From phone armbands to reflective vests, read about these running safety gear options.

(Feature photo by iStock.com/Wavebreakmedia)

Running safety is a topic that should be on the minds of every runner, but it’s a concern particularly shared among women. In fact, 92% are worried about safety, according to a 2023 survey by Adidas. That number shouldn’t come as a surprise given the many accounts of harassment and violence toward women runners.

Taking precautions such as learning self-defense techniques, being aware of our surroundings, ditching the earbuds, and carrying our phone with our emergency contact settings enabled are steps we can take to stay vigilant and prepared in case we encounter a situation where our safety is at risk.

Read more about the running safety tips every runner should follow.

In addition to physical threats, running safety includes visibility and medical preparedness. Running accessories such as phone armbands, reflective vests, and medical identification bracelets can aid in these efforts.

Here’s more on six running safety accessories worth considering.

---

Alarm Clip or Wristband

Defense device-maker SABRE and running accessory company Nathan Sports both have alarms that can be clipped to a waistband, wristband, or armband. SABRE’s alarm can be heard from 1,300 feet away and includes LED lights with three settings. The alarm from Nathan Sports can be heard from 600 feet away and is activated by a pull tab.

An alarm isn’t a physical deterrent, but it is an audible one that may be enough to scare your attacker and give you time to get away or gain the upper hand defensively. The sound can alert those nearby that someone is in danger. Similarly, an alarm may also be useful in a scenario where you’re injured or lost, either to draw attention to where you are and that you need help or to assist rescuers in finding your location.

---

Pepper Spray

Before purchasing pepper spray to carry on your run, check for any restrictions in your area. While pepper spray is legal for adults to use as a form of self-defense in all U.S. states, some states have size limits or licensing requirements.

SABRE has several options that are great for runners, including a handheld with an adjustable velcro strap and an LED armband. The handheld is more quickly accessible if needed on a run. While using the spray won’t guarantee an attacker will give up, the sting is likely to stun and distract them long enough to either get away, scream for help, or gain the advantage defensively.

---

Phone-Accessible Armband

Carrying your phone while running, especially when alone, is essential. You can call for emergency or medical attention and share your GPS location with friends and family members when using a GPS-enabled watch or app.

Find an armband that allows you to easily access your phone so you’re not fumbling with a zipper to call for help. Amphipod’s SmartView Sumo Armband has a protective screen that’s touch-enabled so you can make a call without removing your phone from its pocket. The armband by Sprigs is more like a sleeve for your phone with a velcro strap to hold it in, and you can easily press the side button to activate an Emergency SOS call. Another option is the LifeProof LIFEACTÍV armband which has a mount for your phone leaving it fully accessible.

Learn more about programming your phone’s emergency settings in this article on running safety tips.

---

Reflective Vest

If you run before sunrise or after sunset, always assume that just because you can see an oncoming vehicle doesn’t mean they can see you, even in areas with street lamps. Additionally, don’t rely on the small reflective strips on your running tights, shorts, shirts, or shoes.

Increase your visibility by wearing a reflective or LED-powered vest. There are many options available. Amphipod, for example, has a traditional lightweight reflective vest, a cross-shoulder reflective vest that clips around the waist, and a colorful LED-powered vest with flashing light settings. Choose the brand and style that’s most comfortable for you and make a habit to wear it on any run that’s not in full daylight.

---

Ring Blade

There’s no replacement for understanding self-defense techniques. However, accessories such as pepper spray and the ring by Go Guarded act as additional layers of protection. This ring has a blade with two serrated edges covered by a rubber flap. The flap easily bends back when used to puncture an attacker, causing pain and surprise and giving you extra seconds to run or gain the upper hand.

---

Wristband ID

A smart accessory for any runner, the ROAD iD wristband can be customized with your name, your emergency contacts, and their phone numbers. You can also add “badges” that slide onto the bracelet next to the ID plate and note any critical medical information such as epilepsy or asthma. If you’re involved in an accident or found unresponsive due to a fall or a medical emergency, this information could prove lifesaving.

If you don’t have a ROAD iD, consider carrying identification in your armband, programming your Apple Watch to display your critical medical details in lock mode, or wearing another type of medical identification bracelet.

---