Best Running Belts for daily runs, marathons and ultras: Carry your phone, keys, gels and essentials

[@Manvmiles]

Did I miss your best running belt? Share yours here in the comments...

[@alicewilson55]

I just ordered Ultimate Direction Utility belt yesterday. We will see how it does. I was specifically looking for something to hold a soft flask. I've never carried water before.

[@Sjb2077]

I made my own. Nothing to write home about but shall improve the design next time. It did the job though.

[@thespecialone7632]

@@Sjb2077 how?

[@krugistanraikaisu2517]

What is your size in flipbelt? I’m also size 36. Should I size down? Thanks!

[@richie1129]

I use Compressport Free belt pro for long runs and 50k races (in combo with handhelds). Unlike the Naked the front isn't divided giving you more options with the extra space. It has a lot of capacity, I can carry all mandatory kit and bounce is very minimal. Pole loops are great and has a quick release race bib holder. Well worth a look.

[@etbrown94]

I use the naked belt near enough on every run, I did a whole bunch of research and found the naked one although expensive had really good reviews and looked to do as I wanted a belt to do, super happy with it had no issues at all! Took it through my second marathon over the weekend held 6 gels and my phone with no issues and no chaffing or rash to speak of, a truly great product

[@Manvmiles]

Yeah, it's a very solid option for sure. I was a Flipbelt user but this has replaced that in my kit now.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

How is it for stashing and retrieving running poles ? Any friction points when the poles are stored and you do long runs ?

[@timking1283]

@@GodzillaGoesGaga I have used 3 of these. I have never had any friction issues while using poles with the band.

[@ThatRunningGuy]

It’s amazing how YT works, some person and content but The Run Testers are on 🔥 I’m going to share this on my Strava KZbin channel page as you deserved way more ‘S’s’. Keep up the fantastic reviews 👍

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks mate, appreciate that. I'm enjoying building @TheRunTesters as well. The multi-tester reviews are what makes that unique.

[@ThatRunningGuy]

@@Manvmiles true. You also need to start sharing your videos on Strava via posts. See my Strava page under the same name

[@neilbeacher17]

Great review. As someone who has run with the Naked belt, I can vouch for its durability. Over five years old and it has just one tiny hole in the mesh fabric. Pretty amazing considering the battering it’s taken. Like you mentioned, I love the fact you can wear it equally for big days out but also a half marathon maybe where you just want to carry keys, phone and one or two gels. The pole loops are very effective and even fully laden, I don’t get any bounce. For reference I take a 31” waist in trousers and the size 8 band is perfect for me.

[@Manvmiles]

Mine’s still going strong after some really heavy use.

[@TM-vg4mx]

Adjustable belt is great for people who running to lose weight, having one belt to use rather than several ones. nice video

[@flameace]

My favourite belts are salomon pulse belt and compressport free belt pro... Pulse for those under 2 hour runs - room for little bit of water, packable jacket and cell phone and keys.. I use compressport for commute runs, all the same stuff as pulse + small lunch box, bit more clothing.. I don't like too tight belts, so I don't carry too much water, half a liter is enough... Naked belt looks good, but it's sizing looks kind of too precise.. Three separate pockets is probably good amount, four pocket belts tend to limit usability if you would like to carry more than two big items... Compressport is just one big pocket around your body and pulse belt has two pockets. Compressport has three big openings, pulse has one zipper pocket and the other, bigger pocket has just a one opening at the center, kind of unconvenient, but there just isn't too much stuff that you need during a run, so it works okay.

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Perfect timing to see this. I need a belt for comrades. Looks like soloman and Naked belts look great. Great video and reviews as usual. Thanks

[@Manvmiles]

Glad it was well timed and helpful Jonathan. Let me know what you go for.

[@fabsterun]

Ooh very interesting topic.. let's enjoy this one on the 70 inch tv 📺

[@alicewilson55]

You do such an awesome job with an honest review! How come I didn't find you a few days ago!! I will definitely be subscribing!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Alice. Glad you find it useful.

[@JuanaVallSerra]

Many thanks for the review, Kieran. I’ve just ordered the NRB.

[@Manvmiles]

👍👍👍 Let me know how you get on with it.

[@JuanaVallSerra]

@@Manvmiles Maybe this will put a smile on your face, somewhere along your run up the Danube! Having followed the manufacturer's instructions, I got the right fit---it doesn't ride up or scrunch. No muffin tops to deal with in my case. The NRB is a fantastic piece of kit. Thanks again for your review, Kieran. Crank on!

[@koenruttens4334]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@Manvmiles]

Glad it was helpful,

[@josephsanjuan8964]

What size ur using for the naked band? Did you went 1 size up or thru to ur size? it snug fitting when filled with water bottles, gels, phone etc. thank you ur vids are helpful 😊

[@Q8Patriot]

Very helpful video, thanks alot 👍🙏

[@delfino19777]

I love love love the flip belt. I have the bottles that go in them really handy when the weather starts getting hot.

[@Manvmiles]

Flipbelt had been a long favourite. Though Naked belt just wins it for me now on versatility

[@Hellmiauz]

I don't want to run with a sign that says 'naked' 😅

[@abundantlife888]

Exactly why I didn’t buy it 😂

[@yiran432]

Luckily, they have a new version with a dark 'naked' instead of a golden one.

[@pdodo388]

aww man. you only live once go for it

[@xdoo11ddf255]

As a lady I feel the same way I just do not want to run with a belt that has the work naked plastered across it. It reminds me of thoes jogging pants that some girls wore in the early 2000s that had the word juicey across the butt hahaha. No thanks!

[@kevinluu2003]

Good review, I like the naked running band myself. Also want to add: zippers are bad. They'll rust and infrequent use will cause them to be difficult to open/close from my experience. Also the cheaper belts have unused spaces. That's a waste of available space.

[@karlbratby4349]

one issue I have the the naked is the way the dividers are in relation to the number holder and the logo. so when the number holder is in the front as you would want it to be the main bottle holder if want two have to go on the side/hips can't go right in front so if carrying one it is offset, two is better but we don't always want two so shifting the separator allowing a large central front packet is far better imho... best I have used is the compress sport free belt pro or Salomon ADV skin belt for the reason mentioned above

[@askg4563]

Great review

[@set_eyed]

Thank you for this! Very helpful.

[@Manvmiles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bananadude9642]

Always great reviews!!!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the feedback.

[@XeloPerez]

Increíble review de cinturones para correr. Muchísamas gracias amigo de UK y un abrazo enorme desde Santiago de Chile.

[@HeidiHingst]

You mentioned some of these working for a marathon... I've been getting conflicted messages about whether to use a belt or a vest for road marathons. Thoughts? Training for my first.

[@SimonMountjoy]

I've used my Naked belt on a couple of runs now. An easy run, and a hard interval run. It seemed a bit too snug at first (gave me a muffin top! 😂) but it's actually really good. Phone and soft flasks felt really secure even during all out efforts. Seems like a winner. Just hope it's durable.

[@Manvmiles]

😂 muffin tops ahoy. You're not alone. Durability might be a question, just don't snag it. That's what I'm most worried about.

[@SimonMountjoy]

@@Manvmiles the muffin top certainly gave my kids a good laugh at my expense! Almost put me off using it. 😂

[@Huxley555]

Kiprun without a doubt, you can cram the thing and still have room for more, it's ridiculous and brilliant 👍

[@andychrist2922]

Wish the review had included alternate wearing styles i.e. across the chest etc.

[@bilaltahir9978]

What size did you get the naked belt in?

[@craigflitcroft2508]

Great reviews. Did you try poles on the Salomon belt? If so We’re they secure to the body? Like to know your thoughts please.

[@Manvmiles]

Hi Craig, I’m afraid I didn’t. But I’ve seen plenty of runners moving ok with poles attached. But can’t say for sure if it’s comfortable and secure myself. Sorry.

[@StoffelN01]

My favourite now is the Osprey duro dyna belt. Not really known for runnig gear, I think they did a great job with this belt, though it rocks a bit more the "classic" design. But no matter how fast or where I run and how full I pack it, it is always perfectly comfortabel and un-bouncy.

[@garethjones4297]

I use an old Nathan Vaporkrar, it’s a fantastic waist belt, zipped front area to keep stuff safe, 2 side stuff pockets and the rear pocket takes a 500ml flask and most importantly has two pull straps either side to sinch the rear pocket, I have been tempted by the compressport belt and the Naked belt but lack of zipped secure pocket has me worried. I love my waist belt but for me they have to carry hydration for those half marathon runs, any longer and a running pack is usually used but the freedom of the waist belt is awesome. Nice review, I liked the way you sectioned them up as wasn’t interested in the smaller belt offerings.

[@Manvmiles]

I'm with you on the zippered pockets. I think that's always a bonus. Why I used the Flipbelt for so long. Just gives you that added security. The Compressport belt is one I've heard people recommend too but I've not tried it. Glad you found this useful too. Always good to hear.

[@GeraghtyB]

Thanks for the vid informative. What are the better ways to carry water for say half or full marathon?

[@Manvmiles]

Hi… this is a good question. I’d avoid carrying water if you can. But if you want to I think a belt that can take a soft flask or a minimal race vest are the best options.

[@GeraghtyB]

@@Manvmiles thanks 😊 how would you do that? Grab drinks at drink stations during races? Or not drink at all!

[@Jack-fg9ii]

SPIbelt is another solid contender! Adjustable, durable, and no bounce.

[@Manvmiles]

Hi Jack, I'm not a huge fan of the SPIbelt personally but I think it's up there some of the smaller options on this list. And I know lots of people like it.

[@arlab]

@@Manvmiles Thanks for the input... Why don't you like the SPIbelt? Too small? Or another reason(s)?

[@Mark.011x]

Which one do you think it's best for sprint running or hiit training ? I need one to use just for my phone, not to bounce and be confortable.

[@denniss658]

Is the naked belt available?

[@fabsterun]

The non adjustable belts always feel like they are sliding off for me. Also 36 inch waist.. perfect the asics fuji belt it has more on the side 👌 plus its an all around your waist belt with adjustable straps on the side 😀 just nice for me

[@Ament76]

Manvmiles - any chance to put an iPhone 15 Pro Max to that zipper pocket in the Summit Run Race Ready belt? Thx in advance for your reply!

[@weaccount]

Perhaps you would like to test INSTINCT REFLEX BELT TRAILRUNNING, Salomon Adv Skin Belt and COMPRESSPORT FREE BELT PRO TRAILRUNNING?

[@tiagumalex]

Really like all the features of the Naked Belt, same as the running vests they have. But are they free? Because with all that branding everywhere they should be. If I´ll be advertising their products with my hard earned kilometers then I'm not expecting to pay a premium for it. Inov8 does a similar thing and i've stopped buying their products for the exact same reason. Is waaaay too much! If brands like Salomon, On and Patagonia can survive without that much branding then Naked and Inov8 can also do it (it will also make the products look much nicer).

[@thespecialone7632]

i have their vest and peeled the branding off the back

[@francesharmon1223]

have you tried the ultimate direction or compressport? thank you for your review!!!

[@Manvmiles]

I haven’t I’m afraid

[@francesharmon1223]

wouldn't it be wonderful if they gave you samples to try!! @@Manvmiles

[@scottwells4705]

Hi Kieron did you choose you’re regular waist size for the Naked belt? & is it comfortable wearing it higher up on the torso too?

[@Manvmiles]

Hi Scott, I did go regular but don't really wear it any higher up the torso. Think it may well fall down

[@Red5tone]

I don’t consider price when it comes too running gear. If it doesn’t fit or do the trick it won’t be used and that will be very expensive. Gear that gets used are the best.

[@Manvmiles]

This is true. No value in something that doesn’t work.

[@sonofdeli]

Which is the best water proof belt? I'm drenching my current belt on runs & the moisture is causing ghost dialing on my phone

[@Manvmiles]

None of these are waterproof. Might be easier to get a little drybag style thing for your phone .

[@yalokim5264]

I'd wish the phone featured a touch screen deactivation. 🤔 The waterproof pockets (in many pants) can't resist the water pressure I am providing 🤣 Got to live with that 🤷‍♂️

[@Themata]

How do you get the correct size with a non-adjustable, ie should I get one that matches my waist size exactly, or is a little bigger? Having them too tight is quite uncomfortable for me

[@Manvmiles]

Hi, I tend to go for my shorts waist size and that has worked in most occasions.

[@Themata]

@@Manvmiles makes sense, thanks! However now I think on it, perhap an adjustable one is best for me (to match my adjusting waist 😅)

[@weaccount]

it holds 2 250ml flasks, rainjacket and some small stuff

[@jaykay1053]

What are the "gels" he is talking about? Would they be good for fast carb in diabetic emergency?

[@Manvmiles]

They're carb energy gels. Most of them have 20g fast absorbing carbs.

[@SamHarrison2099]

For my long runs and for ultras I have a Salomon vest, but for supported half and full marathon races I want to try a big storage waist belt. I looked at the Inov8 2-in-1 pack but it’s £54! Any reccs?

[@Manvmiles]

When you say big storage, do you mean water carrying too?

[@unclecarney1526]

Which one of these are also completely waterproof that i can use in the water at the beach so i dont leave my phone behind? Thank you

[@Manvmiles]

None of these I’m afraid.

[@ScrappyCoCo0]

The naked belt comes at a nice $111 for me. $55 for the belt and $56 for shipping... that's a big nope.

[@MihaRekar]

No Ultimate Direction? 😅

[@Sjb2077]

You have slim hips, but what about if you have a bit of a tummy or spare tyre. Does the belt ride up , because that can be very uncomfortable if it does

[@Manvmiles]

That’s a good question. Hard for me to answer that. But I tend to wear it below my belly so I’m not sure it’d ride up.

[@chad.haggerty]

How’d you avoid the Decathlon Kiprun belt?

[@Manvmiles]

Just haven’t tested that one.

[@Ashley-xt5wj]

Has anyone tried the alina sol pocketcor?

[@Manvmiles]

Hi Ashley, not tried that brand but will check them out.

[@paperjourni8964]

I don‘t know but who wants to run with a belt branded NAKED all over it in HUGE LETTERS? I wish all those brands would stand back a bit…

[@Manvmiles]

Mine is mainly hidden under a tee or a jacket. Can't say it really bothers me that much even if it is on show but I get that some might not be keen. Little more subtlety might entice more perhaps.

[@thespecialone7632]

You can peel it off the mesh

[@orleifurkr.nielsson796]

Missing Compressport free belt and free belt pro.

[@thespecialone7632]

i was looking at this one but i heard everything moves around since it's all one pocket with no seperation

[@Maxsnail]

instinct reflex belt

[@ellenneijenhuis4065]

As a fat runner, I find really discouraging, that you already need an L, and the range is up to XL/XXL.

[@slavasss2189]

Pity that most running brands do awful running belts/ backpacks- nike, asics etc.... only salomon is exception imho

[@tjrick]

I would probably put bands and belts on different categories. For everyday run or ride, I just want something that I can clip in and out without having to touch the band to my dirty shoes. It is like putting another underwear.

[@Manvmiles]

Like pulling up a mini skirt😂 but you can always put it on before your shoes too I guess

[@tjrick]

@@Manvmiles lol "skirts". Please do a review of the Reflect360 Belt when you get a chance. It is a band, but straps with velcro. I can't find any reviews anywhere.

[@SohailAhmed-zw2dq]

Hilo

[@uhcuhc.]

So NAKED all the way to go unless you're in a budget

[@streetpunk99]

I hate how the naked belt is so hugely branded on the belt. Why do I need to be a running advertisement? If your product is superior, everyone will know.

[@Manvmiles]

Quite a few people say that. But it tends to be covered be a tee or jacket when I'm running.

[@motomoto898]

@@Manvmilesdid you try wearing it (naked belt) against your skin underneath your t-shirt? Any chaffing or discomfort if so? (I’m prepping for my first half marathon the big half/ and panic 😱 buying) Cheers

[@JoutarouKuujou1]

1st

[@weaccount]

Aonijie