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By Jenni Gritters and Katharine Gammon Pink Prams
Thule recently updated their Urban Glide stroller to the Thule Urban Glide 3. The new version is just as good, with a few small tweaks. We’ve tested it and added notes to this guide based on our findings.
Designed to provide a smooth, cushy ride at higher speeds and on uneven terrain, jogging strollers are preferred by runners as well as by caregivers who simply appreciate how easy they are to push and maneuver in everyday use.
After testing 18 models, we found that the Thule Urban Glide 3 is the best jogging stroller for people who are traversing mostly paved terrain (though this model can also handle the occasional off-road detour).
If you’re looking for a slightly narrower jogging stroller, with rugged wheels designed to handle off-road terrain, you may prefer the BOB Gear Wayfinder, our also-great pick.
It’s a pleasure to push this stroller on pavement. And due to its light weight, this model is easy to maneuver and convenient for day-to-day use.
This narrower, more-streamlined jogging stroller has rugged wheels that can handle more types of terrain well. But it’s heavier than our top pick, with a more-complicated harness.
The Activ3 offers adjustable suspension and a fairly comfortable ride at a significantly lower price than our other picks. But the total weight limit is lower, its storage basket is smaller, and there’s no hand brake.
Some jogging strollers do best on pavement, while others are made for rougher, dirt terrain.
If you’re a competitive runner, you’ll likely want a jogging stroller to match. Casual joggers may be happy with a simple, cheaper model.
High-quality running strollers can often be found used through local online marketplaces.
Depending on your lifestyle, a jogging stroller might easily double as your everyday stroller.
It’s a pleasure to push this stroller on pavement. And due to its light weight, this model is easy to maneuver and convenient for day-to-day use.
The Thule Urban Glide 3 is lighter than almost all of the other jogging strollers we tested. Combined with its high-quality construction and excellent maneuverability and suspension, this stroller is the most satisfying to push on paved roads. And the Urban Glide 3 has more padding and adjustability in the harness than other models we looked at. It also has a unique curved-handlebar design that works well for people of all heights. Because the Urban Glide 3 has sleeker wheels, it’s best used for jogging on pavement, but it can handle a shorter off-road excursion just fine.
This narrower, more-streamlined jogging stroller has rugged wheels that can handle more types of terrain well. But it’s heavier than our top pick, with a more-complicated harness.
If you want a stroller that handles off-road treks better than any other model we’ve tried, the BOB Gear Wayfinder is for you. It’s similar in height to the Thule Urban Glide 3. But the Wayfinder is about 2 inches narrower, so it’s easier to pack into a trunk or squeeze down the aisle of a grocery store. It also has a superior, bicycle-style hand brake. Because they have more heavily treaded tires and a more robust suspension system, BOB Gear strollers handle better than Thule strollers on gravel and dirt. However, the Wayfinder is heavier than the Thule Urban Glide 3 (by a little over 5 pounds), and its harness is harder to buckle and tighten. The Wayfinder also has a smaller basket and fewer easy-to-access storage pockets. So if you run on dirt paths only occasionally, the tradeoffs may not be worth it.
The Activ3 offers adjustable suspension and a fairly comfortable ride at a significantly lower price than our other picks. But the total weight limit is lower, its storage basket is smaller, and there’s no hand brake.
The Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller doesn’t offer the high-quality construction and excellent maneuverability and suspension of the Thule Urban Glide 3, nor does it provide the off-road-ready tires of the BOB Gear Wayfinder. But we liked this stroller more than other lower-cost models we’ve tested. The Activ3 stroller has a comfortable seat that reclines flatter than those of our other picks (so it’s the best for on-the-go naps). And it has adjustable handlebars, a front wheel lock, and adjustable suspension (a potentially helpful feature that our other picks don’t have).
In researching safety, we reviewed the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as well as guidelines from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). We searched the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission database to look for recalls.
We interviewed medical and running experts about exercising with a stroller. To learn which features people value most in jogging strollers, we surveyed parents who run with their children, and we visited baby-gear stores to see which models they recommend. We also convened a small panel of running parents, to discuss what they look for in strollers that can go the distance.
Jogging strollers can be an indispensable tool to help people stay fit without having to hire a babysitter. They’re also just a really fun way to bring a child along for the ride. And they are potentially great for non-running caregivers who simply want a sturdier, smoother stroller.
Although some full-size strollers may resemble jogging models, with their nimble, three-wheeled design, they usually lack the key features (a fixed or locking front wheel, robust suspension, and bigger, fatter tires) that make a stroller safe and comfortable to use for running, especially at higher speeds or over hilly or uneven terrain.
Need a stroller for city living? Or one that’s easy to fold up and toss in the trunk? How about an off-roader? These six sets of wheels have got you covered.
Note that while many jogging strollers are designed to be used from a child’s birth and are compatible with infant car seats, they should not be used for running until a baby has full head and neck control, which typically is around 6 to 8 months of age. For more on how and when to run with a baby, read the article When Is It Safe to Start Jogging With a Baby?
Based on our research, we determined that a good jogging stroller should be:
Safe: We preferred models with a five-point harness, securely attached wheels, and a handlebar strap to prevent the stroller from getting away on downhills.
Easy to handle and brake: Adjustable tracking on the front wheel ensures that the stroller steers straight over time, while tires with more tread can better grip rocky or uneven surfaces. We consider handlebar-mounted hand brakes optional, especially if you’re running mostly on flat ground.
Comfortable and convenient for the adult: Better jogging strollers often have an adjustable handlebar to accommodate runners of different heights and help maintain good running form. “You should never bend down to reach the handlebars,” said physical therapist Marianne Ryan, who wrote the book Baby Bod, about exercising after having a child. “If anything, you should reach up or keep your arms at a 90-degree angle when running with a stroller.”
Comfortable for the kid: Good suspension (including springs and shock absorbers) helps cushion your little rider, and adjustable suspension can account for weight differences as a child grows or for smooth roads versus bumpy trails. Many jogging strollers have air-filled tires, which provide some additional suspension and a smoother ride.
Versatile: We looked for models with a swivel-locking front wheel. You want a locked wheel for running, since that stability enables you to run straight at higher speeds; a swiveling wheel is easier to turn and better for everyday use. We also liked models that were compatible with infant car seats and that had a high weight capacity and height limit (since they can be used for longer).
Made of quality materials: Higher-priced strollers have noticeably better materials and construction, and they seem easier and more pleasant to push over long distances. We also prefer strollers with fabrics that stay looking new for longer, with the help of supplies that parents are likely to have on hand, like damp paper towels or baby wipes (for bigger jobs, see our advice on how to clean a stroller).
We’ve researched over 36 jogging strollers and tested more than a dozen. We timed the assembly of each stroller, noting any particular frustrations or extra tools needed. For each model, we considered how easy it was to fold, pick up, store in a small space, and put in a car trunk.
Both writers took the strollers for 3- to 5-mile runs and long walks on a variety of surfaces (including pavement, dirt, grass, gravel, and bumpy, broken concrete), noting how the suspension and wheels performed. They ran with their kids (ranging from 9 months to 4 years old), evaluating how each stroller’s straps and seat fit and how content the kids were to stay in the seat. And guide writers’ husbands also gave feedback on running with the strollers.
It’s a pleasure to push this stroller on pavement. And due to its light weight, this model is easy to maneuver and convenient for day-to-day use.
Out of all the jogging strollers we tested, the Thule Urban Glide has the most qualities to love and the fewest downsides. (We recently tested the newest version of this stroller, the Urban Glide 3, which has some improvements but overall is not much different from the previous version, which has long been our top pick.) At about 26 pounds, the Urban Glide 3 is light (about 5 pounds less than the BOB Gear Wayfinder), so it’s more nimble and maneuverable than other models. And it has all of the features we looked for: a swivel-locking front wheel, a hand brake, a foot brake, and a quality suspension system of durable shocks and springs.
The Urban Glide 3 is expensive, but it’s more convenient to use than bulkier models, and it offers a noticeably high-quality build and materials. Also, it can be used for kids from birth up to 49 pounds—so it’s a good value for people who want to jog with a child and run errands with the same stroller. (The Urban Glide 3 can hold up to 75 total pounds, but anything beyond 49 pounds should be in the storage basket below the seat.) This model is also very easy to resell once you’ve finished using it. The only place where you might not want to run with the Urban Glide 3 is on trails; it handles short, bumpy stints just fine, and it works well for trail walking, but it isn’t meant for long-distance trail running.
The Urban Glide is fast and agile. This stroller lives up to its name. It glides effortlessly on pavement, and it feels faster and more agile than any other model we looked at. We never detected shaking, wiggling, or lateral movement, and over four years of regular running and walking with this stroller on bumpy, muddy, and snowy terrain, we’ve never had an issue with loosened screws or flat tires.
It’s also lightweight, with adjustable tracking. The Urban Glide is one of the lightest jogging strollers we’ve tested, and it starts and stops with less effort than heavier models. The front wheel has adjustable tracking, allowing for a mostly straight ride when the wheel is locked. (If you find that you’re veering off to the side, you can stop and adjust the tracking wheel, which is located above the front tire.)
The helpfully shaped handlebar and hand brake work for people of all heights. The foam-covered, adjustable handlebar curves inward; we found this helps get a runner’s body into good biomechanical position, allowing hands to remain comfortably neutral. (The other strollers we tested have U-shaped handlebars.) A 6-foot-3 male runner and a 5-foot-3 female runner were both able to adjust this stroller’s handlebar and use it comfortably.
But some people may not like the design of the swivel-style brake. To use the hand brake, you swivel the column integrated into the handlebar. This system was fairly intuitive, and we got used to it. Overall, however, we prefer bicycle-style hand brakes—like those on the BOB Gear Wayfinder—simply because the squeeze-style brake is easier to engage when you’re moving quickly. The Urban Glide’s swivel column requires you to curl your wrist back in a slightly awkward position, which can be tough to hold mid-run.
The harness is soft and easily adjustable. All of the strollers we tested have a five-point safety harness. And the Urban Glide 3 also has a padded, adjustable crotch strap, which will ensure your kid is properly secured no matter their height.
You can adjust the shoulder height on the Urban Glide 3’s harness without rethreading it through the stroller. That makes it easier to switch between kids of different ages, or if a kid is wearing a jacket one day and not the next. This stroller’s harness straps are half an inch wider than the competition’s straps. And the Urban Glide 3 is one of the only models we looked at that had padding on the crotch strap as well as wide, padded inserts on the sides of the waist belt (making the ride more comfy for kids when you’re going downhill or stopping suddenly).
Of those in our test group, this stroller has the second highest upright positioning. Though no jogging stroller’s seat adjusts completely upright, the Urban Glide 3 has the second highest upright positioning, behind the BOB Gear Wayfinder. The Urban Glide 3 reclines to nearly flat (which is convenient for napping), but the Wayfinder does not.
As with our other picks, the Urban Glide 3’s strap-operated mechanism allows the seat to be positioned at any angle in the range. The leg rests are padded and can be raised slightly to give shorter or taller kids a more ergonomic ride. (Jenni found that it didn’t matter much for her daughter’s comfort; because the seat is reclined, you don’t need foot support in the same way as you would for an upright ride.)
The Urban Glide 3 has a larger canopy, and a sandal-friendly foot brake. Thule redesigned the canopy on its newest version to make it a few inches longer than that of the Urban Glide 2, a small difference that may be helpful on very sunny days, but it’s also bulkier than the canopy on the previous versions and is tougher to pack down, even compared to the Wayfinder. (We found that it would spring outward while we were running, and we had to keep adjusting it.) The sides of the canopy can be unzipped to reveal mesh windows, which provide ventilation on hot days. And the fabric flap on the canopy’s plastic peekaboo window is secured with a magnet, so a caretaker can check on a child without waking them by ripping open a Velcro strip.
Unlike those of some other strollers we tested, this model’s foot brake is easy to set. (In 2024, Thule moved the footrest from the center to the ride side, but it didn't change its function.) It can even be activated and deactivated when you’re wearing sandals, so it’s comfortable to use when you’re running errands.
Of all the jogging strollers we’ve tested, the Urban Glide is one of the easiest to fold one-handed. The stroller automatically locks, and it can stand when folded (though it really isn’t designed to do so, and we’ve found it often falls over). Because this stroller is lighter, it’s significantly easier to lift into a car trunk or carry up stairs than other jogging strollers, though it is still bigger than most standard strollers. The wheels can also easily be removed if you’re traveling. Assembly took just five minutes and required no extra tools.
If you can find them, previously used versions of the Urban Glide usually age well. Each model has slightly different traits. If you buy the original, which was introduced in 2014, you won’t have a handlebar brake, reflective rims, or an auto-lock fold. If you buy the Urban Glide 2, the sun canopy will be shorter (though maybe that’s for the best) and the leg rest will not be adjustable.
Thule strollers come with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Urban Glide 3 comes in black, blue, and mustard green.
You need to use two hands to buckle the harness straps. But this inconvenience is actually a plus in terms of safety because the harness tightens and stays locked better than most of the other harnesses we tested.
Thule’s add-on accessories are pricey. Calum Neff, a father of three who broke two world records for running with a stroller, recommends adding bike cupholders and phone holders (which tend to be cheaper) if you need add-on storage for your wallet and water bottle. (Jenni uses a much-cheaper City Mini Baby Jogger parent console with the Thule, and it works just fine.)
Like almost all of the other strollers we tested, this stroller does not have adjustable suspension. Although the suspension system works great with a lighter kid, it would be nice to be able to tighten or loosen the system when the stroller is used with a bigger child or on rocky terrain. The Urban Glide 3 is also better on pavement than on trails—the manual specifies “public roads” and “smooth paths.” So if you tend to go off-road frequently, you should consider our also-great pick, the BOB Gear Wayfinder.
The Urban Glide 3 is 2 inches wider than the BOB Gear Wayfinder. That makes it a bit harder to use in stores with narrow aisles and harder-to-navigate through doorways.
Weight: 25 pounds Car seat compatibility: The Thule Urban Glide 3 requires a car seat adaptor that only accommodates 4 brands. Unlike some of our other picks, you can only use the Thule with Chicco, Joie, Nuna and Uppababy car seats, and you’ll need to buy that adaptor separately from the stroller itself. Included accessories: zip-top cargo basket Add-on accessories: rain shield, mesh cover, snack tray, bumper bar
This narrower, more-streamlined jogging stroller has rugged wheels that can handle more types of terrain well. But it’s heavier than our top pick, with a more-complicated harness.
If you plan to run or walk on trails most of the time, consider the BOB Gear Wayfinder. This sturdy but compact stroller replaces our former pick, the Alterrain, in BOB Gear’s lineup. We tested the Wayfinder for two months and found it to be superior to the Alterrain, since it’s more compact but rides just as well over rough ground. The Wayfinder can also carry a heavier kid than the Thule Urban Glide 3 can, but the Wayfinder is also about 5 pounds heavier, and its storage basket has a smaller weight capacity.
Like all BOB strollers, the Wayfinder is a star on trails. BOB Gear has been making items for more than 20 years, and the expertise shows. The company’s durable strollers are often passed down through friends or family for a decade or longer, and they’re well built for off-road adventures. The Wayfinder, the newest jogging stroller in the company’s line, has a solid suspension system of shocks and springs (the most robust of any stroller we’ve tested). And it has deeply treaded tires, which drag a bit on pavement but keep you moving quickly over rocks and roots. This stroller has a notably compact design—it’s slightly more narrow than the Alterrain (by about half an inch) and 2 inches narrower than the Thule Urban Glide—so it easily turns and bounces over potholes.
It has great safety features. Like the Urban Glide 3, the Wayfinder has a swivel-locking front wheel, which helps prevent it from wobbling on all terrains. It has a bicycle-style hand brake, which you squeeze, rather than twisting it. Jenni and her husband found the Wayfinder’s hand brake to be much more intuitive to use when you’re moving quickly.
It offers a comfortable ride. In some ways, the Wayfinder is more comfortable for kids than the Urban Glide 3. The Wayfinder has a more-padded back support and the most upright seat position of any stroller we looked at. (Compared with regular strollers, jogging strollers are required to have a more-reclined upright position, which is safer if the stroller stops quickly.) Like our budget pick, the Chicco Activ3, the Wayfinder reclines nearly fully for an on-the-go nap. And our toddler testers liked the fact that they could see out and more fully participate in the world when sitting in the Wayfinder.
The Wayfinder can be folded with one hand. And though the Thule Urban Glide 3 is lighter and therefore easier to lift, the Wayfinder is compact, so it fits better in smaller cars. Both strollers fit in Jenni’s family’s Honda CRV, but the Wayfinder also fit well in the trunk of her Prius. And it can stand up on its own better than the Urban Glide 3 can.
It took our testers between five and 10 minutes to assemble the Wayfinder (similar to assembly of the Urban Glide, but not quite as seamless). And we needed to use an Allen wrench to attach the front wheel.
BOB Gear strollers come with a five-year warranty on the frames and a one-year warranty on the fabric.
The Wayfinder comes in two colors, black and gray.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder is more than 5 pounds heavier than the Thule Urban Glide 3. This makes it slightly less nimble and less convenient for around-town use. After running many miles, we could definitely feel the Wayfinder’s extra weight in our fatigued arms and legs. In particular, running uphill was more challenging with the Wayfinder than with the Urban Glide 3.
The harness is not as feature-rich. Although the Wayfinder’s crotch strap can be adjusted (like the Thule Urban Glide 3’s), the harness is padded only in the shoulders, not the crotch, and the straps are narrower. The Urban Glide 3 is also better for taller kids, since there’s a longer distance between the stroller seat and canopy.
Due to its smaller size, the Wayfinder also loses out on storage space. Compared with the Thule Urban Glide 3 (which has a much-needed mesh pocket on the back of the child’s seat, holding a wallet, keys, and more), the Wayfinder has fewer easy-to-access pockets in the storage area or on the back of the seat. (We did like the Wayfinder stroller’s two in-seat pockets, where kids can store treasures, but they’re small.)
Unlike the Thule Urban Glide 3, the Wayfinder comes with a cupholder (and you can purchase a second one). But we found this was useful only when we were walking, not running, because anything we put into the cupholder bounced out.
Weight: 31.1 pounds Car seat compatibility: You can use the Wayfinder from 8 weeks with an infant car seat (walking only) and an add-on adapter, which is compatible with a number of seats. Three of them are our picks. Included accessories: zip-top cargo basket, parent cupholder Add-on accessories: snack tray, handlebar console
The Activ3 offers adjustable suspension and a fairly comfortable ride at a significantly lower price than our other picks. But the total weight limit is lower, its storage basket is smaller, and there’s no hand brake.
The Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller was a pleasant surprise. It offers a good jogging setup for caregivers and a smooth, comfortable ride for kids, at a much lower price than our other picks. If you plan to run long distances often, however, our other picks are better choices. And if budget is the top concern, we’d recommend trying to find our top pick or also-great pick secondhand over buying the Activ3.
The Chicco Activ3 has adjustable suspension—a nice feature our other picks don’t have. We were genuinely overjoyed to find adjustable suspension on a budget stroller. Using your foot to tap a lever on the backs of the wheels, you can toggle the suspension from soft and loose (best on varied terrain) to hard and stiff (best for pavement) while you’re running. This adjustment makes a noticeable difference, especially when you need to pop off the paved road for a minute and jog across the grass. This was the only stroller Jenni’s 9-month-old daughter fell asleep in, likely because the solid suspension offered a smooth ride.
It provides a comfortable ride for kids. Like the BOB Gear Wayfinder, the Chicco Activ3 reclines nearly fully via a one-handed mechanism on the back of the seat. Jenni’s 3-year-old loved that when it wasn’t reclined, the seat was more upright than the Thule’s, so he could look around. The Activ3 has a well-padded seat, too, so bumps don’t seem to make much of an impact on the child. And compared with those of our other picks, this stroller’s sunshade is the most extensive, with a clear window up top (so you can see what’s happening inside the stroller) and magnetic straps to keep the cover locked on. When Jenni ran with her daughter in a snowstorm, she was barely damp, and she fell asleep—again! The Activ3 also has notably well-placed ventilation for the summer months.
Unlike most budget jogging strollers, the Activ3 has a locking front wheel. This stroller’s front wheel locks and unlocks with a lever on the left side of the adjustable handlebar; you do need to be careful with releasing the lever while the stroller is still moving, since it can pinch your fingers. Unlike with the other strollers we tried, with the Activ3 there’s no way to adjust that front wheel’s tracking system. Although the stroller didn’t veer at all during our many test runs, we’ll continue to monitor this over time.
You can buy the Activ3 as part of a travel system, which also includes one of our infant car seat picks, the Chicco KeyFit 30, and its base. (The KeyFit can easily be attached to the Activ3 for walks with your child before they gain head control.) It took about 20 minutes to build this stroller (longer than it took us to build our top and runner-up picks), and assembling it required many more looks back at the manual.
The Activ3 comes in one color, gray.
The Chicco Activ3 has a lower total weight limit and less storage space. It can carry 62 total pounds, compared with 75 pounds for both the Thule Urban Glide 3 and BOB Gear Wayfinder. Its cargo basket also has limited space and no cover; items tended to bounce out when we got going too quickly.
The handlebar and buckles are both harder to adjust. The Activ3’s five-point harness works just fine, but it’s less padded than the Thule or BOB Gear systems, and tightening it requires a bit more strength. The handlebar does adjust, but it’s also a bit hard to handle (requiring a double-button push that can be sticky), and it offers fewer height options than either of our other picks. That’s fine for shorter runners (like Jenni, who’s 5-foot-3), but Jenni’s husband, who’s 6-foot-3, wished the handlebar was a notch or two higher.
The brakes are built into the handlebar. (They’re on the right side in the image above.) This location is unique; none of the other strollers we tested had only a hand brake. We think it feels less safe than having a foot brake, but you can still lock the wheels if you need to walk away from the stroller.
Chicco doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty on strollers (it does for its car seats). If you change your mind, the stroller must be returned within 30 days, in new, unused condition. (There’s a one-year manufacturer warranty on all products if something breaks.) Chicco does offer replacement parts for a small cost, should something break after a few years. But compared with those of other strollers we recommend, Chicco’s warranty leaves much to be desired.
Weight: 27.5 pounds Car seat compatibility: You can use the Chicco Activ3 from birth with all Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 infant car seats (walking only) by clicking the car seat into the arm bar. Included accessories: parent tray with two cupholders Add-on accessories: none
If you can find our previous also-great pick: The now-discontinued BOB Gear Alterrain is still a great stroller if you can find it for sale new or used, and it’s especially great for people who run and walk on unpaved roads. With its treaded tires and hefty shock absorbers, the Gear Alterrain excels at keeping kids comfortable on bumps. Overall, we like the company’s newer model, the Wayfinder, better. The Wayfinder is narrower than the Alterrain, with a streamlined effect that makes running feel smoother. The Wayfinder is also easier to transport in your car, due to its smaller size. But if you find the Alterrain for a significantly lower price than the Wayfinder, we think you’ll likely be happy with it.
If you like the BOB Gear Alterrain but want a hand brake: You might consider the now-discontinued BOB Gear Alterrain Pro, which can still be found at some stores and second-hand. For about $80 more than the Alterrain, this model offers additional features, such as the hand brake, a zip-top cargo basket, and a waterproof canopy and seat.
If you’re looking for a compact jogging stroller: When it’s folded, the Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller is about 50% smaller than the other jogging strollers we tested, and it stands up solidly on its own handlebars. (But at 28.5 pounds, it’s still heavy, compared with the Thule Urban Glide 3 at 25 pounds.) The Guava Family stroller was the easiest one to pack in the car or store in a small space; we think it would be well suited for subway commutes and even airport travel. It has a bumpier ride than our other picks, though, thanks to smaller, airless rubber tires and inferior suspension (which our toddler tester complained about).
If you plan to bike or cross-country ski with your kid as much as you run (or more): The Thule Chariot Cross Single may be worth the extra cost. It has a big cargo space, rear reflectors, a padded seat, sun and rain covers, adjustable suspension, and an adjustable handlebar. It’ll work right out of the box for biking and walking; jogging and cross-country ski kits are sold separately. The Thule Chariot Cross Double holds two kids.
If you’re looking for a double jogger: The Thule Urban Glide 3 Double is similar to Thule’s single stroller but offers room for two kids. And if you have an infant and a bigger kid, the infant can be in a bassinet or a car seat (with an adaptor) while the other relaxes in the adjacent seat. (And it’s still well balanced when you’re carrying just one child.)
The AAP warns parents against hanging bags or other items from a stroller’s handlebar, since the weight can cause the stroller to tip. The organization also advises caregivers to use the stroller’s parking brake whenever stopped.
Jogging strollers are housed in the bicycle department at sporting-goods and outdoor-gear stores, and for an excellent reason: Many of the features, such as a lightweight frame and air-filled tires, are the same in bikes and jogging strollers. That analogy extends to tune-ups, too. Strollers should get a tune-up every three to six months, depending on how much they’re used and whether they’re used on challenging surfaces, such as sand or gravel.
It’s important to keep tires properly inflated, too: Thule recommends filling them to between 30 and 35 psi; BOB Gear recommends 30 psi. Both companies advise checking all stroller parts regularly to ensure that they are tightly secured, that there are no tears in the fabric, and that there’s no damage or excessive wear.
To keep your stroller looking fresh, check out our advice on how to clean a stroller.
The Baby Jogger Summit X3 has some interesting features, like the ability to lock the front swivel wheel from the handlebar (which the Chicco Activ3 has as well). But reviewers found it difficult to push and not worth the price.
The inexpensive Baby Trend Expedition Jogger feels clunky and plasticky, especially compared with the smooth rides of the Thule and BOB Gear strollers. This stroller’s lack of suspension and tracking adjustability made it hard to run straight for long periods of time, and we found this model harder to push with one hand than our picks.
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 doesn’t have the high-class suspension system, ventilated side panels, or one-handed-fold system that you’ll find on the Bob Gear Wayfinder or the now-discontinued BOB Gear Alterrain or Revolution Pro strollers (both former also-great picks). This one may work fine for you if you won’t be running on bumpy terrain.
The BOB Gear Rambler, the company’s “starter” jogging stroller, has relatively poor suspension and doesn’t offer a one-handed fold, an adjustable handlebar, or a hand brake. It’s being discontinued, but it’s still for sale. For a stroller at this price, you’re better off with the Chicco Activ3 or finding a used model of our other recommendations.
We tested the Bumbleride Speed several years ago and again in 2023. We liked that it had the option to set the front wheel to partial swiveling for jogging, as well as a small hand pump for low tires, included in the cargo-basket pocket. But during testing it veered constantly, despite our frequently adjusting the front-wheel tracking system.
Although we used to recommend the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller, we stopped after Joovy voluntarily recalled all models manufactured between March and October 2020, due to a faulty front-wheel bearing. Joovy still makes the stroller and says it has addressed the problem.
We liked the smoother ride, one-handed recline, and cushioned harness of the Joovy Zoom Single Jogging Stroller. But it has middling suspension, it tends to veer during long runs, the handlebar isn’t as adjustable as we’d like, and it was fussy to assemble.
The Mountain Buggy Terrain shares many of our picks’ features, and it offers a few more, including cupholders, a storage basket that can hold up to 22 pounds, and a set of 12-inch rear wheels (to swap in for the 16-inch ones when you’re strolling around town). However, this stroller is expensive, and BabyGearLab reports that it did not perform as well as the Thule and BOB models it tested.
The Thule Chariot Lite 1 is a less expensive, more-basic version of the Thule Chariot Cross, and we think you’re better off with the original version (or a used version of it). For a few hundred dollars more, you get adjustable suspension and extra padding, as well as a more-adjustable handlebar. Neither the Lite nor the Cross come with the jogging or skiing kits—you’ll need to buy those separately.
The Uppababy Ridge was recalled in September 2022 following a single incident in which a child’s fingertip was amputated by the stroller’s rear disc brake. The child was not riding in the stroller at the time. Owners of the stroller should contact Uppababy through the form at the bottom of this recall page for free replacement parts. Ridge strollers made after September 2022 have the replacement disc already installed. We tested this stroller in 2021 and concluded that it provided fewer features and less versatility than our top picks. Still, we thought it could be a good choice for people who already love the Uppababy line and plan to jog only occasionally on paved sidewalks.
This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.
Calum Neff, elite endurance athlete, phone interview, January 29, 2018
Marianne Ryan, physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, phone interview, January 30, 2018
Melissa Gambrill, BOB Gear marketing manager, phone interview, January 23, 2018
Chris Ritchie, Thule Group PR and communications manager, phone interview, November 20, 2017
Rory O’Sullivan, Damien Kiernan, and Ailish Malone, Run kinematics with and without a jogging stroller, Gait & Posture, January 1, 2016
Runners who want to take their babies out for a jog should keep these guidelines in mind.
Need a stroller for city living? Or one that’s easy to fold up and toss in the trunk? How about an off-roader? These six sets of wheels have got you covered.
by Jenni Gritters and Erica Pearson
A good double stroller is safe, adaptable, and comfortable for both kids and caregivers—and not too much of a slog to push.
Got kids and gear you need to schlep to the soccer field, the beach, or the neighborhood block party? A stroller wagon might be for you.
Top Strollers Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).