Product Review: SPIbelt

Back in April, I was contacted by a Marketing Manager for SPIbelt. She had come across my blog & really liked what I did, so we decided to team up. In addition to this review, I am also hosting a GIVEAWAY for one of the “Large Pocket” SPIbelts. Stay tuned to my Facebook page—I will be giving that item away NEXT WEEK!

So you might be asking, “What exactly is a SPIbelt?” And, “Why would I even want one?” Well, SPI specifically stands for Small Personal Item. These belts are an amazing addition to any runner’s wardrobe. They can hold both non-essential {chapstick} as well as vital {Insulin pump} items. These little belts can also carry your keys, your phone, your fuel, &/or your medicine. Since they are super stretchy, you can really shove a lot of stuff into them! Their single buckle closure is also a pretty nice product detail, as you can quickly & easily snap the belt around your body.

When I ran my first marathon back in November, I had poorly planned how I would carry my fuel during the race. At the expo, the day prior to the race, I randomly purchased a SPIbelt. It was a black, small pocket “original” SPIbelt. This little pouch was a lifesaver! I was able to carry enough fuel to provide my body with chews every 4-6 miles. Following the marathon, I ran maybe once or twice with my new accessory—but for the most part, it sat in my running basket, unutilized for the majority of the winter. When I was contacted this past April, I was reminded that I probably should re-visit using my SPIbelt. Since that time, I have run numerous times—both with my new hot pink large pocket SPIbelt, as well as my old black original SPIbelt.

Here are, in my opinion, the 6 most important perks of wearing a SPIbelt, as an avid runner:

1. LESS TAN LINES: Yes, you read that correctly! Since I have begun using my SPIbelt regularly, my armband tan line has steadily faded. It is so easy to just slip my iPhone into the belt & continue on with my run. Added bonus is avoiding the annoyance of my armband chafing my arm, or sliding down due to sweat.
2. HOLDS MY FUEL: Prior to having this fancy little product, I might have just decided to not bring fuel on certain long runs, simply for ease. I am very particular about where I carry my fuel—probably due to chafing during a half, all while carrying a gel in my bra. Ouch! With my SPI belt, I can easily slip a pack of chews into the belt, & if I decide to eat them, great, if not, that’s okay too. It’s some peace of mind to know that I have them with me, should I feel like my glycogen stores are being depleted.
3. IT’S LIKE IT’S NOT EVEN THERE: Seriously! Yesterday morning I ran a very hot & humid 10-miler. As I bolted out of the door, I snapped my belt, snuggly over my hips, which is where it stayed for the duration of my run. No bouncing, no sliding, nothing! I will say though, if you are wearing certain “slick” fabrics without a waistband, you might encounter some shifting issues. However, with standard running shorts, you shouldn’t have any movement—if you do, tighten it up.
4. THE 90s WERE A GREAT DECADE: Who had a fanny pack 20 years ago?! {raises hand!} If for not functional reasons, you should get a SPIbelt for the pure fashion aspect. They say fashion trends are circular, as they come/go & then return decades later—well, go ahead & jump on the fanny pack bandwagon. You can thank me later! And did I mention they come is a variety of colors?!
5. MADE IN THE USA: With their home base in Austin, TX, when you purchase a SPIbelt, you are supporting an American company, whose product is produced in the good ‘ole U.S. of A! If that’s not reason in itself, I don’t know what is!
6. LIFESAVER: Know anyone with Type I or II diabetes? Or someone with severe allergies, such as to peanuts? Well, this would be a perfect gift for them! It can easily carry an Insulin pump or an EPIpen. These items would need to be with these people 24/7—during runs is no exception.

The negatives I can think of, related to a SPIbelt, are few. The good definitely outweighs the bad with this product! One of the cons is the sliding that can occur with slicker materials—this happened during a warm-up recently so I just opted to not wear it for that particular 5K race. Another con is that it doesn’t carry water. With the weather VA we’re currently experiencing, I definitely need hydration during runs of more than 5-6 miles. While I certainly can carry a water bottle in hand + wear my SPIbelt, when the miles begin to add up for marathon training, I will likely reach for my hydration belt. Lastly, I personally prefer the original size, since the large pocket SPIbelt literally stretches from my one hipbone to the other & when it’s close to empty, it does tend to flip over a bit upon itself. Other than that, I see no additional negatives! I definitely recommend this product & think you should give it a whirl.

From a cost perspective, you can purchase an original SPIbelt for about 20 dollars. For the large pocket option, you’d be spending about three dollars more. A great value, in my opinion! The main website for SPIbelt is: http://www.spibelt.com/. For you locals in Hampton Roads, go to Running Etc. to pick-up your SPIbelt!