Running Strollers Review - Pt. 1 The Strollers

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Before I had Teddy I worked at a running store that sold running strollers.  I could not wait to have a kid and run with a stroller.  I remember running on the trail and being passed by parents pushing their strollers and thinking how I couldn't wait to be bad ass like them.

Now I am one of them (or at least feel like it)! I have a BOB Revolution and run with it on average 3 days a week.  I regularly get questions from friends who are expecting babies along the lines of "what is the best jogging stroller out there" or "which stroller should I get?" I understand the difficulties in making this decision, buying a stroller, especially a specialty stroller can be akin to buying a car.  So many choices!  

I've narrowed it down for you and have a review below of two strollers I have tested out:  The Thule Urban Glide and the BOB Revolution (and the Pro Flex).  There are plenty of others but I really feel like these are some of the best options out there.  I've also included the advice I always give my friends about running with their kiddos.  

First Know Your Needs

By this I mean, how are you going to use this stroller?  Will you have a daily stroller and is it going to be used mainly for running and sometimes for errands if you happen to be out with it? Or will this be your every day stroller and running stroller wrapped into one? 

Some Vocab and Suggestions

Inline or Swivel front wheels:  This is going to depend on your level of competitiveness or usage for the stroller.  Most strollers come with one version that has an inline wheel and one that has a swivel front wheel.  The difference being that the inline never moves and the swivel can either pivot or lock into place.  To change directions with an inline front wheel you have to lift up the front end of the stroller, making usage cumbersome.  If you are only running with your stroller or live in a place where maneuverability is not an issue, then an inline wheel may be ok for you. When running the front wheel should always be locked in place, but if you are walking to the trail or through the crowd at a race or may use the stroller as your only stroller having a swivel option is very useful.  

Suspension: Jogging strollers should come with heavy duty suspension systems and some even come with adjustable suspension.  This is to reduce the shock felt by your kiddos as you are rolling along the trails and so they can (hopefully) doze of peacefully.  Or at least gaze off quietly while you run and not be jolted around.

Adjustable Handlebar: If you are 6-foot and your spouse is 5-and-a-half feet, there are going to be differences with how you run with the stroller.  An adjustable handlebar can help with this.

Gadgets: Most brands sell a ton of accessories to go along with their strollers.  Sunshields are not that helpful, most people say that kids just get hotter with the shield on.  Weather shields are almost a must have, they work for rain and for cold, just note it is not recommended that you use them in weather above 55/60 degrees because it gets quite warm with it on the stroller.  We have gone out on cool rainy days, windy days and even a couple days below 32 degrees and Teddy is nice and toasty in there.  Handlebar organizers are a must and while I have tried off brands for the BOB I returned them all and ended up with the brand specific one, it just works better. 

The Strollers

(1) Thule Urban Glide ($399)

Handle: It has an adjustable handle.

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Wheels: The front wheel swivels and also locks into place (see above as to usefulness).

Weight and dimensions: It weighs in at 22.6 lbs., which means is extremely light for a running stroller. 

Folding: This stroller has an easy one-hand fold.  Just grab the mechanism under the leg rest and twist.  You can then pull by the fold bar or lift it.  The weight does make it a bit cumbersome to pick up and store.  It will slide easily into your trunk, but depending on your car you may not have much room left for anything else.

Seat and Comfort: Padded seats and straps as well as pockets galore.  Nothing to complain about here!  Easy, one hand recline to nearly flat.  The one hand recline is big, especially if this stroller is to be your daily stroller as well.  This way, if your kiddo is getting drowsy you can easily recline the seat and let them nap, no messing around with two sides and straps.

Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.

Canopy and Weather Protection:  The canopy is large and has an option to use an additional mesh pull down for extra coverage should you get caught in some rain or need extra sun coverage.  There is no SPF protection so be careful!  Thule does make both a sun shield and a weather shield which you can purchase for added protection.

Storage: The Urban Glide has a large storage basket under the seat of the stroller that also has a zippered top so your items will stay dry and clean.  It is the only jogging stroller to come with this feature and I think that was a smart addition by Thule.  The basket isn't big enough to do a week's worth of grocery shopping but it is big enough for a mid-week fill up (or all your kids stuff as you head off for a run and to the park).

Brakes: There is one foot break on the Urban Glide, which is pretty standard.  It is flip flop and running shoe friendly but doesn’t feel very substantial.

Car seat Compatibility: Thule designed a one size fits most car seat adaptor.  They have a list of seats which it takes and it is pretty extensive ranging from Britax to UppaBaby.

Pros: Sleek looking running stroller, which is not a statement often uttered.  Large covered basket.  Light weight (in comparison).  Easy one handed recline.  One handed fold.  Larger list of compatible car seats.

Cons: The foot brake seems flimsy and not up to date like the rest of the stroller.  Limited in accessories. 

(2) BOB Revolution Flex (note: I'm reviewing the Flex but there are also the Pro and SE models) 

Handle: It has a 9-way adjustable handle.  You better be able to find a comfortable position with this!

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Wheels: The front wheel swivels and also locks into place (see above as to usefulness).

Weight and Dimensions: It weighs in at 25lbs, which means it is about average for a running stroller.  The Revolution Pro is 25.4 inches wide x 33.5 - 45.8 In. tall (9 handle heights) x 48 - 53 in long (swivel v. jogging mode).  At 25.4 inches this is a wide stroller which Teddy enjoys on long runs.  It gives him space for water, a snack, a stuffed animal AND a truck.  

Folding: This stroller has a two-hand two-part fold.  First you fold down the seat portion and then you collapse the stroller onto itself.  an easy one-hand fold.  Like the Urban Glide the weight does make it a bit cumbersome to pick up and store.  Again, it will slide into your trunk, but depending on your car you may not have much room left for anything else.

Seat and Comfort: Padded seats and straps as well as pockets galore.  I will say I have added softer strap pads to my BOB but Teddy is a bit of a prima donna.  New for the Flex and Pro 2016, the seat is adjusted by one pull strap like the Urban Glide, a huge improvement over previous models and it reclines to nearly flat.

Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.

Canopy and Weather Protection:  The canopy is large and usually creates enough shade to cover the whole child.  There is no SPF protection on the canopy so be careful!  BOB, like Thule, makes both a sun shield and a weather shield which you can purchase for added protection.  We use the weather shield in rain and cold weather and it has been spectacular thus far.

Storage: The BOB has a large storage basket under the seat of the stroller.  It is not a protected basket so beware, your items may get wet if it is raining or damp outside.  The basket is also a bit small/hard to get to for such a large stroller.  For long runs that we end at a park, I can comfortably fit Teddy's snacks, water, shoes (he hates wearing shoes in the stroller), flip flops for me (in the summer) and his diaper clutch.  It's a bit of a puzzle to fit more which is a bummer but I rarely need to because we have another stroller for our everyday outings.  

Brakes:  The Revolution Pro has hand drum brakes as well as a standard foot activated parking brake.  The foot break is flip flop and running shoe friendly.

Car seat Compatibility: BOB has 4 different car seat adaptors for Britax, Chico, Graco, and Peg Perego.  If you have another car seat you cannot use it with the BOB.

Pros:  Feels substantial and trusty.  Big seat gives kids space for themselves and their stuff as well as room to grow.

Cons:  BOB hasn't substantially changed the look of this stroller in quite some time so some people think it looks dated.  Size and utility of the basket under the seat – smallish and not protected.  Canopy could be larger and given SPF protection.  It's a bulky stroller, both for folding up and for tooling around town with, not a great stroller for errands or daily life.  Limited car seat adaptors.

(3) Other Strollers

There are plenty of other jogging strollers out there that are worth a look.  I did not review them but have a few listed here.

Final Ruling:  If you are looking for a stroller to do it all, running and life's dirty work of groceries, the park, and weekend activities I would go with the Thule Urban Glide.  It gives you everything you need and want with a running stroller in a sleek slightly lighter package, which for daily use is going to make a huge difference.  If you are looking for a stroller that is going to be used 90% of the time for running (like mine) and you plan on having another stroller for daily activities then get the BOB.  BOB is a company that specializing in running strollers and you cannot go wrong with anything they make.  The BOB is not flashy but it is a workhorse that will last long after your kids are done running with you.

I hope this helped you in your quest for a running stroller, even if you don't end up with one of the two I reviewed.  I hope it answered some questions and will help you navigate your way to a great run!

Next in the series: Running Stroller Review: Pt. 2 Getting Out There