For us pet parents, a dog leash is an accessory we can’t do without, especially if you can’t live without that morning or evening run. After all, who’s ever heard of going on a run without your canine pal in tow? Your dog certainly hasn’t. You know that anytime you pull on those running shoes, your friend is going to be right there at the door with their leash at the ready.
Keeping that in mind, you want only the best and safest dog leash for running to keep you and your pet comfortable and safe from harm. However, there are so many different dog leashes for running on the market today, and it’s difficult to know which is the best for you and your pooch.
That’s where our reviews of the best 10 dog leashes for running in 2022 come in. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and scoured the internet for the best options then put them all in one place complete with in-depth reviews. Let’s dive in!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Mighty Paw Hands-Free Dog Leash
High quality
Fits most dog breeds
Shock-absorbing bungee
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Best Value
Baapet Strong Dog Leash
Reflective
Comfortable handle
Made of sturdy rock climbing rope
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Premium Choice
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
Dual handles
Hands-free or hands-on
Comes with a storage bag
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Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash
Gives your pup plenty of room to roam
Easily switches from hands-free to hands-on
Reflective stitching runs down the entire leash
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Furry Buddy Hands-Free Dog Leash
Waterproof
Shock absorbing
Ideal for more than one dog
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The 10 Best Dog Leashes for Running
Our best pick overall of dog leashes for running is the Mighty Paw Hands-Free Dog Leash. Made of waterproof nylon, this leash comes in two different sizes—36 or 48-inch options—which fits most dogs. Since it has two different leash lengths, it’s perfect for smaller or larger dogs. The leash is high quality and features a shock-absorbing bungee to save your hands and back when your dog pulls.
Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon (Waterproof)
Leash Length: 36 and 48 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Metal Clip
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The leash can be a bit heavy for some users and only comes in two color options. The fact that it doesn’t have a dual handle frustrated some pet owners too. All in all, however, this is our top pick for a running leash.
Pros
Two size options
Fits most dog breeds
High quality
Shock-absorbing bungee
Cons
Fairly heavy
Only two color options
No dual handle
While rock climbing might not be in the cards for you and your dog, this Baapet Strong Dog Leash should be. It’s our favorite dog leash for the money since it’s made of a sturdy rock climber rope. Ideal for any size breed, the leash has a comfort-grip handle that’s padded so you don’t have to worry about scratching or hurting your hands. Not only is the leash made for comfort, but it’s also made for safety and is reflective for those walks in the early evening or morning when the light is dim.
Two size options
Fits most dog breeds
High quality
Shock-absorbing bungee
- Two size options
- Fits most dog breeds
- High quality
- Shock-absorbing bungee
Fairly heavy
Only two color options
No dual handle
- Fairly heavy
- Only two color options
- No dual handle
Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 5 Feet
Leash Type: Standard
Closure Type: Clip
This might not be the best option for puppies who are in the teething stage, and some users reported the connector having a weak spring that snapped easily. However, we feel this is an excellent choice for the money.
Pros
Made of sturdy rock climbing rope
Reflective
Comfortable handle
Cons
Not ideal for teething puppies
Weak spring in the connector
The SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash claims to be perfect for everything from training to walking, jogging, and running with your dog. The price point is low, and it features dual handles. The leash can be hands-free or hands-on quickly and comes with a storage bag for storing those essentials every dog owner needs to take for a walk. It also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Made of sturdy rock climbing rope
Reflective
Comfortable handle
- Made of sturdy rock climbing rope
- Reflective
- Comfortable handle
Not ideal for teething puppies
Weak spring in the connector
- Not ideal for teething puppies
- Weak spring in the connector
Size: Medium to large breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 50–68 inches (Expandable)
Leash Type: Hands-Free/Hands-On
Closure Type: Buckle
However, the leash isn’t made for small breeds and won’t fit dogs with smaller waists. There have also been reports that larger, more powerful dogs have snapped the bungee when pulling away from their owners. However, this is still a premium choice for a dog leash for running.
Pros
Hands-free or hands-on
Comes with a storage bag
Dual handles
Cons
Not for small breeds
Won’t fit smaller waists
Powerful dogs may snap the bungee
The Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash has a leash length of up to five feet, which gives your pooch plenty of room to roam. It’s a hands-free, bungee-type leash that’s perfect for dogs who like to explore in places they aren’t supposed to. One of the best things about this leash is it switches quickly and easily from a hands-free leash to a standard leash when the need arises. For safety, the reflective stitching runs along the entire leash for those foggy days when the sun hasn’t yet come out.
Hands-free or hands-on
Comes with a storage bag
Dual handles
- Hands-free or hands-on
- Comes with a storage bag
- Dual handles
Not for small breeds
Won’t fit smaller waists
Powerful dogs may snap the bungee
- Not for small breeds
- Won’t fit smaller waists
- Powerful dogs may snap the bungee
Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 4–5 feet
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Bolt Snap
The leash and clip on this leash have been reported as not very durable and easy to break, so be careful out on those morning runs.
Pros
Easily switches from hands-free to hands-on
Gives your pup plenty of room to roam
Reflective stitching runs down the entire leash
Cons
Not very durable
- Furry Buddy Hands-Free Dog Leash
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Size: All breeds
Material: Neoprene
Leash Length: 39–53.5 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Adjustable Buckle
The Furry Buddy Hands-Free Dog Leash checks the boxes in so many ways. It features a middle connecting point so you can walk multiple dogs at the same time, though we would be careful with that if you’re not very experienced. The leash is waterproof, the bungee is shock-absorbing, and is as reflective as the rest of the leash for those late evening walks. One of the added perks to this leash is it features a waterproof storage area that could easily fit treats for your furry friend, your smartphone, and a water bottle.
Easily switches from hands-free to hands-on
Gives your pup plenty of room to roam
Reflective stitching runs down the entire leash
- Easily switches from hands-free to hands-on
- Gives your pup plenty of room to roam
- Reflective stitching runs down the entire leash
Not very durable
- Not very durable
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Size: All breeds
Material: Neoprene
Leash Length: 39–53.5 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Adjustable Buckle
The only complaint we ran across is that some of the leashes weren’t built very well and aren’t highly durable.
Pros
Ideal for more than one dog
Fits several different items
Waterproof
Shock absorbing
Cons
Not highly durable
- RoadRunner Running Dog Leash
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Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 33.5–59 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Clip
At number six on our list is the RoadRunner Running Dog Leash. Again, this is a super affordable option designed to fit almost any budget. It comes in four different colors, and each color option comes with added items. This is pretty much your standard leash but does come with a clip-on LED light so you can see clearly on those runs early in the morning or late at night.
Ideal for more than one dog
Fits several different items
Waterproof
Shock absorbing
- Ideal for more than one dog
- Fits several different items
- Waterproof
- Shock absorbing
Not highly durable
- Not highly durable
Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 33.5–59 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Clip
Unfortunately, the leash doesn’t have a shock-absorbing bungee, and the plastic buckle has been known to break if a powerful dog pulls on it—you’ll need to be careful of the buckle loosening as your dog pulls.
Pros
LED light included
Affordable
Good color selection
Cons
Not shock absorbing
Loosens easily
Plastic buckle breaks easily
- Riddick’s Hands-Free Dog Leash
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Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 4 Feet
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Buckle
The Riddick’s Hand-Free Dog Leash sits at number seven on our list. It’s an excellent option for pet owners who are looking for a good value leash as it includes accessories. These accessories come in the form of two accessory pouches that are great for holding doggie treats, a water bottle, or doggie waste bags. It does feature a bungee cord and is designed for walking two dogs at once.
LED light included
Affordable
Good color selection
- LED light included
- Affordable
- Good color selection
Not shock absorbing
Loosens easily
Plastic buckle breaks easily
- Not shock absorbing
- Loosens easily
- Plastic buckle breaks easily
Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 4 Feet
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Buckle
It’s not our top choice on the list, as some users have reported the buckles as not being sturdy and coming open easily during runs. However, the best part about this leash is the value and the accessory packs, it was certainly good enough to make it onto our list.
Pros
Includes accessories
Designed for two dogs
Bungee design
Cons
Buckles aren’t sturdy and don’t stay shut
If you’re looking for a leash that does it all, then this leash is for you. The Kurgo Ascender Polyester Dog Leash is a six-in-one leash design that is hands-free and has a long length. The leash can be hands-free or standard and has many other great qualities as well including tough polyester construction and trigger-snap closure.
Includes accessories
Designed for two dogs
Bungee design
- Includes accessories
- Designed for two dogs
- Bungee design
Buckles aren’t sturdy and don’t stay shut
- Buckles aren’t sturdy and don’t stay shut
Size: Large breeds
Material: Polyester
Leash Length: 6.5 Feet
Leash Type: Standard
Closure Type: Trigger snap
Some customers report that the hands-free option for the leash can be uncomfortable, so many pet owners don’t use it. It’s also been reported that the leash isn’t as durable or well-made as it could be, pushing it to lower down on our list than some of the others.
Pros
Long length
Six-in-one design
Polyester construction
Cons
The hands-free option is uncomfortable
Not very durable
- Pet Dreamland Double Dog Leash
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Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 43–55 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Buckle
Designed with two large dogs in mind, number nine on our list is the Pet Dreamland Double Dog Leash. This leash makes it easy to walk two dogs at once with the 360-degree swivel coupler and is comfortable for both you and your pooch. It’s designed for two large as well as small dogs with the double leash design, with a bungee to absorb shock and a comfortable padded handle.
Long length
Six-in-one design
Polyester construction
- Long length
- Six-in-one design
- Polyester construction
The hands-free option is uncomfortable
Not very durable
- The hands-free option is uncomfortable
- Not very durable
Size: All breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 43–55 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Buckle
This leash isn’t an excellent choice for dogs that pull a lot and seems to be better if used for one dog or two smaller dogs rather than larger breeds.
Pros
360-degree coupler
Walk two dogs at a time
Comfortable
Cons
Not great for dogs who pull
Better if used for one dog only
- Laney Hands-Free Dog Leash
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Size: Medium to large breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 49–69 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Clip
Last but not least on our list is the Laney Hands-Free Dog Leash. It comes in several different colors, and the leash doubles as a fanny pack too. The leash is reflective, made of non-tear nylon, and comes with a double handle. It’s shock-absorbing and ideal for medium to large breed dogs. Our favorite part about this leash is the fanny pack that’s perfect for storing treats, bags, your smartphone, or anything else you can fit.
360-degree coupler
Walk two dogs at a time
Comfortable
- 360-degree coupler
- Walk two dogs at a time
- Comfortable
Not great for dogs who pull
Better if used for one dog only
- Not great for dogs who pull
- Better if used for one dog only
Size: Medium to large breeds
Material: Nylon
Leash Length: 49–69 inches
Leash Type: Hands-Free
Closure Type: Clip
Some customers reported this leash breaks fairly easily, so there are some better options on our list, but the fanny pack is awesome!
Pros
Great storage
Several different color options
Reflective
Comes with a fanny pack
Cons
Is said to break easily
Great storage
Several different color options
Reflective
Comes with a fanny pack
- Great storage
- Several different color options
- Reflective
- Comes with a fanny pack
Is said to break easily
- Is said to break easily
Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Best Dog Leash for Running
Now that you’ve read our top 10 best dog leash reviews, it can still be a bit overwhelming to choose which one is best for your needs. So, we’ll give you a few things you should look out for when selecting the right dog leash for those runs with your canine friend.
- See Also: How to Run With Your Dog – Step-by Step Guide
How Many Dogs Do You Have?
The first thing you want to consider is the number of dogs you have to walk every day. There are a few options on our list that will help you walk two or more dogs with ease.
It’s also important to consider the size of the dog you’re purchasing the leash for. While some leashes on our list will work for all sizes, you still have to be careful. There are some that just won’t fit a small breed and others that are too weak for powerful, large dogs and will easily snap, letting your pooch run free!
Accessories
Whether you’re jogging, running, walking, or hiking with your pet in tow, there are a few things you’re going to need to take with you. Your smartphone, treats, waste bags, and a water bottle, to name a few. A few of our choices have pouches, fanny packs, and more, so there’s plenty out there to choose from.
- See Also: 10 Best Dog Treat Pouches – Reviews & Top Picks
Safety
Of course, your number one concern should be the safety of your dog when you’re out and about, whether it’s morning, noon, or night. Make sure that the leash you choose is reflective and durable for the best results. A walk is supposed to be a bonding, fun experience for you and your pet, and you don’t want anything to happen to either one of you.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our reviews of the 10 best dog leashes for running. Our top choice overall of the Mighty Paw Hands-Free Dog Leash was due to its high-quality and optional leash size. Our best pick for the money went to the Baapet Strong Dog Leash for its affordability and sturdy rock climbing rope material. Finally, our premium choice of the SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash was chosen due to its storage bag and dual handles.
We hope our reviews and buying guide have helped you choose the best and safest running leash for your canine pal, and that it’ll last you for many years to come!
Featured Image Credit: knelson20, Shutterstock
