Best Jogging Strollers of 2024, According to a Gear Expert, Runner and Mom

Pros:

• Narrower and more compact than most joggers
• Independent dual suspension
• High weight limit of 75 lbs

Cons:

• Heavy
• Higher, slimmer profile takes some getting used to
• Air tires = great for suspension but risk of a flat

Ask any running parent if they’ve heard of or owned a BOB stroller and the answer will likely be a resounding yes. BOBs are a longtime favorite of the running community thanks to their durability, incredible suspension system and a long list of convenient features. (“Smooth as a Cadillac,” said one parent in our Best Baby Products survey!) The Wayfinder, the brand’s newest addition, is a home run. While there are a few small drawbacks, the overall functionality, performance and profile make this stroller the best choice for frequent runners or for any parent who’s regularly traversing uneven terrain.

The Wayfinder features independent, dual suspension and air-filled tires, so no matter what type of terrain I tried (dirt path, sandy road, bumpy sidewalk), it provided a smooth ride all the time. It checks the boxes of must-have features I look for in a jogger: a swivel-locking front wheel, a hand brake, a wrist strap, an adjustable handlebar and a large cargo basket. The fabrics and finishes look and feel high-end, there’s a great canopy and the seat reclines all the way back. And it’s compatible with many popular infant car seats with the addition of adapters.

What pushes the Wayfinder to the front of the line in my eyes, though, is its slimmed-down profile. While not small by any means (it’s actually a few pounds heavier than some similar joggers), this jogging stroller is narrower and more compact all around than many of its competitors. And when you fold it (which is also easy to do, btw), it gets even smaller; the Wayfinder is only about 22 inches across when folded, making it a lot easier to store or get into your trunk than other similar joggers I’ve tried.

It’s worth noting that the narrower profile of this jogger did take a little getting used to at first. Since I was accustomed to a wider, longer jogging stroller, the Wayfinder felt a little “tall and skinny” to me, for lack of a better descriptor. I had to be more careful taking tighter turns as it felt like it was a bit less reactive than my previous jogger. However, once I got used to the stroller’s profile, this feeling went away, and I really enjoyed running with it.

The weight is also something to consider. Most joggers clock in around 25 pounds, but the Wayfinder is almost 32. Since this stroller primarily lived in my garage, this wasn’t a concern for me, but if you’re looking for something you’ll need to hoist in and out of your car on a regular basis, the Wayfinder may not be the best choice. “Many of the athletes I coach as well as friends have [a] BOB stroller, which also came highly recommended to me,” Goodman told me. “BOB is a workhorse and handles well on router terrain…[But] for us, the weight of the BOB was a reason to go with the Thule instead.”

And speaking of weight, BOB also advertises the Wayfinder’s higher weight limit of 75 pounds. But the jogger’s height limit is 44 inches so, much like an infant car seat, the odds are pretty high that your little one will grow out of it height-wise long before they ever come close to the stroller’s max weight capacity.

If you’re not sold on the Wayfinder and want to stick to one of the brand’s tried and true classics, check out the Revolution Flex 3.0.

Real Parent Reviews

“We’ve used the Wayfinder both on neighborhood jogging and for tackling our local trails and it has knocked it out of the park every time. Compact enough to handle winding trail paths, the smoothest push you could hope for across different terrains, and the basket can carry more than expected at first glance. We had lunch for 5, extra snacks, water for the hot day and a first aid kit all comfortably carried. It has a true standing fold which is refreshing and the steering is as nimble as can be. I love the brakes and how upright the seat can get if needed, as well as the front access to the basket. Quality-wise, the Wayfinder is built to last. We have been getting out and exercising more as a family since we got it and I am looking forward to more adventures to come!” —StrollinSodaPops

“Definitely worth the buy. I have this and a non-jogging stroller and prefer the Bob any day. [There] is no place you can’t go! Gravel? No problem! Curbs? Got right over. I’m constantly struggling when I have the other stroller and the bob is just effortless! It’s way more than just a jogging stroller! Love that it fits every part for your lifestyle. I purchased two separate strollers thinking I’d only use the Bob for exercise or excursions but I use it for everything going back this would be the only stroller I purchased.” —Audrey F.

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Excellent suspension and maneuverability
• More upright seat than 2nd gen
• Good ventilation, high-quality fabrics

Cons:

• Storage basket is tough to access
• Self-standing fold is tricky
• Expensive

While BOB has dominated the jogging stroller market in the past, Thule is quickly becoming a newer favorite among both casual and more serious running parents. Goodman named the Urban Glide 2, the previous generation of this popular stroller, as her favorite. “I wanted something that was built for serious running as I knew I’d be logging many miles postpartum with my kiddo due to balancing running goals and the amount of childcare we have,” she explains. “It’s a smooth ride for my kiddo and easy for me to push.”

The brand’s newest release, the Urban Glide 3, builds on the features runners loved about the Gen 2. It’s an excellent running stroller. It’s also streamlined and nimble enough to navigate urban settings if need be. “It works in every situation,” one parent told us. “And is durable but sleek.”

The first thing I noticed about the third generation of this popular stroller is just how easy it is to push. Babylist parents agree, with one Best Baby Gear survey respondent saying, “It handles like a dream.” Weighing in at almost seven pounds less than the BOB Wayfinder, it’s a true pleasure to run with. It’s also easier to navigate in everyday life. “The lighter weight is helpful in lugging the stroller in and out of the car,” said Goodman. “It’s much lighter than a BOB I tested [which I] found difficult to lift and to fit in my SUV trunk.”

The Urban Glide is longer front to back than the Wayfinder, making even tight turns a breeze. The large rear wheels and all-wheel suspension provided a smooth ride both on and off-road, and the handlebar twist break was easy to operate and control, even on steep downhills. “I live in a hilly area and while I try to avoid running on the hills with the stroller since that is so challenging, I utilize these added safety features when walking up and down Seattle’s steep hills with the stroller,” says Goodman. There’s a locking front wheel, too.

Everything about this stroller screams high-end, including the beautiful fabrics, all-around ventilation panels, large, extendable canopy and one-handed recline. And speaking of reclines, a common complaint about older generations of the Urban Glide was that even the highest seat recline position still leaned babies back too far. Thule heard the feedback and updated the 3.0 with a much-improved (and much more upright) seat back position. Some parents still wish it was a bit more upright, but I haven’t had an issue; even my extra-curious toddler was comfortable riding in it while simultaneously taking in the scenery whizzing by.

The Urban Glide 3 is compatible with many top-rated infant car seats from major brands, and can also be paired with the Thule Bassinet. The one-handed fold takes a few tries to master but it’s then smooth sailing. Other notable features I liked include the multi-position canopy and the adjustable handlebar.

Something I didn’t love: the storage basket has a weatherproof covering, which is great if you run into some rain while you’re out jogging, but can be hard to get your diaper bag in and out of. I also found the self-standing fold to be tricky, and my (many) tries resulted in a fairly scraped-up handlebar.

If you’re comparison shopping, it’s also worth noting that I tested another jogging stroller in a similar price bracket as the Wayfinder and the Urban Glide 3, Baby Jogger’s Summit X3 Single Jogging Stroller. I mostly liked it; it was easy to push and steer and it performed well over varied terrain. But I didn’t like the awkward position of the handbrake at all, and I felt the suspension was lacking as compared to the BOB and Thule joggers. The seat is also on the shorter side; my tall two-year-old’s head was pretty close to touching the top of the stroller’s back. Some users also complain of issues with the front wheel, which I did not experience.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is one of the trendiest strollers I’ve seen around! The 3-wheel glide is so beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to take on hikes! The front locking wheel makes it easy to control no matter what terrain we’re on! I love taking our little one out in this. We have so much fun “gliding” on our trails! This really has been built with an active family in mind! I am 5ft 10 and my wife is 4ft 9 and we are both very comfortable using this stroller because of the handlebar’s wide range of adjustability.” —Yaser

“Perfect jogger stroller. Light, hand brake feature amazing, canopy can recline all the way to the front for wind and sun protection. Baby is super well strapped! Our 4-month-old baby slept like… well, a baby, during our first 5km test run. Her head was well maintained in position. AND the feature of reclining the seat up and down is fantastic. It was a deal breaker on the Thule Glide 2, which made the BoB Wayfinder more appealing despite being heavier and a handbrake system not as nice. But now the Thule Urban Glide 3 surpasses by miles the BoB. This is the best running stroller on the market as of 2024.” —Lotolliver

“This is a quality, well-built stroller but is not suitable for every day or as your only stroller. The seat does not sit upright enough as advertised, causing my daughter to be uncomfortable. It’s bulky and only fits in my SUV trunk sideways, taking up almost the entire trunk. Unfolding the stroller is awkward, and the handle does not lock when folded down so it gets scratched each time in the process. It’s also difficult to pull items out of the storage basket, which is narrow and close to the seat.” —Jenn11

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Well priced
• Parent console and child snack tray included
• Large storage basket

Cons:

• Only for occasional jogs, not regular runs
• Handlebar is not adjustable
• Low height maximum

Jogging strollers come at a hefty cost. If you don’t want to invest in something you’re unsure you’ll use often, or if you simply want to keep the cost down, the Baby Trend Expedition is a good choice. At under $200, it shares similar features with much more expensive joggers, like XL tires and a lockable front wheel, but at a much more budget-friendly price.

This jogger has a spacious storage basket, a feature I think is essential. Both child and parent trays are included, a nice perk for such an affordable jogger. And the seat reclines for naps on the go. It’s also compatible with certain Baby Trend infant car seats, so you can use it from day one if you’d like.

This jogging stroller is designed for occasional, casual jogs, not regular, serious running. And while it does handle well on smooth pavement and slightly uneven terrain, it’s not meant for hardcore off-roading as it lacks the shocks and the sling-style seat needed to absorb lots of bumping around. It also has a lower height maximum when compared to other jogging strollers.

Real Parent Reviews

“I usually prefer high-end strollers, because I hate cheap-looking strollers. After purchasing a more high end jogging stroller, and realizing that it was too big for me. I returned it and found this one. This is a very good sporty looking stroller, it doesn’t look cheap at all. I have used it three times in the track so far and it rolls very smoothly in different terrains, the canopy is large enough to cover most parts of the baby. And there is a lot of netting, which makes it very breezy for the baby. It folds and unfolds very easily, although a little bulky when folded. I also like the cupholder feature for parents which has a phone holder in the middle…I am not too thrilled about having to step on both rear tires to lock them and number 2 the window to be able to see the baby from the top is a little too small and far. I’m 5 feet and I can’t peek at my baby while walking. I have to look through the side to see what he is doing. Not a dealbreaker, so I’m keeping the stroller.” —Ruther

“The only annoying thing about this stroller is that I waited until I had my 4th baby to get it. Seriously. I love the real tires; they make it easy to push and give baby a smooth ride on basically any surface. I can’t compare it to other more expensive models but I can’t imagine any similar stroller really outdoing this one. It doesn’t fold up super small and takes up about half the cargo space in the back of my minivan, but it’s worth it. It fits my 1 year well but my 3 year old is also comfortable riding in it.” —Lara

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Works for jogging or as an everyday stroller
• Folds 50% smaller than traditional joggers
• Quick, easy fold

Cons:

• Less suspension than traditional joggers
• Not ideal for very frequent runners
• Foam-filled tires = less suspension but no flats

When I had my second baby, I needed a new stroller. I knew I wanted to jog with him, but I also knew I’d be in and out of my car with my older child and didn’t want to deal with the hassle of wrangling a full-size, 30+ pound jogging stroller every time. Enter the perfect solution: the Guava Roam.

The Roam is the perfect hybrid, a mash-up of a traditional and a jogger-style stroller. “It’s truly the most durable, versatile, all-around stroller,” a Best Baby Products survey respondent told us. It combines everything you love about a jogging stroller—independent suspension, XL tires, a locking front swivel wheel—at 50% of the size of more traditional joggers. It’s just as easy to toss in your trunk as it is to take on a three-mile run. The fold is quick and effortless and it’s packed with other thoughtful features like an adjustable handlebar, near-flat recline, infant car seat add-on capability, ventilation and a peek-a-boo window.

“We SWEAR by the Guava Roam stroller,” said another parent. “It’s very durable and provides a jogging stroller option which is great (even if you don’t jog!!) with airless wheels. Very sturdy. But EASILY folds up and travels well. All other jogging strollers are very difficult to travel with. We love love love the Guava Roam.”

If I was someone who ran multiple miles a week, week in and week out, I’d have likely opted for a BOB or a Thule. But, I am most definitely not—so this stroller satisfied my needs perfectly. And while the canopy is big, it could be bigger to provide more shade and coverage. And there’s no hand brake.

Real Parent Reviews

“TL;DR: If you’re looking for a quality, multi-use stroller with a thoughtful, space-conscious design, this is probably the stroller for you. If you’re looking to only ever own one stroller but enjoy running or traveling to places where you don’t want to carry baby all day long, this is probably the stroller for you. If you want a stylish stroller that won’t break the bank and you don’t have a big trunk, this is probably the stroller for you.” — Dru

“This was my Christmas present last year and it has been amazing! I bought it bc we live near the beach so I wanted a stroller that could handle trains and beaches in Florida. It does great and I use it as my everyday stroller and take it on trips bc it folds up so easily and [is] light for a jogger. Love this stroller so much! Worth every penny.” — Kristi

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Good value (includes infant car seat)
• Adjustable suspension
• Control console

Cons:

• Foam tires = bumpier ride
• Small storage basket
• Bulky when folded

Finding a high-quality jogging stroller at an affordable price can be tricky. To hold up to hundreds of miles and handle all types of terrain, joggers require specific, high-end components and fabrics—and high-end often equals a high price. Chicco’s Activ3 jogger sits at a more palatable price point than our BOB and Thule picks, and, while it’s not my first choice for a runner who regularly runs long distances, it’s a solid mid-level option to consider if you don’t want to spend $500+ and if you want to limit decision fatigue by investing in a stroller and a car seat combo. (This listing is for the travel system version of the jogger, so it includes an infant car seat, but the stroller is available solo for $349.)

A few things stand out about this jogging stroller, including the adjustable suspension and the control console. If you’re using the jogger on uneven terrain, you can adjust the suspension on each back wheel to make the ride less bumpy on dirt or gravel. Suspension isn’t something you’ll find on most less expensive jogging strollers, so it’s a big plus here. There’s also something called a Control Console—two buttons located on each side of the handlebar that trigger the stroller’s parking break and the front wheel swivel. We love how easy they are to access.

This travel system pairs the jogger with the popular KeyFit30 infant car seat, one of my go-to car seat recs. Other features parents rave about are the height-adjustable handle, the seat angle (the Activ3 offers a more upright seat position than many other joggers) and the extendable canopy. The foam-filled tires aren’t quite as cushy as air-filled, but require less maintenance. The stroller’s cargo basket is small and the stroller is pretty bulky when folded unless you pop off the wheels each time.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is an amazing system! As a runner the stroller is easy to handle and the car seat is sturdy and stays in place the entire time while running, jogging, walking. I love how easily it folds up and fits in my car. It’s such a well-made product and I feel as though my child is safe and that as a parent makes me feel better. Would recommend this product to everyone! Fantastic!” — Amy C.

“Stroller maneuvered smoothly over bumpy city sidewalks and had a very solid braking system when tested on inclines. Love the option to change between smooth and bumpy terrain. KeyFit car seat is very user friendly and easy to use with orange adjustment indicators.” — cMegan C.

Additional Specs