Best Claw Clips for Running and HIIT: High-Impact Tested Picks That Won't Budge

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Running and HIIT create the worst conditions for claw clips.

Every footstrike sends a micro-shock through your hair. Every box jump, every burpee, every sprint interval tests your clip's hold. Add the sweat factor—hair gets slippery, springs get damp, grip surfaces fail—and it's a wonder any clip survives.

But the right clips do survive. The difference is engineering: stronger springs that maintain tension under impact, grippier surfaces that actually work better with sweat, and construction durable enough to handle the abuse.

We tested these clips through marathon training, CrossFit classes, track workouts, and HIIT sessions. Here are the ones that stayed put.

For more workout hair solutions, see our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out. For yoga-specific flat clips, check out flat claw clips for yoga and Pilates.

Why High-Impact Activity Defeats Most Clips

Running and HIIT expose clips to forces regular activities don't:

A clip that works for walking or light activity may fail completely during a 30-minute tempo run or HIIT session.

What High-Impact Clips Need

Extra-Strong Springs

Standard clips use 5-7 coil springs. For running and HIIT, look for:

• 10+ coil springs for maximum grip strength
• Metal construction (not plastic, which weakens faster)
• Reinforced hinges at stress points

The spring is doing constant work during running—every footstrike tests it.

Grip Surfaces That Work When Wet

Shiny, smooth clips become useless with sweat. High-impact clips need:

• Matte finishes that maintain friction
• Rubberized coatings that grip damp hair
• Textured teeth that create contact points

Counterintuitively, some clips actually grip better with light moisture because the textured surface conforms to hair more closely.

Large Sizing

For running and HIIT, bigger is better:

• More hair in the clip = more distributed weight
• Larger clips have stronger springs
• XL sizing (4-5+ inches) handles updos without strain

You want your clip to feel secure, not maxed out.

Durable Construction

High-impact clips face abuse:

• Dropped on gym floors and trails
• Stuffed in running vests and bags
• Yanked out quickly post-workout

Look for reinforced construction, flexible materials that bend without breaking, and quality hinges.

Our Top 5 High-Impact Claw Clips

1. TOCESS 5-Inch Large Hair Claw Clips — Our Pick

Why it works for running: The 10-coil spring is significantly stronger than standard clips—essential for absorbing footstrike forces. At 5 inches, there's plenty of room for a secure high bun.

Best for: Running, marathon training, CrossFit, box jumps, any high-impact activity

Key features:

• 10-coil durable spring (vs. standard 7-coil)
• 5-inch jumbo sizing
• Wide interlocking teeth
• Matte finish for sweat resistance

Price: ~$15 for 6 clips

This is the clip marathon runners swear by. The extra spring strength makes a noticeable difference during long runs when lesser clips start slipping.

2. TOCESS 8 Pack Big Hair Claw Clips — Also Good

Why it works for running: The 7-coil metal spring and rubberized matte coating deliver reliable hold through interval training. Slightly smaller than the 5-inch version but excellent for moderate distances.

Best for: HIIT classes, 5K-10K training, interval workouts, gym cardio

Key features:

• 7-coil metal spring
• 4.33-inch large sizing
• Rubberized non-slip surface
• 8-pack for value

Price: ~$14 for 8 clips

If you're not running marathons, this is plenty of clip for most high-impact workouts. The 8-pack means you can keep clips everywhere.

3. Kōv Essentials Soul Clip XL — Premium Pick

Why it works for running: The cellulose acetate construction is smoother against hair during extended runs—less friction, less breakage. The XL size handles thick hair through marathon training.

Best for: Daily runners, thick hair, long-distance training, athletes who prioritize hair health

Key features:

• XL sizing for thick hair
• Cellulose acetate (plant-based, not plastic)
• 6-month warranty
• Smoother surface reduces friction

Price: ~$30

Worth the investment for serious runners putting in significant weekly mileage. The smoother material causes less hair stress over accumulated miles.

4. TELETIES Classic Large Claw Clip — Also Good

Why it works for running: The bendable material survives drops on trails and being stuffed in running vests—it flexes instead of breaking. Strong grip holds through tempo runs.

Best for: Trail runners, obstacle course racers, anyone hard on their gear

Key features:

• Nearly unbreakable bendable material
• Strong-grip design
• Survives abuse
• Multiple colors available

Price: ~$15

If you regularly drop clips on trails or stuff them in packed vests, this is the durable option that won't let you down.

5. Revlon Strong Hold Hair Claw Clips — Budget Pick

Why it works for running: The double-teeth design provides grip from both sides. At under $7, you can experiment with running clips without major investment.

Best for: Beginning runners, shorter runs, budget-conscious athletes

Key features:

• Double-teeth gripping design
• Budget-friendly pricing
• Proven by 26,000+ reviews
• Available in various sizes

Price: ~$6-7

Start here if you're testing whether claw clips work for your running. Upgrade to the TOCESS 5-inch once you're committed.

High-Impact Styling Techniques

Position matters as much as clip choice for running and HIIT.

The Double-Twist Lock (Maximum Security)

This technique creates maximum grip for the most intense activities:

1. Split into two sections: Part hair down the middle back
2. Twist each section: Left section clockwise, right counter-clockwise
3. Cross and combine: Right over left, left over right
4. Coil together: Wrap combined twists into a bun
5. Clip through layers: Position clip to catch both twists plus base hair

The crossed twists lock together, preventing unwinding even during box jumps.

The High Crown Bun (Best for Running)

For running specifically, high placement works best:

1. Gather at the crown: Top-center of head
2. Twist tightly: More twist = more grip
3. Coil against scalp: Keep tension throughout
4. Clip vertically: Teeth pointing down

High placement keeps the clip stable during forward motion—low buns shift more during running.

The Double-Clip Method (For Very Long Hair)

If one clip isn't enough:

1. Create your high bun as normal
2. Add primary clip at center of bun
3. Add second smaller clip at base, teeth pointing up
4. The two clips work together

This distributes the hold across two points, preventing any single clip from being overwhelmed.

For more techniques, see our complete gym styling guide.

Activity-Specific Considerations

Outdoor Running

Extra challenges: Wind, uneven surfaces, extended duration Solutions:

• Extra-secure double-twist technique
• Position slightly forward to prevent wind from catching
• Test during shake test before leaving

Treadmill Running

Extra challenges: Watching form in mirror, headphone cables Solutions:

• High bun keeps hair out of face for mirror watching
• Clip should clear headphone cables at back of neck

HIIT/CrossFit

Extra challenges: Constant position changes, floor work between jumping Solutions:

• Double-twist lock for maximum security
• Consider flat clip alternative if lots of floor work (see flat clips for yoga/Pilates)

Plyometrics

Extra challenges: Maximum vertical force from jumps Solutions:

• Strongest possible clip (TOCESS 5-inch)
• Double-clip method for long/thick hair
• Test with 30-second jumping jacks before committing

Trail Running

Extra challenges: Branches, uneven terrain, being far from fixes Solutions:

• Durable construction (TELETIES)
• Bring backup clip in vest
• Extra-secure positioning before hitting trails

Troubleshooting High-Impact Hair

If clips still fail during running or HIIT:

Hair gets too slippery

Cause: Sweat overwhelms grip Fix: Apply dry shampoo before workout; use matte-finish clips; increase twist tightness

Clip slides down gradually

Cause: Gravity + impact Fix: Position higher; use double-twist technique; upgrade to stronger spring

Clip pops open suddenly

Cause: Spring overwhelmed by hair volume Fix: Size up; use double-clip method; reduce hair in single clip

Clip causes headache

Cause: Too tight or wrong position Fix: Loosen twist slightly; reposition; ensure clip isn't pulling on hairline

For more solutions, see why your claw clip keeps falling out.

FAQs

Should I use a different clip for running vs. HIIT?

Same clips work for both, but HIIT with floor work may need a flat-back option for those portions. If your HIIT includes lots of supine work, consider the flat clips for yoga/Pilates.

How tight should my running updo be?

Tight enough to pass the shake test (30 seconds of vigorous head shaking without movement), but not so tight it causes headache. If you feel tension at your hairline, loosen slightly.

Can I run a marathon with a claw clip?

Yes—we've tested clips through marathon distances. The TOCESS 5-inch and Kōv XL both survived 26.2 miles without adjustment. Use the double-twist technique for maximum security.

Do I need different clips for indoor vs. outdoor running?

The same clips work for both, but outdoor running faces wind that can catch unsecured hair. Position your bun slightly forward (toward forehead) and ensure no loose ends.

My thick hair defeats every clip—help?

You may need the double-clip method, or clips specifically designed for thick hair. See claw clips for thick hair at the gym for more options.

The Bottom Line

Running and HIIT require clips engineered for impact, not just clips marketed as "strong hold." Look for 10-coil springs, matte grip surfaces, and jumbo sizing.

Our top pick, the TOCESS 5-Inch Large clips, delivers the extra spring strength and size that high-impact activity demands. The double-twist technique adds security for the most intense workouts.

Stop adjusting mid-run. Stop feeling your hair slip during burpees. Get clips built for what you're actually doing, and your hair becomes one less variable in your training.

For more workout hair solutions, see our best claw clips for the gym and our complete ultimate guide to claw clips for working out.