Stroller Review: 6 Brand New Models For Runner Parents

If you’re in the market for a new running stroller, these models are the latest from some of our favorite brands. Each stroller was tested on trails and on the road. Our tester, Sarah Canney, alternated running with her 3-year-old son, Jack, and her 8-month-old son, Liam. Jack gave constant feedback about what he liked and didn’t like (the “zipper one, Allen Sport XLZ2,” was his favorite), while Liam simply fell asleep. Both boys came along for the ride in the double strollers. Here’s Canney’s list of her favorites, from most to least:

THULE Urban Glide 2 (Double)
Weight: 32 lbs
The Rundown: One of the lightest double strollers available, the THULE Urban Glide 2 is a great option for running with two little ones. The light aluminum frame and large rear wheels make this stroller a dream to push and a very smooth ride for it’s passengers. The sleek design of the stroller comes thanks to the generous sun shields that move in two directions for maximum protection. Easily foldable with one hand, the stroller is easy to pack in and out of the car. The covered storage pocket zips closed, ensuring that gear stays dry and doesn’t fall out, and the hand break makes it possible to run safely on hilly terrain.
$650, thule.com

BOB Gear Revolution Flex
Weight: 28.5 lbs
The Rundown: The Revolution Flex is the latest jogging stroller from BOB Gear and it has all the features you’d expect from a top-of-the line stroller. Out of the box, it is quick and easy to assemble, requiring only that you insert the three wheels. Once it’s on the road, it’s just as quick, thanks to its 16” rear tires. The foot activated parking break is easy to adjust in and out of the locked position, which is perfect for those moments when toys and blankets get dropped. A generous sun-shade, padded seats and straps are sure to keep your passengers happy. The elastic sides of the storage basket make accessing gear easy. The shock absorbing frame keep the ride comfortable, whether on pavement or packed dirt trails.
$500, bobgear.com

Joovy Zoom360 Ultralight
Weight: 25.7 lbs
The Rundown: Perfect for taller tots, the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight has a high-riding seat and a 75-pound capacity. With the carseat adaptor, this stroller could easily accommodate your child as they grow. The swivel front wheel can lock into place and the large rear wheels afford a smooth ride both on paved surfaces and packed dirt trails. The one-step fold and self-locking mechanism make this stroller extremely easy to fold and stow. A generous and easy to access storage basket and pocket on the back of the seat means you can tote plenty of gear. While it lacks an adjustable handlebar, it does come with a bike pump and a console with room for two water bottles and a pocket for keys and a phone. Though the wheel lock can be stiff and hard to get out of the locked position,  the stroller is incredibly compact and easy to carry once in the folded position.
$300, joovy.com

Allen Sports XLZ2 (convertible bike trailer)
Weight: 27 lbs
The Rundown: The dual-use Allen Sports XLZ2 is perfect for active families. The chariot-style carriage functions as both a bike trailer and a jogging stroller. Affixed with the front swivel wheels, the compact unit maneuvers well and speeds along nicely on both paved surfaces and packed dirt trails, thanks to its 20” back wheels. With a 100 pound max weight, the stroller can easily carry two children, but has the harness capability to adjust to carrying one child. The zippered rain and bug shield provide perfect protection that will keep your passengers cozy while you run through all seasons. The stroller doesn’t have a peek-a-boo window like most other joggers, but it does have a storage pocket that is nearly double the size of most strollers. While the stroller is lightweight and the quick-release wheels easily pop off easily, it is difficult to fold and requires two adults to make the process go smoothly.
$400, allensportsusa.com

Baby Trend Manta Snap Gear
Weight: 25.5 lbs
The Rundown: With four different riding positions, including a forward facing option, the Baby Trend Manta Snap Gear jogger is a great value for the price. The bassinet-like seat adjusts to hold a toddler, but is best suited for babies who will fit comfortably inside the frame. Once you’re on the run and your little one falls asleep, you can easily adjust the seat to lay completely flat, with the generous sun-shade providing enough cover to help them snooze soundly. While the stroller has many baby-friendly features, it lacks a shock absorbing frame and requires that the front wheel be in the locked position to run (it wobbles considerably when not locked). When folded the stroller takes up a bit more space than a standard jogging stroller because of the large seat.
$170, babytrend.com

phil&teds sport stroller
Weight: 27.5 lbs
The Rundown: If you’re hoping to find one option that doubles as your everyday stroller and jogging stroller, then the phil&teds Sport is a great pick. Though it requires considerably more assembly than the other strollers tested, it offers some features that others are lacking, like the self activated brake and the ability to turn the single stroller into a double with the addition of a rear seat. The narrow profile of the stroller makes it very maneuverable, but it lacks storage pockets in the seat for drinks and toys. The storage basket is  also very shallow, since the design allows for the addition of that second seat. In the folded position, it isn’t nearly as compact as one would hope, making it cumbersome to carry.
$500, philandteds.com

For more mother-runner-friendly apparel, gear and accessories, keep your eyes peeled for our Mother’s Day gear special in our upcoming May issue.