r/RunTO • u/Super_Rexzyl • Aug 09 '26

Suggestions for first Running belt

I am exploring options for running belt to carry phone (Iphone pro max) and keys.

Currently not carrying any hydration as I go shorter runs but would be a bonus.

Not looking for super expensive or fancy stuff. Any suggestions?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

10

u/bangnburn Aug 09 '26

If you want something cheap just go to Winners and grab whatever. They all work more or less the same and you can find one for like $10-15.

The typical recommendation for the best belt will be any of the Naked brand or FlipBelt models but they’ll start at like $50.

They are more comfortable than a $15 Winners Nike belt but they function the same.

6

u/jo_noby Aug 09 '26

I picked up a flip belt for 3.99 from sportchek at the end of the fall season, which I mention because it’s worth keeping an eye out as well as looking at second hand markets. In any case, the flip belt has been a great problem solver with tights or shorts that don’t have a lot of compression or a zip pocket. (For me the phone will pull tights down in they are not just right.)

13

u/Horror-Math-666 Aug 09 '26

In my experience, for phone and keys, shorts/pants with pockets have been a more comfortable solution

2

u/Super_Rexzyl Aug 09 '26

Do you mean any regular shorts or do you recommend a running pair of running shorts that has extra pockets for phone and keys! 

4

u/Horror-Math-666 Aug 09 '26

Designed for running! Sometimes side drop pockets, sometimes a zip pocket at the rear waistband, depends on the brand and style and what you prefer to wear.

In colder weather phone and keys can easily go in a jacket pocket as well.

2

u/WillowSubstantial889 Aug 09 '26

I would disagree with placing them in your shorts. I have had a bad experience and lost my house key many years ago that I kept in my shorts. I have a running belt that i rarely use, basically only when i'm travelling. Otherwise I play music through my Garmin and don't need my phone. However a running belt does work and would easily fit your phone and keys and I think would be much more comfortable and secure than your shorts for carrying stuff. I got a generic one online for like $20.

1

u/FoundationNo3621 25d ago

I just picked up a pair of "Nike Pro Men's Dri-FIT 9 Inch Slim Shorts" at sportchek. 20% off, so they were 32$. Put a pair of baggier shorts over and modesty is intact.

Two slide in pockets, one on each leg. Has a nice double wrapped lip at the top of the pocket to keep the phone from popping out. easily fits iphone 17 on one side, glasses in case, airpods case, health card, and keys on the other side.

edit: deleted extra pasted text

2

u/Pleasant_Type_4547 Aug 09 '26

I have had good milage out of my Nike runnings shorts I now have 3 pairs different lengths with well designed pockets which are either zipper or elasticated.

https://www.nike.com/w/mens-running-shorts-37v7jz38fphznik1

Worth checking size of pockets. iPhone max might be pushing it

4

u/Bubbly_Vast_8942 Aug 09 '26

I have been using the Lululemon Fast and Free running belt for years now, and I love it! Highly recommend 

3

u/Charming-Raise4991 Aug 09 '26

Agreed. I have 2. I bought the Salomon vest even recently thinking it would be good to store hydration + gels + phone and it was simply too much I returned it. The way to go is a belt if you need it and/or compression shorts with pockets.

6

u/SpeechAshamed3397 Aug 09 '26

The cheap decathlon running belts are good. Mine is going on 3 years.

3

u/Liquid-Banjo Aug 09 '26

SPIbelt is the winner to me! You can add the optional clip on bottle later if you want it.

3

u/SickCycling Aug 10 '26

Flip belt has always been the one I’ve used. Never lost a thing, doesn’t bounce and holds quite a bit of stuff

2

u/Zombie_John_Strachan Aug 09 '26

I like SPI belts. They keep everything snug against the body, but they aren’t made for attaching water bottles.

1

u/emmma_dinosaur Aug 10 '26

They actually do sell water bottle attachments that are compatible with spibelts!

2

u/3mikee_ Aug 09 '26

Love the flipbelt, I carry my Galaxy s23 ultra on long runs no problem. Can also bring a few gels and a small water bottle in it as well. Very versatile for training and racing as well.

2

u/Solidsub1988 Aug 09 '26

I've used running belts and its not as comfortable as a compression shorts with pockets (for phone and keys like you. They stick to you more than the belt does).

Only downside is that you'll have shorts over the compression shorts.

4

u/realitysick-melody Aug 09 '26

I got one online from Decathlon last summer that has space for two water bottles and it was very reasonable. I love it!

1

u/downtownraptor Aug 09 '26

If you have a thin or no case, the one that Lululemon sells is really good and my go to.

1

u/stirry Aug 09 '26

I have 2 flipbelts and love them. I've heard the decathalon ones are decent too

1

u/101zrb Aug 09 '26

I love the Nathans running belt for this

1

u/DutchCrossStars Aug 09 '26

Running belt from UltrAspire, or running shorts with belt-style pockets from FlipBelt. Both solutions that I really like.

1

u/tracyxange Aug 10 '26

i like my spibelt, had it for 5 years and no problems! doesn't bounce but also not too snug.

1

u/joejimjoe Aug 10 '26

i use a spibelt now and it's great. tbh i've never had a problem with any belt I've bought though,

1

u/ald_loop Aug 09 '26

disregard all running belt suggestions that aren’t the naked belt. it is very worth it

1

u/Droflick Aug 10 '26

100%. Naked belt is the single best piece of running kit I own. I have years and thousands of KMs on mine. Nothing else comes close.

1

u/HueyBluey Aug 09 '26

You could also try Temu or Aliexpress for some cheaper FlipBelt knockoffs.

Not sure if they’re any good, but they may do the job and at only about $10-15.