. We at Gym-Expert hope you can choose the correct belt to suit all your needs. It doesnât matter if youâre working on the best CrossFit jump rope jumping or running in the mountains â there are several options you can choose. All the best!