Best Running Belt for Your Phone, Keys and Water, From 5K to Marathon

Who this page is for

The best running belt for most runners is the Nathan Zipster Max: a zip pocket Nathan designed to fit all sizes of smartphones, a second zippered pocket for keys and cards, two side pockets for gels or a small soft flask, and six fitted sizes from XXS to XL. It covers everything from a first 10K to marathon long runs. If you're doing Couch to 5K and only carry a phone and a key, the simpler FlipBelt Classic or SPIbelt Original is all you need.

We rank for runners at every level, so the belts that cover the most jobs sit at the top. The labels on each pick tell you which level and job it suits best.

What a belt needs to carry at each level

If you're still deciding how to carry the phone at all, our guide to how to carry a phone while running compares belts, armbands and pockets.

Will your phone fit?

Phone fit is where belts differ most, and the makers describe it in different ways. Some name phones, some give pocket dimensions, and some only say "most" or "any." Here is what each maker states:

Nathan gives the Zipster Max's front zip pocket as 9 in long by 4.75 in high with an 8 in opening, designed to fit all sizes of smartphones, and says the Peak's zip pocket fits most large-format smartphones. Salomon doesn't state a maximum phone size for the Pulse. If you use a big phone in a thick case, measure it in the case and check it against the pocket before you buy. The SPIbelt Performance Series is the one to watch: the phones SPIbelt names for it are older, smaller models.

Carrying water on a belt

Three picks carry water, in three different ways. iRunFar's running belt guide draws the same line: some belts carry water in soft flasks, while others, like the Nathan Peak, are designed for hard-sided bottles.

The most any belt here carries is about a liter, in the Pulse with two flasks. That covers a lot of half-marathon training, and marathon long runs with a refill stop. For 18- and 20-mile runs with no refills, a vest carries more; our hydration vest vs belt comparison works through that choice.

How to stop a running belt bouncing

We haven't worn these belts, so we won't tell you how any of them feels. What we can pass on is placement advice and the design features makers list. iRunFar says "the most common cause of a bouncing belt is incorrect placement," that tube belts work best worn lower on the hips, and that "by positioning the belt over the widest part of your pelvic bone, you prevent it from migrating upward toward the narrower part of your waist."

• Fitted sizes: FlipBelt sells both belts in seven sizes with no adjustment strap, and Nathan sells the Zipster Max in six sizes for what it calls a compression, no-bounce fit. Pick the size from the chart, not from your pants size.
• Adjustable straps: the SPIbelts use a buckle and glides on an elastic band for 25 to 38 in waists, so you can cinch them tighter as you go.
• Stretch fabric: Salomon says the Pulse's 4-way stretch is designed to stay put when you pick up the pace.
• Spread the load: on a tube belt, put the phone at the back or side and keys opposite, rather than everything in one pocket.

Pick by pick

1. Nathan Zipster Max

Four pockets: a front zip pocket for the phone, a zippered back pocket for keys and cards, and two side pockets Nathan sizes for gels, sunglasses, headlamps and small soft flasks. Nathan lists 1.5 L of storage and pitches it for long training runs and marathons. There's no bottle holster, and it's more belt than a Couch-to-5K runner needs.

2. Ultimate Direction Utility Belt

Six pockets (four inner, including a secure phone pocket, and two outer), a 500 ml soft flask, and silicone-printed elastic straps for extra storage, at 3.3 oz. UD says it carries any phone and even a jacket. Its product page doesn't publish waist measurements for its five sizes.

3. Salomon Pulse Belt

At 2 oz, the lightest belt here with a published weight, with two stretch horizontal pockets that hold 500 ml flasks. That makes it the belt with the most water capacity, as long as you buy the flasks. Care is hand wash cold, no tumble drying.

4. FlipBelt Zipper

The FlipBelt tube with a zip pocket for valuables plus three open access points and an inside key hook. At 4.6 oz in size medium it's heavier than the Classic's 3.8 oz, and it has a 3M reflective logo for dark runs.

5. FlipBelt Classic

A buckle-free stretch tube with multiple openings and an internal key hook; flipping the belt over closes the openings. FlipBelt names today's largest phones as fitting. It's machine washable, and a simple first belt for a Couch-to-5K runner.

6. Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack

Set up for water out of the box: an 18 oz flask with a push-pull valve in an angled, insulated holder designed for one-handed access, plus an expandable zip pocket and a hidden stash pocket behind the flask. iRunFar names it the Best Hydration Waist Pack. One 18 oz flask won't last a 20-miler without a refill.

7. SPIbelt Performance Series

Four elastic gel loops and a weather-resistant pocket and zipper, aimed by SPIbelt at long-distance runners. It isn't waterproof, and SPIbelt recommends a sealed bag for electronics.

8. SPIbelt Original

One expandable pocket on an adjustable elastic strap. Nothing more, and for Couch-to-5K that's the point. Waists under 25 in need SPIbelt's custom slim version, and over 38 in need the extender.

How to choose

• Couch-to-5K, phone and a key: FlipBelt Classic or SPIbelt Original.
• You want valuables zipped in: FlipBelt Zipper.
• Half or marathon training, phone plus gels: Nathan Zipster Max or SPIbelt Performance.
• Water without a vest: Salomon Pulse (two flasks) or Nathan Peak (one bottle).

A belt is a small purchase next to your shoes. If you haven't matched those to your level yet, start with the Level Finder, and see our running shoe rotation guide for when a second pair makes sense.

Running belt buyer's guide

Fixed size or adjustable strap

Tube and fitted belts (FlipBelt, Nathan Zipster Max, Salomon Pulse, UD Utility) come in sizes and have no buckle, so nothing sits against your back, but you have to choose the size correctly. Strap belts (both SPIbelts, Nathan Peak) adjust, which forgives a wrong guess. SPIbelt publishes its range (25 to 38 in); Nathan lists the Peak as one size fits most without a published range. If you're between sizes on a fitted belt, check the maker's chart and return policy before you order.

Zipper or no zipper

The FlipBelt Classic has no zipper: cards and keys are held by the flipped-over fabric and an internal key hook. That suits a phone-and-key Couch-to-5K run. If you carry cards or ID on longer runs, a zip pocket (FlipBelt Zipper, SPIbelts, Zipster Max, Peak) is the safer choice.

Rain and sweat

No belt here is sold as waterproof. SPIbelt calls the Performance Series pocket weather-resistant, not waterproof, and recommends a sealed bag for electronics. Nathan lists weather-resistant zippered pockets on the Zipster Max. If you run in heavy rain, a zip-top bag around the phone is simple insurance.

Gels and fuel

If you fuel with gels on half and marathon long runs, look at where a belt puts them, because the picks here handle them differently. The SPIbelt Performance Series has four elastic loops on the band so gels sit outside the pocket. The Zipster Max's two side pockets are sized by Nathan for gels, and the UD Utility Belt adds silicone-printed elastic straps for extra storage. On a tube belt like the FlipBelt, gels go inside with the phone, which works but means digging for them.

Race day

Belts are the least restricted way to carry water at big races. The Chicago Marathon's rules and safety page bans hydration backpacks and vests with bladders, but says "running vests with front pocket carry, fuel belts, handheld water bottles and soft flasks are allowed." Rules vary, so check your own race's page, and wear the belt on a few long runs before race day so the size and placement are settled.

Visibility

If you run early or late, reflective detail helps. FlipBelt lists a reflective logo on the Classic and a 3M reflective logo on the Zipper, and Ultimate Direction lists reflective logos on the Utility Belt. The Road Runners Club of America's safety tips recommend reflective gear for running in the dark, and a belt is a small part of that.

Care

FlipBelt says both of its belts can be machine washed and dried. Salomon says to hand wash the Pulse cold and not tumble dry it. A belt that sits against your skin every run will need regular washing, so check the care label.

Belt or armband?

The NHS suggests an armband if you have no pocket, and armbands suit runners who don't like anything at the waist. But they carry a phone only, while even the simplest belt here takes a key too. Our Couch-to-5K gear checklist covers the rest of a first-time runner's kit.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying a bottle belt for a 5K. A full flask is extra weight on your hips that a 30-minute run doesn't need.
• Wearing it at your natural waist. Follow iRunFar's advice and wear it low, over the widest part of the pelvis.
• Assuming "fits most phones" means yours. Measure your phone in its case.
• Expecting a belt to replace a vest on 20-milers without refills. A liter is the ceiling here.