Thule Glide 3 review: a premium running buggy built for serious runners

Our verdict

The Thule Glide 3 is a brilliant running buggy, but it's only really worth buying if you actually plan to run. Over two weeks, parent tester Tamsin tested it every other day with her 15-month-old, using it for 3K to 7K runs, intervals, nursery drop-offs, countryside walks and muddy trail routes. Wherever the ground became rougher, the Glide 3 came into its own.

"This is very much a pushchair for runners," she said. "I took this out for multiple runs varying in length from 3K to 7K, and for a couple of walks. My toddler was extremely comfortable each time, and even asked to get back in after a short walk."

It's light to push, reassuringly stable and impressively comfortable for both parent and child. The suspension smooths out uneven ground, the integrated twist hand brake inspires confidence on hills, and the generously padded seat (complete with a built-in leg rest) kept Tamsin's toddler happy enough to climb straight back in after walks.

The compromises become obvious in everyday use. The fixed front wheel and wide frame made tight corners awkward, while the Glide 3’s size means it won't suit every hallway or car boot. "The only drawback was having to use it on pavements," said Tamsin. "The pram is wide and not the easiest to turn."

If you run regularly, live near trails or spend weekends off-road, the Glide 3 is one of the best jogging pushchairs we've tested. If most of your journeys involve cafés, buses and supermarket aisles, you'll probably spend more time wrestling it than enjoying it.

Parent tester Tamsin tried out Thule Glide 3 as both a running buggy and everyday pushchair

How we tested the Thule Glide 3

Tamsin tested the Thule Glide 3 for two weeks with her 15-month-old son. She used it every other day across a mix of runs and walks, including jogs, intervals and shorter walking trips.

Testing took place on nursery runs and around a local common, covering gravel, grass, mud, hills and trails. Run lengths ranged from 3K to 7K. She also tried it on pavements, partly because the pushchair wouldn’t easily fit in her car, so she needed to push it from home to reach more suitable running terrain.

What’s in the box and how easy is it to assemble?

The box included:

• Thule Glide 3 frame

• Sun canopy

• 3 wheels

• Wrist strap

• Bumper bar (usually sold separately)

• Instructions

Tamsin assembled the Glide 3 in around 20 minutes and didn't need any tools. The process wasn't especially difficult, although the instructions could have been clearer. "The instructions weren't super clear, but I am a sleep-deprived mum," she said. "I struggled with the wheels, hood and bar."

Accessories you can buy separately for the Glide 3 include: car seat adapters, rain cover, bumper bar, Thule organiser and the Thule snack tray.

How does the Thule Glide 3 look?

Once assembled, the Glide 3 looks and feels every bit the premium running pushchair. The aluminium frame is sturdy without feeling overly heavy, while the all-black finish gives it a smart, understated look.

Tamsin was particularly impressed by the quality of the fabrics. "The fabrics are extremely well made and durable. I instantly could tell they'd be waterproof and no water would get through to my child."

Although the rain cover is sold separately, the materials themselves feel well suited to year-round outdoor use.

The multi-position extendable hood was another standout feature. It pulled down low enough to shield Tamsin's son from the sun, whether he was sitting up or lying down for a nap, while the large rear mesh ventilation panel helped keep air circulating on warmer runs. 

"The extendable hood was great for protecting my little one from the sun and making sure he could have a nap."

How safe and sturdy is the Thule Glide 3?

The Glide 3 felt reassuringly stable on every run, whether Tamsin was tackling gravel paths, muddy trails or hills. The integrated twist hand brake gave her good control on descents, while the foot brake held the pushchair securely whenever she stopped.

"I felt confident that my son was protected while in the buggy. From the harness, brakes, both hand and foot, and stability across different terrain, I knew that my son was safe for me to run, which is extremely why we liked this pram."

The padded five-point harness, complete with a magnetic buckle for easier fastening, stayed comfortable throughout testing, with no rubbing or attempts to wriggle free. The large fixed 16-inch front wheel, paired with two 18-inch rear wheels (all air-filled) and good suspension, gives the Glide 3 the stability you'd expect from a dedicated running buggy. The trade-off is that it's less nimble around tight pavement corners than an everyday buggy. 

An included wrist strap is another thoughtful safety feature, helping keep the pushchair securely attached to you on faster runs or steeper descents. Reflective wheel rims and a reflective edge on the canopy also improve visibility during early morning or evening runs.

The Thule Glide 3 proved very comfortable on a variety of terrain

How comfortable is the Thule Glide 3?

The Glide 3 proved comfortable for both Tamsin and her child. The seat is generously padded and roomy enough that she could easily see her 15-month-old using it for years to come.

"It's padded, the harness doesn't rub at all and there are very good levels in terms of reclining," she said.

Tamsin counted six recline positions and found them easy to adjust. Her son stayed comfortable throughout runs and walks, and even wanted to climb back in after a short stroll. The built-in leg rest and generous recline make it easy to create a comfortable spot for a tired toddler after a run.

The handlebar, which adjusts to three different positions, was another highlight. "As a 5ft 9in person, I've struggled with pram heights but this one was great," said Tamsin. "Finding the right level for my height was easy."

The rubber handlebar grip also remained comfortable on longer runs, providing a secure hold without becoming slippery.

What’s the Thule Glide 3 like to use day to day and for running?

For running, the Glide 3 excels. "It was extremely smooth when running and easy to brake when I needed to," said Tamsin.

The high-mounted basket also gave her plenty of stride clearance, so she never clipped the frame while running. “Super smooth on uneven ground,” she said. “The gravel track down to our common wasn’t a problem.”

Day-to-day use was a different story. Although it tackled kerbs easily without disturbing her son, the fixed front wheel and wide frame made it awkward to manoeuvre in tighter spaces.

“Steering was a little tricky when trying to get round tight corners with the locked wheel,” said Tamsin. “It’s way too wide. I feel like this pram is not for general use in a town, but fantastic on tricky terrain.”

How adaptable is the Thule Glide 3 for different ages?

The Glide 3 only offers a forward-facing seat, which wasn't an issue for Tamsin's 15-month-old.

"[There is] only one [seat] option, which I would say is fine for my child as he's a little older, but wouldn't be comfortable if he was younger than six months," she said.

Thule recommends the Glide 3 from around six months up to four years old (or 22kg), and it's compatible with selected infant car seats from Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, BeSafe and Nuna when used with separate car seat adapters. Tamsin didn't test it with a car seat, but based on her experience, felt the buggy would be best suited to older babies and toddlers who are ready to face the world.

The Thule Glide 3 has a large 7kg storage basket

What’s the storage basket like?

The Glide 3's storage basket is generous and easy to access. Tamsin fitted everything she needed for a day out, including a large backpack changing bag and post-run snacks.

"There's loads of space which holds everything for a day out and about, or for snack after a run," she said.

Thule rates the basket to carry up to 7kg. There's also a rear mesh pocket and two mesh compartments for smaller essentials, such as snacks or baby toys.

How easy is the Thule Glide 3 to fold and unfold?

Folding the Glide 3 isn't difficult, but it isn't quite as effortless as Thule's one-handed claim suggests. Tamsin found it became easier with practice, although managing a toddler at the same time made the process more challenging.

"As I couldn't fit it in my car or through my front doorway, I had to take my son out both times and deal with him running around while trying to fold the pram," she said. "It was a bit hectic."

Once folded, it locks securely and stands upright by itself. Weight isn't the issue here; size is. Despite being light enough to lift comfortably, the Glide 3 takes up a lot of space.

"It's very lightweight and easy to move weight-wise, but the size of it makes it difficult to move around," said Tamsin.

That became particularly clear when she tried to fit it into her Kia Sportage. "With the wheels on, I can't fit it in my boot," she said. "With the wheels off, it still takes up the whole of my boot space."

Comparing the Thule Glide 3 folded size with a regular pushchair

How easy is the Thule Glide 3 to clean?

Tamsin found the Glide 3 easy to clean after muddy runs. "Everything comes off easily so if I was to do a very muddy run, I could easily wash it down straight away," she said.

Although she didn't machine-wash the covers during testing, the durable fabrics feel built to cope with the kind of mud, grass and everyday mess that comes with regular outdoor use.

Is the Thule Glide 3 good value for money?

At £650, the Thule Glide 3 is a significant investment. But if running is a regular part of your routine, it earns its price tag. Its smooth ride, excellent suspension, reassuring stability and solid build quality make it a pushchair you'll actually want to train with.

"If you want to run regularly with your child or you live in the countryside and you need a robust pram, this is well worth it," said Tamsin. "If you live somewhere urban, I don't think it is."

That's exactly who the Glide 3 is for. It's an outstanding choice for runners, whether you're clocking up miles on trails or tackling uneven countryside paths. But if most of your journeys involve pavements, public transport or squeezing a pushchair into a car boot, its size and fixed front wheel become much harder to justify.

About the author

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head Editorial Content at Mumsnet. Mum to a four-year-old, she is fully invested in finding the best and most affordable products for families.

With over 10 years’ experience as a full-time editor, including eight years spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has developed particular expertise in buggies and car seats. She has a keen eye for what parents genuinely value and is passionate about delivering honest, practical reviews that help make parents' lives that little bit easier.

In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel.