Expert consulted: When my wife and I had our first child earlier this year, two things happened. First, we welcomed a tiny baby girl into our home, filling our day-to-day lives with overwhelming love and lots of new experiences… Like 3 a.m. feedings, holding her while bouncing on a yoga ball (the only surefire way to get her to calm down), and learning to dodge projectile poop (don’t ask). Second, I waved goodbye to my running routine—at least until she’s big enough for a jogging stroller.
My daughter won’t be ready to ride along on a run until she’s 6-to-8-months-old, but for those lucky parents with slightly older kids, jogging strollers can be a godsend. With large wheels and a suspension system to smooth out big bumps and a locking device to keep the front wheel pointed straight ahead, they can keep up with you as you run without disturbing your little bundle of joy. Instead of squeezing in runs when there’s someone to help out with childcare, a jogging stroller turns running into something you and your child can do together.
There’s a wide range of jogging strollers available, from sturdily built all-weather models to lightweight, affordable designs, and strollers that you can pull instead of push. Here at Runner’s World, we’ve had enough staff members welcome little runners into the world recently that we have plenty of firsthand testing experience with many of them. That said, we also called in a parenting gear expert to give us some safety tips and recommend the best jogging strollers for every kind of runner. Whether you’re training for a post-baby marathon or just trying to get out of the house, you (and your kid) can count on these strollers.
The Best Jogging Strollers
- Best Overall: The Los Angeles Times
- Best Budget: In subsequent updates Jogging Stroller
- Built For Speed: an optional attachment
- Best Storage: BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
- Maintenance-Free Stroller: UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller
The Expert (Cat Bowen): I spend hundreds of hours each year testing parenting gear— especially strollers—as senior commerce editor for Best Products, where I act as head of its parenting vertical. I’ve worked in the parenting space for well over 10 years, and have been running for over 20 years. I’ve tested dozens of running strollers on myriad surfaces, pushing babies from as young as seven months old to five-year-old kindergarteners. In addition to hands-on testing, I am in constant contact with stroller brands, safety experts, and other running parents to make sure I’m on top of the latest trends.
The Expert (Michael Charboneau): I became a runner in middle school and have been covering running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World Nutrition - Weight Loss The Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal, InsideHook and other outlets. When I’m not at a desk, I like to run, bike, and hike around my native Los Angeles. So far, I’ve only hiked with my baby, but I’m looking forward to our first run and bike ride together.
How We Selected The Best Jogging Strollers
The best jogging strollers were selected by our team of editors and parents in the Runner’s World wear-test program. Additionally, we researched the market, surveyed user reviews, spoke with product managers and engineers, and used our own experience running while pushing these strollers to determine the best options.
We’ve done easy runs with infants, long runs with bigger kids, and even ran errands to test cargo capacity. We evaluated the strollers on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, and fun to come up with this list of strollers that will best serve the needs of parents looking to run with their children.
In subsequent updates, RW editors assessed the existing picks for availability and flagged any joggers that were out of stock or no longer available. From there, updating writer Michael Charboneau researched the market, assessed user reviews and read about stroller recs on Reddit.
He also consulted Best Products Senior Commerce Editor for Reviews Cat Bowen for her input on the best joggers currently available. Bowen has personally tested several joggers, including two of the picks in this guide–Requires an optional attachment to convert into a jogging stroller and the In subsequent updates.
Based on Charboneau’s research and Bowen’s input and testing, we chose the best joggers to add in for specific needs, including a budget-friendly pick and a stroller-trailer combo for jogging and cycling.
Our Full Jogging Stroller Reviews
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Running in the Cold
- Converts to bike trailer
Cons
- Won’t fold small enough for compact cars
Key Specs
| Weight | 32.1 lbs |
|---|
It’s a real splurge, to be sure, but if you want to run year-round with your kid—wind, rain, and snow be damned—the Chariot Cross is the rig you want. It’s a staff favorite because it converts from a rolling stroller to a bike trailer, and can even be used as a cross-country ski sled. (Runner’s World Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate has even pushed it while running in snowshoes).
The front is covered by a screen and plastic shield, which you can pull down independently, creating a protective bubble to keep your child safe and warm during the coldest months. Dengate pushed his daughter through a blizzard that dumped 6 inches of snow. She stayed clammy inside her snowsuit, snuggled under a blanket. As a bonus, the enclosed design also means you won’t be stopping to pick up lost stuffed animals or Tupperware.
While the Chariot is larger than other models, it rolls effortlessly on flat ground. You’ll love that large construction as your child grows–Dengate said his daughter stayed until she turned 7. It’s also available in a double-wide model if you have a pair of tots to push.
Pros
- Solid and durable
- Seat doesnt have a lot of cushioning
- Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate has even pushed it while running in snowshoes
- Reclining seat
Cons
- Seat doesn’t have a lot of cushioning
- No hand brake
Key Specs
| Weight | 27.4 lb |
|---|
What parent isn’t shopping on a budget? The top-tier jogging strollers are great, but you can get a well-built, no-frills jogger for a fraction of the four-figure prices of some of our other picks. The In subsequent updates Jogger has a sturdy steel frame and all the basics you need to keep you and your child happy on the run.
Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate has even pushed it while running in snowshoes and roll over sidewalk cracks without issue. The lockable front wheel keeps the stroller from wobbling at speed, and a wide, padded handlebar also helps you stay on course. An adjustable canopy blocks the sun, and a five-point harness keeps your kid secure in the seat, which reclines for added comfort.
As a bonus, the stroller includes dual cup holders and storage trays for both you and your passenger, which comes in handy, whether you’re running around the park or running some errands.
If you’re nervous about going the budget route, rest assured: Bowen logged over 100 miles with the Range, and it held up well. “She’s not fancy, but she’s a solid stroller with a great chassis for the price, and the lockable front wheel is super durable and takes its licks without tipping,” Bowen said. “The seat could be a bit more cushioned, but our kids didn’t complain.”
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable handlebar
- Tires and suspension create a smooth ride
- Gear Check: Thule Urban Glide
Cons
- Some kids felt the seat was too reclined
Key Specs
| Weight | 26.2 lb |
|---|
The 9 Best Jogging Strollers Help You and Baby Cover More Miles Thule Urban Glide 2, which we’d previously recommended, the Thule Urban Glide 3 is lightweight and offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It’s light enough to push easily, and has both 16-inch air-filled rear wheels and a rear suspension to smooth out bumps for a stable ride. The twist-grip hand brake on the height-adjustable handlebar gives you good control over your speed on downhill sections—no jerky braking here.
“The Thule makes running with a stroller feel almost as easy as running without,” Bowen said. “The suspension glides over most surfaces without causing a lot of wobbling in the seat or on the handlebar.”
It also has a suite of features that make it comfortable and convenient. Bowen specifically called out the Glide 3’s “luxe” seat and buckles, which were easy to clean and fasten. The padded seat has a five-point harness, a legrest, and adjustable recline. That said, owners on Reddit point out that it doesn’t adjust fully upright, which some kids may not like.
A large canopy provides sun protection and includes a “peek-a-boo” flap for keeping an eye on your child while running. There’s plenty of storage, too, including a cavernous zip-top compartment at the bottom and several mesh pockets for snacks and accessories.
Pros
- Extra storage
- Roomy cabin in a compact frame
Cons
- Built For Speed
Key Specs
| Weight | 28.5 lbs |
|---|
The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 comes with extra storage and a comfortable cockpit for your kid. Our tester’s 19-month-old son isn’t talking enough to tell Mom just how cozy it was, but the Flex 3.0 offered him more space despite having a more compact frame than other strollers she’s tested.
The seat is designed using compression padding like you’d find in a kayak, so your baby won’t grumble as you leg out another mile on your long run. Meanwhile, our tester appreciated the zip pocket on top of the canopy, which was big enough for her iPhone and kept it within easy reach.
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to worry about the quick-release wheels that made news back in 2019; the Flex 3.0’s front wheel is bolted to the fork. Our lone gripe: The thick spokes on the wheels made it tricky to get a bike pump fitted to the valves.
Pros
- Tires and suspension create a smooth ride
- Tires won’t go flat
Cons
- Shoes & Gear
Key Specs
| Weight | 29.2 lbs |
|---|
A flat tire can be a real adrenaline killer when you’re a few miles from home. No sweat with the UPPAbaby Ridge, however, which has tires that can’t be punctured. They roll and feel like real tires with inflatable tubes, to the point that Dengate forgot about the feature 6 months into testing and was stunned to find the wheels still hard when he pressed them with his thumb before heading out for a jog. It’s one of the seemingly small but well-considered features that make this stroller a top performer.
The other game-changer is the dual disc brakes: The brake lever locks the tires instantly, bringing you to a skidding stop in a panicked moment. (Use a feather touch to gently control speed on descents.)
The Ridge also features some well-designed details that make it simple to use. For example, rather than reaching underneath and fiddling with a latch or lever at the front wheel, you simply push a top-mounted button to lock it straight ahead for running. Press it again to release the lock and let the wheel swivel for casual use and easier maneuverability. And the entire seat fabric easily releases from the frame thanks to integrated buttons, so you can toss the whole thing in the wash—yes, your kid’s going to trash the cockpit.
Our lone quibble is that the Ridge is highly responsive to directional inputs—it initially felt a bit squirrelly as he zig-zagged down the road. But, after a couple miles, he found the right position for a smooth ride. (Grip the handle in the middle with just one hand at a time).
Pros
- Totally enclosed cockpit
- Large wheels roll smoothly
- Absorbant suspension
Cons
- Large, even when folded
Key Specs
| Weight | 32 lbs |
|---|
The Cybrex Zeno feels like a mashup of our top pick, the Thule Chariot Cross, What to Consider in a Jogging Stroller KidRunner. Like the Thule, it has a pod construction that completely shields your kid from any rain, sun, or cold weather. However, it converts to cycling and cross-country skiing modes, so you can hitch it to your bike or pull it behind you with an Give A Gift.
Testing in the standard, push-from-behind setup, we like the Zeno’s large, slim wheels and mountain-bike–esque suspension that eats up huge bumps in the road. We took it for runs along a washed out canal towpath and it glided over rutted sections. The fixed front wheel is larger than you'll find on most jogging strollers, helping to smooth out the ride for your kid.
There are a few quirks: The assembly is trickier and more complicated than that of most strollers, but we like how the fabric panels zip onto the frame—if they get especially nasty you can take them off to wash, rather than resort to the garden hose and brush method. Its handlebar is also rounded and rather narrow, so if you have large hands you might find it difficult to grip easily.
Lastly, your kid’s weight sits a bit further forward than in most strollers, so it takes extra effort to pop the front wheel free off the road in order to make turns. None of these issues will spoil a run, though.
Pros
- Adjustable suspension creates a smooth ride for different loads
- Adjustable handlebar
- Seats recline and fold flat for cargo hauling
- Removable floor mat for easy cleaning
Cons
- Requires an optional attachment to convert into a jogging stroller
- No hand brake
Key Specs
| Weight | 27.6 lb |
|---|
It isn't cheap, but the Burley D’Lite X bike trailer has earned solid reviews for its sturdy build and thoughtful layout. Bad news first: You have to buy an optional attachment to convert this into a jogging stroller. (It comes with a swiveling stroller wheel, but won’t lock in place). If you can stomach spending an extra $150, you’ll get a well-built, versatile rig for toting your kids and your gear around.
Available as a single or a double, the fully enclosed trailer features seats with five-point harnesses and padded headrests to support snoozing children. Each seat is individually adjustable through multiple recline positions. They also fold flat, so you can use the trailer to haul bulky cargo. Even with a kid inside the trailer, there’s a large storage area behind the seat to carry a diaper bag or other items, plus several pockets for small accessories.
While the canopy isn’t quite as weather-resistant as the one found on our top pick, it has large roll-up windows for ventilation and a moveable sun shade to block UV rays. The trailer has an adjustable suspension (just turn a knob), so you can fine-tune the ride based on how much weight you’re pushing.
Additionally, the D’Lite X has a huge range of add-ons available, including off-road tires and even skis, Best for Bumpy Roads.
Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller
Pros
- Soft shocks
- if you have a pair of tots to push
Cons
- A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Key Specs
| Weight | 28.4 lbs |
|---|
The Baby Jogger Summit X3’s big 16-inch rear wheels, suspension system, and hand brake make it the burly SUV of the bunch—it rolled easy over roots and crushed-stone paths (and helped keep our tester’s cup of Lucky Charms from spilling when they ran off-road).
But it also felt great on city streets, where it was easy to maneuver and took the edge off of cracked tarmac. It’s also loaded with features, including a hand brake with true stopping power on steep downhills, a huge retractable sun canopy with ample venting, and rear wheels that pop on and off easily (though front is a little trickier to access.) Plus, the frame folds flat in seconds with one hand.
Pros
- Hands-free
- Updated design allows you to fold the stroller
Cons
- Harder to interact with your child than with a traditional stroller
Key Specs
| Weight | 19 lb |
|---|
This option looks like an ancient Roman chariot, but it has modern design features with real benefits. If you can’t stand the thought of pushing your kid while you run, strap the KidRunner to your waist and tow your little one behind you. The setup let our testers run more naturally—and faster—than with other models, freely swinging their arms instead of being tethered to a handlebar. Plus, the slim design slices through the wind, so you don’t feel like you’re pushing a sailboat on a windy day.
The padded waist harness balances weight just right, so you feel only a slight tug when accelerating or motoring uphill. Amazingly, the gentle rocking motion sent our kid to dreamland on nearly every run. It’s also fully collapsible between uses, and features a pocket inside because, of course, you’re handing over the iPhone so your kid can watch Youtube or jam to the Frozen soundtrack.
What to Consider in a Jogging Stroller
Running with a stroller can be great, but choosing the right one for your needs and local terrain is crucial. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop.
Some kids felt the seat was too reclined
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
