Best Jogging Strollers

Best (but expensive) jogging strollers overall

Jogging strollers are often lumped in the same category as all-terrain strollers, but there are some important differences. True jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel, which helps the stroller track straight while running; they also eliminate wobbling. Jogging strollers have skinny tires -- similar to what you would see on a road bike -- and large wheels to make for faster rolling with less resistance. All-terrain strollers, on the other hand, have a swiveling front wheel and usually sport thick, rugged tires. These strollers are more versatile, since they perform just as well cruising the mall as they do on a neighborhood sidewalk. However, if you plan on doing a lot of running, experts recommend a jogging stroller with a fixed front wheel.

For runners who want the best jogging stroller on the market, numerous reviewers point to the BOB Ironman (*Est. $350). This jogging stroller, which was first introduced in 2004, consistently receives excellent reviews from experts and parents. It has 16-inch fixed wheels with slick road tires, a lightweight aluminum alloy frame and can accommodate children up to 70 pounds. Safety features include a hand brake, rear-wheel parking break, wrist strap and a five-point safety harness. The BOB Ironman comes in a snazzy, racing yellow color scheme for visibility (it's available in navy blue as well). Although other jogging strollers don't have many storage options, the Ironman jogging stroller features a lower basket and three storage pockets. The seat reclines up to 70 degrees, so you can adjust it for a sleeping child, and the sun canopy is one of the largest on any jogging stroller.

One professional source for stroller reviews picks the BOB Ironman (and the BOB line in general) as the best option for fitness-minded parents. The jogging stroller is also a top pick at Running Times magazine, which recommends it for serious runners. "It collapses easily in two simple steps and can be opened and ready to roll with one jerk of one hand," the editors write. At 21 pounds, the BOB Ironman impresses reviewers with features such as adjustable tracking and 3 inches of travel to minimize bouncing and vibration. Testers also report that the BOB Ironman stroller tracks perfectly straight and requires little effort to push. It receives a perfect score from Cookie magazine for durability, with editors finding that the frame is tough without being too heavy. The frame is covered by a five-year warranty (parts and fabric are covered for one year).

User reviews for the BOB Ironman are very good. More than 70 owners contribute to give this jogging stroller a 4-star rating at the online retailer JoggingStroller.com, and the Ironman enjoys near-perfect ratings from 45 users at Buzzillions.com. Overall, users are impressed that the BOB Ironman folds down quickly and is easy to stow in a car. The smooth ride and durable components are additional pluses. Most reviewers overwhelmingly praise the BOB Ironman stroller, but reviews do point to a few weaknesses. The handlebar is not adjustable, which is a nice feature to have if both parents will be using the stroller. While the canopy is large and adjustable, Running Times editors would like to see it extend further over a child's face to offer more protection. Since it has a fixed front wheel, the Ironman is also difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, so this is not the stroller you'll want to take to the grocery store.

Other BOB jogging strollers also get good reviews, including the original BOB Sport Utility Stroller (*Est. $300), sometimes called the BOB SUS. Whereas the BOB Ironman has 16-inch road tires, the BOB Sport Utility features thick and knobby 16-inch tires for better off-road traction. That's the main difference between the two jogging strollers, as the other specifications -- storage options, safety features, weight capacity and warranty -- are the same. Due to its thicker tires, the BOB Sport Utility Stroller weighs 2 pounds more than the Ironman, and it comes in blue or red.

The BOB Sport Utility Stroller doesn't receive much attention from professional reviewers, but owner feedback is excellent. At JoggingStrollers.com, 75 users give the jogging stroller a 4.5-star rating, with many owners raving about the sturdy design and rugged, easy-rolling wheels. "This thing handles like a dream -- over sticks and rocks and tire ruts and cotton stalks, you name it, this stroller can handle it," one owner writes at Amazon.com, where the stroller enjoys a 4-star rating. Parents say their children seem comfortable in the stroller, thanks to the large adjustable canopy and reclining seat. Unfortunately, the Sport Utility Stroller has many of the same downsides as the BOB Ironman. By far, the biggest complaint is that the fixed wheel makes it hard to steer around corners or tight spaces. A few reviewers say they have to remove the wheels to fit the stroller in the truck of their car, but the quick-release mechanisms make it somewhat easy.  

Most jogging strollers, including the BOB Ironman and Sport Utility Deluxe, have 16-inch wheels; for long-distance runners and marathoners, experts recommend looking for a jogging stroller with 20-inch wheels. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride and make pushing easier, which limits arm fatigue on long runs. In this category, the Baby Jogger Performance Single (*Est. $430) stands out, earning accolades from one top baby gear book, a popular buyer's guide for all types of children's products. It has 20-inch fixed wheels on the front and back, a powerful V-brake for more braking control on hills and a multi-position sun canopy. Storage is minimal and includes only a small seatback compartment and a side pocket on the interior. The Baby Jogger Performance Single comes in blue and has a lifetime frame warranty; fabric materials are covered for one year.

Christine Luff, the running guide for About.com, chooses the Baby Jogger Performance Single as the best option for serious runners, finding the durable frame holds up well for frequent use. She also praises the easy push, but she says this jogging stroller takes up a lot of space when folded. MomFinds.com, a parenting blog, calls it the "best performance jogging stroller" for serious runners. Babble.com, an online parenting website, tests a previous version (the stroller's seat and canopy have been redesigned since then), but they say the stroller tracks straight and handles well, with a stable and smooth ride. Because it is large, Babble.com editors recommend the Baby Jogger Performance for serious runners who have lots of storage space. Although it may not be the most compact option, it does have a 100-pound weight capacity, which means you'll be able to use this jogging stroller longer than other three-wheeled strollers such as the BOB Ironman, which has a 70-pound weight limit.