Did your first run start with“hang on, where do I put my phone?”.
And then you felt a little silly running around with it in your hand?
There are loads of great storage solutions like bands, a vest, or a watch.
But my personal favorite is the running belt.
There are plenty to choose from, but SPIbelt vs FlipBelt gets talked about most at my club.
I wanted to know which one is actually worth your money, so I’ve been vigorously testing both for the past few weeks.
Whether you race regularly or just enjoy a jog, let’s find the right belt for you.
Quick Take
If you want to skip the details:
SPIbelt Original Running Belt
Quick Take:
Simple, adjustable, great if you only carry your phone and keys.
FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
Quick Take:
More storage, stays put on long runs, and feels a bit more premium.
But if you want to know how they actually feel during runs, here’s what I found.
How I Tested Them
🧪 I tested both belts over two weeks on runs ranging from short 3-mile tempos to 12-mile long runs, in both dry and wet conditions. Each time, I loaded them with the max they could carry (phone, keys, gels, water bottle. I wore them with both a top and a jacket to check for bounce, chafing, and quick access, then washed and air-dried them between runs to test durability. I focused on comfort, stability, and practicality.
SPIbelt vs FlipBelt Comparison Table
| Feature | SPIbelt | FlipBelt |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Adjustable strap | Fixed size (step-in) |
| Storage | 1 zip pocket | Multiple openings |
| Bounce | Best when light | Best when loaded |
| Comfort | Lightweight | Soft and snug |
| Washability | Easy | Easy (but gets sweatier) |
| Price | ~$25 | ~$35–45 |
| Best For | Short runs, racing | Long runs, marathon training |
Fit and Adjustability
The first thing you’ll notice: they fit totally differently.
The SPIbelt has an adjustable strap and buckle. You clip it on, tighten it to your waist, and off you go. It’s small, light, and you barely notice it once you start running.
It can be adjusted to fit waist sizes 25″ to 47″, allowing it to fit over a jacket or hug your waist tightly on a hot day.
The FlipBelt, on the other hand, is a fabric tube. You step into it like a waistband – no buckles, no clips, no adjustment. That means you have to get the right size.
Too loose, and it’ll slide around. Too tight, and it’ll be really uncomfortable, or you’ll struggle to get it on altogether.
My waist size is around 32″ and I chose a small. It fit well around my waist, but was a little tight on my hips. If you prefer to run with it lower down, I’d size up.
👉 Winner: SPIbelt, purely because it’s adjustable.
Storage
Big Big difference here.
The SPIbelt has one stretchy zip pocket on the front. It’s big enough for any large phone (like the iPhone 17), but that’s pretty much it. I fit my phone and a gel in it, and you could probably cram your card and key in as well. But if you like to pull your phone out during a run, everything else is at risk of falling out.
The FlipBelt was completely the opposite. It has 2 pockets, one on the front and one on the back, with 4 openings, on each side of the pockets. This means you can grab things out of the belt without pulling everything else out.
I fit my phone, 3 gels (rather than one), and a 500ml water bottle. You could also easily fit your keys and a card in as well.
I really dislike the running bottles that you carry in your hand. I get sweaty pretty quickly, so I have to grip tighter and tighter. They can also make me feel lopsided, especially at the start when they’re full.
The Flipbelt is a great fix for this, with the water bottle tucked out of the way on your back in a central position. They also do their own curved water bottle, which slides out a little easier.
You can spread the weight around your waist so it doesn’t all bounce in one spot. There’s also a little clip inside for your keys, and if you flip the belt inside out, everything sits securely against your body (where it gets its name!).
👉 Winner: FlipBelt by a mile. If you’re marathon training or just like having snacks, it’s the better choice.
Bounce and Stability
Nobody wants a belt that bounces like a yo-yo.
I tested both on everything from short 5Ks to long weekend runs.
SPIbelt: When it’s light (just a phone), it’s brilliant. Zero bounce. But once you add gels or anything bulky, it starts to move around a bit. Not awful, just noticeable.
FlipBelt: When empty, it can slide a little, but once you’ve got your gear inside, it locks in place. Because the weight is spread out, it doesn’t jiggle or slap. Even with a soft flask tucked in, it stayed solid.
👉 Winner: FlipBelt. It’s just more stable when loaded up.
Comfort and Feel
SPIbelt: Small, simple, and easy to forget about. But if you tighten it too much or wear it under multiple layers, the narrow band can dig in slightly.
FlipBelt: Feels more like a piece of running kit than an accessory. It’s soft, wide, and doesn’t chafe. The trade-off? It gets sweaty. I rinse it after every run and it dries quickly, but it’s not the type of thing you want to leave sitting in your gym bag overnight.
👉 Winner: FlipBelt. It feels nicer and more natural to wear, even if it needs a bit more maintenance.
Durability and Cleaning
I’ve run with both for a few weeks and washed them multiple times.
SPIbelt: Still looks brand new. The elastic hasn’t stretched and the zipper runs smoothly.
FlipBelt: Also holding up great. The fabric hasn’t faded or lost shape, though it does soak up sweat more.
👉 Winner: Draw. Both feel like they’ll last for years.
Price and Value
- SPIbelt Original: Around $25
- FlipBelt Classic: Around $35–45
👉 Verdict: SPIbelt wins on price. FlipBelt costs more, but if you need the storage, it’s worth the extra few bucks.
So Which One’s Better?
Honestly? It depends on your running style.
- If you’re a minimalist, just carrying your phone and a key – go for the SPIbelt.
- If you’re running longer miles, need gels, or want something that doesn’t budge – go for the FlipBelt.
- I actually use both: SPIbelt for short tempo runs, FlipBelt for anything over an hour.
Either way, both solve the same annoying problem – keeping your stuff in place without bounce.
Final Thoughts
After testing both, I’d say the FlipBelt is the one I grab most often. It just feels more comfortable and practical for longer runs. But I still think every runner would be happy with either. It really comes down to how much you carry.
FAQ
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.