Jogging Strollers

The Ironman is the official stroller of the famous triathlon of the same name, so it's not surprising that it's constructed for serious athletes. On the market since 2004, the lightweight jogger has an aluminum-alloy frame, an adjustable suspension system, and a caliber hand brake to provide a smooth ride. Its padded seat reclines (though not fully), and the stroller folds flat in two steps.

Tester said: "It is a good jogger. The name Ironman requires you to bring your A game. It unfolds with a flick of the wrist. Folding it is another matter. Folding requires some effort, and it doesn't lock well in the folded position."

Weight: 21 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 41 inches by 23 inches by 17 1/2 inches
Suitable for children up to: 70 pounds

The Safari is built to be a viable jogging stroller and still function for everyday uses, like trips to the grocery store. Its front wheel swivels, and it has an adjustable-height handle and a steel frame (which makes it heavier but more durable). The stroller also has a sizable under-seat storage compartment as well as trays for both child and parent and a car-seat adapter.

Tester said: "On day one, the ride was smooth and had a nice feel, on day two, the wheels were shaking if I pushed too fast. I like it better as a stroller than a jogger."

Weight: 26 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 37 inches by 27 1/2 inches by 16 1/2 inches
Suitable for children up to: 50 pounds

With its new model, Kelty adapted the design of its award-winning Speedster Deluxe to include a swivel wheel. Users can convert the Speedster Swivel-Deluxe from a traditional jogging stroller to an everyday stroller by unlocking the front wheel. Like the original Speedster Deluxe, the Swivel has a padded reclining seat, a five-point safety harness, under-seat storage, an adjustable handlebar (that goes from 34 to 45 inches), and even a bell.

Tester said: "The adjustable handlebars are great, but the front wheel was never centered, so it tracked off to the left."

Weight: 22 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 36 inches by 21 1/2 inches by 19 inches
Suitable for children up to: 70 pounds

Schwinn, the over-a-century-old bike manufacturer, first introduced its jogging stroller in 2005. Noted for its zero-degree turn radius, the Free Wheeler also has rear-wheel suspension, a one-handed folding system, an adjustable handle, and a five-point harness. With an under-seat storage basket, side pockets, and parent and child trays, the Free Wheeler also has plenty of room for cargo.

Tester said: "I felt it lacked some of the structural stability of other jogging strollers, and even when the front wheel was fixed, it would angle slightly with the horizontal camber of the road making straight-line jogging require a little more effort."

Weight: 24 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 37 inches by 27 1/2 inches by 16 1/2 inches
Suitable for children up to: 50 pounds

If speed is your need, let it be known that the world record for fastest marathon while pushing a stroller was set with the B.O.B. Revolution. The front wheel can swivel for tight turns or lock for strictly straight runs. Like the Ironman, the Revolution has a two-step folding system, a reclining seat, and an adjustable tracking knob that straightens the stroller if it pulls in a certain direction. With two interior seat pockets, a large back pocket, and an under-seat storage basket, it also has ample room for stow and go.

Tester said: "It has awesome turning—and the suspension is amazing. Our baby loved the ride and didn't feel the huge ups and downs."

Weight: 23 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 37.6 inches by 23 inches by 16.9 inches
Suitable for children up to: 70 pounds

The Bumbleride has a 360-degree-swivel front wheel that locks in two positions and rear-wheel suspension, enabling it to function for light jogs and everyday use. It has a lightweight anodized aluminum frame and a push-button adjustable handlebar (ranging from 32 to 45 inches). The Bumbleride's plush padded seat has a four-position reclining backrest, a five-point harness, a child handle bar, footmuff, and an adjustable footrest to make it comfortable for both a toddler and a baby.

Tester said: "I would definitely buy it. It has a great design. It's comfortable for my husband and me to push. Our baby seemed to hardly feel the bumps on the road!"

Weight: 20 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 32 inches by 24 1/2 inches by 15 inches
Suitable for children up to: 45 pounds

No backbreaking here. The Energi has a unique swivel wheel that locks into place via a handle control. It also has all-wheel suspension, a curved, ergonomic padded handlebar, and extra legroom, thanks to the design of the rear cable brake system. Its seat reclines into three positions, and it has a five-point harness and a removable, washable seat pad. The Engeri has a child tray, a parent tray, and a large under-seat storage basket, and it folds easily into a standing position.

Tester said: "The swiveling front wheel makes for a good turn radius, and the slimmer profile makes it easier to get around. The problem is that when trying to turn it tightly to get through a door, it almost tipped. My child will be 3 in about two months, and the straps are already too short and the seat too small for him."

Weight: 25 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 21 inches by 24 inches by 32.7 inches
Suitable for children up to: 40 pounds

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Mountain Buggy Urban is the third generation of design. Outfitted to be an all-purpose stroller, it has a swiveling or locked front wheel and rear-wheel suspension to easily roll over anything from sandy beaches to mountain terrains to sleek mall floors. The handlebar is adjustable; the frame is made from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum; and a five-point safety harness and wrist strap ensure safety and control.

Tester said: "It's a big stroller, so tight spaces can be a little tricky, but this is offset by how easy it is to maneuver. Even with a coffee in one hand, it was smooth sailing."

Weight: 24 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 41 inches by 20 inches by 8 inches
Suitable for children up to: 77 pounds

Engineered in Germany and manufactured there for over 60 years, Teutonia strollers have only been offered in the U.S. since April 2008. Teutonia allows you to create your own stroller, picking from three different types of chassis, three seats, and two different wheel types. Among the frame options is the slim and sporty three-wheel t-200 series, which is constructed out of aluminum and has independent wheel suspension, a deceleration handbrake, and an adjustable handle.

Tester said: "I like the extra attention the manufacturer put into this stroller: for example, the hand muff for cold weather. That's such a genius idea."

Weight: 32.25 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 24 inches by 11 inches by 35 inches
Suitable for children up to: from 3 months to 50 pounds

Australian Valco Baby came to the U.S. in 2002. The Trimode is named for its front-wheel system that can function three ways: fixed, swivel, and at a 45-degree angle. The stroller is equipped with an adjustable handle, fully reclining seat, newborn-head hugger, aluminum rust-resistant wheels, a rain cover, and an under-seat storage bin with side pockets.

Tester said: "I'm not sure if there is a more durable stroller out there. The fabric, the wheels, the frame—all seem top of the line!"

Weight: 23 pounds
Collapsed dimensions: 26 inches by 19 inches by 18 inches
Suitable for children up to: 45 pounds