Best Jogging Strollers, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you log miles to meet a goal, train for a race, or find going on runs beneficial for your mental health, a jogging stroller can be a game-changer for a busy parent or family. After all, once you welcome a kiddo into your life, your free time becomes limited, and the ability to take them with you to exercise is super beneficial.

To better understand what matters in a quality jogging stroller, what it’s like to run on different terrains, and how well babies and toddlers tolerated being strapped in, I invited eight parents to go for a spin and offer their candid, honest reviews.

What to consider when buying a jogging stroller

We spoke with Katie Billingsley, a mom of one, child development expert, and Director of Operations at Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, to better understand how to shop for a jogging stroller. From weight limitations to braking options, here’s what to consider before you click ‘add to cart.’

Compact fold and storage

A stroller with a compact fold is vital if you live in an apartment or have limited storage space. Like travel strollers, these strollers fold easily and stand upright, making them convenient for small living spaces. She says that a compact fold also simplifies putting away the stroller when not in use, which is incredibly convenient for busy families.

Weight

Billingsley says jogging strollers are typically heavier due to their sturdy build, so balancing durability and maneuverability is crucial. You also want to pay attention to the seat's weight limitations so the stroller can grow with your baby and your family.

Braking options

For dedicated runners, the braking system is a critical feature to consider. Billingsley recommends looking for strollers with front-wheel lock capabilities to ensure stability and control, especially on uneven terrain or during high-speed runs. This feature prevents the wheels from wiggling and maintains a straight line, which supports an enjoyable run while keeping the baby safe.

Versatility

Billingsley says to consider a hybrid stroller for the best of both worlds. While designed for jogging, these multifunctional strollers often come with adjustable features, including reclining seats and ample storage, and work just as well for neighborhood walks and weekend errands with a mix of comfort and convenience.

Our top picks for best jogging stroller

Best all-terrain jogging stroller: Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller

Best all-terrain jogging stroller

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller

buy on Pottery Barn Kidsamazon

$549.99$412.99

buy on Target

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller is made to move and groove across all terrains easily, allowing active parents to be spontaneous. It’s considered a stroller/jogger hybrid and features air-filled rubber tires and an all-wheel suspension. One of this stroller’s standout features is the hand-operated deceleration brake, which provides added safety and comfort.

Rachel, mom of one, tested out the Baby Jogger Summit X3. She said it arrived well-packaged, without too many pieces (which can be intimidating), and several more "delicate" areas of the stroller and parts were padded with bubble wrap and/or cardboard. However, she did note that the box itself was pretty heavy and inflexible to move initially, so if heavily pregnant mamas order it, they may want help bringing it inside.

Rachel found the instructions slightly tough to follow. They have pictures and instructions, but the pictures are in the front half of the booklet, and the written instructions are in the back half, so there was a lot of flipping back and forth, which made it feel more confusing than it should have been. She also reported that the pictures/illustrations weren’t that helpful.

After she got the front wheel in, the rest of the assembly was intuitive, and she stopped using the instruction booklet until it was time to figure out the straps, make minor adjustments, etc. All in all, she was ready to roll in 10 minutes. From the moment she took it out for a run, she was instantly impressed with how well the Baby Jogger took turns. “I always heard that jogging strollers mean you have to make WIDE turns, but the front wheel has a swivel option and a locked option, and the swivel option makes corners so smooth and easy,” she described.

She gave it a whirl on a trail, bumpy grass, and pavement. In every test she put it through, the stroller still felt smooth and the baby secure. She shared that the straps in the seat were easy to figure out and seemed comfy, so a little bumpy terrain would be okay for a kiddo. Best of all, as a runner, Rachel said the lightweight feel was impressive.

In terms of design, the black color is ideal for how dirty a runner stroller may get, and Rachel liked the bigger back wheels, the sleek-looking seat, and the tri-wheel look (one front wheel and two back wheels). When open, it takes up a decent amount of space but folds up super easily: a "pull to close" handle closes the whole thing. Rachel could do it with one hand.

Specifications:

• Weight: 28.75 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: Unfolded dimensions: 26 x 45.5 x 43 inches
• Folded size: 26 x 33.75 x 14 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: Not adjustable
• Capacity limit: Child weight capacity 75 pounds (total stroller capacity N/A)
• Child age/weight range: Birth to 5 years, up to 75 pounds
• Tire type: Air-filled rubber tires; front swivel wheel
• Best for what type of terrain?: Designed to travel on all types of ground/terrain, including rough ground
• Comes with a carry bag?: No
• Price on publish: $549.99

The bottom line:

Lightweight stroller built to tackle any terrain with built-in safety features like a deceleration brake.

Get it here: Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller

Best daily jogging stroller: Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller

Best daily jogging stroller

Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller

buy on Pottery Barn Kidsamazon

$649.95

Often considered ‘the’ creator of jogging strollers, Thule is a lusted-after brand for active parents. One of their best-sellers is the Thule Urban Glide 3, an ultimate full-size and pretty iconic all-terrain stroller. Not only does it have a higher weight capacity, but a lower one, giving parents with newborns the option to get moving with their baby sooner. It was recently updated with more comfort features, including an upright seat with an adjustable recline, a legrest, and a full-coverage canopy.

Sarah tested the Thule Urban Glide 3 with her 3.5-month-old son, who weighs around 12 pounds. She also tested it with a 20-pound bag of golf balls to see how a heavier child would feel while running. The stroller arrived in impeccable condition and in only four pieces total—body, back wheels, and canopy. While the assembly of the stroller is very intuitive, Sarah reported that the instructions were only pictures and hard to follow, and she did a bit of trial and error on how to put it together. It took her only a couple of minutes to attach the wheels, but the canopy proved a bit more complex.

Sarah considers herself a regular runner; she has completed three half marathons and works running into her weekly workout routine. She took this stroller for her postpartum run, and it gave her the push she needed to get started again. The stroller absolutely provides a smooth ride with the air-filled tires. The bottom break is quick and easy even with the stroller reclined. In her experience with other strollers, getting to the foot brake in the reclined position is difficult. The hand brake works instantly into a smooth but not abrupt stop.

Sarah said the stroller feels exceptionally lightweight when running, almost as if you aren’t pushing anything. “The stroller will not slow you down by any means. It handles curves very well even while the wheel is locked in the front,” she shared. “When running on a gravel path the suspension really kept the stroller from bouncing around and definitely helped when running through the grass as well in comparison to a regular stroller.”

Sarah said she felt very comfortable running with only one hand holding the stroller, especially considering the grippy material on the handle. One note is the front wheel needs to be adjusted when locked, or it will veer to one side or the other; after she figured this out, it stayed on course perfectly.

In addition to running, Sarah said the Thule Urban 3 is great for walking, too. “My 3.5-month-old enjoyed our walks and seemed very comfortable, and we did not need a newborn insert at his size,” she said. “I found it easy to maneuver the stroller in any direction as long as the front wheel is unlocked. We seamlessly went through the grocery store's aisles with no issues.”

The jogging stroller also has a decent-sized storage bin on the bottom. Sarah especially likes the zipper compartment for holding her phone and keys so they won't get lost in the larger area. There are also two mesh pockets on the inside of the stroller that work wonderfully for holding a pacifier.

As any mother will relate, you don’t want anxiety over your baby’s safety to cloud your runner’s high. That’s why Sarah said, by far her favorite feature was the adjustable canopy. “It has many different levels and areas to ventilate, which is important when trying to shade a little one from the Colorado sun,” she said. “It also provided peace of mind since there are many ways to see inside of the stroller via a peek-a-boo window or screens that can open up for airflow. My little one loves to see out of the stroller, so these features were great to protect him from the sun and let him see all the things around him.”

From an aesthetic perspective, Sarah said the jogging stroller is absolutely gorgeous. The blue color is a nice touch to be a bit different. The materials are clearly made to get messy and be easy to clean (a necessity for little ones), and she would give the look and feel of the materials on the stroller a 10/10.

Specifications:

• Weight: 26 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: 27.25 x 41 x 40 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: 12.25 x 23 x 34.75 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: 35.5 - 45.3 inches
• Capacity limit: 75 pounds
• Child age/weight range: 6 months to 5 years, up to 49 pounds
• Tire type: Air-filled tires
• Best for what type of terrain?: All-terrain
• Comes with a carry bag?: No
• Price on publish: $649.95

The bottom line:

With an adjustable canopy for comfortable ventilation and plenty of built-in storage, this stroller is perfect for on-the-go parents and makes a great jogging companion.

Get it here: Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller

Most comfortable jogging stroller for kids: CYBEX Avi One Box Jogging Stroller

Most comfortable jogging stroller for kids

CYBEX Avi One Box Jogging Stroller

buy on CYBEXamazon

$579.95$347.97

There’s plenty to love about this jogging stroller—not just for the runner pushing but for the kiddo along for the ride. It’s lightweight, shock-absorbent, and can be broken down quickly and easily. It has reflective material for night runs, mesh windows, a comfortable seat, and features a UPF 50+ fabric for added safety. I love all the bells and whistles CYBEX offers, and this stroller is no exception. It’s meant to be streamlined for running performance in many terrains—from bushy parks to city streets.

Elizabeth tested this jogging stroller with her 2.5-year-old son, who weighs 35 pounds. Upon arrival, she noted that the stroller was packaged very well but could have used a little less material to be more sustainable. From the first impression, Elizabeth and her husband liked the color and style and were impressed with the overall look.

For the most part, Elizabeth said it was easy to assemble. They ran into a few confusing situations with attaching the seat to the frame: “The pictures for that step were very detailed but way too small to tell exactly what we were supposed to do. They could've broken that step up in the instructions into a few different diagrams to make it clearer,” she said. Because of this hiccup, it took them 45 minutes to assemble but it could have been done in fifteen without the confusion.

Elizabeth says the jogging stroller takes up a good amount of space with the wheels attached, around 4 feet by 2.5 feet of floor space. The collapsed version is still rather bulky but fits in the trunk of her Subaru Outback. Regarding the collapsing, the instructions were also misleading on this part—explaining to collapse with the straps—but it wouldn't work that way. Once she removed the seat straps, it collapsed just fine.

Elizabeth tested the stroller over significant potholes, dirt terrain, and other atmospheres and reported the stroller handled it like a champ. The large-diameter wheels are really useful for getting over tall curbs and stairs—even easier than their everyday stroller. She also noted her toddler liked the chair better than the UppaBaby stroller and was excited to climb right in. One of the standout features is the one-handed break. At first, Elizabeth was afraid to squeeze it too tight because it stopped so thoroughly, but when you’re running, it’s more beneficial than trying to find a foot brake or stopping without a brake at all.

“Steering was stiff since it's a fixed front wheel but I imagine most strollers are for running. It's hard to turn around sharp turns, you essentially have to lift the front wheel and use just the back wheels to do sharp turns,” she shared. While it took some trial and error to figure out steering, it was a smooth ride once she did. Elizabeth loved the stroller style and even got compliments from other parents who were impressed with its looks in her neighborhood. It handled jogging trails well. Most importantly, her child was a fan. “That's really the most important part because if he's not fussing then I can enjoy a longer run,” she said. “The looks are a cherry on top, and I would recommend this to other parents.”

This was her first jogging stroller experience, and she wasn’t expecting how much more motivated she feels to go on more walks and runs. “It's much more enjoyable in the mountain terrain we live in compared to standard strollers.”

Specifications:

• Weight: 23.4 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: 54 x 27 x 46 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: 35 x 23 x 10 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: Adjustable; measurements not available
• Capacity limit: Child weight capacity 49 pounds (total stroller capacity N/A)
• Child age/weight range: Normal walking pace starting at 6 months; running from 9 months (child must be able to sit upright, unassisted), to approximately 4 years; up to 49 pounds.
• Tire type: Air-filled tires
• Best for what type of terrain?: Urban streets, leafy parks, sand and snow
• Comes with a carry bag?: No, has carrying handle
• Price on publish: Starting at $579.95

The bottom line:

Lightweight stroller that can easily take you around town or down your favorite hiking trail while safely securing your child in a comfortable, reclining seat.

Get it here: CYBEX Avi One Box Jogging Stroller

Best jogging stroller for storage: UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller

Best jogging stroller for storage

UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller

buy on Pottery Barn Kidsamazon

$599.99

UPPAbaby is touted as the gold standard in strollers, always earning a prime spot on registries for first-time couples. But does it carry the same reputation for runners? According to our tester, it does! Not only is it ideal for all terrains with smart, adjustable features, but it features ample storage and smart features that set it apart.

Laura has a 4-month-old son who is around 15 pounds and lives in San Francisco. When The Ridge arrived, it came in a big cardboard box, somewhat heavy and would be difficult to carry on her own. However, it was easy to unpackage and was in great condition with nothing damaged, with special attention paid to foam added to areas of the stroller that could be more easily damaged.

There was a detailed instruction manual that guided me through each step. However, there were only images, no words, which made it somewhat challenging to put together even though there wasn't much to do at all. The set-up was: install the three wheels, open up the folded stroller, snap the water bottle holder, adjust the canopy and straps, and voila! It took Laura 35 minutes to open the box, build, and strap the baby into the chair.

To put it to the test, Laura went on a two-mile jog in a park on a well-paved path and then a walk going up and down bumpy hill trails with cracked sidewalks. She loved the great shock absorption of uneven terrain. Not only was she getting a workout, but she was not worried that her baby was getting too jostled. In fact, he fell soundly asleep in it while she pushed it all over the uneven terrain.

Throughout her runs and walks, The Ridge felt incredibly sturdy: big wheels, sturdy frame, comfortable seat. She felt that if she got into a ‘stroller crash’ with another stroller, her stroller would win and emerge with barely a scratch.

Another bonus for Laura was how easy the jogging stroller was to push while jogging. It has a front wheel lock feature; she was skeptical and never used it before. But she tried jogging with and without it locked, and with it locked made a big difference. It required less wrist strength when pushing one-handed to maintain a straight line.

There were also many smart details Laura felt worth calling out:

• An easily accessible cell phone and wireless headphone storage
• A removable water bottle holder that was in the perfect spot (can choose whether to attach to the right or left side)
• A super-big canopy. In the late afternoon, facing the direct sun, the baby could still fully shield his head from sunlight.
• A see-through and mesh canopy that allowed her to keep an eye on her baby while jogging
• A hand-brake. While she didn’t need to use it, testing it out felt nice.
• A wrist strap. Since Laura lives in a very hilly area, they had to buy one for our city stroller. This came with one!
• Ample storage

Plus, the stroller featured good adjustable straps that can grow with her son. “My baby is still small and mostly rides in a car seat attached to a stroller,” she shared. “However, when I strapped him into this and re-adjusted the straps, he fit snugly. It can clearly grow to be used with a much bigger child.”

For Laura, the only downfalls of this stroller can be summarized in two words: heavy and big. She called it the SUV of strollers: “It made for a great jogging and park experience. However, when I took it through some city streets I felt a bit self-conscious taking up so much room,” she explained. “I avoided going into any small corner stores for fear it wouldn't fit past the entrance.

Because it’s so heavy, Laura can't imagine taking it on a trip or anywhere she would have to lift it up—and pushing it up a big hill felt a lot tougher than her city stroller. It does fold in half with the press of a button, and she can do it one-handed. However, it still takes up a lot of room when folded since the back wheels are so large.

Overall, Laura would recommend it as a great jogging stroller. “I am excited to continue to use it for weekly jogs. It makes me even want to take some day trips and do a more rigorous hike with the baby in this stroller. It is fun to use,” she said. “However, I would not recommend it if someone is looking for a good all-round stroller that also works for jogging. I think it's too bulky and heavy for non-jogging/hiking use cases.”

Specifications:

• Weight: 29.2 pounds (includes canopy, wheels, and basket)
• Stroller dimensions: 38.5 x 26 x 40.5 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: 18.5 x 26 x 36.5 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: Adjustable; measurements not available
• Capacity limit: 75 pounds
• Child age/weight range: 3 months to 55 pounds
• Tire type: Large 12 inch (front) and 16 inch (back) foam-filled, never-flat tires with a deep tread
• Best for what type of terrain? A responsive suspension system featuring variable coil springs keeps riders comfortable across terrains, no matter a child’s weight.
• Comes with a carry bag? No
• Price on publish: $599.99

The bottom line:

This sturdy stroller will keep baby secure on the trails, but its heft and bulk make it less ideal for daily use.

Get it here: UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller

Best jogging stroller for training: Thule Glide 2

Best jogging stroller for training

Thule Glide 2

buy on pottery barn kidsamazon

$649.95

When you want to run a marathon but you’re also a parent, you need a way to go for long runs and still help take care of your kiddo. For a jogging stroller that will take you all the way through training, I picked Thule Glide 2—a lightweight, aerodynamic stroller that’s meant to be kicked into high gear. Thule Glide 2 is specifically made for running only (not casual strolls in the park)—with large 18 inch rear wheels, a fixed 16 inch front wheel, and room for your kick stride.

It’s designed to go fast but keep your most precious cargo safe and cozy, with a padded harness and fully adjustable straps.

Raymond tested the Thule Glide 2 with his 2-year-old daughter, who weighs 28 pounds. Everything for this stroller came in one box, and upon opening the stroller, he was hit with the distinct smell of rubber tires in a bike shop, very reminiscent of my childhood going to pick out a bike with my dad, he said. “My first impression of this stroller was that it was more of a bike than a stroller. It was in great condition, and everything was padded well to protect the metal parts. The components of the stroller felt really high quality and very much like a bike frame.

However, the instruction manual for this stroller needs to be improved.”

He immediately felt intimidated, as if he was about to set out trying to interpret an IKEA manual. There weren't really any words, just a few pictures. But in retrospect, once he finished it, he realized it wasn't that complicated at all. The setup took only a few minutes because it was all one piece. He just had to attach the wheels/tires and unfold it.

“The wheels on this stroller are more like bike tires and it reminded me of having to take the tire off my road bike.” The bottom line is that it's a really simple stroller to configure, but he could have used a little bit more hand-holding and instruction.

Another hiccup was the air in the tires. “It didn't dawn on me until I had the baby strapped in and literally ready to roll that I needed to put air in the tires read,” he shared. “This was my own fault—I should have known and prepared for this ahead of our walk/run, but I am such a novice at this and my other everyday strollers aren't filled with air, so they're typically ready to roll out of the box. We didn't have a tire pump, so we had to borrow from a neighbor, and it was a little hassle.” With this in mind, Raymond highly recommends that you buy this stroller and go ahead and *add a bike pump to the cart*. The manual does say what PSI the tires need to be, and they used an electric pump that easily measured the PSI, so within five minutes they were back on the road.

Raymond had another jogging stroller in the past but didn’t enjoy the experience and, thus, wasn’t motivated to move. “Enter the Thule: This baby glides. Running with the Thule made me think okay, maybe I can make a runner out of myself again,” he said. “It was such a smooth ride. It handled hills, curbs, and uneven sidewalks with ease.”

Another benefit, he noted, is the hand break on the top. “It is a really nice wrist-turn brake (versus a traditional bicycle brake that you have to squeeze), and it stopped on a dime—even on a hill. The stroller has a fixed front wheel, so we had to lift the front to turn on turns, but the stroller was so light it was really easy to get the hang of this.” He noticed that compared to other joggers he’s used, the handlebar created a narrow area to grip, making it feel more natural to keep his elbows close to his body.

As for his rider, she did okay but not great. He tested both seat positions, sitting upright and also laying the seat back down for a more aerodynamic stance. “She is such a curious toddler that she laid for a bit but kept trying to sit up and peek around at stuff. After a while she really didn't want to lay there. I imagine if we ran frequently, she might get used to this, but today was not that day,” he shared. “Even if she didn’t notice, I really liked the option to open up the back for some airflow and breathability. It was 70ish degrees today and the open air in the back seemed great.”

Because of its aerodynamic design, this stroller is pretty minimalistic. “I don't believe Thule messes around with different colors/builds, and if you want something more flashy or with character, the Thule is not for you. It's professional-looking—like the Uber Black Car of Joggers,” he said.

There are two storage options: either in the basket underneath or in a mesh compartment on the back of the child's seat. If you run with music or really any accessories, this could be annoying. Raymond said he did have to keep stopping and fishing in the compartment for his phone. And with the child's seat in a reclined position, it can be even harder to grab it under there.

But the lack of storage and bells and whistles is because it's a stroller that serves a very specific purpose: training/running. “I wouldn't reach for it for walks, or on any other occasion other than really needing to exercise and having to take my kiddo with me,” he says. “For everyday use, I'll always opt for something with more storage and more of a sit-up position for my daughter, but this stroller was so fun to run with that I think I'm tempted to run more often, especially now that the weather is beautiful. For serious runners, this stroller seems like an amazing option.”

Specifications:

• Weight: 24 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: 49.75 x 27 x 41 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: 37 x 23 x 13 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: 35.5 - 44 inches
• Capacity limit: 75 pounds
• Child age/weight range: 6+ months, up to 48.5 pounds
• Tire type: Fixed 16 inch front wheel and 18 inch rear wheels for superior jogging performance
• Best for what type of terrain?: All terrain
• Comes with a carry bag?: No
• Price on publish: $649.95

The bottom line:

For the serious runner, this is an excellent stroller to take along on your training jogs, but it’s not going to replace your everyday stroller.

Get it here: Thule Glide 2

Best jogging stroller for city life: Guava Family Roam Stroller

Best jogging stroller for city life

Guava Family Roam Stroller

buy on Guava Family

If there’s anything city parents are always researching, it’s practical company gear that fits in small spaces. To the rescue is the versatile Guava Family Roam jogging stroller. Made for city streets and off-roading alike, The Roam’s unique 3D nesting fold allows the stroller to fold up to 50% smaller than other joggers.

Our tester Klara calls New York City home and tested this jogging stroller with her 6-month-old son, who weighs 17 pounds. The stroller arrived in good condition, and she could drag it into the apartment one-handed, thanks to a thoughtful cutout handle on the box. The stroller was packaged without a ton of waste and felt ready to go right out of the box. It was sleek and surprisingly small, making Klara even more excited to open it up.

She found the instructions were in a neat little pocket right as she opened the box, so no digging around was required! They were clear and easy to follow, mainly because the stroller requires no setup: you just find the hidden strap and pull, and the whole thing unfolds like magic. She had to remove some plastic straps and put on the included accessory caddy but it was fully ready to use in about a minute. Also, the instructions for unfolding and refolding the stroller are actually printed on the stroller under a protective flap. Since it isn't her everyday stroller, she found it incredibly helpful not to dig out the manual whenever she wanted to use it.

Klara and her husband both tested out the stroller by going on runs. Overall, they describe it as a good balance between being lightweight and big enough to feel stable and sturdy. She said she could definitely lean on it without sending it flying, but she didn't feel like she was struggling to push. “We're both on the tall side, so having the fully adjustable handlebar was great. It felt really nice and comfortable to hold. I generally run on a relatively flat, fairly crowded path, so being able to maneuver and not take up a massive amount of space was really important to me,” she shared. “When running up a regular city sidewalk that was a lot bumpier, the suspension really performed—there was a noticeable difference over our regular daily stroller, and our little guy actually seemed to enjoy the bumps.”

Another feature they appreciated was the locking front wheel, which made running at speed safer and more stable. She could lock and unlock it from a knob right on the handlebar, which is a nice feature when you're a postpartum run-walking mom just getting back into shape.

“While our baby is too young to give us any feedback on the ride, I loved the padding on the five-point harness: he seemed comfortable even when strapped in very securely and didn't protest when fully buckled,” she shared. “Plus, the generous canopy which kept him fully shaded gave me peace of mind. We liked being able to peek in on our little guy via the mesh window on the stroller canopy, and we had plenty of room in the storage bin to strip off jackets and stash a diaper bag and an extra blanket.”

A big win for city dwellers is the way this stroller folds. Klara called it “absolutely genius.” They were able to fit this one into a very full coat closet in a small NYC apartment, and she was able to fold and unfold it and get it in there on her own. She said that ease of use makes it likelier to go out for runs. While it doesn't come with its own storage bag, given the compact design, it fits easily into a non-branded stroller storage bag.

From a design perspective, Klara said the stroller is very sleek, simple, and practical: it has everything you need to go out for a run and nothing you don't. “The parent organizer is a nice inclusion. I liked that the pouches zipper shut, so I didn't have to worry about my keys or phone bouncing out of the stroller,” she added.

The only feature Klara didn't love was the strap that adjusts the seat back: she said it kind of flaps around free which doesn't look great, but it does make it really easy to adjust the seat. Overall though, Klara said there is no better jogging stroller for a family with a small space than this best-seller from Guava. “Given our experience with other Guava gear, I expect we'll love it even more as the years go on: having airless tires is a nice perk for longevity, and I can see that our tall baby will still have plenty of room to stretch his legs in this one as a tall toddler.”

Specifications:

• Weight: 28.5 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: 39 x 25 x 43 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: 29 x 15 x 17 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: 34 - 45 inches
• Capacity limit: Child weight capacity 60 pounds (total stroller capacity N/A)
• Child age/weight range: 6+ months, up to 60 pounds
• Tire type: No-puncture airless rubber tires
• Best for what type of terrain?: All-terrain ready independent suspension makes for a smooth ride over rougher trails.
• Comes with a carry bag?: No
• Price on publish: $649.95

The bottom line:

Perfect for city dwellers, this stroller has a compact design that stores easily and performs well on sidewalks and jogging trails alike.

Get it here: Guava Family Roam Stroller

Best jogging stroller for active families: BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller

Best jogging stroller for active families

BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller

buy on pottery barn kidsamazon

$579.99$467.34

buy on Target

The best way to describe the BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller is multi-purpose. It’s flexible, small-enough while still compact, allowing families to go from one activity to another easily. After all, raising kiddos is stressful enough—going for a run for your mental health should be easier. It features independent dual suspension and air-filled tires, which are ideal for bumpy roads or rocky trails. And the front wheel swivels, helping you make tight turns.

Our tester, Tully, is a mom of two: a 2-year-old weighing 27 pounds and a 4-year-old weighing 34 pounds. The stroller was nicely packaged and in excellent condition, and each of the four main pieces (body of stroller and three wheels) were in their own plastic bag, nicely lined up, and easy to remove from the box. The smaller pieces (axel, cup holder, L-wrench) were in smaller bags attached to the others so they wouldn't get lost.

Tully said the setup instructions were straightforward: push on the two larger rear wheels until you hear a snap, and then attach the front wheel with the provided axle and L-wrench. It took five minutes to open the box, take out the pieces, and set up the stroller. Fast and easy! The only part of the instructions Tully felt needed to be included was to check the pressure of the tires. They didn't appear to be flat, but once she put a child's weight into the stroller, it was clear that they weren't fully inflated. Fortunately, the tires can be inflated with a bike pump, so it was an easy fix for her.

The Wayfinder held up well on all terrains tested: asphalt roads, concrete sidewalks, gravel paths, stone walkways, and dirt/grass trails. Tully’s four-year old son reported he was very comfortable and enjoyed the upright position and the reclined position. He also added that the buckle/harness was comfortable.

Overall, Tully thought the stroller was easy to adjust on most fronts: the shoulder and waist straps, the custom recline position, the handlebar height, and the ability to lock/unlock the front wheel. “The only thing that would potentially be a pain to adjust is the positioning of the height of the shoulder straps if intending to use this for different children who have a large height difference,” she said. “In my case, it wasn't an issue as I could use the same position for my two- and four-year-olds, but I could definitely see this being a drawback as you have to dig your fingers into the back of the stroller and manually remove and then place the strap in a new position by shoving it through.”

Tully said the stroller felt very light and agile when running, and the hand brake is a nice feature in combination with the wrist strap to give you a sense of control when running at faster speeds. The stroller also has a great turn radius and takes sharp corners easily. Generally speaking, Tully said the drawbacks were limited and mainly related to how narrow this stroller is: When pushing the stroller uphill on bumpy/uneven terrain, she said it felt a little unsteady due to how narrow the stroller is side-to-side. “At one point, I found myself lifting the back wheels of the stroller up to keep it from tipping to the side as I navigated over a big uphill bump,” she explained.

Her husband has a bigger build with wide shoulders and felt that the stroller's handlebars were too narrow for him to push comfortably when just walking around. When running, though, he kept one hand on the handlebars and said that it was more comfortable for him. The handlebar height was great for him, as it adjusted very high.

To fold the stroller, Tully said you lift up the front of the seat and pull on a marked handle. It’s longer front-to-back than a non-jogging stroller, but it fits in the back of a smaller car trunk without issue. From a design perspective, this stroller has a beautiful, sleek look. She said the canopy, storage pouch, and handlebars were all nicely designed and blend well into the overall stroller design. The large wheels contribute to the overall sporty-sleek look. With ample (and easy-to-access) on-the-go storage and a dependable design, Tully said it’s a smart pick for active families.

Specifications:

• Weight: 31.1 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: 43.75 x 25 x 41.25 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: 16.5 x 22 x 32.5 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: 34.5 - 45.5 inches
• Capacity limit: 75
• Child age/weight range: Child weight limit: 65 pounds; child height limit: 44 inches
• Tire type: Pneumatic (air-filled); All-Terrain tire tread
• Best for what type of terrain?: All
• Comes with a carry bag?: No
• Price on publish: $579.99

The bottom line:

With built-in storage and a sleek, lightweight design, this can easily serve a dual purpose as both an everyday and jogging stroller for active families.

Get it here: BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller

Most versatile jogging stroller: Veer Switch & Jog Bundle with Switchback Seat

Most versatile jogging stroller

Veer Switch & Jog Bundle with Switchback Seat

buy on VEER GEARamazon

$898.00$823.00

A relatively new jogging stroller option, the Veer Switch & Jog Bundle with Switchback Seat is earning rave reviews. And we’re part of them. The smart design provides many options for busy, active families. With a lightweight and comfortable toddler seat that’s hose-washable, you can quickly snap it into the jog frame, and you’re ready to go. This frame is built with terrain in mind, allowing you to navigate paths and trails easily.

Our tester, Jordan, is a dad of one to a 2.5-year-old son who is 29 pounds. The stroller was packaged carefully in two separate boxes—one for the frame and one for the toddler Switchback Seat. Jordan said it was in perfect condition, with plenty of cardboard inserts to keep it from moving around in the box, with styrofoam padding, and covered in any areas that needed to be protected. It seemed tidy, and Jordan liked the phrases on the box that became visible as he opened it: "Eat Clean, Play Dirty" and "Open Air, Open Minds."

There were detailed instructions on how to assemble the stroller, but he thinks a good addition would be a QR code for people who'd like to see a video of the assembly since the pictures included were not 100% clear. However, he did say the assembly was so simple and intuitive that he didn't need to refer to the instructions much, except when learning how to adjust the incline on the Switchback Seat. At one point, he did get a little stuck on how to attach the back of the canopy cover to the seat since there were no instructions on this, but he pretty quickly figured out that there were small rectangular holes on the back of the seat where the canopy could clip into place.

Jordan has used a jogging stroller in the past and prefers lightweight ones with good shocks to protect his son from bumps and rough terrain. It's also important that it turns quickly and has a good braking system, and that the stroller breaks down to a more compact size. Jordan said the Veer stroller was very fun and easy to run with. “What I noticed most was that my son really liked being able to be fully upright and see everything around us, which was a nice switch from our usual stroller where he is slightly reclined and sometimes seems frustrated,” he said. “While running on various terrains, the suspension seemed to hold up great; my son seemed well-supported even in an off-road area and did not seem to be bothered by the effects of any bumps in the path.”

From the parent size, Jordan said the stroller felt very lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the whole experience was smooth and enjoyable. He loved that the brake had a red indicator to show when it's engaged, and that it's green when the brake is off. There is also plenty of storage space below the stroller for anything he needs to bring along.

The Switchback Seat can be installed front-facing or rear-facing, which is another great feature. However, being an older toddler, his son always prefers to face outward so he can see where they're going. The seat can recline almost fully flat, which would be great if he fell asleep so he could nap more comfortably. Another thing he noticed in comparison to his other jogging stroller is that it is a relatively slim profile, and the seat itself seems less deep and wide, which wasn't an issue at all.

While testing, Jordan realized the Switchback Seat can double as a portable highchair. It straps easily to a chair and he could see this being extremely useful on vacations. The only drawback Jordan found—a big one—was that his son did not enjoy the canopy because it sat extremely close to the top of his head and completely obstructed his vision. “I tried several times to put the canopy over his head but he fussed in frustration and kept pushing it away,” he said. “He is very average-sized, about 50th percentile for his age, so I was surprised that he seemed too tall for the canopy.”

On a sunny day, Jordan said he would be concerned about getting a sunburn in the long run since he couldn’t use the canopy. Jordan went on the Veer website to see if he was doing something incorrectly or to see videos/photos of other kids in the stroller. Still, there were not any instructional videos or pictures of toddlers in the seat. For this reason alone, Jordan said he’s not sure this system is the right fit for his family, unfortunately.

Specifications:

• Weight: Seat: 7.5 pounds; frame: 21.2 pounds; frame + seat: 28.7 pounds; frame + bassinet: 27.2 pounds
• Stroller dimensions: 39 x 27 x 41 inches (unfolded)
• Folded size: Folded with seat: 25.5 x 35 x 19 inches; folded without seat: 25.5 x 33 x 19 inches
• Adjustable handlebar height: 34.5 - 45.5 inches
• Capacity limit: 50 pounds
• Child age/weight range: Child weight limit: 50 lbs; Child height limit: 44 inches
• Tire type: Pneumatic (air-filled); All-Terrain tire tread
• Best for what type of terrain?: All
• Comes with a carry bag?: No
• Price on publish: $898

The bottom line:

With functionally, a sleek design and a multi-purpose benefit, this jogging stroller checks all our boxes except one (and it’s a big one).

Get it here: Veer Switch & Jog Bundle with Switchback Seat

Jogging stroller storage options

When it comes to storage options for jogging strollers, under-seat baskets are essential for carrying on-the-go essentials like diapers, snacks, and your purse, according to Billingsley.

Take note if the stroller model you are looking for has an under-seat bar, as these can sometimes make it difficult to fit a larger bag, say your entire diaper bag or a tote of groceries,” she adds.

How to maintain and clean a jogging stroller

There’s no way around it: your jogging stroller will get messy. Whether you’re logging miles on city streets or on a trail, dirt, grime, debris, and of course, your toddler’s snacks or baby’s spit-up are all part of the deal. To maintain the life of your stroller, Billingsley recommends these cleaning ideas:

• Disinfectant wipes: Billingsley says to keep a pack of baby-friendly cleaning wipes with antibacterial properties in your stroller’s storage area to tackle spills and keep plastic elements looking new. “A simple mix of laundry detergent or dish soap and water, along with an old toothbrush, is great for tackling everything from dirt stuck to the inside of stroller wheels to harness straps with caked-on crumbs,” she adds.
• Choose a washable jogging stroller: Some models, like the Veer, are designed to be easily disassembled for washing with a garden hose. Simply remove the fabric components and hose them down in the backyard, let them dry and then reattach.
• Consider a cover: If you know you plan to keep your stroller outside, investing in a durable cover is a smart purchase. Billingsley says a cover will help protect your stroller from the elements, preventing damage from rain and sun and prolonging its lifespan.

How we tested and selected the best jogging strollers

I asked runners of every fitness level to go for a run with each of these jogging strollers. I requested they vary the terrain, use the different storage options, and practice folding and unfolding the stroller. Our testers ranged from parents of one to two and lived in urban and suburban areas. After wrangling the kiddos and the stroller, I asked them to rate the stroller on the following:

• Durability
• Function
• Comfort
• Organization
• Flexibility
• Style and aesthetic
• Budget

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are jogging strollers worth it?

Considering an everyday stroller is already an expensive purchase, shelling out more cash for a jogging-specific stroller is an investment. To better understand if a jogging stroller is a fit for your family and our lifestyle, I asked Billingsley for advice on making this decision.

Identify your priorities: While jogging strollers can also serve as everyday strollers, they are typically heavier and bulkier, making them difficult to maneuver when it comes to daily tasks like shopping or navigating tight spaces, she says. Consider how and when you will use the stroller, and compare that to what you may be compromising in terms of comfort, storage, and ease of use. You may decide that a lighter, more compact stroller is a better fit.

Consider timing of use: Billingsley says most jogging strollers aren't designed for infants and typically lack proper support and stability features suitable for newborns. Without the ability to attach a car seat adapter, newborns may not be securely positioned in the stroller, increasing the risk of injury or discomfort during rides. “All to say, if you are hoping to start or re-establish a regular running routine as quickly as possible, you’ll want to double-check the manufacturer's age recommendations and safety guidelines,” she adds.

What age do you stop using a jogging stroller?

While this will vary by brand and model, Billingsley says the average age to stop using a jogging stroller typically falls between 3 and 6 years old, depending on the child's size, weight, and developmental milestones. “Most jogging strollers have weight and height limits specified by the manufacturer, which indicate when a child has outgrown the stroller's capacity,” she says. “As children grow and become more physically active, they may prefer walking or running alongside their parents rather than riding in a stroller.”

Additionally, around preschool age, children often have increased stamina and independence, making them less reliant on stroller transportation for outdoor activities, she adds.

Can you use a jogging stroller as an everyday stroller?

You can—but it might not be as comfortable or easy to move around as other strollers. Many have front wheels that lock, different tire types, and can feel heavier or bulkier. See more below.

What's the difference between a jogging stroller and a regular stroller?

Billingsley explains jogging strollers are tailored for active parents who enjoy running or jogging with their children. “They feature larger, air-filled tires for stability on rough terrain and a fixed front wheel to prevent swerving at higher speeds,” she says. “Jogging strollers also incorporate safety features like hand brakes and wrist straps for added control and security.”

On the other hand, a standard stroller or a car seat stroller combo is intended for everyday use. These strollers come with swivel front wheels and focus on comfort and convenience for leisurely walks or errands. (They make great baby shower gifts!)

“Jogging strollers are a great option for fitness enthusiasts who expect to take their children on runs, while regular strollers are particularly great in urban or suburban environments where smooth maneuverability and comfort are the most important factors,” she adds.