Best Cushioned Treadmill (2024): 9 Cloud-Like Options for Your Most Comfortable Workout Yet

Whether you’re looking for a cushioned treadmill because your joints are begging you to and you need one of the best treadmills for bad knees, or you just want a more comfortable workout experience, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of the best cushioned treadmills on the market today.

Regardless of your budget or skill level, I’ve found solid options to fit almost everyone’s cushioning needs. Someone on our team at Garage Gym Reviews has had our hands (er, actually, our feet) on every single one of these machines, so you can feel confident in your purchasing decision. 

Our team at Garage Gym Reviews is full of real people with tangible experience and extensive knowledge of the fitness industry. We’re certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, marathon runners, and elite-level athletes. We have personally tested more than 50 machines to find the best treadmills, rating them based on factors such as:

• Cushioning: How good is the cushioning? Can you walk/run on it for long periods of time without impacting your joints?
• Durability: Does it have a strong motor and a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds?
• Workout Programs: Does it have preset workout programming, or can it connect to fitness apps?

9 Best Cushioned Treadmills 

• Best Cushioned Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Home Workouts: Horizon 7.4 AT
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Around $1000: Sole F63
• Best Folding Cushioned Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best High-End Cushioned Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride-6s
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Beginners: WalkingPad P1 Foldable
• Best Budget Cushioned Treadmill: Sunny Health And Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill 
• Best Heavy-Duty Cushioned Treadmill: Peloton Tread+

Best Cushioned Treadmill Video Review

What Is a Cushioned Treadmill?

A cushioned treadmill is exactly what it sounds like: It is a running machine with some built-in level of cushioning useful for shock absorption. The intention is to take pressure off the runner’s joints.

There are three ways a treadmill could be cushioned:

“Cushioned treadmills may have the same type of cushioning throughout the deck, or variable cushioning to better accommodate the various parts of a running stride, or cushioning that you can actually turn on and off,” says Amanda Capritto, GGR staff writer, certified personal trainer, and endurance athelete. “Any of these options are great, and it depends on what you’re looking for. Combined with a high-quality pair of running shoes, shock absorption will be optimal and joint impact will be greatly minimized.”

RELATED: How to Choose Running Shoes

Best Cushioned Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill

Good for: Switching up the cushioning depending on your current needs

Best Cushioned Treadmill Overall

NordicTrack EXP 7i

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• iFIT-enabled and comes with a free 30-day family membership
• 3.0 CHP motor suited for walking or running
• Speeds from 0 to 12 mph with incline ranges up to 12%
• Folding design
• 20-inch-by-60-inch cushioned running deck to reduce stress on joints and back
• Supports weights up to 300 pounds
• Conveniences include Bluetooth connectivity, a console fan, and tray for storage

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Interactive 7-inch screen allows for easy access to the iFIT library
• Folding design
• Large running surface for a folding treadmill
• Cushioned running deck
• One-month family membership to iFIT is included with purchase

Cons

• Small screen
• No tablet or phone holder
• Heavy

Bottom Line

True to the NordicTrack brand, the NordicTrack EXP 7i is a high-quality treadmill best suited for walkers, joggers, hikers, and the casual runner. With iFIT connectivity, you will have no shortage of motivation to stay on track towards your fitness goals.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i has a feature I haven’t seen on any non-NordicTrack treadmills––adjustable cushioning! The brand’s FlexSelect Cushioning allows the user to change the intensity of the cushioning (after folding the machine) with a simple twist of the hand. Whether you want an extra-comfortable walk or want to simulate road running, you can make it happen on the EXP 7i.

RELATED: Best NordicTrack Treadmills

I enjoy the user-friendly controls, as well as the 12 incline and speed options. Since the deck is 20 by 60 inches, which is the industry standard, the EXP 7i is an ideal choice for almost everyone. As a tall person, I especially enjoy the deck size, because I’m able to stride naturally without worrying about any missteps so for ergonomics and adjustability I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

Plus, the EXP 7i is compatible with iFIT programming (membership sold separately), which can be viewed on the included touchscreen. The touchscreen is a bit small for my taste at just 7 inches, but I like that it’s an option on a treadmill in this price range. It earns a rating of 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities.

For those who balk at the idea of assembling your new treadmill, NordicTrack offers delivery and assembly for an extra $149. However, the actual assembly process is pretty simple if you decide to go the DIY route. The only thing I’d recommend is grabbing a friend or two to help, because the EXP 7i is heavy at 222 pounds. 

Take a look at our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Home Workouts: Horizon 7.4 AT

Good for: TV show and programming connectivity

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Home Workouts

Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Foldable design
• Deck cushioning
• 12 mph top speed
• Incline up to 15%
• 350 lb use weight capacity
• 22″ W x 60″ L running area
• Built-in workout programs
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Generously sized running deck of 60 inches
• User weight capacity of 350 lbs
• Foldable
• Sturdy and doesn't shake much while in use
• Powerful 3.5 CHP motor

Cons

• Large and not made for compact spaces
• Heavy at 318 lbs
• Lack of touchscreen/interactive programming

Bottom Line

If you're a serious runner and want a foldable treadmill you can trust, I would strongly recommend the Horizon 7.4. Although it doesn't have all the extra technology features (like interactive programming or a touchscreen) it is a well-build machine with a powerful motor.

For those of us who enjoy interactive programming, the Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill is a standout choice. You can connect various apps (and a free included heart rate monitor) to the 7.4 via Bluetooth. During your home workout, you’ll be able to view various metrics, see your heart rate, and hear programming through the dual speaker system. For this reason, we’re giving it 5 out of 5 stars in tech capabilities.

RELATED: The Best Treadmill With TV Screens

Plus, you’ll have a comfortable run or walk thanks to the 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning. According to the Horizon website, the 3-Zone Cushioning refers to the “impact zone, transitional zone, and push-off zone.” Each of these zones requires a different type of cushioning for optimal usage––neutral, firm, and flexible. Horizon clearly put a lot of thought into the cushioning, which makes for a better user experience. It scores a 4.5 out of 5 in ergonomics and adjustability as far as we’re concerned.

Garage Gym Reviews Writer and Editor Amanda Capritto initially tested the 7.4, and was pleased to note the sturdiness of the structure.

“Although there are a lot of plastic components, I feel confident in the durability of the 7.4,” Amanda explained. “The lifetime frame and motor warranty certainly don’t hurt either!”

It is worth noting that you’ll need to use your own device to stream any programming or shows. This isn’t a big deal to me personally (especially since the included device holder is beefy), but it is good to know for those who really want a touchscreen.

Read all our thoughts in the Horizon 7.4 Studio Tread review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Around $1,000: Sole F63

Good for: Trainees who want a good value 

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Around $1000

Sole F63 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.3

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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.

As one of the best treadmills under $1,000, the Sole F63 (which fluctuates around that price) is a great value for individuals who want a machine with cushioning without an outrageous price attached. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the lifetime frame and motor warranty to help you feel secure in your purchase.

According to the Sole Fitness website, the F63 has a “Cushion Flex Whisper Deck,” which apparently “reduces joint impact by 40%.” I’m not entirely sure how Sole measured the joint impact and I cannot vouch for that percentage, but the cushioning is excellent from my firsthand experience. Overall, I’d rate my experience on this treadmill a 4.5 out of 5.

If you love being able to power walk uphill, you’ll enjoy the up to 15-percent-incline options on the F63. Plus, the F63 comes with a free heart rate monitoring strap, which can come in handy when you’re trying to see your pulse rate (maybe while calculating your VO2 Max).

Although there are six preset training programs on the F63, there isn’t an included touchscreen for interactive programming. However, there is a nice device holder above the small LCD screen for you to add your own phone or tablet. Programming wise, we’re giving this a rating of 4.2 out of 5.

It is also worth noting that the Sole F63 does shake slightly at higher speeds. It isn’t a terrible shake, and doesn’t make the machine feel unstable, but something to be aware of. We still think it earns 4 out of 5 stars for durability.

See our full Sole F63 treadmill review.

Best Folding Cushioned Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Good for: Runners and walkers looking for guided programming from a reputable manufacturer

Best Folding Cushioned Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

GGR Score: 4.5

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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.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 would have topped this list at one point when it featured the brand’s Flex Cushioning. However, the newest models did away with that; yet there is still fantastic cushioning on this machine. Plus, it is one of the best folding treadmills on the market, as the deck lifts and locks into place and slowly unfolds using a hydraulics system.

Like other treadmills from NordicTrack, the 1750 is compatible with iFIT, which means you have access to thousands of on-demand and live workouts that include running programs as well as off-machine routines.

“I did an entire running series on iFIT in which the instructor took me all over Hawaii,” says Kate Meier, Garage Gym Reviews head of content and two-time marathon runner. “I love using the program’s automatic incline and speed controls so I don’t have to worry about pressing buttons during my workout.”

The 1750 has an impressive -3% decline and 15% incline, which means you can truly feel like you are running up and down hills. Also, the speed range of 0 to 12 MPH accommodates just about any kind of treadmill workout you plan on doing. As far as adjustability and ergonomics are concerned, this treadmill earns 3.5 out of 5 stars from us.

Kate assembled the 1750 herself, and she says you should spring for the professional assembly if you can swing it. “This is a large, heavy machine that took me about an hour and a half to put together,” she says. “It’s certainly possible to do alone, but having a friend could help, and having someone else do it is even better!” Since it could be done alone, though we don’t recommend it, we rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for delivery and set up.

For more, check out our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review.

Best High-End Cushioned Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000

Good for: Advanced athletes, interval training, or people who enjoy all the bells and whistles

Best High-End Cushioned Treadmill

ProForm Pro 9000

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Compatible with iFIT
• Powerful motor
• Foldable treadmill
• Large 22-inch HD displays
• Hands-free incline/speed adjustments

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large 22-inch display
• Compatible with iFIT
• Incline and decline training available
• Cushioned deck
• Fan and water bottle holder
• Bluetooth speakers

Cons

• Priced around $2,300
• iFIT subscription is an additional cost
• Heavy machine with a big footprint
• You cannot store or use this treadmill in your garage without voiding the warranty

Bottom Line

The ProForm Pro 9000 is a powerful, pricey treadmill great for those who want interactive programming from a reliable machine.

This top-of-the-line cardio machine has thick “ReBound Pro Cushioning” to enhance even your toughest workouts. Plus, the generously sized 22-inch touchscreen with compatible iFIT programming (membership sold separately) doesn’t hurt either.

iFIT has an extensive, on-demand class library with a variety of high-intensity runs and sprint sessions to choose from. I also love the user-friendly jump buttons below the display. They make changing incline, decline, and speed simple with just a single button push. We give this a 5-out-of-5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics.

The Pro 9000 is an extremely stable machine. You won’t have to worry about it shaking during a flat run or a hill climb. However, this very stable machine comes with a very heavy weight (shocker, I know) of 263 pounds when it arrives at your doorstep. When it’s time to move this treadmill, I recommend grabbing a friend or two to make the process safer. As far as footprint and portability we think this earns a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Although a 10-year frame warranty isn’t terrible by any means, I’d expect slightly better for the almost $1,800 price. The industry standard for a frame warranty is 15 years to life on a nice treadmill, so perhaps ProForm will improve upon this guarantee in the future. For now, we are rating it 4.5 out of 5 for warranty, financing, and returns.

Check out our ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride-6s

Good for: People looking for a comfortable treadmill to do some light walking on

Best for Walking

Echelon Stride 6s

GGR Score: 3.67

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Product Highlights

• Auto-fold feature
• 10-inch embedded touchscreen
• Cushioned running deck
• Horizontal and vertical transport wheels
• No assembly required

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-folding feature
• Cushioned, impact-absorbing running deck
• No assembly required
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Horizontal and vertical transport wheels

Cons

• Small 10-inch screen

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride 6s is a compact and impact-absorbing treadmill that's perfect for people of all fitness levels, and comes with a 10-inch touchscreen to watch live and on-demand fitness classes.

Echelon treadmills are known for their compact nature, and we really loved our experience on the OG Echelon Stride. One of Echelon’s latest models, the Echelon Stride-6s, has quite a bit to love about it as well, including an impact-absorbing running deck that not only reduces the shock to your joints, but also reduces noise for a comfortable and quiet walking experience. 

While we haven’t had the opportunity to test the Stride-6s, GGR senior director of content and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier, has used the original Echelon Stride consistently for about six months and has really enjoyed her experience.

“I love it because I don’t have the space for a large machine,” she says. When folded, the Stride-6s is slim enough that it will fit under most beds or behind furniture. It also has an innovative auto-fold feature, which makes storage even easier. For those reasons, we feel confident about giving it a 5 out of 5 for portability.

GGR founder Coop also tried out the original Echelon Stride and said that while it’s not the best cushioning on the market, it’s perfect if you’re just using it for getting your daily steps in. We think the Stride-6s will be comparable, rating it a 5 out of 5 in adjustability and ergonomics.

The Echelon Stride-6s has a 3.0 CHP motor, which can easily handle long steady periods of walking. One of the great things about this treadmill is the quick adjustment wheels on the handlebars. These make it easy for you to adjust the speed, volume, and incline without having to fumble around with buttons. 

Although we consider this to be one of the best treadmills for walking, if you eventually decide to take your walking to the next level, it can easily accommodate running as well. The deck is 60 inches long, so even tall people or people with a long stride can both walk and run comfortably on it. You can get this treadmill for under $1,500, which is a pretty good deal considering all it has to offer. We’re rating it a 4 out of 5 in value.

Read our Echelon Stride review for more information on the original Stride model.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Beginners: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

Good for: Those who want a compact and straightforward cardio machine to get started with

Best for Beginners

WalkingPad Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Folds for easy storage
• Suitable for tall folks and long strides
• Comes assembled
• Compatible with KS Fit App
• Features foot-sensing controls

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $450
• Foldable
• Can be controlled by the app or a remote
• Has automatic foot control
• No assembly required

Cons

• Max user weight of 220 lbs
• No obvious warranty

Bottom Line

The WalkingPad is another great option for people who want a way to walk while doing another activity.

If you’re a beginner, we recommend the WalkingPad P1 Foldable Treadmill. You’ll want to stick to only walking on this treadmill but on the plus side, the price tag won’t break the bank. You can typically purchase it for under $400. In our testing, we found this treadmill best for those who are focused on getting more steps in at a casual pace. 

While we really like this walking pad, it truly is just for walking, and there are cheaper options on the market that cost less yet will serve the same purpose. For that reason, we give the WalkingPad P1 a rating of 3.5 out of 5 for value. 

As far as cushioning goes, GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis says that although the deck of this treadmill is a bit slimmer than a regular tread, it still feels plenty comfortable to her. There’s an added EVA layer on the belt of this machine to help with comfort as well. Nicole rated the WalkingPad a 3 out of 5 for ergonomics. 

This treadmill does not have any preset workout programs, but this is probably just fine for true beginners who just want to move more throughout the day. There are also no buttons for you to press to get going on the machine itself; instead, it has a wireless remote with a display that you can use to speed up and down, start or stop, and switch the mode. This treadmill even has foot-sensing speed control when set to automatic mode, which means it goes only as fast as you want it to. 

We rate this compact treadmill a 4.5 out of 5 for portability as it’s extremely small when folded up completely, has transport wheels, and only weighs 62 pounds. You can easily move it around your house or gym and stow it away when it’s not in use. When folded, it’s only 32.5 inches long and 5 inches tall. 

Nicole has used this treadmill regularly for over a year—and counting—and rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5. You can read more about our thoughts in our WalkingPad review. 

Best Budget Cushioned Treadmill: Sunny Health And Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill

Good for: An apartment or condo without lots of space available

Best Budget Cushioned Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill SF-T4400

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Under $500
• Has manual incline options
• Compact and folds
• Speeds up to 9 MPH

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has incline
• Folds easily
• Very compact
• Tread comes with shock absorption
• Quick-speed buttons on the handrail

Cons

• User weight capacity is 220 lbs
• Top speed of 9 MPH
• No decline option

Bottom Line

The SF-T4400 is a great budget walking treadmill that can be easily folded and used in small spaces.

Even if you’re not looking to drop a wad of cash on a treadmill, you can still get a well-cushioned, budget treadmill for under $500. The Sunny Health and Fitness (SF-T4400) treadmill impresses with a shock-absorption deck, which helps eliminate excessive bounce back for users. This essentially means your run or walk will be more comfortable, because your feet won’t be pounding the deck with too much force that the treadmill can’t handle.

Plus, this machine is an excellent option for those in small spaces. The SF-T4400 can be folded almost flat for storage in a closet or up against a wall. Garage Gym Reviews Staff Writer Anthony O’Reilly tested this machine and thinks it might even fit into the back of a larger car when folded. 

I think this is a solid machine for beginners––you won’t struggle with a difficult build and there are nine preset programs to give users some direction for their workouts. 

However, I don’t love the low weight capacity of just 220 pounds––80 pounds below the industry standard. I do understand it is a budget treadmill option and compromises have to be made to keep the price low, but this roadblock makes the SF-T4400 a less inclusive option. That said, Anthony — who weighs just about 220 pounds — said it worked just fine for him.

Check out our Sunny Health And Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill review.

Best Heavy-Duty Cushioned Treadmill: Peloton Tread+

Good for: Those who want an especially sturdy cardio machine that’ll stand up over time

Best Heavy-Duty Cushioned Treadmill

Peloton Tread+

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Product Highlights

• Soft, cushioned treadmill
• Tilting touchscreen
• Can be powered via electric motor or manually
• Incline up to 15%
• 67-inch running deck

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cushioned slat belt
• 67-inch running space is well above the industry standard
• 32-inch tilting touchscreen
• Can be used as a manual treadmill in "Free Mode"
• Adjustable incline up to 15%

Cons

• Expensive
• Weighs 455 pounds

Bottom Line

The Peloton Tread+ is a luxury cardio machine that features a cushioned slat belt, tilting touchscreen, and the high-quality interactive that made Peloton a household name. The downside: A very steep price tag.

Whether you want to walk more frequently or become a long-distance runner, this sturdy and cushioned treadmill will aid you in reaching your goals. The super soft surface of this treadmill is constructed of 59 rubberized slats and gives you a total of 67 inches of cushioned running space. You even have the option to turn off the power and run on the soft surface in a manual fashion. 

The 300-pound weight capacity of this cardio machine isn’t anything extraordinary, but it’s fairly inclusive and shows that this treadmill was built with durability in mind. Feeling supported on a treadmill is a high priority for many users, and support you will feel on the Peloton Tread+. We expect the frame of this machine to be virtually unmoving while in use as the treadmill is also a weighty 455 pounds. We think this treadmill has earned a rating of 5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. 

The Peloton Tread+ is not exactly for runners on a budget. It will cost you around $6,000 (though there is financing available). While this is a large price tag, it’s to be expected as a Peloton product. Honestly, considering all of the quality features, we rate it a 4 out of 5 for value. You’ll get a running surface that will reduce impact, a 32-inch HD touchscreen you can access thousands of programs on, and awesome in-workout metrics. User reviews on the Peloton website have great things to say about the comfort of the treadmill. With one user saying, “I am heavy set … the tread is easy on the knees.” 

It’s worth noting that the Peloton membership is sold separately (at $44 per month) and you’re not able to get the true experience of the pricey treadmill without it. That being said, by utilizing interactive programming, you can hold yourself more accountable and level up your fitness without having in-person interaction with an instructor. 

GGR expert product tester Lindsay Scheele tried out the Peloton Tread, which doesn’t have all of the features that the Tread+ does, but she loved how user-friendly the screen and programming were, so we’re giving this one a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming since it’s a similar (if not better) experience. 

If you don’t have a lot of extra space, this machine isn’t for you. The Peloton Tread+ doesn’t fold at all, and it isn’t simple to move since it’s so heavy. The footprint itself is large and in charge, which can be tough for people in smaller spaces looking for a compact treadmill. 

Other Cushioned Treadmills We Researched

Schwinn 810 Treadmill: Although I love the variety of preset programs on the Schwinn 810, the belt is extremely thin. 

XTERRA Fitness TR150: The XTERRA Fitness TR150 is a walking treadmill I love. Unfortunately, the cushioning is subpar and wouldn’t be a machine I’d recommend for those with joint pain. 

How We Picked and Tested

There are tons of things we consider before putting any piece of fitness equipment on a roundup. In this case, here are the main questions we asked ourselves while determining which treadmills would make the cut:

• Cushioning: What is the cushioning system like? How does it feel? Is it adjustable?
• Price: What is the price tag? Does it seem reasonable based on the features you’re getting?
• Assembly: Is the assembly difficult? Are there options for professional assembly when purchasing? Will you need a second person to assist with assembly?
• Warranty: What is the warranty for the frame, motor, parts, and labor?
• Weight capacity: What is the weight capacity? How does it line up with the industry standard?
• Deck size: How large is the running surface? 
• Footprint: How large or small is the treadmill?
• Speed options: What is the max speed?
• Materials: What is the treadmill made with? Does it have a steel frame? Are there lots of plastic components? How heavy-duty is the treadmill?
• Portability: Can the treadmill be folded? Is it heavy? Can it easily be moved?
• Display: How large is the display? Is it a touchscreen, LED, or LCD screen?
• Workout experience: Does the machine shake while in use?
• Extras: Is there a cupholder, tablet holder, or accessories holder?
• Motor: What horsepower does the motor have?
• Technology: Does the treadmill have preset workout programs? Is it compatible with interactive programming (like an iFIT membership)? Does it have Bluetooth connectivity?

Benefits of Cushioned Treadmills

Trying to figure out if picking a cushioned treadmill for your home gym is your best bet? Certified personal trainer (and Garage Gym Reviews Staff Writer plus Editor) Amanda Capritto weighs in. 

“Cushioned treadmills are basically the industry standard now, but that doesn’t mean the benefits shouldn’t be highlighted,” Amanda explains. “A treadmill with a cushioned deck is ideal for many populations, including people with arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions; people recovering from ankle, knee, or hip injuries; seniors who need to be careful about how much joint impact they endure; and even just for long-distance or frequent runners who want to keep up a long running career.”

Studies have backed up Amanda’s claim, with one¹ saying that treadmill cushioning significantly “decreased plantar force on the fore foot and mid foot.”

RELATED: Best Treadmills for Seniors

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Cushioned Treadmills

Trying to figure out what to look for in a new cardio machine for home use can be tough, so we’re here to help make the process a little easier. Check out the main things you need to know to get a cushioned treadmill you’ll love. 

Price

In my experience, more expensive treadmills usually have better cushioning. However, this isn’t exclusively the case. Make sure you determine a personal budget ahead of time or look for treadmills that offer financing, like NordicTrack. 

Type of Cushioning

I suggest carefully reading through the product page of a treadmill you’re interested in. Pay special attention to mentions of the deck––does the machine have shock-absorption or extra cushioning? Brands usually want to highlight all the positives their products have to offer, so if you don’t see any mention of the deck beyond the size, it probably isn’t well-cushioned. 

Warranty

Industry standard-wise, a treadmill should ideally come with a 15-year to life warranty on the frame and motor. This is, of course, in a perfect world, and budget options don’t always have such an extensive warranty. Make sure you are aware of your new machine’s warranty stipulations ahead of purchasing. 

Deck Length

For all you tall folks out there, you’ll want to look for a deck size of 20 by 60 inches and a treadmill for tall runners. This will allow you to stride comfortably in all your workouts. If you’re a shorter person or just want to use your new treadmill to walk or jog occasionally, deck size is a less important factor. 

Best Cushioned Treadmills FAQs

References

1. Shi H, Li H, Liu H, Yu B. Effects of treadmill cushion and running speed on plantar force and metabolic energy consumption in running. Gait Posture. 2019 Mar;69:79-84. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.01.024. Epub 2019 Jan 16. PMID: 30682642.

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

The 11 Best Hip Thrust Alternatives, According To A Certified Personal Trainer 

by Ravi Davda, CPT

Looking for the best hip thrust alternatives? A personal trainer shares 11 exercises that work the same muscle groups and explains how to do them. Read more

WaterRower vs Concept2 Rowing Machine: Which Model Is Right For You?

by Lindsay Boyers, CN

To help you decide between the two indoor rowers, we’ve broken down the features of the WaterRower vs Concept2. Read more

MuscleTech Nitro Tech Review (2024): Protein Powder From a Time-Tested Name

by Zach Pierce, CPT, MSc

Find out if we think this popular protein will stand the test of time in our MuscleTech Nitro Tech Review. Read more

NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical Review (2024): Discontinued Model With A Space-Saving Folding Design

by Lauren Strong, CPT

This discontinued elliptical might deserve a place in your home with its space-saving design. Read our NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical review to find out. Read more