Ever been in a position where your workouts don’t generate as much result as before? Perhaps, it’s been quite sometime since you’ve seen a noticeable improvement? If that’s the case, then it’s time to ramp up your exercises and add resistance to go beyond your limit!
With the best weighted vest for running, you’ll intensify your training to boost your speed and endurance. You’ll be covering the tracks faster than before without losing all your stamina!
We’ve pieced together a list of the vests with outstanding quality on the market, highlighting their best features to make your shopping easier along with a guide.
Benefits of Using Weighted Vest
Weighted vests do a fantastic job of giving your exercises a little more resistance so that they become a lot more effective. They can help your body surpass its limits to become incredibly powerful.You’ll be more fit and healthy!
Improves Running
If you’re a runner who is striving to enhance your speed, feel stronger on your feet, and have more stamina, you can depend on a weighted vest to gain all that. It will put some extra weights on your upper body, forcing you to run with more resistance.
You will struggle at first, not being ready to handle the extra resistance. But as you keep practicing, your body will be stronger than before and allow you to run faster.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Running with a weighted vest is tested to spike your heart rate as it makes your body work harder in order to accommodate the pulling of the added weight. Your heart pumps blood harder than before, preventing blood clots from forming. So, this tool can help you improve your cardiovascular health.
Improves Balance
A great advantage of weighted vests is that they improve your posture and form when you’re running. You have to keep your body straight and steady all the time. So, you end up with enhanced balance even when you’re running fast. So, they can reduce the risk of falling and make you more confident on your feet.
Weight Loss
Weighted vests make you exert more force in performing the exercises. You have to put in more effort, causing you to burn the calories faster so that you don’t gain fat. On the contrary, you’ll be losing themdue to the intensity of the workouts. There is no way for your body to build up fat as the vest will help you melt them down!
10 Best Weighted Vests for Running - Quick Comparison Chart
10 Best Weighted Vest Reviews
Maximize the growth of your muscles and build up your endurance with any of our top 10 best weighted vests.
1. Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Unisex 10-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest for Fitness Workouts
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO offers premium-grade quality and performance to both males and females. It comes with a nice set of features that makes it a top pick. Wearing this while training will help you get better at running in no time!
Comfortability is a big attribute of this vest. First off, them aterials used to manufacture this thing is highly breathable. It allows air to freely pass through to your body, keeping you cool at all times. So, you won’t have to drench in your own sweat every time you exercise.
And the low-profile design allows it to offer lots of flexibility in movement. This is especially great for runners. Besides, this unit will hold onto your body without bouncing around. Using the side lacings, you can ensure a perfect fit. Thanks to the paddings, it will stick to your body without causing aching pains.
This item comes pre-loaded with 10 pounds of weight from the factory. While this is more than enough for most people, if you want to go higher, that’s possible, too, as it allows more weights to be added. Aided by the sturdy fabric material, it’s one of the most durable products out there.
In addition to being an excellent weighted running vest, you can feel free to wear it to enhance other exercises.This model is durable, versatile, and extremely comfortable. So, all things considered, investing in it will be a great idea.
- Flexible side lacings allow it to fit any body size
- Extremely thin profile for comfort and freedom in movement
- Suitable for both men and women as it sports a unisex design
- Produced with high-quality and breathable fabric material
2. RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest 12lbs/ 20lbs/ 40lbs/ 50lbs/ 60lbs with Shoulder Pads Option
The RUNmax PRO is an extremely popular weight jacket for running, praised for its cheaper price design compared to the high-level performance.You’ll be training in immense comfort and end up with more muscles in your body and lesser fat count once you get started with this model.
Aided by the excellent weight distribution system, there is an amazing balance. So,there is no need to worry about focusing the weights on a single part of your body and causing sores. The weight pockets are located on both the front side and the backside in equal amounts.
Also, the use of soft materials in its construction makes this tool exceptionally comfortable. If you want even more comfort, there is an option to add an extra shoulder pad, which is nice.Intense workouts don’t have to beagonizing now, does it? You’ll love working out in this thing.
This one comes packed with about 12 pounds of weight, which is ideal for most runners, but there is also an option to add more. So, if you aren’t content with the low weight, you won’t have to buy a new one. Instead, the weight can be increased up to 60 pounds rather easily. It involves inserting weight bars.
If you’re worried about the fitting, you really don’t have to because of the “one size fits most” design. Just by adjusting the Velcro strap, you can ensure a snug fit in no time!For your convenience, this unit features extra pockets to hold your mobile devices and a water bottle!
- Highly versatile thanks to the option to add more weights
- Adjustable Velcro strap allows you to make a perfect fit
- Extra carrying pockets for storing mobile devices and water bottle
- Option for installing an extra shoulder pad
3. RUNFast/Max 12lbs-140lbs Adjustable Weighted Vest
The RunFast Max boasts a unique design to make it easier to use and extremely comfortable to wear. This solid vest will turn your regular exercises, intensify them, and make them more effective without causing any discomfort at all. Best of all, you won’t have to break your bank to own it as it’s super affordable!
This thing will snugly fit your body no matter the size. You just have to put it on and adjust the straps until you feel comfortable enough. It will stick close to your body and won’t jump around when you perform the exercises. The open side panels offer amazing ventilation to prevent you from sweating and overheating.
You can increase the comfort level by opting for an additional shoulder pad, which is purchasable with or without the vest. Its uniqueness lies in how the weights are installed on the vest. Instead of using weight pockets, this model allows you to strap the weights onto it for easier use.
So, if you feel like you want to up your game and add more resistance, you can simply strap on extra weights, although it comes equipped with 20lbs. Now, the max weight capacity is 140 pounds, which is huge, making it perfect for both light and heavy workouts.
And this vest will stay with you for many years thanks to the use of highly durable materials in its construction. It can efficiently resist cuts, scratches, and abrasions. So, you won’t have to buy a new one for a long time!
- Extremely affordable price design
- Designed to snugly fit most of the body sizes
- Weight capacity ranges from 20 pounds to 140 pounds
- Equipped with a convenient storage pocket
4. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest with Zipper Option 20lbs – 60lbs
The miR Air Flow weighted vest will ensure you enjoy outstanding flexibility along with amazing mobility when you’re running with it. Being shorter than the average products, you won’t find a shred of an impediment when you’re moving. It will hug your body snugly and boost your exercises for a pretty long time!
What you’ll notice right after wearing this item once you adjust the straps to fit it perfectly is how flexible and comfortable it is! You’ll breeze through the trails as this thing won’t impede your performance in any way. Thanks to the breathability, you’ll always stay nice and cool even when you’re exercising or running.
Additionally, it comes nicely padded to prevent any strain on your shoulders. Besides, the vest is quite soft inside, so it won’t irritate your skin. The outer shell, however, is highly durable as it’s capable of resisting tears, wears, scratches, and abrasions. Rest assured, this unit is remarkably long-lasting!
This model comes with 20 pounds and a maximum weight capacity of 60 pounds. It offers the convenience of customizing the weights. Just by adding or removing the solid iron weight bars, you can adjust the weight at any time. So, you can gradually move up to more weights without having to purchase a newer vest.
Considering all the qualities and features, it’s clear that this fitness kit is perfect for running exercises. However, as it allows you to customize the weights, this one can be used for other workouts as well, like push-ups, sit-ups, planks, etc. To sum it all up, it’s an extremely reliable product!
- Equipped with an innovative AIR FLOW design for breath ability
- Can be washed in a washing machine with ease
- Boasts a shorter design for flexibility and mobility
- Capable of carrying up to 60 pounds
5. Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Adjustable Weighted Exercise Vest
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite features an amazingly fashionable and low-profile design that looks attractive to everyone.But that’s just one facet of this premium-quality product. It shines the most when it comes to adding the necessary resistance to your exercises whilst offering superb comfort.
Wearing this sleek vest is super easy aided by the zipper system, and thanks to the outstanding fabric control system, this thing will attach to your body comfortably.It’s available in multiple sizes so you can pick whichever suits you the most. There won’t be any movement restriction caused by this unit.
And the strong Cordura fabric adds a lot of durability to this product, but it’s soft enough to not scratch or irritate your skin in any way.There is an outstanding ventilation system as the side panels are completely open, allowing cold air to reach your skin. So, you’ll stay cool even when you’re working out vigorously.
This item sports rows of load bearing pockets and comes with 10 pounds of weight. You can insert thin galvanized steel weights into these pockets to increase the weight, up to 20 pounds. If you feel like the weight is too much, you can even remove the metals to reduce it.
In addition to the streamlined design for running,it sports reflective YKK zipper and colorful laces to make you visible in the dark.With impressive quality and performance, this model surpasses most of the weighted vests on the market. It is sure to take your running to the next level.
- Available in various sizes with adjustable laces
- Features an impressive streamline design for mobility and comfortability
- Equipped with small loadbearing pockets for carrying weights
- Comes with incredible durability thanks to special Cordura fabric
6. Ironwear Women’s Vest (Adjustable Height) Contoured 1 to 21 Lb. Weighted Vest Supplied at 21lbs
If you’re a female looking to enhance your strength or build endurance for long-distance running, the Ironwear Women’s vest can be a great choice for you! Boasting a unique design just for women with excellent ergonomics, you’ll get almost unmatched performance from this model!
There are many unisex vests out there that women can wear, but they cannot offer the comfortability of this thing that’s designed precisely to fit the female body shape. It perfectly contours to women’s bodies while refraining from applying any pressure on the chest area. The weights and straps are placed over the abdomen.
Women’s body is usually heavier on the front side, so naturally, you may end up leaning forward unknowingly, breaking your posture when running. This unit makes an effort to prevent that by allowing you to add more weights on the back to balance everything out.
This unit is built with high-quality nylon laminate that’s hard and durable on the outside. The inner part is the complete opposite as it’s much softer, giving you maximum comfort. You can tweak the straps to ensure a snug fit. Besides, it’s super flexible, so your movements will not be hindered at all!
And there are about 20 pockets to carry the flex-metal weights. These metal weights are quite small, weighing 0.5 pounds each and feel rather soft so you won’t be hurt by them if you are to fall.
You can add them or remove them to customize the vest’s weight. If you’re concerned about hygiene, this item is easily machine or hand washable.
- Designed for fitting women’s body
- Boasts a posture-enhancing system
- Comes with enough padding for comfort
- Easy to wash manually or using a washing machine
7. CAP Barbell 20-150 Lb Adjustable Weighted Vest, Regular and Short Options
The CAP Barbell weighted vest is excellent for runners who are looking for heavier resistance and extreme challenge. Exercising while wearing this one will put your body to the test and push you harder to accomplish your most hardcore goals.
Being manufactured with super high-quality reinforced nylon and polyester materials, this mode is extremely durable. So, it won’t cut or tear easily even after years of intense workouts. If you get it, you’re actually in for the long haul, which is a great thing!
There are multiple weight packets designed on both the front and the backside, each containing 2.5 pounds of iron ore fines. The weight is fantastically balanced, so it won’t break your posture or cause discomfort. Thanks to the shoulder paddings, you won’t have to tolerate any pain.
No matter what your body size is, the adjustable belt will help you in out in ensuring a comfortable fit. The shoulder straps will keep the vest secured to your body. Although the building materials are sturdy, they also offer brilliant breathability. So, you won’t sweat all that much.
Also, this thing is surprisingly versatile, judging by the weight capacity starting at 20 pounds and going all the way up to a massive 150 pounds. Depending on your exercise style, you can customize the weights to make it suitable for almost all types of workout.
Being equipped with reflective stripes, this item is ready to help you out with your outdoor running exercise even when it is dark so that you’re visible to others.
- Easily customizable weight by inserting or removing weight packets
- Sturdy construction thanks to reinforced nylon and polyester material
- Outstanding weight-bearing capacity
- Offers the right amount of comfortability and flexibility
8. ZFOsports Weighted Vest 30lbs – 80lbs
The ZFOsports is designed especially for the fitness enthusiasts who prefer heavier vests to amp up their running exercises. If you feel like your training needs a huge boost because you barely see any result, this vest can provide you exactly what you’re looking for!
When you first purchase this model, it already comes fitted with the weights so that you can take it out for a spin right away!You can start with the comparatively lighter weight of 30 pounds and then climb up to 80 pounds, which is considerably heavy. Changing the weight is remarkably straightforward!
This fine product is designed with highly breathable materials that ensure maximum airflow. So, the cold air will reach your skin, giving you comfort and reducing sweat. However, the building materials are impressively durable as they are capable of resisting wear, tear, and abrasion with ease.
Additionally, this thing will flawlessly fit any body shape or size aided by the easily adjustable straps located on the shoulders and the bottom of the vest. It’s padded and soft enough to prevent any discomforting scratches and irritation on your body.
A bonus feature that comes with this item is the extra pocket designed precisely for storing the mobile devices that you can listen to music from. There is yet another pocket where you can keep your bottle of water and drink from it every once in a while. This is an exercise gear that is sure to meet your expectations and more!
- Fitted with weights that can be changed any time
- Built with sturdy and breathable material
- Offers comfort in addition to adding excellent resistance
- Comes with extra pockets for holding smartphones and water bottles
9. Aduro Sport Weighted Vest Workout Equipment
Minimalism is the name of the game of the Aduro Sport weighted vest that offers outstanding mobility and doesn’t restrict your movement at all. This model is ideal for running, and other cardio exercises as it’s lighter, flexible, and of course, incredibly comfortable.
Running with a weighted vest can be exhausting, especially during the hot summer days, because you’d be sweating excessively. But this unit can make it a whole lot easier thanks to the extremely minimalistic design.
It’s small but hangs onto your body firmly but comfortably like a backpack and comes with excellent ventilation. Air will pass through to your body without any kind of obstruction so that you can enjoy the cool breeze as you complete your trails. What’s more, it’s created with soft neoprene material that feels relaxing.
Being a unisex product, anyone can wear it regardless of their gender or age, including kids.The ergonomic adjustable belt allows you to easily fit any body size. Rest assured, the straps are durable enough to notslip or break even under heavy abuse.
One thing to note is that this is a fixed vest, so you won’t be able to customize the weight. Fortunately, it’s available in a wide range of weight capacities starting from a mere 4 pounds to 25 pounds. The lighter weight allows you to move without feeling restricted.
Moreover, it does an amazing job of distributing the weight evenly without fail, eliminating the discomfort caused by weight concentration on a single part of the body. In conclusion, this item efficiently enhances your running and cardio exercises.
- Built with high-quality neoprene materials for durability and comfort
- Offers the option of adding extra weight pockets
- Features an impressively minimalistic design for flexibility and mobility
- Easily fits the body of any gender and age
10. Valeo Pound Weighted Vest
The Valeo Pound weighted vest is one that includes all the qualities and features of high-end products but manages to stay within the affordable range. So, you can easily juice up your running to increase your endurance and power without breaking your bank!
As it’s made with padded nylon and fitted with breathable mesh, you’d have the ultimate comfort when you wear it to your training. It feels quite soft on the skin and ensures decent airflow. So, you’ll stay cool and comfy during your intense workout sessions.
Offering great flexibility, your movements will not be impeded.It makes sure to evenly distribute the weight on your body. You’ll have nothing to complain about this thing’s durability simply because it felt sturdy enough and tested to resist wear and tear without any issue. So, it will be long-lasting for sure.
Thanks to the adjustable buckle closure, fitting this thing on your body will be easy as a pie regardless of the size. It sticks firmly and doesn’t wobble around when you’re jumping or running.
If you enjoy running after nightfall, it’s slightly riskier because you’re not visible to other people or vehicles. To eliminate this risk, the Valeo Pound sports reflective binding that make others aware of your presence in the night.
Another convenient feature is the accessory pocket that can be used to carry your mobile devices and other accessories. The weight is completely customizable. You can increase it by adding the weight packs up to 20lbs.
- Adds excellent resistance to help you grow stronger
- Offers secure and snug fit using the adjustable buckle
- Feels comfortable on the body aided by the padded nylon material
- Includes bonus features like reflective binding and accessory pocket
What to Look for before Buying the Best Weighted Vest
As you might have noticed while scouring the market, weighted vests come in various designs and weights. There are myriad options to choose from as well. So, how do you make a pick? It’s quite simple, really. All you have to do is consider a couple of things before purchasing.
Weight
Weighted vests come with certain weights to intensify your exercises.However, the amount can vary from one vest to another. The weights make them fit certain purposes. If you want to improve your running, you should opt for lighter ones weighing below 30lbs because you don’t want to restrict your movements at all.
However, if your goal is to build muscles and get ripped, the lighter vests won’t do you any good. Instead, you’ll have to go for the heavier ones that go over hundreds of pounds.
One important thing to note is that the weight of the vest should be compatible with your body’s weight. If you’re confused about it, it’s best to go for something that weighs no more than 10% of your body weight.
Comfortability
You won’t be able to concentrate on the training if you have to fight against discomfort. The weighted vest must be as comfortable as possible so that you can engage in long exercise sessions without feeling obstructed by aching pain and stress.
Any vest made with high-quality breathable and soft materials should be good enough for your body as they won’t scrape your skin and offer great airflow. There should be enough paddings on the shoulders to prevent all kinds of pain. A good fit is absolutely necessary for the tool to be comfortable.
Adjustable vs. Fixed
You’ll be offered two kinds of weighted vests when you’re out shopping for one. There is the adjustable kind and the fixed kind. The adjustable weighted vests offer the convenience of increasing and decreasing the weight whenever you want. But they’re also the pricier kind.
The fixed ones, as you might’ve guessed it, comes with a fixed weight. They’re cheaper and perfect if you know the exact weight that you want to work with.
Safety Considerations When Using It
There is barely any risk in using weighted vests. They aren’t dangerous,but it won’t hurt to take some precautions.
Start Low
Remember that your body needs to adjust itself before being ready to pull heavy weights. If you force yourself to carry more than what your body can handle in the beginning, the results can be unpleasant. You should put in some time to prepare your body by starting with lighter weights.
Don’t Cross the Limit
There is a limit to how much weight your body can handle. If you try to push yourself out of the boundary, you might end up hurting yourself. So, learn about your own bodyweight and find out how much you can carry before starting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the best weighted vests:
Is it okay to use my weighted vest for activities other than running?
Of course, it is! The weighted vests designed for running can also be used in other cardiovascular exercises. Additionally, you can also wear it to boost your bodyweight movements.
Are they available in different sizes?
The answer to that question would be no in most cases. And the majority of the weighted vests feature a “one size fits most” design. They are designed to fit any body shape or size with the help of the adjustable straps.
Can weighted vests make me faster?
Weighted vests can make your speed drills more intense. They can make your leg muscles stronger, allowing you to exert more running force. So, when you take the vest off, you’ll notice some significant improvement in your speed.
Are they safe to use?
Yup, they aren’t risky at all. You can safely wear them and partake in workout exercises. Just refrain from training with weights that are too heavy for your body to handle.
Can I rely on these vests to build muscles?
You most certainly can as they will stress your body muscles to a great extent. So, you’ll be building stronger and sturdier muscles. However, you’ll have to opt for heavier weights if muscle building is your main priority.
Final Words
With the best weighted vest for running, you’ll be completing your goals faster than before. Your strength, speed, and stamina will be enhanced in no time! Reading our weighted vests’ reviews and the buying guide should make you confident enough to pick your own vest and get started right away!
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