When I was starting out as a runner, I didn’t really care for warm-ups or cooldowns. I just wanted to get out there and run.
It isn’t a surprise, then, that my DOMS (or delayed-onset muscle soreness) was as intense as ever. It got to the point where I couldn’t run the next day and had to wait until my glutes and calves were fine.
That’s when I learned the importance of cooldowns and treating yourself after an intense workout session. In Particular, I learned that a runner’s sworn sword is their Foam roller! Yes, it’s my excalibur!
Foam rollers have evolved over the years from simple cylinders of foam to vibrating rollers to give you a massage. But what is the best? Are these mere gimmicks or do they really work?
Here are some of the best foam rollers for runners that I found out there rated by durability, purpose and of course – price.
Best Foam Rollers For Runners Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller | TriggerPoint | Check Price on Amazon |
| LuxFit Foam Roller | LuxFit | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Nextrino Vibrating Foam Roller | Nextrino | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Hyperice Vyper 2.0 | Hyperice | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Brazyn Morph Foam Roller | Brazyn Morph | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Lots of users would agree that the TriggerPoint Grid foam roller is one of the best foam rollers out there. Its revolutionary foam technology features different densities in its exterior to adapt to the curves of your body.
Its grid design is also great for loosening up the tight spots in your body. Your skin can also sink into the ridges, making it easier for the roller to get to that tightness.
The original GRID has a firm foam density that could be applied to your whole body. Purchasing this foam roller gives you access to an online instructional video to guide you through an effective recovery from running.
It can also support up to 500 pounds of weight, which I think is a great thing! It shows that it cares for inclusivity for all fitness enthusiasts. It also shows that the material is durable.
The foam is EVA, which is great at absorbing shock and impact. It’s also resilient; that’s why it is used usually for sports applications.
Users especially love the inside core of the foam roller. Other foam rollers with hollow cores made of plastic tend to seem brittle and easy to break, making it hard for you to confidently roll with it.
PROS
- Grid design to help loosen your muscles
- Capacity of up to 500 pounds of weight
- EVA foam
CONS
- Some users complain about the foam being too soft for them
#2 - LuxFit Foam Roller
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
LuxFit is another crowd favorite that is used by runners, yogi, and physical therapists alike. Plus, it looks sleek and sturdy. Let’s see if it truly holds up.
This foam roller is mostly made of polypropylene foam with a solid core. The advantage of this versus a hollow core with a plastic lining is that it tends to be less likely to break or snap.
It is, however, susceptible to being dented and getting too soft. Because this polypropylene foam has a density of 2 pounds per cubic foot, it tends to retain its shape. This foam also moisture resistant, perfect for your sweaty foam roll sessions.
LuxFit offers up to 4 sizes, with smaller sizes able to reach specific muscles. If you do like to use foam rollers for your back, you might want to go with the 24-inch foam roller so that it spans the whole width of your back.
I think it’s a good sign if the manufacturer backs their product up with a warranty. LuxFit provides 10 years of warranty with an instructional video.
Because of the density of this foam, users complain about the firmness of this product. This boils down to personal preference anyway. Try to be careful about the sizes that you’ll be getting, too.
PROS
- High-density foam with a solid core
- Moisture resistant
- Up to 4 sizes
CONS
- Too firm for some users
#3 - Nextrino Vibrating Foam Roller
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Looking for a cheaper option for a vibration foam roller? The NextRoller is great for both beginners and for professional athletes.
Nextrino promotes enhanced flexibility and range of motion with this product. It can be used before and after your gym sessions to give yourself a personal massage.
It is a vibrating foam roller that has 3 vibration intensities. You can choose the amount of vibration you want depending on what body part you’ll be massaging.
I really also like how they have nubs on one side of the foam and a smoother surface on the other. This makes it great for those who want a gentler massage and others who might want to really get into those tight spots.
It has a handle to make it easy to carry. Its battery lasts for 2 hours, which is more than enough time to relax your muscles.
Users love the nubs and texture of this foam. It makes it easy to get into those tight areas of your body. Some complaints come from the fact that this foam feels more like hard plastic than foam, though, so be wary of that.
PROS
- Vibrating foam roller with 3 intensity settings
- Textured foam for added pressure
- Two sides of different texture
CONS
- Quite firm foam
#4 - Hyperice Vyper 2.0
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Some people might be looking for a rolling experience and a massage at the same time. With the Hyperice Vyper 2.0, this high-intensity vibrating foam roller might be able to give you just that.
This foam roller is used by athletes and trainers everywhere, so you know that it gives you some of the best qualities of a foam roller. It’s able to increase your flexibility, blood circulation, and help you recover quickly.
Although this is a vibrating foam roller, it really is a simple but effective device. It is made of neoprene foam, which is not as compressible as traditional foam. It is also waterproof.
With its 3 vibration settings, you can adjust the intensity to match the body part you’re massaging. It also has 2 hours of battery life per charge.
The smooth surface of the foam might be something you like. Other users prefer added nubs and a grid design for more pressure. If you’re only beginning to learn to roll your muscles out, this might be a great place to start.
You’re going to have to shell out some money, though. This is, so far, the most expensive one on the list.
PROS
- High-intensity vibrating foam roller
- Foam has a smooth surface
- 3 vibration settings
CONS
- Smooth surface might not be preferred by some users
- Quite expensive
#5 - Brazyn Morph Foam Roller
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Last on my list but definitely not the least! If you’re looking for a foam roller that’s compact and can easily be stashed into your gym bag, the Brazyn Morph foam roller is great for you.
Anyone with a day job knows how much of a hassle it is to commute with a full gym bag, so this might change the game for you. With this foldable foam roller, you can roll anywhere.
At its flattened position, it is only 2 inches in thickness. Simply pull the loops on both sides of the tube and it will turn into a 5-inch diameter and 14.5-inch long foam roller. Plus, it only weighs 1.5 pounds.
Upon purchase, you’ll get a travel pouch and a book to guide you through your foam roller session. It can withstand up to 350 pounds, which I honestly did not expect with a foldable foam roller.
It does have nubs on the foam itself, so expect a bumpier rolling experience. This might not be the ideal roller for beginners since it can cause bruising. For those who have tighter muscles that you want to loosen up, this might be great for you.
It’s unfair to praise this foam roller without mentioning how expensive it is compared to other brands. You’ll be paying for the convenience of being able to easily carry it around.
PROS
- Collapsible foam roller for convenience of traveling
- Up to 350 pounds of weight capacity
