7 Best Plus Size Running Belts For Guys And Gals

Running might seem like the sort of activity that doesn’t require much gear.

Some shorts, a comfortable shirt, and running shoes are you need for a run- even if you’re plus size or bigger, right?

Not exactly.

You probably want your phone so you can listen to music, track your heart rate, take photos or just not lose touch. Then you’ll need some cash, water, keys, and maybe even a snack to keep your blood sugar from dropping too much…which means there’s actually a lot to carry on a simple run!

That’s where running belts come into the picture and these handy accessories can carry everything you need for a great run.

But if you’re a big guy or a plus-size lady, you’ll quickly find that running belts aren’t made for people of size.

However, sizing isn’t the only thing you need to worry about and there’s a whole lot more to consider when it comes to picking the perfect plus size running belt. That’s why I did the research (and the testing) to find the best running belts for plus size gals, fat guys, or however else you describe being bigger than a twig!

We’ll dive deep into the criteria we used to make these picks but if you just want to get to the point and see what made the list you can check out our favorites here:

Now let’s get started!

These Running Belts Will Work For Men Or Women

Just a heads up, every running belt on this list will work for both plus size ladies, fat guys, or any other way that you identify.

Even the brightest running belts will usually include at least one black or neutral color option for folks that want to keep a low profile to keep things gender-neutral.

So don’t be discouraged if you like the features on one of the belts below but you don’t like the color in the photo- there’s a good chance that a color neutral option is still available.

What Should Bigger Folks Look For In A Running Belt?

There are some things that everyone needs in a running belt, then there are features that are especially important for people of size. We’ll look at both so you know exactly what to look for. This is the same criteria we used to select the running belts on this list too!

Size, Fit, and Adjustability

The most important consideration, especially when you’re bigger, is whether or not your running belt will fit and it doesn’t matter how many amazing features your running belt has if it doesn’t fit snug on your waist or belly.

There are two main categories of running belts when it comes to sizing: fully adjustable belts with a buckle and size specific belts that are available in certain size ranges.

Fully adjustable belts are just what they sound like and these are designed with more a one-size-fits-all approach with the option to adjust between a wide range of waist sizes. Some will also include extenders so you can truly find the perfect fit at any size.

Other running belts are sold at a specific size or rather a specific range of sizes. Sizing for these belts are like t-shirts that might be available in L, XL, 2XL, and so on. You can still find a great fit with these but you’re not going to have quite as wide a range with one belt.

In my experience, you can get the adjustable style belts a little tighter, but they can also be a little less comfortable as a result of the buckle. Because the running belts made for a specific size are usually free of extra buckles and fasteners, they can feel a little more comfortable- especially on my bigger body.

However, if you’re running to lose weight, a fully adjustable belt may be able to stick with you during your fitness journey a little better than a running belt that comes in various specific sizes.

At the end of the day, both options can work really well for a big runner but just make sure you know what you’re getting into and consider what kinds of belts you already prefer. We’ll include both options on this list and make it easy to tell which belts are fully adjustable and which are buckle-free.

Comfort and Material

While sizing is the first big component of comfort, which we just covered, material is the next.

Just about every running belt on the market, regardless of size, is made from some kind of synthetic material. This helps running belts resist water, stay clean, and helps keep you comfortable- but some do a better job than others.

In most cases, neoprene is the most comfortable, especially if you’re going to wear your running belt against your skin. It’s the same material we recommend for belly band holsters that are often worn without a shirt underneath.

However, when it comes to running belts, you’re usually going to wear them over your clothing which means you have more flexibility in terms of material. As long as you go for something durable and flexible, you should find your running belt comfortable- even if you have a bigger belly.

Every running belt on this list fits that bill so you shouldn’t need to worry about materials too much.

Space For Accessories

You’ll need to consider what you want to bring with you on your run before you can pick the perfect running belt!

If you just want to bring some cash and a key, then every running belt on this list will do the trick.

But if you want to bring water bottles, snacks, your phone and more then you may need a bigger running belt.

We have something for every situation and most belts can handle your phone, keys, credit cards, cash, and even some gel-type snacks. If you want to include water bottles then check out the last two plus size running belts on our list both of which can easily carry water.

Usually, the biggest item that needs to be carried is your phone. Most belts are ready for any standard size phone so unless you have an especially large phone, you should be good with any of our listed plus-size friendly running belts. Still, it’s always a good idea to check your phone size against the size of the running belt to make 100% certain that it’s a good fit.

Easy To Clean

I’ve always liked the expression that men sweat and women glow. It could just be that I’m a woman but it turns out that there’s even some science to back this up and women do generally sweat less than men. A lot less in some cases.

I can tell you that for my husband (who’s not afraid to describe himself as a fat man) a running belt that’s easy to clean is absolutely critical as he’s drenched after even a short run. For me, it’s not as critical, and even though I’m plus size I just don’t sweat the same way so I can get away with a different running belt.

If you’re a big sweater, I’d recommend going for a belt that’s simple and machine washable and our best overall pick, the Flipbelt, makes a great option. You can check it out on Amazon by clicking here but just make sure you grab the right size! You can also keep reading to check out our full review or snag one of the other machine washable belts on this list.

How To Wear A Running Belt If You’re Big Or Plus-Sized

The general advice when it comes to wearing a running belt is to wear it around your waist with it flat on your back.

I don’t know about you, but with my love handles my back isn’t exactly “flat”. I also have a big enough belly that the around the waist strategy certainly doesn’t work as it does with the super skinny models that they show.

So how do you wear these things?

It’s going to depend on your specific body type but I typically wear mine below my belly and slightly to the side.

If I wear it too low under my belly, it gets a little difficult to reach into while I’m running and by shifting it to the side (only slightly) I allow myself easy access. It doesn’t matter if I’m running on the trail or just on the treadmill, I want to have access to my running belt, and shifting things to the side helps pull that off. It’s a similar location and strategy that my husband recommends for gun belts for bigger folks and works with running belts too.

Best Running Belts For Plus-Size, Heavy, Or Big Runners

With the background information out of the way, let’s get into the individual reviews starting with our best overall pick! Before we dive in, here’s a look at three other running belts that made the list.

Best Overall: FlipBelt Running Belt

FlipBelt is one of the most popular names in the running belt world and for good reason.

These running belts are comfortable, machine washable, stylish, and extremely functional. This version doesn’t include any zippers (but you can check out a zippered version here) and instead, you simply place whatever you’d like to carry in the large main pouch and flip the belt over to secure it.

You can see this in action here (but don’t be deterred by the extremely skinny model, they make these in our size too):

Pretty simple, right? That’s exactly what you want from a running belt.

No buckles, zippers, or latches mean there’s nothing that can break and nothing that can rub against you or chafe. If you’re using wired headphones, you can still run a cord from the pouch even after you’ve flipped the belt.

Even though this belt looks small, and it is, it’s large enough to carry just about any phone on the market along with whatever else you need.

The only situation where the felt belt may struggle is if you’re trying to flip the belt and pull something out while you’re running. It can definitely still work in this scenario but you may need to be careful that something extra doesn’t fall out or go for the zippered option I mentioned above.

When it comes to sizing and fit, the FlipBelt is available up to 48 inches. If you’re comfortable with a tighter fit, you can push the flexible material even further. The FlipBelt comes in several sizes and you can see the full size chart here. Just make sure you check the chart and don’t go too big since there isn’t a surefire way to size this belt down.

The FlipBelt really stands out when it comes to comfort. Made of mostly polyester with some lycra mixed in, the reflective material is extremely comfortable and flexible. Unlike a traditional belt, you don’t need to worry about it digging into you if you’re sitting and instead the FlipBelt moves with you.

I know, we’re talking about running and not sitting but it still illustrates the point that this running belt is comfortable, even if you have a big belly!

However, the downside to this material is that it’s not completely waterproof and heavy sweating could lead to some moisture getting into your pouch. Even fat guys that sweat a lot (like my husband) won’t drench their phone but it’s best to position your phone with the back towards your belly to prevent any moisture from getting into the important parts of the phone. If you’re really worried about moisture, snag one of the neoprene running belts on this list instead (hint: our next belt is made of neoprene).

Overall, the FlipBelt checks all the boxes and if you’re within size 48 (24 in women’s sizes) then this makes a great option. If size 48 is a little tight, don’t worry as we have running belts up to size 60 on this list so you can still find what you need.

You can read the more than 12,000 five star reviews, check out all 13 colors, and see today’s price for the FlipBelt on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Best On A Budget: Dimok Running Belt

The Dimok running belt uses a more traditional running belt design (at least compared to the FlipBelt) which includes a zippered pocket, a velcro pouch and your standard clip-in buckle fastener like you’d see on a fanny pack or backpack.

Like all the running belts on this list, the Dimock is ready for bigger folks and can fit waist sizes up to 49 inches. Thanks to the adjustable strap and buckle,  you can also get this belt to fit a variety of in-between sizes up to that 49 inch max.

That size flexibility can be a big selling point for some folks but it’s also important to keep in mind that this belt isn’t going to go past that 49-inch mark. Some running belts made from flexible materials, like the FlipBelt, can be pushed a little past their recommended waist size but belts like this one don’t have that wiggle room.

But what really sets this running belt apart from the rest is the price and this belt is one of the most affordable you can find without having to take a big dip in quality.

Beyond the price, I also love that this belt is made from neoprene. Neoprene is commonly used in everything from wetsuits and lifejackets to compression gear and everything in between. Neoprene is typically more comfortable on the skin and is also waterproof.

That makes this a good option for heavy sweaters with one caveat: neoprene is less breathable than materials like nylon which can lead some folks to sweat more from contact with this running belt.

However, my husband’s logic (remember, fat guy with a lot of sweat) is that he’s going to sweat no matter what running belt he’s wearing so he’d prefer to just have the most comfortable and budget-friendly option. If that sounds like you too, then this could be your running belt.

It also helps that there are more than 6,500 five-star reviews for this running belt on Amazon, including some from other plus size runners. You can read some of those reviews, take a closer look at the color options and check today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Best Sizing Options: ANBEKO Universal Running Belt With Waist Extender

Not everyone has a 49-inch waist and some of us are just plain bigger.

That’s why I love the Anbeko running belt which offers some of the most inclusive sizes I’ve been able to find. Thanks to the waist extender (which is included at no extra cost), this running belt can accommodate plus size or big runners with waists up to 56 inches. Here’s a first look.

Just a heads up, that the marketing for this running belt is confusing when it comes to size.

In some spots, they say the belt can accommodate up to 45 inches then mention the extender separate. Other times they only list the size at 56 inches. Just to be clear, the running belt is 45.6 inches and the extender adds 10.6 inches for a total of 56.2 inches.

So don’t let the slightly confusing Amazon page confuse you and just know that this running belt is ready for big folks! On top of having plenty of room with the extender, this is super stretchy, which you can see in this video.

There’s also a good balance between capacity and overall size on this running belt. There are four pockets (including a large one for your phone) and you have plenty of storage without having to deal with a bulky running belt. In fact, this is one of the more low-profile options on the list without sacrificing storage capacity. You can see the many pockets here.

While this running belt doesn’t have quite as many reviews as some of the options on this list, a large portion of the reviews are from other plus size or heavy folks. So while there may not be as many, they’re especially valuable to us.

You can read some of those reviews, take a closer look at all the available pockets and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Most Stylish: BANDI Plus Size Running Belt

Most running belts stick with basic black or a single bright florescent color but this plus size running belt from Bandi does things a little different with 17 awesome patterns and colors to pick from. The paisley patterns are my favorite and while fat guys and big dudes may not want to go this route, we plus size gals could find exactly what we’re looking for here. Here’s a look at the color “Seaside”.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t more traditionally masculine options too and the black/white strata color is a great way to mix things up without drawing too much attention to your running belt!

When it comes to the design, this belt is somewhere between the buckle running belts and the FlipBelt that grabbed our best overall spot. In terms of material, it’s most like the FlipBelt and features a mostly spandex blend that clings to your body. However, that spandex is combined with a buckle that helps secure the running belt and gives you more in-between size options to work with.

For me, this is the best of both worlds and I like getting the benefits of both flexible material and the ability to pick a precise size.

There’s no lack of storage either and thanks to the flexible material, you can even squeeze in some larger or odd shaped items too. It doesn’t have as many pockets as some of the other options, but they are roomy, low-profile pockets. You can see them in this video.

In terms of sizing, the running belt without any extenders is 42 inches long and the extender can add an additional 12 inches for a total of 54 inches. The extender is included (at no additional cost) but just a heads up that it’s often shipped attached already. So don’t get confused and think it’s missing!

Something else that I like is that the extender actually attaches on both sides of the belt. This is nice for convenience, since it makes it pretty easy to fasten or unfasten this running belt. You can see them in this video.

Overall, the BANDI running belt is great on its own but the wide range of colors and cool patterns really help this running belt stand out. You can check out all 17 colors, check out a video to see this running belt in action, and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Most Flexible Storage Capacity: Ubon Hiking, Walking, and Running Belt

For folks that want to carry a lot of gear with them, without turning to a backpack, the Ubon running belt could be a great choice.

In fact, you’re able to carry so much stuff in this little running belt that it may be a better fit for plus size folks that are hiking or power walking since it could be a little cumbersome for full-on running.

There’s room for a little of everything with one large front pouch for phones, multiple side pockets and even a neoprene pocket specifically made for sunglasses. Of course, there’s also the water bottle holder that can handle bottles with a 3.1-inch diameter or smaller.

That’s large enough for most standard water bottles and for reference most of the smaller cycling water bottles (that you see people attach to their bikes) are around 2.8 inches wide. There’s also a small elastic band that connects to the water bottle and keeps it from moving too much. This little elastic band is a small, but extremely helpful feature and not only does it keep the bottle in place, but it also allows you to use a wide range of water bottle sizes.

But just to be clear, this running belt does not come with the water bottle so you’ll need to supply that on your own. If you want a belt with water bottles included, check out the next option below.

Most running belts don’t bother to mention their total storage capacity in liters, probably because it wouldn’t be very impressive, but this Ubon running belt features a total of 3L of storage capacity. For a point of reference, check out this 3 liter box on Amazon and specifically the length, width, and height it takes to reach 3 liters!

Between all the pockets and pouches, there’s a lot of storage!

At 60 inches, this is actually the largest running belt on this list which makes it perfect for fat folks and there are no waist extenders needed to get the right fit. Just adjust the buckle and you’re good to go.

Overall, this running belt is perfect for any plus size runner that doesn’t want to limit what they take with them since there’s room for just about everything here. You can check out all three colors, take a closer look at all the pockets and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Best For Maximum Hydration: URPOWER Running Belt

Running in hot weather can be dangerous for anyone but if you sweat like my fat husband, then you know just how quickly you can dehydrate yourself on a run. Heatstroke and dehydration can happen a lot faster than many folks expect and can be especially true for bigger folks that run in hot areas.

That’s where this hydration and plus size approved running belt can help as it features two water bottles on either side of the belt. Not only does this placement balance out the belt to allow for serious running and additional comfort but it also allows you to carry a total of 400ml of water, sports drink, or any other liquid you want to carry.

However, if you’re not interested in carrying water bottles, then this probably isn’t a good pick as the bottle holding areas won’t work for anything else. They’re designed to be as lightweight as possible, so they have an open bottom. This is great for water bottles, but if you try to reuse them for anything else it’s not going to work very well.

That’s unlike the other water bottle running belt on our list that could have its bottle holder repurposed.

Additionally, there’s only one large main pocket for anything else you want to carry. If you’re looking to bring as much water as you can along with your phone, then this is perfect. If you’re looking to bring all kinds of extras and water, the previous running belt on this list is probably a better choice.

It’s also accessible for people of many sizes with a waist that adjusts up to 58 inches. No extenders are required and the adjustable straps and buckle system allow you to “lock in” the right size.

I also love the neoprene material which keeps this belt waterproof. That’s usually just a nice to have feature but when you’re also carrying two water bottles on your belt it becomes a lot more important!

Neoprene is also extremely comfortable and it’s the same soft material that wetsuits and many lifejackets are made from.

If you’re a plus size runner that prioritizes staying hydrated but doesn’t want to carry a bulky running belt, then this can make a really good option. You can read some of those 1,500+ five star reviews, take a closer look at the water bottles, and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Best For Wired Headphones: Jueachy Running Belt

It’s starting to seem more than a little old-fashioned but I’m just not a big fan of Bluetooth headphones! Maybe I’m not getting the right kind of headphones but it seems like they always disconnect at the worst times and I don’t want to be bumbling around with pairing while I’m trying to run.

If you’re in the same boat, then it could be worth checking out this running belt which features one of the better wired headphone outlets I’ve seen. It also helps that it’s made from comfortable neoprene and very easy on the budget! Here’s a first look.

Even if you don’t want to use wired headphones, this simple design could be a good pick and has an excellent mix of storage with one large pouch (intended for your phone) and two smaller side pouches that can hold smaller items. Here’s a look at some of the inside pockets on this running belt.

As with every other running belt on this list, it’s ready for the fat or plus size runner and can accommodate a waist size of 56 inches. The adjustable strap for your waist is quite flexible so if you’re on the edge of that range, this running belt could still work and it should still be comfortable (but tight) up to 58 inches.

However, I will say that it’s not quite as roomy as picks like the Anbeko running belt. You can see what I’m talking about in this video- notice how it seems to dig into the sides a little bit.

You can see all five color options, take a closer look at the headphone port and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Closing Thoughts

Running belts may be simple, but there sure is a lot of variety between the different styles!

Not only that, but as bigger runners, we always have to keep size inclusivity in mind!

Thankfully, more and more brands are realizing that you can be big and athletic which means the plus size runner has more options than ever. Not only when it comes to running belts but everything else you need including shoes, shorts, and other athletic gear.

What do you think? Which running belt did you decide to go with?