The 7 Best Weighted Vests For Running

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Weighted vests are arguably the best equipment for making running more challenging. Discover the best models for this type of exercise.

Best weighted vests for running top picks

1. RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads
2. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest
3. CAP Barbell 20-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest
4. MiR Women’s Weighted Vest
5. North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest
6. CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads
7. Prodigen Weighted Vest

When it comes to weighted vests for running specifically, it is very important that the vest does not move around too much, preferably not at all, and that the weight distribution is even.

Besides these, some of the same general important features of good weighted vests apply. This includes the ability to adjust weight, a comfortable fit, a good price per pound, etc.

Do keep in mind that due to differences in training goals, body sizes, budgets, personal preferences, etc. It is not possible to create one perfect ranking for everyone. Sometimes weighted vests lower on the list will be better for you.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of weighted vests for running. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

• Maximum weights available, weight adjustability, adjustment straps, etc.
• User reviews
• Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
• Total price and price per pound
• Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Best weighted vests for running reviewed

The list of top picks can help individuals who want to save some time make a quick decision. You can also look at each of the best weighted vests for running reviewed in depth to ensure you are making the right choice.

1. RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads

Our top pick for the best weighted vest for running is the RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest. You have the option to choose between with or without shoulder pads but the option with shoulder pads is cheaper sometimes.

Additionally, a few customers note that you really want the shoulder pads if you want to use the weighted vest for workouts like running. They even mention more and wider padding is needed.

Something else that could use improvement according to some customers is the durability. Some wear and tear after months of use is somewhat normal but better durability is always welcome.

That being said, even considering these things, the RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest is a really solid option at a budget-friendly price per pound.

You can choose between one of the maximum weights ranging from 12 to 60 pounds (5.4 to 27.2 kg). If that sounds too heavy for you, you don’t need to worry since these weighted vests are adjustable.

The heavier maximum weights come with more sandbags so they still allow you to adjust down for workouts like running where you don’t need as much weight.

Then if you want to use the vest for exercises like pushups or squats, you can just put the sandbags back in. What maximum weight you should get depends on your training goals. When in doubt, you want to go a bit higher since you can adjust down.

Another important point for running is the even weight distribution. The combination of solid features, high number of customers who are really happy, and budget-friendly price per pound, makes this weighted vest from RUNmax an excellent choice.

2. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest

The miR Air Flow Weighted Vest is a close runner-up but it can definitely still be the right choice for many people. One of the first things that stand out is its shorter design.

This makes it so you have more breathing room which makes it more suited for warmer temperatures than some of the longer weights vests for running.

Your arms also have plenty of room to move and the good shoulder padding makes it a comfortable fit and in turn, a great weighted vest for walking and other longer-duration workouts.

The two main downsides are that a few customers find the strap system a bit inconvenient and that the price per pound is less budget-friendly than the previous option.

You can get the miR Air Flow Weighted Vest in different maximum weights that vary from 20 to 60 pounds (9.1 to 27.2 kg).

Most of this weight comes from 3-pound (1.4 kg) iron weights which are removable to adjust the weight to the specific exercise and your current strength level.

As you get stronger (or switch exercises) you can then put these weights back in. You can also take all of the weights out and wash this weighted vest in your washing machine.

If you like the extra breathing room and value comfort during your runs, it can be worth it to invest a bit more into this miR Air Flow Weighted Vest. The customers that do tend to give this weighted vest a try tend to be very happy.

3. CAP Barbell 20-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest

This next option from CAP Barbell is not the most premium weighted vest for running but it does a good job at a budget-friendly price per pound.

That being said, the design can definitely use some improvement. A good amount of customers mention that it is challenging to get the weight bags back into the vest.

If you only plan to use this weighted vest for running and won’t adjust the weights that often, this is not the biggest downside. However, if you want to get the benefits of weighted vests in a variety of exercises this is annoying.

Additionally, 20 pounds (9.1 kg) is likely not enough of a challenge for many resistance training exercises.

Something else that is important to keep in mind is that the CAP Barbell 20-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest can be a bit too big for smaller individuals.

This could be especially bad for workouts like running where you don’t want the weighted vest to jump up and down too much.

So if you are average-sized and only want to use your weighted vest for running, this model from CAP Barbell can be a solid and budget-friendly choice. The many customers are generally happy with their investments.

4. MiR Women’s Weighted Vest

As the name implies, this next option is mainly designed for women who find regular weighted vests uncomfortable around their chest. For longer-duration workouts having a weighted vest that is comfortable is a big plus.

At the same time, the same principle of challenging yourself enough, but not too much, still applies. Luckily, the MiR Women’s Weighted Vest is also a great option in this area.

You can choose one of the maximum weights ranging from 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.6 kg).

The heavier maximum weights will likely be a bit too much for running but you can remove 3-pound (1.4 kg) iron weights until you are at the right level.

The extra breathing room can be another positive point if you plan to run in warmer temperatures.

Something to note is that the maximum weight of 30 pounds (13.6 kg) can be too easy for certain resistance training exercises like squats.

Additionally, some customers find putting on the MiR Women’s Weighted Vest and adjusting the straps challenging. Especially for smaller individuals.

That being said, if you like this type of design and don’t mind paying just a bit more for it, this can be another great weighted vest for running.

5. North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest

The North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest stands out for its really positive customer reviews. Many individuals like this weighted vest to make workouts like running more challenging.

That being said, you do want to keep the plate carrier design in mind. The vest is basically a holder for 4 weight plates (only 2 come with the vest). You can get maximum weights of 14 to 30 pounds (6.4 to 13.6 kg).

This is important because unlike designs with smaller weight bags or sticks, you don’t have as many weight adjustment options. Additionally, the maximum weights available are too heavy for running for many individuals.

There are still some reasons why you would choose a plate carrier vest. First of all, having fewer but sturdier pockets could increase the lifespan of your weighted vest.

Secondly, some people prefer plate carriers because of their looks and because the weights stick out less.

That being said, many people likely do want to choose some of the more adjustable weighted vests.

Besides the actual downsides when it comes to workouts, plate carriers like this one from North Gym also tend to have an above-average price per pound. Especially if you become stronger and have to invest in extra heavier weight plates.

6. CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads

The CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads is really great in many areas but customers mention just a bit too often that it moves around during more dynamic workouts like running.

On the other hand, this is a really good heavy weighted vest that is budget-friendly per pound. The optional shoulder pads can make running at least a bit more comfortable.

If you also intend to do heavy resistance training exercises, plan to go for shorter runs, and/or are on a tight budget, you could still consider the model from CROSS101.

Besides the occasional comment about the weighted vest bouncing during runs, customers are generally very happy with their purchases.

7. Prodigen Weighted Vest

There are a variety of weighted vests with non-adjustable weights. These typically also have a lot of breathing room which sounds good for running in warmer temperatures.

However, this type of weighted vest design is typically not recommended for running because it bounces around a lot. This is because the straps tend to have a part that is made from elastic material.

For less dynamic workouts like walking this can be fine but for exercises like running and burpees, the elastic is often not strong enough to keep the vest in place and this becomes annoying relatively fast.

On top of that, because the weight is not adjustable, you have to be exactly right about what weight is ideal for you. Additionally, you have to invest in new weighted vests as you get fitter.

If you do decide to get this type of weighted vest, this model from Prodigen is one of the best combinations of quality and a reasonable price per pound.

It has a carry pocket and reflective straps that can make you just a bit more visible.

That being said, even if you want a lot of breathing room, some of the other weighted vests that actually stay in place will likely be better choices for running.

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