Running belt: how to choose one that does not bounce
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- FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt (FB0200). Best for: Carrying a large phone plus keys and cards with no buckle. See options on Amazon
- SPIbelt Original Running Belt (ALG-7BB-001-001). Best for: A light, adjustable belt for a phone and keys. See options on Amazon
- SPIbelt Dual Pocket PRO (DUP-7BL-001-001). Best for: Long runs that need gels, keys and a phone separated. See options on Amazon
Tube belt or buckle belt
Running belts come in two main styles. A tube belt like the FlipBelt is a stretchy loop you step into and wear around your hips; you slide items in through openings around the band. A buckle belt like the SPIbelt is an elastic strap with a zippered pouch that you clip on and tighten.
Tube belts have no buckle to adjust or come undone. Buckle belts adjust to a range of waist sizes, so one size fits more people. FlipBelt says its belt stays in place without bouncing or shifting, and SPIbelt calls its belt bounce-free.
Three running belts compared
| Belt | Style | Pockets | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlipBelt Zipper | Step-in tube | 3 open access points + zipper pocket | Sizes XXS-XXL |
| SPIbelt Original | Buckle | 1 pocket, 9 x 4 x 2 in | 25-38 in waist |
| SPIbelt Dual Pocket PRO | Buckle, 1.5 in band | 9 x 4 x 2 in + 6.5 x 3 x 2 in | 29-37 in waist |
Figures are from FlipBelt's and SPIbelt's product pages.
Will my phone fit
FlipBelt says the Zipper belt holds extra-large phones such as the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and is wide enough for larger phones in cases and passports. SPIbelt says its 9 x 4 x 2 in pocket holds larger smartphones including the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S20+.
Measure your phone in its case. If it is close to 9 in tall with the case on, the FlipBelt's open tube is more forgiving than a zippered pouch.
Getting the fit right
FlipBelt sells fixed sizes from XXS to XXL, so a belt that is too loose will ride up and one that is too tight will dig in. Check its size chart against your hip or waist measurement where you plan to wear it. SPIbelt adjusts with a buckle and glides: the Original fits 25 to 38 in waists and the Dual Pocket PRO 29 to 37 in.
Wear the belt low on your hips or around your waist and test it on a short run with your full load before a race.
One pocket or two
A single pocket is enough for a phone and a key. If you carry energy gels, a card and keys on long runs, a second pocket keeps them separate so you are not digging past your phone. SPIbelt's Dual Pocket PRO spaces its two pockets close together on a wider 1.5 in band, which it says adds stability.
The FlipBelt Zipper offers a different answer: three open slots around the tube plus one zipper pocket for valuables, and a sewn-in key hook.
Visibility and care
FlipBelt adds a reflective logo for low-light runs, and says the Zipper belt can be machine washed and dried or hung to dry. For running near traffic before sunrise or after dark, pair any belt with a reflective vest.
Which one to buy
Choose the FlipBelt Zipper if you want no buckle, room for a big phone and several items spread around your waist. Choose the SPIbelt Original for the lightest, simplest adjustable belt with one pocket. Choose the Dual Pocket PRO for long runs where you want two separate pockets.
If you would rather carry your phone on your arm, see our running armband guide.
What to look for when you buy
FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt (FB0200)
Best for: Carrying a large phone plus keys and cards with no buckle
FlipBelt lists a 92% micropoly, 8% Lycra tube that you step into, three open access points plus a zipper pocket, an inside key hook, room for extra-large phones and passports, a reflective logo and a 4.6 oz weight in size medium. Machine washable.
Watch out: Sized from XXS to XXL rather than adjustable, so check FlipBelt's size chart before ordering.
See options on AmazonSPIbelt Original Running Belt (ALG-7BB-001-001)
Best for: A light, adjustable belt for a phone and keys
SPIbelt lists one expandable 9 x 4 x 2 in pocket that holds larger smartphones, a soft bounce-free elastic band with a sturdy buckle and glides, and a fit for waists of 25 to 38 in.
Watch out: One pocket means keys and phone share space; SPIbelt sells a belt extender for larger waists.
See options on AmazonSPIbelt Dual Pocket PRO (DUP-7BL-001-001)
Best for: Long runs that need gels, keys and a phone separated
SPIbelt lists a large pocket that expands to 9 x 4 x 2 in and a small pocket that expands to 6.5 x 3 x 2 in, set close together on a wider 1.5 in elastic band for stability, for waists of 29 to 37 in.
Watch out: Narrower waist range than the Original; SPIbelt offers a PRO belt extender.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do running belts bounce?
- FlipBelt says its tube belt stays in place without bouncing or shifting, and SPIbelt calls its elastic belt bounce-free. Fit matters most: a belt that is too loose will move.
- Will an iPhone Pro Max fit in a running belt?
- FlipBelt says the Zipper belt holds phones such as the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and SPIbelt says its 9 x 4 x 2 in pocket holds the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- What size running belt should I get?
- FlipBelt comes in fixed sizes from XXS to XXL, so use its size chart. SPIbelt's Original fits 25 to 38 in waists and the Dual Pocket PRO fits 29 to 37 in.
- Can I wash a running belt?
- FlipBelt says the Zipper belt is machine washable and can be machine dried or hung to dry.
Sources
- FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt (flipbelt.com), FlipBelt
- The SPIbelt Non-Logo (spibelt.com), SPIbelt
- Dual Pocket PRO (spibelt.com), SPIbelt