Many running belts are designed for the traditional athletic physique—which means they only fit well on men and the most willowy of women. If your figure approaches anything like the hourglass, you’ll find that some of the most popular belts will ride up and bounce around just as much as the worst brands out there. But there’s some belts designed just for people like you, and there are others that are stretchy enough to suit the stick figured and the callipygian alike. Here’s five of our favorites in no particular order:
Ultimate Direction Meow
This lightweight pack features a single, long-format pocket, letting it carry a surprising amount of accessories while still maintaining a low-profile appearance (a smaller internal pocket allows for simple organization). The wicking mesh-based structure is designed to provide a secure fit for the female figure, stretching with your movements to prevent any bouncing or sliding around. You can wear the Meow around your hips or higher on your waist with equal comfort—and it’s soft enough to wear against your skin.
The North Face Enduro Belt 1
A general-purpose hydration belt for men and women alike, the Enduro features an asymmetrical design that fits comfortably on all body types—even women who are challenged height-wise but well compensated in the curves department find that this belt rests perfectly above the hips. Notable for its combination of considerable storage capacity with an equally generous 20-oz. water-bottle, the Enduro is excellent for rugged long-distance runs.
Salomon XR Sensibelt
It’s got a very similar baseline structure to the previous belt, but this one’s more lightweight, and designed with women specifically in mind. The Sensibelt continues Salomon’s penchant for the exterior mesh pocket, which is opened by the same zipper that reveals the pocket’s inner counterpart. The 16-oz. “3D” bottle is ergonomically shaped not only for an easy grip while drinking, but to also reduce pressure on the hips when holstered. The entire belt is made of elastic fabrics that conform to your body, and fits on with an unusual velcro closure.
Workplay Fleetfoot II
An extremely versatile waistpack, the Fleetfoot II is light enough to allow for streamlined racing yet capacious enough to let you carry all you need—even a jacket tucked through the exterior loops, if rain looks likely. The stretch tunnel of webbing positioned just behind the pocket allows for the insertion of a water bottle or other items large enough to not slide out. Another belt built for the female runner, the Fleetfoot’s cantilever-style curvature lets it gently rest above the hips without chafing or bouncing.
Nathan Trail Mix
This hydration-specific option is repeatedly recommended by women as a multi-bottle belt—perhaps the only multi-bottle belt—that won’t bounce uncomfortably when worn by the more curvaceous among us. This is largely due to the mono-filament 20% stretch material it’s made of, though the well-balanced design can’t hurt either. Two 10-oz. bottles rest on the hips in tension-molded holsters while a small pair of pockets between them (one open, one zippered) provides just enough storage. Continuing the symmetricality of features, two one-pull-locking shock cords let you carry gloves or a jacket on either side of your waist.
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