Best Nasal Strips for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide

Quick answer: the best nasal strips for trail running overall are the Breathe Right Original(opens in a new tab). If you sweat a lot, go for the Breathe Right Extra(opens in a new tab); if you don’t want them seen, the Breathe Right Transparentes(opens in a new tab); and if you’d rather not stick anything on your nose, the Rhinomed Dilatador Nasal(opens in a new tab). Below, all 6 compared.

Nasal strips open the nostrils from the outside (adhesive strips) or from the inside (dilators) so you can breathe more comfortably. To be honest: the evidence that they improve performance is weak. What many runners do notice is less of a blocked-nose feeling, especially in the cold, with congestion or at altitude. That’s why we treat them as a cheap comfort accessory, not a performance trick. What changes between them is how well they hold with sweat, how discreet they are and whether you prefer adhesive or not.

Comparison

How to choose

First time

Start with the Breathe Right Original: they’re the benchmark and have plenty of user reviews.

You sweat a lot or run for hours

The Breathe Right Extra hold better and peel off less. On ultras, apply them on clean, dry skin.

You want to go unnoticed

The clear ones are barely visible in finish-line photos.

You don’t want adhesive

The Rhinomed dilator sits inside the nose and doesn’t depend on skin or sweat. It’s reusable.

You train often

A 30-pack (the generic blue one or the black HASLOM) lasts weeks of training without buying strip by strip.

All 6 in detail

1. Breathe Right Original — Best Overall

The best-known nasal strip. It sticks across the bridge of the nose and keeps the nostrils open with a flexible band.

Pros: Reference brand, easy to find, lots of reviews.

Cons: The effect is about comfort; with heavy sweat it can loosen.

See Breathe Right Original on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)

2. Breathe Right Extra — Best for Heavy Sweaters

A version with a stiffer band for runners who need more hold.

Pros: Stiffer and better hold than the original.

Cons: Can be less comfortable to remove if your skin is sensitive.

See Breathe Right Extra on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)

3. Breathe Right Clear — Most Discreet

Same idea as the original, in a clear colour so they show less.

Pros: Discreet, nearly invisible in photos.

Cons: Same effect as other strips: comfort, not performance.

See Breathe Right Clear on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)

4. Rhinomed Nasal Dilator — Best No-Adhesive Option

Reusable internal dilator, medium size. Inside the nose, it doesn’t peel off with sweat.

Pros: No adhesive and reusable.

Cons: You feel it inside your nose and need time to get used to it; choose the size carefully. Amazon markets it for snoring but it works for running too.

See Rhinomed Nasal Dilator on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)

5. 30-Pack Blue Sports Strips — Best Training Pack

A pack of 30 sports strips, 66 x 19 mm, flexible and sweat-resistant.

Pros: Pack of 30, for frequent training.

Cons: Generic brand, with less track record than Breathe Right.

See the 30-pack of blue strips on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)

6. HASLOM Premium Sports — Best Black 30-Pack

A pack of 30 black strips (55 x 16 mm), sweat-resistant and designed for running and the gym.

Pros: Sweat-resistant adhesive and a discreet black look.

Cons: Effect varies a lot with each runner’s nasal anatomy.

See HASLOM Premium Sports on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions

Do nasal strips improve trail running performance?

The evidence is weak. Many runners feel more comfortable breathing, especially with congestion or cold, but there is no solid proof you’ll run faster.

Can you use them during a race?

Yes, most are safe for sport. Try them on a long training run first, never for the first time on race day.

Do they come off with sweat?

It depends on the strip and your skin. Clean and dry the bridge of your nose before applying; if they still loosen, try an extra version or an internal dilator.

Which is better, a strip or an internal dilator?

Strips are cheaper and easier; the dilator uses no adhesive and is reusable, but you need to get used to wearing it inside your nose.