In this best jogging strollers buyer’s guide, I explain the key features to look out for when shopping for one (whether that’s a single or double stroller), and compare the best models to help you work out which is the best one for you.
If you’re a keen runner and anything like me, one of the first things you did when you learned you were going to become a parent is to start looking into jogging strollers – perhaps that’s even how you arrived at this page!
Many parents (us included) also find that running with their baby, toddler or young child is a fun way to bond and spend time with them… especially when giving their primary caregiver a break from childcare!
Yep, being told ‘I’ll take [said kiddo] out for a run’ is music to my ears when I crave a bit of me-time and a break from diaper duty 🙂
If you’re thinking about running with your baby, toddler or young child, it’s necessary to invest in a stroller specifically designed for running, because it’s not possible to safely use a regular stroller for jogging.
The best all-terrain jogging strollers at a glance
🏆 If you’re short on time, here are my top picks by priority:
- Most lightweight: Thule Urban Glide 2
- Best for off-road: BOB Gear Alterrain Pro
- Everyday use as well as running: BOB Gear Wayfinder
- Best double jogging stroller: Thule Urban Glide 2 (double)
- Most compact folding stroller: Guava Roam
- Most fun: KidRunner RUN hands-free
Why you need a jogging stroller
While regular strollers are awesome for walks in the park or errands around town, they simply aren’t equipped for being pushed at speed over the often uneven terrains you’ll encounter while running.
This makes traditional strollers and prams likely to be uncomfortable for you and your child, or simply plain unsafe (at risk of veering off the road or tipping) if you were to run with them.
Jogging strollers are engineered for being used in this way, with features including stronger suspension systems, more durable wheels, and a more streamlined design to make your run smoother and safer for you and your kiddo.
The best jogging strollers for runners
1. Thule Urban Glide 2 ($650)
“Best all-round all terrain jogging stroller, and double jogging stroller”
- Weight: 25lb 5oz
- Folded dimensions: 34.2 x 27.2 x 13.3 inches
- Weight capacity: 75lb (max child weight is 49lb)
- Available as a double version: Yes ($850)
- Infant car seat adaptor available: Yes
- Choose if: You want a lightweight all-terrain jogging stroller, or you need a double jogging stroller
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is the lightest all-terrain jogging stroller on this list. multi position canopy with venting side windows and a peekaboo magnetic window.
The reclining child seat ensures comfort, while the adjustable handlebar has an integrated twist handbrake system caters to runners of varying heights.
This stroller provides a smooth and stable ride, making it a top pick not just for runs but also daily errands.
An optional bassinet is available for those who wish to use it right from birth without a carseat adaptor.
2. BOB Gear Wayfinder ($580)
“Best everyday jogging stroller + carseat combo”
- Weight: 31 lbs. 1.6 oz.
- Folded dimensions: 32.5 x 22 x 16.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 75 lbs.
- Available as a double version: No
- Infant car seat adaptor available: Yes
- Choose if: you’re looking for a compact jogging stroller mainly for pavement and occasional trail use.
The BOB Wayfinder stroller folds down significantly smaller than BOB’s top of the line Alterrain Pro, and it’s slightly lighter. It also comes at a competitive price of less than $600.
Another great feature is that you can buy the Wayfinder Pack ($849), which includes the Wayfinder jogging stroller in addition to the NEW Champ Infant Car Seat with Wilder Base – the first BOB Gear car seat with Britax-exclusive ClickTight installation – as a set.
If you’re looking for a stroller mainly for city and occasional trail use, and the smaller folded size appeals to you, choose the Wayfinder over the Alterrain Pro.
If regular trail use and the added features of the Alterrain Pro are more important to you, that’s the BOB stroller to go for.
In case you’re wondering why the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 isn’t on this list, it’s because that stroller does not have a handbrake, and for a similar price, the Wayfinder is a newer and more versatile model.
3. Guava Roam ($550)
“Most compact folding jogging stroller”
- Weight: 28.5 lbs
- Folded dimensions: 29” L x 15” W x 17” H
- Weight capacity: 60lbs
- Available as a double version: No
- Infant car seat adaptor available: Yes
- Choose if: Having a stroller that easily folds down small is important to you.
I’m a huge fan of Guava and love their other products, a portable bassinet and crib-playard for traveling with.
The Guava Roam’s innovative folding design means it folds down much smaller than other traditional jogging strollers.
The handlebar-mounted front wheel lock/unlock feature is also a neat feature – meaning there’s no need to bend or kneel when transitioning between walking and running modes.
Solid, rather than air-filled tires mean this stroller is better suited to hard surface paved paths rather than trails.
Guava exclusively sells online, and offers customers a 60-day & risk-free trial (they’ll pay for return shipping) and a 2 year warranty.
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro ($700)
- Weight: 32 lbs 4.8 oz
- Folded dimensions: 39.25 x 25.5 x 17 inches
- Weight capacity: 75lb
- Available as a double version: No
- Infant car seat adaptor available: Yes
- Choose if: you want the best jogging stroller for all terrain and elements.
Another popular all-terrain stroller, the BOB Gear Alterrain Pro is designed for those passionate about jogging on any path, with premium suspension designed to give your child a smooth ride.
It loses out to the Thule and BOB’s newer Wayfinder on the price and weight criteria, but there’s no doubting this is a premium, robust stroller that will provide you both with many happy miles, with upgraded features such as its 100% waterproof canopy and wide seat adjustment range.
If you’re looking for a double BOB jogging stroller you’ll need to look at the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, which is very popular among road runners, but that there is no handbrake and so it’s not suitable for hills or going off-road.
KidRunner RUN Hands-Free Running Stroller ($575)
“Most innovative way to run with your baby or toddler”
- Weight: Less than 22 lbs
- Weight capacity: Recommended for co-pilots from 6 months to 5 years old
- Choose if: you want to run hands-free and like the principle of pulling, rather than pushing, your child when you run.
The KidRunner RUN isn’t just another running stroller – this chariot-style running unit offers you the freedom to move naturally, with your hands free, without being tied down by handles or traditional stroller designs.
Lightweight and multi-terrain ready, it promises to make every run an adventure and can travel on everything from trails and gravel to beaches and roads.
It’s easily adjustable, accommodating parent runners ranging from under 5 feet to over 6 feet in height.
If you like to ski or bike with your kid in tow, you can also order adaptors to use the same chariot on skis or towed by your bike!
Key features to look for in a jogging stroller
Here’s a breakdown of the key features to look out for when shopping for a jogging stroller:
One Lockable, Swivel Front Wheel
The swivel front wheel offers flexibility, perfect for maneuverability in tight spots when you’re walking around.
But while running, you’ll want to be able to lock it in place to ensure stability and prevent the stroller from veering off course, especially at higher speeds and on hills, where there’s also an increased risk of tipping over.
A 5-point Harness
This harness style secures your child at their shoulders, hips, and between their legs, ensuring they stay snug and safe, no matter the terrain.
Suspension System and Thick, Bike-style Tires
Having good suspension and more durable tires ensures that even when you’re going off the beaten path, or simply on uneven pavement, your child isn’t feeling every bump and jolt, which is not only more comfortable for them, it’s safer, too.
Handbrake and Wrist Strap
While the foot-operated parking brake is essential for stationary moments, a handbrake is crucial for those downhill runs.
It allows you to control your speed without breaking your stride, offering an extra layer of safety – and cheaper jogging strollers generally don’t have one.
If you ever happen to trip or lose your grip, the wrist strap ensures the stroller doesn’t get away from you, keeping your child safe and close.
Comfort Features
Your stroller should have a padded reclining seat, which is perfect for those on-the-go naps. Plus, it provides additional comfort for your child during longer runs, which hopefully equals more fun and less fussing.
An adjustable handlebar you can position at different heights can help ensure that you’re not straining your back or altering your running form, making your runs more enjoyable and reducing the risk of injuries.
Optional Additional Accessories
You can often also buy add-ons like an infant carseat adapter, rain canopy, sun shade, or even cup holder for your jogging stroller.
Can you use a jogging stroller as an everyday stroller?
Yes! Many people choose to use their jogging stroller as an everyday stroller.
This could be the right decision for you, too, especially if you either don’t have the budget or space for two strollers, or value having the luxe ride, suspension and added features such as the handbrake on your baby’s everyday ride.
However it’s worth noting the limitations that mainly relate to the larger size, weight and folded size which mean some people find them to be too cumbersome compared to regular more traditional strollers or prams.
Many models don’t fold down particularly small, and require you to remove the rear wheels to fully fold them, which adds an extra step if you need to do so.
If you do want to use one for everyday use from birth, many of the best running stroller manufacturers offer the option to purchase adaptors that allow you to attach an infant car seat so you can use the stroller for walking with your infant in those early months before they’re able to sit in the stroller for runs.
