RubStick vs BodyGlide vs RunGuard vs RunGlide: Which Anti-Chafe Balm Should You Choose?

If you’ve searched online for an anti-chafe product, you’ve almost certainly come across names such as BodyGlide, RunGuard and RunGlide. These brands are well known among runners and endurance athletes, and they’ve helped many people discover that painful skin irritation doesn’t have to be part of running, hiking or long-distance walking.

However, once you’ve found several different products, another question quickly follows: which one should you buy?

It’s easy to assume there’s a single “best” anti-chafe balm, but the truth is more personal than that. Every runner, walker and hiker has different priorities. Some want a product that can survive marathon training, others need something small enough to carry during races, while many simply want reliable protection for everyday runs and weekend adventures.

Rather than concentrating solely on brand names, it’s worth understanding the qualities that make an anti-chafe balm genuinely useful. The right product should fit naturally into your routine, protect your skin in challenging conditions and give you confidence to focus on your activity instead of worrying about painful rubbing.

In this guide we’ll compare the types of anti-chafe products available, explain what features really matter and explore why an increasing number of runners, walkers and hikers are making RubStick part of their essential kit.

Why More People Are Using Anti-Chafe Balms

Not long ago, chafing was simply accepted as part of endurance sport.

Marathon runners often relied on petroleum jelly, improvised solutions or simply hoped for the best. Many finished races with sore thighs, irritated underarms or the dreaded runner’s nipple, believing discomfort was unavoidable.

Today we know much better.

Dedicated anti-chafe balms are designed specifically to reduce friction before it causes damage to the skin. Instead of waiting until irritation develops, runners can create a protective barrier before leaving the house.

The result is simple: greater comfort, fewer distractions and more enjoyable miles.

That’s why anti-chafe products have become common not only among elite athletes but also among recreational runners, hikers, cyclists, gym-goers and anyone who spends long periods on their feet.

Why Brand Names Only Tell Part of the Story

There’s no shortage of recommendations online.

Some runners swear by BodyGlide. Others recommend RunGuard or RunGlide. Browse any running forum and you’ll find dozens of different opinions.

While personal experience is valuable, it doesn’t necessarily mean one product is right for everyone.

Think about buying running shoes. Even the most highly rated shoe won’t suit every runner because everyone has different biomechanics, distances and preferences.

Anti-chafe products are similar.

Instead of asking, “Which brand is best?”, it’s often more useful to ask:

“Which product best suits the way I exercise?”

That small shift in thinking helps you focus on the qualities that genuinely affect comfort rather than simply choosing the product you’ve heard mentioned most often.

What Makes an Anti-Chafe Balm Effective?

Regardless of the brand, several characteristics separate a purpose-made anti-chafe balm from an ordinary skincare product.

It Should Be Easy to Apply

One of the biggest reasons people skip preventative products is inconvenience.

If applying an anti-chafe balm feels messy or time-consuming, many runners simply won’t bother—particularly before early morning training runs.

Stick applicators solve this problem neatly.

They allow you to apply protection directly to areas such as the inner thighs, underarms, feet or waistband without getting your hands covered in product.

Because application takes only a few seconds, it’s much easier to build into your regular pre-run routine.

This is one of the reasons stick-style products have become increasingly popular among endurance athletes.

It Needs to Perform During Exercise

Running, hiking and walking all create challenging conditions.

Body temperature rises.
Sweat increases.
Clothing becomes damp.
Thousands of repetitive movements create constant friction.

These are exactly the situations where an anti-chafe balm earns its place in your kit.

Choosing a product that’s designed for active use gives you confidence that it will continue helping reduce friction throughout your activity rather than disappearing shortly after application.

It Should Be Suitable for More Than One Activity

Many people don’t just run.
You might complete parkrun on Saturday morning, go hiking on Sunday and spend your summer holiday exploring cities on foot.

Instead of buying separate products for different activities, many people prefer one anti-chafe balm they know they can rely on regardless of where they’re heading.

This versatility is particularly useful if you’re packing light for races, walking holidays or backpacking trips.

Comparing Popular Anti-Chafe Brands

Several brands dominate conversations about chafing prevention.
Each has helped increase awareness of skin protection during endurance sports, and each has loyal supporters.

BodyGlide
BodyGlide is probably the best-known anti-chafe brand internationally.
Its popularity means it’s often the first product new runners encounter when searching online.
For many people, BodyGlide serves as an introduction to the benefits of preventing friction before exercise rather than treating sore skin afterwards.

RunGuard
RunGuard has earned a strong following among runners, particularly those training for longer distances.
It’s frequently recommended within running communities and is commonly considered alongside other specialist anti-chafe products.

RunGlide
RunGlide is another recognised name among runners looking for friction protection.
Like the other products in this category, it’s designed to help reduce rubbing caused by repetitive movement during exercise.

So Which One Should You Choose?

This is where many comparison articles simply declare a winner.
In reality, choosing an anti-chafe balm is less about finding the product with the biggest reputation and more about selecting one that fits naturally into your lifestyle.

Ask yourself a few practical questions.

Will you only use it for running, or would you also like it to work for hiking and walking holidays?

Do you want something compact enough to fit inside a hydration vest or race belt?

Would you rather apply a stick directly to your skin than squeeze product onto your hands?

Do you regularly run in warm weather or train through wet British winters?

These questions matter far more than which brand happens to have been around the longest.

Why RubStick Has Become a Popular Choice

RubStick has been developed around the practical needs of active people rather than simply adding another name to an already crowded market.

Its easy-to-use stick applicator means protection can be applied quickly before a run without creating mess.

Because the formulation is sweatproof and water-resistant, it’s designed for the conditions runners, hikers and walkers actually experience rather than everyday use around the house.

The compact 30g version also makes RubStick particularly convenient for people who spend hours outdoors.

Whether it’s tucked into a marathon race vest, a hiking backpack or luggage for a walking holiday, it’s easy to carry without taking up unnecessary space.

RubStick has also been tested by long-distance runners and triathletes, helping ensure it’s developed with endurance activities in mind.

Perhaps most importantly, it isn’t limited to one sport.

The same product can be used before a road run, trail run, charity walk, mountain hike or sightseeing holiday, making it a genuinely versatile addition to your kit.

Why More Runners and Hikers Are Choosing RubStick

While products such as BodyGlide, RunGuard and RunGlide have helped establish the anti-chafing category, many runners are now looking beyond brand recognition and focusing on what they actually need from an anti-chafe balm.

For most people, the ideal product is one that becomes part of their routine without requiring a second thought. If it’s easy to apply, convenient to carry and reliable in different conditions, it’s far more likely to be used consistently.

That’s where RubStick has been designed to excel.

Its deodorant-style applicator allows you to apply the balm directly to the areas that need protection, whether that’s your inner thighs, feet, underarms, waistband or anywhere clothing or equipment regularly causes friction. There’s no need to use your fingers, making application quick, clean and convenient before heading out of the door.

RubStick’s sweatproof and water-resistant formulation is also well suited to the realities of endurance sports. Long runs, challenging hikes and warm-weather training all create demanding conditions, so choosing a product designed with active lifestyles in mind provides extra confidence when you’re spending hours on your feet.

Another advantage is versatility. Rather than buying separate products for running, hiking or walking holidays, many customers prefer one anti-chafe balm they can rely on across every activity. Whether you’re training for a marathon, exploring mountain trails or spending a weekend sightseeing, RubStick is designed to help keep friction under control.

When Should You Apply an Anti-Chafe Balm?
One of the biggest misconceptions about chafing is that you should only reach for an anti-chafe balm once you feel rubbing starting.

In reality, prevention is always more effective than treatment.

The best time to apply an anti-chafe balm is before you begin your activity, while your skin is still clean and dry. This allows the protective layer to be in place before friction develops.

Most runners apply RubStick immediately before putting on their running kit or just before leaving the house. Hikers often include it as part of their pre-walk routine alongside sunscreen, hydration and checking their backpack.

If you’re taking part in an exceptionally long event, such as a marathon, ultramarathon or multi-day hike, carrying your anti-chafe balm with you means you can reapply if you feel a hotspot developing.

Where Should You Apply It?
Everyone is different, but there are a few areas that regularly benefit from protection.

For runners, the inner thighs are the most common area, followed by the underarms, feet, waistband and nipples. Women also frequently apply anti-chafe balm beneath the sports bra band and shoulder straps where prolonged movement can cause irritation.

Walkers and hikers often apply RubStick to similar areas, while also protecting places where backpack straps or hip belts make repeated contact with the body.

If you’ve experienced chafing in a particular location before, applying balm there before every long run or hike is usually a sensible habit.

Common Mistakes When Buying an Anti-Chafe Product

When comparing products such as BodyGlide, RunGuard, RunGlide and RubStick, it’s easy to focus entirely on brand names. However, a few common mistakes can lead to disappointment.

The first is waiting until after you’ve already developed sore skin. Anti-chafe balm works best as a preventative measure rather than a treatment.

Another mistake is choosing a product purely because someone else recommended it. Every runner trains differently, covers different distances and experiences friction in different areas. The best choice is the one that suits your own routine.

It’s also worth thinking beyond your next race. If you enjoy hiking, travelling or long walks, choosing a versatile anti-chafe balm means you’ll get value from it throughout the year, not just during marathon training.

Finally, don’t overlook convenience. If a product is quick to apply and easy to carry, you’re much more likely to remember to use it consistently.

Is RubStick Right for You?

If you’re looking for a dedicated anti-chafe balm that’s designed specifically for active people, RubStick is an excellent choice.

It is particularly well suited to:
Runners training for 5Ks, half marathons and marathons.
Trail runners and fell runners.
Walkers and hikers covering long distances.
Charity walkers and endurance event participants.
Travellers heading on walking holidays.
Anyone who regularly experiences thigh chafing, underarm irritation or rubbing caused by clothing.

Because it’s compact and portable, it’s equally at home in a gym bag, race vest, backpack or suitcase.

Many customers discover RubStick while searching for a BodyGlide alternative, but continue using it because it fits naturally into their active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RubStick only for runners?
No. Although it’s popular with runners, RubStick is equally suitable for hiking, walking, cycling, gym workouts, team sports and everyday activities where friction is a problem.

Can I use RubStick on my feet?
Yes. Many runners and hikers apply anti-chafe balm to areas of the feet that are prone to friction before putting on their socks. Combined with well-fitting footwear, this can help reduce rubbing on long outings.

Will RubStick fit into my running vest or belt?
Yes. The compact 30g size is designed to be easy to carry, making it ideal for marathon runners, trail runners and hikers who want to keep essential kit lightweight.

Can I use RubStick in wet weather?
RubStick has a sweatproof and water-resistant formulation, making it suitable for use in a wide range of outdoor conditions.

Is anti-chafe balm better than petroleum jelly?
Many runners and walkers prefer a purpose-made anti-chafe balm because it’s specifically designed for reducing friction during prolonged physical activity and is easier to apply cleanly using a stick applicator.

The Bottom Line

Searching for the “best” anti-chafe balm can quickly become overwhelming when there are so many brands to choose from.

The good news is that you don’t need to choose based on popularity alone.

Instead, look for a product that’s easy to apply, convenient to carry and designed for the activities you enjoy most. Whether you’re running through the streets of London, hiking in Snowdonia, training for your first marathon or exploring a new city on holiday, preventing chafing should be a simple part of your preparation—not something you only think about once discomfort begins.

RubStick has been created with those needs in mind. Its convenient stick applicator, sweatproof and water-resistant formulation, and compact size make it a practical addition to any runner’s, walker’s or hiker’s kit.

Thousands of training miles, race days and outdoor adventures are far more enjoyable when you’re focused on the journey rather than the discomfort of rubbing skin.

If you’re ready to spend less time worrying about chafing and more time enjoying your activity, make RubStick part of your routine before your next run, hike or long walk. A few seconds of preparation can make all the difference.

Find out more and buy Rubstick here.