Best Incline Treadmill (2024): We’ve Climbed Up Hundreds of Floors During Testing

Using a treadmill on an incline can be an excellent way to achieve your fitness goals. In fact, a recent study¹ showed that when you run on an incline, you increase your heart rate and burn more calories than you would on a flat surface at the same pace.

If you want to reap the benefits of some of the best treadmill workouts, check out our list of the eight best incline treadmills on the market. We ran, walked, and jogged on each of the machines on this list to rate them on factors such as the following:

• Customizations: Are there ample incline and speed ranges?
• Durability: Does the machine have a high weight capacity, and is it stable while in use?
• Ergonomics: Is there a cushioned deck? Is the run or walk comfortable?
• Incline: How much of an incline does it go up to, and how many degrees are there?

We have used or researched more than 50 of the best treadmills. Our team of certified personal trainers, competitive triathletes, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers personally tested more than 20 specifically to find the best incline treadmill for home.

8 Best Incline Treadmills 

• Best Incline Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Incline Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Merach T12 Treadmill
• Best Compact Incline Treadmill: Echelon Stride 6
• Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Peloton Tread
• Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Sole F63
• Best High-Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X24
• Best Sled Treadmill: Xebex SledTrac 6000

Best Incline Treadmill Video Review

Compare Side by Side

	NordicTrack Commercial 1750	Horizon 7.0 AT	MERACH T12	Echelon Stride-6	Peloton Tread	Sole F63	NordicTrack X24	Xebex SledTrac 6000
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars.
Speed Range	0 – 12 mph	0.5 – 12 mph	0.8 – 7.5 mph	0 – 12.5 mph	0 – 12.5 mph	0.5 – 12 mph	0 – 12 mph	0.3 – 12.5 mph
Incline Range	-3% – 12%	0% – 15%	3 levels	12 levels	0% – 12.5%	15 levels	-6% – 40%	Up to 10%
Deck Size	60″ L x 22″ W	60″ L x 22″ W	41.3″ L x 16.5″ W	60″ L x 20.5″ W	59″ L x 20″ W	60″ L x 20″ W	60″ L x 20″ W	61″ L x 22″ W
Foldable?					—		—	—
Programs	iFIT	8 preset programs	Access to the MERACH app	Echelon Fit (must use your own device)	Peloton	Sole+ app (must use your own device)	iFIT	N/A
Display	Pivoting 16″ touchscreen	7.25″ high contrast LCD screen	LED screen	Extra large device holder	23.8″ full HD touchscreen	6.5″ backlit LCD	24″ pivoting touchscreen	LED screen
Warranty	Lifetime motor, 10-year frame, 2-year parts and electronics, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor	3-year frame, 1-year parts	10-year frame, 5-year motor, 1-year comprehensive	5-year frame, 3-year motor and belt, 1-year touchscreen and most original components	Lifetime frame and motor; 2-year parts, deck, and wear items; 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items	Lifetime motor, 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	5-year frame, 2-year parts
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Incline Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

Good for: Runners or those who want a treadmill with a high-quality, HD touchscreen

Best Overall

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

GGR Score: 4.5

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Spacious running deck
• Compatible with iFIT
• 14-inch touchscreen
• Incline and decline training
• Financing available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with iFIT
• 3.5 CHP motor
• Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
• Treadmill with incline and decline training
• Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
• Run that feels similar to road running
• Financing options available through NordicTrack
• Generous speed range
• Wide running deck
• Cooling fan

Cons

• Big footprint
• Heavy and not the easiest to move
• Price is around $2,000
• Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

If you’re wanting an incline for long-distance jogs or shorter sprint sessions, you’ll likely enjoy the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, which scored a perfect 5 out of 5 on several of our testing categories, including conveniences, dynamic programming, durability, and ergonomics.

One of the reasons this treadmill is great is because this machine has a 0 to 12% incline and a 0 to -3% decline for a challenging uphill or downhill run. “It’s really easy to adjust the incline—either on the side of the touchscreen or underneath—and the machine is quiet while it’s adjusting,” says Lindsay Scheele, CPT and lead reviewer at Garage Gym Reviews Everything.

In addition to the great incline and decline abilities, the 22-inch-wide-by-60-inch-long deck is sizable enough for most cardio enthusiasts to take long strides. That said, in our testing, the 37-inch safety clip only came out when our tester was about three-quarters of the way back on the running deck, allowing for plenty of room to run until you tire.

Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content and former marathon runner, used the 1750 for long, steady-state runs as well as short sprints. “I found no shaking, no wobbling, just an incredibly sturdy machine,” she says.

We love the 14-inch touchscreen, which is compatible with iFIT programming. Next to Peloton, iFIT has the most well-produced and engaging on-demand classes. You’ll be able to follow along with world-class instructors as they encourage you to run, walk, and sprint.

Even though the 1750 is almost $2,300, NordicTrack does offer excellent financing options. You can pay as little as $54 per month with 0% APR for 39 months. 

The 10-year frame warranty isn’t bad, but for the price, I’d expect to see at least a 15-year guarantee. It is also worth noting that you cannot store this machine in your garage for any reason. If you do, your warranty will be voided by the company. 

Kate assembled the 1750 herself. “This is a heavy machine, so you may need to enlist the help of someone else for tasks like attaching the large console,” she warns. “The entire process took me around 90 minutes, but the instructions are clear. If you have a socket wrench, use it; it will save you a lot of time!”

Take a look at our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill review for more information.

And, if you’re looking for an incline treadmill that’s great for walking or running, check out the Peloton Tread, which is cushioned to perfection.

Best Incline Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.0 AT 

Good for: Serious runners who incorporate HIIT training into their running programs

Best For Running

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Save an extra $100 with code HOLIDAY100

Product Highlights

• Priced under $1,000
• Spacious 60-inch running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity
• QuickDial controls for both the speed and incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60” running surface
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Bluetooth connectivity with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Nike Running Club
• 325 lb weight limit

Cons

• Heavy machine at over 250 lbs
• No included touchscreen
• 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranties are less than the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.

If you’re looking for the best running treadmill with incline without spending too much cash, we’ve got you covered. The $1,000 Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill fits the bill with an impressive 15 levels of incline—ideal for people who really enjoy feeling the burn in their lower body—plus speeds up to 12 MPH as well. This earns the 7.0 AT a 5-out-of-5 rating in the customizations category (where we evaluate incline and speed capabilities).

The incline and speed levels aren’t the only things to love on the 7.0 AT either. The weight capacity of 325 pounds is above the industry standard of 300, and the deck is generously sized for serious runners (or taller folks) and long strides.

RELATED: Best Treadmill for Tall Runners

Several people on our team have tested the Horizon 7.0 AT. It scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 on our rating chart for overall workout performance.

In my own use of the machine, I found the machine did not shake while in use. My only gripe is the lack of interactive programming.

Compared to some of the best high-end treadmills, you’ll note that the 7.0 AT falls short when it comes to that kind of tech. The display is pretty basic, and it doesn’t have on-board interactive programming. However, it is compatible (via Bluetooth) with apps like Zwift and Peloton. Plus, there is a handy device holder right above the display for easy viewing.

As a HIIT enthusiast, I especially enjoy the QuickDial™ controls located on the inner handlebars—you’ll be able to easily switch between various inclines and speeds with just the push of a button. Lead reviewer of Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lindsay Scheele also loves this feature. “I started running with a run/walk program and I would’ve loved a dial like this to help make my workouts that much smoother!”

Now on to the safety feature on the 7.0 AT: We tested the distance on the running deck that would activate the safety clip on the treadmill, and our tester was able to reach beyond 3/4 of the way back before activating the 37-inch-long safety clip. This will catch and stop the treadmill if if you begin to tire or suffer a fall. This is a standard result for a treadmill and what we would expect.

Lastly, an important callout for those in small spaces: This treadmill is big. It weighs a whopping 253 pounds. You’ll definitely need an extra set of hands to help you move the 7.0 up or down the stairs. However, it does fold, which could help you save some much-needed room in your home gym.

Want to learn more? Check out our full Horizon 7.0 treadmill review.

And if you’re looking for a more compact incline treadmill, check out the Echelon Stride 6; it will still allow you to run, but don’t go looking to train for a marathon on it!

Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Merach T12 Folding Treadmill

Good for: People who need an inexpensive treadmill with incline

Best Budget

MERACH T12 Foldable Treadmill With Incline

GGR Score: 3

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Affordable
• Foldable
• Syncs with fitness apps via Bluetooth
• 265-pound weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Foldable
• Lightweight

Cons

• Max speed of 7.5 MPH
• Max user weight is 265 pound, below the industry standard

Bottom Line

The Merach T12 Treadmill is an affordable and foldable treadmill that's perfect for people who aren't serious runners.

Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a treadmill, which is why the Merach T12 Folding Treadmill is among the best budget treadmills. Clocking in at just under $400, the Merach T12 has some good features, but you’ll also note some sacrifices. It gets a 3-out-of-5 rating overall, which is pretty solid for a machine of this price.

For example, there are three levels of incline, but they require a manual adjustment. Therefore, you’ll have to get off the machine and stop the workout in order to make changes. 

It may seem like a pain to have to manually change your incline, but it is a small price to pay to save a lot of cash. Plus, the rest of the T12 is extremely simple to use. The display is user-friendly and there is a variety of preset programs to choose from when it is time to get your sweat on. 

The machine’s speed range goes up to 7.5 MPH, which may not be good for serious runners but should be enough for general trainees trying to do some physical activity. Also, be aware that the weight capacity is 265 pounds. That’s lower than what we typically like to see on cardio machines.

If you can up your budget to about $1,000 on a treadmill, consider either the Horizon 7.0 AT or the Sole F63; both of these machines have great specs, including automatic incline, and you can use them for logging some serious miles.

Best Compact Incline Treadmill: Echelon Stride-6

Good for: Anyone looking for a space-saving treadmill

Best For Walking

Echelon Stride-6

GGR Score: 4.3

Check Price Save $300

Product Highlights

• Auto-fold
• 12.5 incline levels
• No assembly required
• Cushioned running deck
• 300-lb user weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Folds and unfolds with the push of a button
• No assembly
• Vertical and horizontal transport wheels
• Bluetooth compatible

Cons

• Screen not included
• 1-year warranty for most customers (Echelon Premier members get a 5-year warranty)

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride 6 has all the features you'd expect in a heavy-duty treadmill, along with auto-fold technology and zero assembly.

One of the main selling points of the Echelon Stride 6 is that it is one of the best folding treadmills, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 on our footprint rating chart. It actually folds to just 10 inches flat, which means it is easily stowed. “I push it up against the wall on my porch, but it also fits under my bed,” says certified personal trainer and GGR senior director of content Kate Meier.

For around $1,300, you’ll get a treadmill with 12 levels of incline and a lifetime warranty. We’ve tried both this machine and its predecessor, the Echelon Fitness Auto-Fold Stride, and overall, think it’s a good purchase for the right person.

Kate has had the original Echelon Stride on her screened-in porch for months. She uses it primarily for morning walks, having logged hundreds of miles on it.

“This is best for walking, as it doesn’t feel as stable when I jog,” she points out. Since the Echelon Stride-6 has similar specs, we anticipate it will feel the same during testing (we’ll update this review once we’ve had our hands…err, feet on it).

The Stride 6 comes with a basic LCD screen and a device holder, but if you want to upgrade slightly, the Stride 6s has a 10-inch touchscreen. Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer at Garage Gym Reviews Everything, said her biggest gripe with the Stride 6s is the small screen: “When you’re running the screen is a bit hard to see, particularly since there are a bunch of metrics just below the screen,” Lindsay explains. She said the screen size wasn’t a dealbreaker for her, but it’s something to be aware of if you plan to upgrade.

If you have an Echelon membership, you can access thousands of live and on-demand cardio classes via your smart device. “I just use it in manual mode,” Kate admits. “There are buttons on the handle where you can quickly adjust the speed and incline, so I just use those.”

Although this machine does fold and store really nicely, there are limitations. “This isn’t super portable,” Kate points out. “It weighs more than 150 pounds, so getting it up over the step from my porch inside is difficult.”

The running deck is 60 inches long, which is the industry standard for most treadmills and long enough for even the tallest runners to get a full stride.

For more, check out our Echelon Stride review.

If you can make permanent space for a treadmill with better specs, consider the Horizon 7.0 AT—not only is it a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Echelon Stride 6, you’ll be able to log some serious miles on it without worry.

Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Peloton Tread

Good for: Those who would rather walk than run

Best for Walking

Peloton Tread

GGR Score: 3.74

Check Price Save $200

Product Highlights

• Powerful 3.0 CHP motor
• Carbon steel construction
• Top speeds of 12.5 MPH
• 23.5″ HD touchscreen display
• Incline training
• Non-folding
• Live and on-demand classes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Interactive, responsive HD touchscreen display
• Access to thousands of workouts via Peloton
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Front speakers and rear woofers for great sound
• Big range of speed and incline
• Carbon steel frame
• Intuitive controls
• Red line centered on running deck ensures good running mechanics
• Sleek design
• Improved safety features: Tread lock, emergency stop button, stop-sensor technology in belt and a safety key

Cons

• Disappointing warranty
• No decline
• No pre-programmed workout so need to purchase membership to Peloton
• Expensive
• Heavy
• Smaller console
• Minimal cushioning
• No cooling fans (not a deal breaker but it would be nice)
• Smaller running deck compared to similarly priced treadmills

Bottom Line

After several recalls back in 2021, Peloton recently released this new treadmill, the Peloton Tread, with improved safety measures. Perhaps best known for its wide range of live and on-demand classes, the Peloton Tread is a fantastic way to train indoors and stay motivated.  The easy-to-use, interactive touchscreen provides access to a library of workouts and leaderboards that truly brings training to a new level.Powered by a 3.0 horsepower motor, the Tread reaches speeds up to 12.5 mph and inclines up to 12.5%; impressive numbers by any standard. Constructed from carbon steel, the Tread has a sleek, compact design that is as sturdy as it is attractive. While the price tag is steep, it could be a worthwhile investment for your home gym if it fits your budget.

Picture this: You’re getting your steps in while catching up on your favorite show. Well, that can be a reality since the Peloton Tread connects to Netflix and other streaming platforms. Plus, Peloton has hundreds of walking exercises and other low-impact workouts that can be done on the Tread or outdoors.

When it comes to incline, the treadmill goes up to 12.5%. That’s about the industry standard and there are plenty of classes that will take advantage of the incline to help strengthen your posterior chain. Peloton gets an easy 5 out of 5 on interactive programming.

The Tread’s running deck is 59 inches long, one inch shorter than the industry standard for runners. You may not think it, but that one inch is noticeable if you have a long stride. Our taller testers say walking on the Peloton Tread is no different than walking on other treadmills, except for when it reaches higher speeds.

“Since the deck is so cushioned, I could probably walk on this thing all day long if I had to,” says certified personal trainer and GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly.

If you don’t want to shell out $3,000 for a treadmill, consider our top pick of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750; for about $2,500 you’ll get a great machine for both walking and running on an incline.

Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Sole F63

Good for: Those who need to be able to easily fold their cardio machine 

Best Folding

Sole F63 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.3

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,200
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fans
• Powerful 3.0 HP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Financing is available
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB port
• Device holder
• 15 different levels of incline
• Cushioned deck
• 20" W x 60" L belt
• 325-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.

For a treadmill that saves space with an impressive incline range, check out the Sole F63, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5. Thanks to the handy gas shock, this machine can be easily (and safely) folded and unfolded. You won’t have to worry about suddenly crushing toes or fluffy paws when you’re ready to use your F63. Plus, the folding mechanism makes it an ideal choice for people who need to be able to store their treadmill while it isn’t being used.

The Sole F63 is what I’d call a thoroughbred—it is an all-around great machine with quite a bit going for it. The 3.0 CHP motor is powerful enough to support walking or sprinting, and it’s definitely one of the best treadmills for running.

Lead reviewer at Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lindsay Scheele agrees, saying “This is the machine I’d recommend for someone who wants to do a lot of running and wants a great value.”

Continuing on, I also enjoy the large 20-inch-wide-by-60-inch length deck, which is ideal for people of various heights. You even get an exceptional lifetime frame warranty when you purchase the F63. Definitely the kind of horse—er, treadmill—you’d want sitting in your home gym.

Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content, rated this a 4 out of 5 for durability. While it does have a high weight capacity at 325 pounds, she did find it shakes a little when you take it to top speeds.

The machine is really heavy. I’m talking 254 pounds of hulking metal and plastic. As Kate found out during assembly, you may need a friend (or two) to help move the machine to your desired space. This is why we rated the portability category a 4 out of 5—although the F63 folds, it’s not necessarily easy to move around.

The Sole F63 meets the mark for safety: The safety clip is a 35-inch-long string and clamp, and our testers reached 3/4 of the way back to the end of the deck before activating the clip. This trends with most other treadmills, designed to stop the treadmill during a fall to minimize any injury.

In terms of technology, this earned a 4.25 out of 5 from our team. Why? You have a USB charging port, Bluetooth speakers (which Kate said sounded shockingly great), Bluetooth heart rate monitoring, connectivity to apps, and an LCD screen to monitor your metrics. The only reason it didn’t get a perfect score is because the F63 doesn’t have a touchscreen.

Read our full Sole F63 treadmill review to learn more about one of the best folding treadmills with incline.

And if you can shell out the extra cash, consider the NordicTrack 1750; it also folds but provides decline training options as well.

Best High-Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X24

Good for: Those looking for extreme incline levels

Best High-Incline

NordicTrack X24 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.25

Check Price

Product Highlights

* Goes down to a -6% decline or up to a 40% incline * Speed range of 0-12 mph * 24″ swiveling touchscreen * SmartAdjust technology automatically adjusts speed and incline levels during iFIT classes * Powerful 4.25 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Monitor doesn’t wobble even when running at top speeds
• High-quality speakers
• Large belt deck of 60″ x 22″
• Lifetime warranty on the motor
• 400-lb weight capacity
• Monitor has streaming capabilities
• Can create custom, simulated maps with Google Maps

Cons

• Expensive at around $4,500
• Handlebars are a little slippery
• Cushioning could be better
• High step-up height of over 13″
• Weighs over 400 lbs in the box

Bottom Line

The new NordicTrack X24 Treadmill has an impressive incline/decline range of -6% to 40% and features an impressive 24-inch touchscreen monitor with high-quality speakers. It includes several conveniences, like water bottle holders and a cooling fan that adjusts automatically based on the intensity of your iFIT class. However, the $4,500 price tag is steep, and this large, heavy treadmill could be difficult to move around.

Want to really challenge yourself on extreme incline levels? The NordicTrack Commercial X24 treadmill features a -6% decline and goes up to a whopping 40% incline. We rated the machine a 4.25 out of 5 overall with a solid 4 out of 5 for customizations and ergonomics.

Admittedly, a 40% incline is aggressive. There are handlebars, which you’ll likely need for stability when training at high inclines. However, when GGR’s expert product tester Lindsay Scheele tested the X24 treadmill, she noted that the handlebars weren’t her favorite. “It’s nice to have the handlebars for a little extra security, but they are slippery,” she notes.

This is a high-end treadmill, clocking in at around $4,000 and making it the most expensive piece of equipment on this list. However, it’s also fully loaded with features, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 on our scoring chart for technology benefits (there is a 24-inch touchscreen) and for dynamic programming (this treadmill offers interactive iFIT workouts with a paid subscription).

The cushioned deck is spacious at 22 inches wide by 60 inches long. That makes for one of the biggest running surfaces we’ve ever run on. “The deck seemed small to me when I first saw it, but it really is quite large. Taller runners should be able to run on it with ease,” Lindsay says.

This machine also has a 4.25 HP motor so it’s pretty powerful, and we expect the X24 treadmill to last for a long time. It has a high weight capacity of 400 pounds, but the step-up height is 13.66 inches, which may pose a challenge for users with mobility restrictions.

In terms of footprint, this isn’t a small or light machine. We rate it a 1 out of 5 for footprint and portability. You’ll need plenty of room for the X24, which weighs over 400 pounds and doesn’t fold. Also, if the assembly is anything like the X32i treadmill, the process will be quite challenging. We recommend springing for professional assembly.

Check out our in-depth NordicTrack X24 treadmill review.

There aren’t many people who would absolutely need a 40% incline for their training; if you can get by with 12% incline to -3% decline, check our our top pick, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

Best Sled Treadmill: Xebex SledTrac 6000

Good for: Runners who want a sled drag incorporated into their training

Best Sled Treadmill

Xebex SledTrac 6000

GGR Score: 4.18

Check Price $500 off plus free shipping

Product Highlights

• Treadmill with sled drag options
• 6 different training modes
• Incline and decline training
• Basic display
• Bluetooth connectivity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6 ways to train
• Belt runs backwards and forwards
• Safety key included
• Pulse sensors for heart rate
• Bluetooth connectivity to chest straps or apps

Cons

• Hefty price tag
• Large footprint
• No built-in touchscreen

Bottom Line

The XEBEX SLEDTRAC 6000 is a home gym dream. Within one footprint you can walk, jog, run, and sled drag. Plus, this treadmill has 15 levels of incline training and the ability to use the machine forwards or backwards. That also means you can sled drag forwards and backwards.

Sometimes, just an incline isn’t enough; you really want some resistance added to your workout routine. The Xebex SledTrac 6000 provides just that, with multiple functions in this treadmill—including a sled drag. 

The SledTrac is packed with tons of versatility, so you can run, walk forwards or backwards, perform incline or decline training, and train sled drags all in one machine. “This is a wild machine,” says GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT. “The sled component is super cool and is really well done.” 

Even at its price tag of $3,799, both Lindsay and GGR founder Coop Mitchell find the sled treadmill to have tons of value, rating it a solid 4 out of 5. “You won’t spend money on a large display or subscription fee,” Coop adds. “Plus, it’s built solid, which makes it a better value than some commercial treadmills.”

The running deck on the Xebex SledTrac 6000 is big—61 inches long and 22 inches wide—which gives it a massive build and footprint, earning a 3 out of 5 for its footprint and portability. Even then, the deck size adds to its functionality, giving the user plenty of space for the many different types of training you can perform; because of this, Coop rates the ergonomics of the SledTrac a 5 out of 5.

Because of the versatility of the machine, designing an adequate length for the safety clip seems to have been an issue. In our testing, our tester almost reached the back before activated the SledTrac’s safety clip. Still, he also notes that the sled treadmill has large hand rails along the entire deck, so you also still have a place to catch yourself if you find yourself slipping.

The sled treadmill has 15 levels of incline, up to a 10% grade. Coop warns, however, that adjusting inclines is slow, so it may not be ideal for HIIT or quick incline changes. Still, with the included sled drag training, we think this is worthwhile to anyone looking for that type of training that has the budget for the sled treadmill.

Read our Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill review for more information.

Other Treadmills We Recommend

Are none of these incline treadmills getting the job done for you? Check out some of our other roundups to find more great options:

• Best Treadmill Under $500
• Best Folding Treadmill
• Best Walking Treadmill
• Best Manual Treadmill
• Best Cushioned Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Home Gym

How We Picked And Tested The Best Incline Treadmills

Curious how we chose the best incline treadmills? We have an in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology that we apply to all products we recommend. Check out the questions we asked ourselves to determine if a treadmill makes the cut:

• Incline options: What incline options are there? What is the maximum incline? How does this compare to others in the same price range? Are they automatic or manual incline? Are there any decline options?
• Speed levels How fast can this treadmill go and what is the max speed? How does this compare to similar models?
• Weight capacity: What is the user weight capacity? How does it compare to the industry standard 300-pound user weight capacity?
• Handrail: Does it have one or two sets of handrails?
• Dimensions: What is the footprint of this machine? Does the machine store well?
• Foldability: Can the machine be folded? Is there a gas shock for safe folding? 
• Technology: Does the machine feature interactive programming? Are there Bluetooth speakers or any other type of technology features the reader should be aware of? Is there a free iFIT membership trial? 
• Display: Is the display LCD or a touchscreen display? How large is the screen? Are there any preset training programs on the display?
• Portability: Can the machine be moved easily? Are there included transport wheels? Is it a compact treadmill or good for small spaces?
• Weight: How heavy is the machine? Can it be moved by one person or will you need an extra set of hands?
• Motor: What horsepower does the motor have?
• Deck: Is the deck shock-absorbing? How large is the running deck/what are the dimensions?
• Price: How expensive is the treadmill? Is it a budget, mid-range, or high-end option?
• Extras: What extras does this treadmill have? Is there a tablet holder, phone holder, or water bottle holder? Does the treadmill come with a heart rate monitor? Does it have a cooling fan or speakers?
• Assembly: Can you pay for professional assembly? How much is professional assembly? Is it easy to assemble by yourself or will you need help? How long did it take you to assemble?

Benefits of Incline Treadmills

Treadmill benefits are wide-ranging, but incline treadmills have their own unique set of positives. GGR performance editor and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly has the 4-1-1.

“Incline treadmills offer all the same benefits as your good old-fashioned treadmills, with a few bonuses,” Anthony explains.

Works Your Posterior Chain

“Running or walking on an incline treadmill works your posterior chain (glutes and hamstrings), as well as your calves, which can help tone those muscles. And because your body is working harder when climbing an incline, you’re burning more calories than you would on a flat treadmill.

Incline treadmills can also prepare you for real-life situations like climbing a long flight of stairs or a rigorous mountain hike.”

Increases Caloric Burn

Because climbing a hill, no matter how small it is, burns more calories than walking on a flat surface, incline treadmills provide an effective way to increase your overall caloric burn. A recent 2022 study¹ found that walking at a 6% incline was better for energy expenditure than walking at a 0% incline and is more effective at preventing and reducing obesity.

Workout Versatility

One underrated benefit of incline treadmills is that they make your workouts more fun. Check out our guide to the best incline treadmill workouts if you need some inspiration.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Incline Treadmills

Finding a quality treadmill can be tricky, but luckily, we’re here to help. Here are five things to consider before purchasing a new treadmill.

Incline Options

If you’re someone who enjoys incline runs or walks, you’ll need to make sure your new treadmill can support your habits. Most treadmills above $1,500 have a wide range of incline options. However, if your budget is on the lower side, you’ll need to pay special attention to the included incline levels, as not all inexpensive treadmills have them.  

Price Tag

Considering your budget is one of the most important steps to finding a treadmill that will work for you. If you’re set on a machine that you can’t afford all at once, check to see if there are financing options available. Many brands like NordicTrack and ProForm offer excellent payment plans to help you break up the cost.  

Weight Capacity

Especially if you plan to share your new treadmill with family and friends of different sizes, finding a machine with a high weight capacity is a must. The industry standard for user weight capacity is 300 pounds, but you may need more or less depending on who will be using the machine. 

Footprint

Deciding ahead of time where your treadmill will live will help you narrow down your list of potential machines. Do you need your new cardio machine to fold or have a small footprint? Do you have the capacity to leave the treadmill out 24/7? These are important questions to ask yourself to avoid buying a treadmill that doesn’t actually fit in your space.

Speed Range

If you enjoy HIIT, you’ll want to choose a treadmill that has a wide range of speeds. For those folks who prefer a slow jog or a walk, speed range will be less important to you. Decide what you plan to do on your treadmill ahead of time, so you can find a machine that fits your preferences. 

Best Incline Treadmill: FAQs

References

1. Ahn HN, Lee MG, Jung WS. Effects of gradient and age on energy expenditure and fat metabolism during aerobic exercise at equal intensity in women. Phys Act Nutr. 2022 Mar;26(1):20-27. doi: 10.20463/pan.2022.0004. Epub 2022 Mar 31. PMID: 35510442; PMCID: PMC9081356.

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

Further reading

Is Running On a Treadmill Bad for You? Our Experts Weigh In

by TJ Mentus

If you’re wondering, “Is running on a treadmill bad for you?” we have your answer. Read more

Whipr Review (2024): Row, Ski, Paddle, and Swim With This Versatile Rowing Machine

by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1

Is Whipr the most versatile piece of cardio equipment ever to exist? Find out in our Whipr review. Read more

5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier Review (2024): Bells and Whistles, But at What Cost?

by Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

This once was the gold standard for weighted vests. In our 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier review, we see if this plate carrier still stands up to the competition. Read more

Partner Workout Ideas: How to Absolutely Crush Your Next Partner Workout

by Lauren Strong, CPT

All of the usual benefits of working out apply to partner workouts, but working out with someone else comes with a few unique perks. Read more