The Best Treadmills for Walking (2024): Get Your Steps In

Although most of us at Garage Gym Reviews are hardcore obsessed with fitness, we still all appreciate walking. Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise that’s inclusive and accessible to almost everyone. There are major benefits, too: A meta-analysis from 2022¹, which analyzed 15 studies that included more than 50,000 participants from across the world, found that 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day decreased the risk of premature death in middle-aged adults. That’s enough to get us stepping!

That’s why we’ve tested more than 50 of the best treadmills for walking to give you the best option for your home gym needs. Our team includes marathon runners, step-count enthusiasts, certified personal trainers, and seasoned triathletes. We assess these machines on factors that include the following:

• Durability: We look for weight capacity above 300 pounds, a strong motor, and minimal movement during use.
• Speed and Incline Range: We assess whether the customizations will accommodate most users and their fitness goals.
• Programming: We score a product on its ability to deliver quality workout programs to the user.
• Ergonomics: We look for perks like cushioned decks and spacious running surfaces.

Rating products in categories such as these, on a scale of 1 to 5, we land on a final score that informs how we choose the best.

Best Treadmills for Walking

• Best Overall Walking Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Sole F63
• Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Walking With Classes: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Commercial Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Walking Treadmill Under $500: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
• Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

Best Treadmill for Walking Video Review

Best Overall Walking Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill

Good for: People who want an all around solid walking treadmill that will stand the test of time.

Best 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 Treadmill has just about everything you’d want in a good walking treadmill: incline capabilities up to 12 percent, the ability to go from 0 to 12 miles per hour, a 10-year frame warranty, and a powerful motor.

Plus, we love that this machine comes with what NordicTrack calls “Runners Flex Cushioning.” They used to call it FlexSelect Cushioning. And before, that, it was probably called something else. But what it all means is that you can turn the cushioning on for a more comfortable walk, or turn it off to simulate road-walking.

It isn’t the only foldable treadmill on our list, but it is one of the few that comes with the industry standard 60-inch long running deck while still being compact. This allows taller runners to get into a comfortable stride, a luxury they might not have on other compact treadmills with shorter running decks.

Is this a small machine? No. There are smaller machines on this list. But if you want a high-quality treadmill that folds and is ideal for walking, this is it. You won’t experience the banging that you sometimes get when you try to fold treadmills. That’s because the EXP 7i comes with a gas shock folding mechanism that allows it to slowly fold down.

Also, like all of the best NordicTrack treadmills, this machine is compatible with iFIT. That unlocks thousands of live and on-demand workouts, including walks, yoga, and strength.

One important callout: GGR’s head of content and expert product tester, Nicole Davis, warns that the 7-inch screen may be hard to read. “Streaming iFIT is an excellent option, but this screen is so small,” she says. “I’m not a fan of the size because I found it difficult to read.”

Read more in our NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill review.

Best Folding Walking Treadmill: Sole F63

Good for: Those looking for a foldable treadmill

Best Folding

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.

The Sole F63 may not be the lightest treadmill, but it’s one of the easiest to fold when it’s no longer in use. To fold, all you have to do is lift the deck to lock it into place. Unfolding simply requires placing light pressure on the deck and pulling a lever, and the treadmill takes care of the rest for you.

A durable treadmill usually isn’t light—and that’s the case with the F63, as it is a heavy 254 pounds. You’ll definitely want to enlist a buddy to help you store or move the treadmill.

RELATED: Best Folding Treadmill

Still, it hits a ton of the marks that make this a quality treadmill you’ll have for years to come. It scored near-perfect marks of 4.5 out of 5 in our testing of customizations like speed and incline range and conveniences like cup holders, fans, and Bluetooth speakers.

There is a lifetime warranty on both the motor and the frame, which is great for a treadmill around $1,200. 

We also gave this machine a 4.5 in the area of ergonomics, as the cushioned deck that Sole uses on it is extremely comfortable. Plus, if you’re someone who loves a good incline walk, the 15 available incline levels will really appeal to you. 

Other extras, like the Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and the F63’s ability to fold, make it a home run for people who want to consistently walk on a treadmill that won’t let them down.

“The machine does wobble a little when you run, but it doesn’t feel unstable,” says Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content who assembled this machine by herself in about an hour. “The hardest part of assembly was unboxing it, because the deck is pretty heavy, so you may need two people for that step.”

The LCD screen is what you’d expect from an affordable treadmill. Basic stats like distance, calories, speed, and incline are all present on the display. There is no touchscreen for programming. However, you could utilize the device shelf above the monitor to put your own tablet or phone if you want to watch a show on Netflix, or listen to music.

The Sole F63 is also the best treadmill for seniors for a few reasons, but one of them is the wide walking deck that prevents fall. There’s also a large and easy-to-read screen and buttons, an emergency stop button, and a second set of handlebars for heart rate monitoring. The No. 1 feature for seniors is the cushioned deck, which helps prevent stress to your lower-body joints—especially the knees.

Check out our full Sole F63 Treadmill review.

Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill

Good for: Those in really tight spaces

Compact Walking Treadmill

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.

The WalkingPad Folding Treadmill comes in at 56 inches long by 21.5 inches in width, which already makes it a great pick for apartment dwellers or anyone else who’s tight on space. The magic, however, lies in its folding capabilities that cut the length to 32.5 inches, making it easy to stow it under beds, in closets, or anywhere else that’s out of the way.

“Really convenient that you can fold it in half when not in use, and it’s fairly easy to move around,” says GGR head of content and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis, who rated the overall portability a 4.5 out of 5.

Another huge plus is that there’s no assembly required. All you have to do is take it out of the box and get to stepping.

How does it perform? So-so, Nicole says.

“It says it can go up to 4 mph,” she says, “but I will say that the 4 mph on this machine doesn’t feel like a standard 4 mph on a gym treadmill. That doesn’t bother me too much since I’m only using it for walking and it goes plenty fast for that.”

In other words, if you’re just looking to increase your step count this will do just fine but don’t count on it for serious cardio.

Nicole also doubts the 1 horsepower engine will be strong enough for continuous daily use, though some customer reviewers say they’ve used this thing every day with no issues. The 220-pound weight capacity may scare off some people, though Nicole noted her husband (who weighs about 220) was able to use it without too many issues.

Read all of our thoughts about the TikTok-famous WalkingPad in our WalkingPad review.

Best Treadmill for Walking With Classes: ProForm Carbon TLX

Good for: Anyone who prefers a coaching guide to get after it

ProForm TLX

ProForm Carbon TLX

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Affordable folding treadmill
• 3.0 CHP motor
• 60″ belt
• 0-12 mph speed range
• 12% incline
• 7-inch display
• iFIT-enabled

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable with a 3.0 CHP motor
• 300-lb weight capacity
• 60-inch belt length
• 12% incline
• Cushioned running deck
• iFIT-enabled
• Foldable

Cons

• Only a 1-year parts warranty
• No touchscreen display

Bottom Line

The ProForm Carbon TLX is an affordable folding treadmill that would be suitable for a small space. It's durable, with a 300-pound weight capacity and 3.0 CHP motor, plus it offers up to 12% incline. Also take advantage of iFIT for virtual classes on this machine.

The ProForm Carbon TLX is an excellent choice if you’re a walker (or runner) who prefers classes and trainer instruction. This machine has a simple 7-inch display but allows you to connect your smartphone to it via Bluetooth to use iFIT for on-demand classes, live events, and scenic walking routes. 

Lindsay Scheele, GGR tester and ISSA certified personal trainer, says when it comes to tech capabilities the Carbon TLX earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating. “The Bluetooth connection is really easy to set up and follow programming on your phone as well,” Lindsay says in her ProForm Carbon TLX review. 

“I really enjoy iFIT programming, especially when it comes to treadmill workouts,” notes Lindsay. “Having iFIT downloaded to your mobile device makes it really easy to use all the programmed workouts off the treadmill.”

You may also like knowing the ProForm Carbon TLX offers a wide range of adjustability with speeds up to 12 mph and incline settings up to 12% grade. It’s also ideal for taller and heavier folks, with a user weight limit of 300 pounds and a treadmill belt measuring 60 inches long by 20 inches wide. 

Speaking of the treadmill belt, Lindsay notes the ProShox cushioning isn’t super noticeable but says, “For a budget-friendly treadmill it was fine.” For this reason, when it comes to ergonomics and adjustability, the TLX earns a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating. 

Best Commercial Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Good for: People who want more of a heavy-duty option

Best Commercial

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.

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, naming it as one of the best treadmills for home. It has a lot to offer as a commercial treadmill and it’s still affordable enough for a home gym. Here’s why we like it.

To start, you’ll get a really impressive range of speed (0 to 12 mph) and incline capabilities, including decline training, which can be helpful for those who want to train to walk trails or hike. It has a 400-pound user weight capacity, way above the industry average, as well as a 3.5 CHP motor. We rated both the durability and customizations of this machine a 5 out of 5 because of these features. 

RELATED: Benefits of Walking on a Treadmill

The Commercial 1750 has 5-out-of-5 tech capabilities, too. On the 14-inch HD touchscreen, you’ll be able to view iFIT, which is top-notch dynamic programming for everything from walking and running to off-machine workouts. 

The only major downside of this machine is the treadmill warranty, which is 10 years on the frame, two years on parts, and one year on labor—we’d expect more for a heavy-duty commercial treadmill. Also, although we rated this machine as a 3.5 out of 5 in the portability category, it’s actually not bad as far as commercial treadmills go. It’s heavy, so you’ll probably need a hand moving it around, but it does fold up to give you some floor space back when not in use. 

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review for all of the details. 

Best Walking Treadmill Under $500: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Good for: People who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a compact treadmill for walking.

Under $500

GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Fits seamlessly under most standing desks
• Quick assembly
• Folds extremely flat for storage
• Comes with remote to change speed with ease

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easily portable and stored
• Emits minimal noise
• Very easy assembly
• Bluetooth speaker on console
• Phone mount
• Remote control
• Safety key
• Ideal for use in small spaces and those who are casual joggers/walkers
• Transport wheels

Cons

• Not intended for sustained or fast running
• Smaller than typical running surface
• Does not fold once handrails are installed
• Handrails do not adjust and are at a fixed 3.5 feet (not ideal for taller individuals)
• Only two modes available
• Max speed is 8 miles per hour
• No incline/decline
• Can not mount a tablet

Bottom Line

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a great value purchase for any walker or casual jogger looking to save space while still getting in a solid cardio session. If you are looking for a treadmill to train for your next marathon on, this is not the one for you.

Understandably, many people are searching for the best budget home gym equipment to outfit their spaces. Finding a walking treadmill that’s under $500 and a solid buy can be tough, but the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill checks a lot of boxes for our team. 

First of all, who doesn’t like free shipping for everyone on Amazon? Not only is this treadmill a great budget option, but it also comes straight to your door without you spending the extra cash. Plus, it can be used under a standing desk for steady walking throughout the workday.

Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder, rated this high for workout performance (a 4 out of 5). He says, “I use it for a couple hours every day during the work week. I like how simple and easy this machine is to use.”

This machine is completely foldable. Not everyone has the space for a behemoth of a machine that has no capacity to be stored or folded–not the case with the GoPlus! Coop found it pretty easy to fold and store away. There are even small wheels to help you scoot your treadmill into a different spot.

In terms of downsides, the GoPlus has a max weight capacity of just 265 pounds, which limits the number of people that can purchase this machine to walk on. We also would not recommend standing on this treadmill before you actually hit the start button, because the motor seems to struggle slightly if you do.  

Read our entire GoPlus Folding Treadmill review.

Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400)

Good for: People who need an inexpensive home treadmill for walking that is easy to use.

Best Budget Walking 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.

The Sunny Health and Fitness (SF-T4400) is one of the best budget treadmills for those who want a solid treadmill they can walk on comfortably. At under $500, this machine has a lot going for it: three incline options (albeit manually, meaning you have to adjust the incline by hand before getting on the treadmill), an easy fold mechanism, and user-friendly buttons.

We really love the soft-drop system that Sunny added to this treadmill. When you’re ready to unfold it, the SF-T4400 essentially does the work for you, making this a safer process where hands and feet won’t get smashed on the treadmill’s way down. “The soft-drop feature is actually soft, and you don’t have to worry about it slamming on the floor,” says Anthony O’Reilly, GGR expert product tester. “It is so compact, it could easily be stowed under a bed.”

The SF-T4400 is a good choice for beginners, because there are a variety of buttons and stats available that make it easy to use and get started on. You can jump between speeds with the press of a button, or view things like time elapsed, calories burned, and speed. 

The weight capacity of this treadmill does leave something to be desired, scoring just a 3 out of 5 on durability in our testing. The max capacity of 220 pounds is not very high at all, and isn’t even close to the industry standard of close to 300 pounds. This is definitely something to keep in mind, because 220 pounds is quite low and isn’t inclusive to much of the general population.

This machine is made with a lot of plastic on the outer shell, so it may not hold up insanely well over time.

“If you need something to just remain active and burn a few calories, this will serve you well,” Anthony says. “It was sturdy enough, easy to operate and move, and displays all the usual stats on the odometer.”

Read our in-depth thoughts about this machine in our Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) review.

Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

Good for: People who work at a desk all day who want to get more daily movement in.

Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking

UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Folds flat to fit under beds and couches
• Comes ready to go; no assembly required
• Easy to move
• Can also be used under a standing desk
• No incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $400
• Handle can be folded under to use under a desk
• Easy to store and good for people in tight spaces

Cons

• Short and skinny deck not ideal for running
• User weight capacity below industry standard at 265 lbs
• Max speed of 7.6 mph

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a foldable treadmill for under $500, the UREVO 2 in 1 is a great option for you.

COVID-19 has changed the way a lot of us work out. With more and more people working from home, it’s not surprising that fitness enthusiasts are looking for new ways to stay moving during the day. The UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill is a budget-friendly treadmill option that fits well under most standing desks.

At just 59 pounds, you won’t need to worry about bugging your partner or roommate to help you move this treadmill. It folds easily to an almost completely flat state to be stored in places like under beds and inside closets. This makes it an ideal choice for people who don’t have a ton of space where they’re able to leave their treadmill out 24/7. 

With a surprisingly strong motor for the price tag (2.5 CHP), the UREVO can hit a top speed of 7.6 miles per hour. However, after my 5’9” self used this treadmill, I realized it likely will be a speed you will not hit unless you’re particularly short. This is because the deck is 42.5 inches long, which is quite a bit shorter than the industry standard of at least 55 inches, so you’d have to have a short stride.

The UREVO is as bare bones as you can get, receiving low marks on our rating matrix for technology and conveniences. However, it costs only $400, which is super cheap for a treadmill, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to—allow you to slowly and continuously get steps in while working. I’m honestly not sure how long the machine will last, as there is quite a bit of plastic used, but that’s less of a concern when it’s a fraction of the cost of many other walking treadmills. 

Check out the full UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill review.

Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

Good for: Those who want to walk on a slight incline indoors

Walking Treadmill with Incline

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.

The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill goes up to a 15% incline, which is why we love it for incline walking. It’s not the highest incline (some treadmills like the NordicTrack X22i go up to a 40% incline), but it’s still better than the 12% we typically see in most incline treadmills.

Usually available for just under $1,000, the 7.0 AT offers a lot for the price. It has a spacious 60-inch-by-20-inch running deck, can go up to 12 mph, and provides cushioning that can keep your joints feeling good as you get more steps in.

GGR’s expert product tester and certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele loved the QuickDial controls, which helped earn the treadmill a 4 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. “You can transition between different inclines and speeds with just a quick touch of your fingertips. If you do a lot of HIIT or fartlek training, the easy adjustments are really handy,” she says.

We also rated the Horizon 7.0 AT a 4 out of 5 for portability. It does fold and comes with transport wheels, but according to Lindsay, it’s not easy to move around. “This is a heavy treadmill, so you’ll want to have it in a dedicated space,” she recommends.

The 7.0 AT doesn’t offer built-in workout classes, so we only gave it 3 out of 5 stars for tech capabilities. It does connect with apps like Peloton, Apple Fitness+, and STUDIO, but these apps require monthly subscriptions of around $10 to $39 per month. And while the machine has a device holder, putting a phone or tablet on it will block your view of the LCD screen—something to keep in mind if you like keeping track of your workout stats as you walk.

Learn more in our Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill review.

Other Treadmills We Researched

Besides our top walking treadmill picks, we’ve researched some other competitors you may be interested in learning more about. Check them out below:

Costway Super Fit Treadmill: For another cheap walking treadmill recommendation, the Costway Super Fit Treadmill might fit the bill. This under desk treadmill has a 2.25 CHP motor, and is a good option for those who need a cardio machine under $400.

Horizon Fitness T202: The T202 has a generously sized deck of 60 inches, making it an ideal walking treadmill for taller people. Plus, with incline options up to 12%, doing a serious incline walk is easy with a few presses of a button. We have a full Horizon T202 treadmill review if you want more info on this machine.

ProForm Carbon T10 Treadmill: If you’re looking for a walking treadmill with interactive programming, the T10 has iFIT membership capabilities (purchased separately). However, it is on the pricier side of a walking treadmill at almost $1,500. We do like this machine though, as you can read about in our ProForm Carbon T10 treadmill review.

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill: Another affordable walking treadmill is the TR150, which can easily be ordered on Amazon with free delivery for everyone. This machine also has three incline settings and multiple programs at your fingertips. 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Treadmills for Walking

After researching some of the most popular walking treadmills, we decided to get our hands on a few ourselves. Well, actually, we have put more than 50 treadmills through our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology.

Before we recommend any product to our readers, we thoroughly test it, and you can be sure we will tell you both the good and bad about each piece of equipment. 

Besides looking at the technical information, we put each treadmill through a variety of tests. We like to see how it performs with people of various heights and weights as well as with workouts that involve walking, running, or sprinting. 

In terms of walking treadmills, we look at the following criteria when testing:

Footprint and Portability

You don’t need a huge machine if you just want to walk. However, we score treadmills high in this area if they are compact and easy to move. If they are bigger machines, they can still score well if they have features that help with moving, like transport wheels, foldability, and handles.

Durability

There are a few ways we measure durability. First, we look at the overall weight capacity. We like to see treadmills with a weight capacity of 300 pounds or more. We also like when these machines have quality motors that run at least 1.75 CHP or higher for walkers.

RELATED: Best walking shoes

Assembly

We give preference to walking treadmills for which the assembly doesn’t take the equivalent of the blood of three baby kittens and a human sacrifice to complete. In other words: You can put it together yourself, or you have the option to pay for professional assembly.

Customizations

Our expert product testers look for signs that you’ll be able to customize your workout on a treadmill that provides options for speed settings and incline. We give priority to machines where this can be done by the touch of a button.

Ergonomics

For walking, you don’t necessarily need a 60-inch deck, because for most people, their strides will never come near to taking up that much room. So we favor machines with at least a 50-inch walking surface as well as those that offer cushioning for joint protection.C

Conveniences

Even budget-friendly treadmills offer extras like:

• Water bottle holders
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Tablet holders
• Cooling fans

Tech and Programming

We don’t put as much emphasis on the tech and programming of walking treadmills, because most people just want to get in their steps. However, we still rate a machine on its ability to provide you with a solid workout experience.

Value

Does the price match the quality of the machine?

Benefits of Walking Treadmills

It’s no secret that exercise of almost any kind has a host of benefits. Check out some of the top reasons you should purchase a walking treadmill and some treadmill benefits:

Improving Cardiovascular Health

Shocker: you don’t have to sprint for an hour and a half on the treadmill to reap the cardiovascular benefits. In fact, studies have shown that consistent walking habits can play a key role in increasing your heart health (and disease prevention!)². 

Reducing Arthritis Pain

Walking on the treadmill can be a surprisingly good way to reduce arthritis pain because it allows you to exercise without doing a high-impact form of exercise like running or jumping. 

Aiding Weight Loss

There is no magic secret to weight loss—you simply must consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. However, walking on a treadmill can help you burn more calories than sitting on your couch. So the next time you feel like watching TV but still want to get your sweat on, why not do both at the same time?

Hitting Your Daily Step Goal

If you’re trying to hit a certain number of steps per day, walking on the treadmill while doing other activities is a great way to meet your goal. For example, an under-desk treadmill like the UREVO can be a slow but steady way to hit those 10,000 steps per day. 

RELATED: Best walking shoes for seniors

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Walking Treadmill

With so many treadmills on the market, how the heck are you supposed to decide what will be the best option for your personal home gym? We break it all down with some of the top things to consider before making your big purchase.

RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment

Budget

Generally speaking, cardio equipment isn’t exactly cheap. However, walking treadmills can be slightly cheaper than something like the best treadmill for running. Curious why? Usually, it has to do with things like a longer deck, a thicker belt, and an increased motor capacity when you’re looking for a treadmill for running. Luckily, a treadmill you just plan to use for walking doesn’t necessarily need all the extra bells and whistles, so these can be slightly less of a concern.

Size

If you’re tight on space, seeing how large the treadmill is when fully unfolded is an important step. Verify that the space you’d like to use is compatible with a treadmill’s unfolded footprint. You can generally view that information for a specific item on the “specs” section of a product’s page. 

Foldability and Stowability

Many of the best walking treadmills I would recommend are foldable (yay!). If it is important to you that your treadmill can be folded and stowed away when not in use, you won’t want to pick a walking treadmill that cannot be folded like the TrueForm Trainer. Be sure to check if your prospective treadmill has wheels that can make moving it easier.

Features

Different features are important to different people. Things to consider include cup holders, Bluetooth speakers, heart rate monitors, programming, and device holders.  

Incline

For those who like to walk on an incline, make sure your treadmill has these options available. Some of the more budget-friendly options may not come with the ability to change inclines. 

Deck Size

Generally speaking, an ideal deck size to support walking, jogging, and running would be around 55 to 60 inches. However, if you plan to use your treadmill exclusively for walking, the length of the deck will likely matter less to you (unless you are over 6 feet tall). If you are on the taller side, getting a treadmill with at least a 55-inch deck will best support you, even if you only plan to use your treadmill for walking. 

FAQs about Walking Treadmills

References

1. Amanda E Paluch, Shivangi Bajpai, David R Bassett, Mercedes R Carnethon, Ulf Ekelund, Kelly R Evenson, Deborah A Galuska, Barbara J Jefferis, William E Kraus, I-Min Lee, Charles E Matthews, John D Omura, Alpa V Patel, Carl F Pieper, Erika Rees-Punia, Dhayana Dallmeier, Jochen Klenk, Peter H Whincup, Erin E Dooley, Kelley Pettee Gabriel, Priya Palta, Lisa A Pompeii, Ariel Chernofsky, Martin G Larson, Ramachandran S Vasan, Nicole Spartano, Marcel Ballin, Peter Nordström, Anna Nordström, Sigmund A Anderssen, Bjørge H Hansen, Jennifer A Cochrane, Terence Dwyer, Jing Wang, Luigi Ferrucci, Fangyu Liu, Jennifer Schrack, Jacek Urbanek, Pedro F Saint-Maurice, Naofumi Yamamoto, Yutaka Yoshitake, Robert L Newton, Shengping Yang, Eric J Shiroma, Janet E Fulton. Daily steps and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of 15 international cohorts. The Lancet Public Health, 2022; 7 (3): e219 DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00302-9
2. Murtagh, E. M., Murphy, M. H., & Boone-Heinonen, J. (2010). Walking: the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention. Current opinion in cardiology, 25(5), 490–496. https://doi.org/10.1097/HCO.0b013e32833ce972

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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