Cool Treadings: The 8 Best Treadmills for Runners

Are… you… ready to RUN-BLE???

Welp, in order to do it consistently with (1) no gym membership and (2) no weather-related interruptions, you’re gonna need a treadmill.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve taken care of all the un-fun stuff — like comparing specs, prices, and features — to bring you this perfectly (if we do say so ourselves) curated list of the best treadmills for runners of any size, budget, or skill level. Thank us later!

Quick comparison of the best running treadmills

How we chose the best treads

So, what matters most when it comes to a good running treadmill? We spoke with Erin James, personal trainer and founder of wellness company Squay, to get the scoop. Here’s what she recommends.

Get you a workhorse — literally

Continuous horsepower (CHP) should be a main consideration.

“It means that the motor can continuously deliver the speed and power you need,” explains James. She recommends a minimum CHP of at least 1.5, with 2.0 being ideal for walkers, 2.5 for slower runners, and 3.0 or greater for faster runners.

She also reminds us, though, that higher CHP = higher price in most cases, so if you see a great deal on a treadmill with a high CHP, jump on it!

Avoid growing pains

As you become a better runner, you’ll naturally get faster — so you want a treadmill that can hang with you.

“Typically,” says James, “one that goes at least 8 miles per hour [mph] is ideal if you need a smaller machine.” Fortunately, most standard-size home treadmills are in the range of 10–12 mph.

Maintain your bubble

Just call us Jeff Bezos, ’cause we need SPACE.

“Your treadmill should have enough space for you and anyone else using the machine,” says James. “If you feel like you don’t have enough space to move when running, it can impact your stride and safety.”

She recommends a running deck of at least 22 by 55 inches (in.) — and make that 60 in. if you’re more than 6 feet tall. But this can also affect the price: A less expensive treadmill will typically have a smaller running deck.

Get tready: The best treadmills for running

Best overall treadmill for running

ProForm Pro 9000

This treadmill is our best overall pick because, for the price, it’s loaded with features that even some higher-end treadmills don’t have.

ProForm is known for balancing quality with price, so you can buy the brand’s highest-end model without taking out a second mortgage. The company also throws in a full year of a family iFit membership with your tread purchase, so you’re saving even more $$$.

Plus, it’s got everything a runner needs — a 22-in. touch-screen display that you can use to stream workout videos, a tablet holder in case you’d rather Netflix and run, a solid motor, and plenty of speed and incline (and decline!) options.

Best treadmill for streaming running classes

NordicTrack Commercial 2950

ProForm’s cousin NordicTrack has some super similar treadmills — but they’re a bit pricier. Both this treadmill and our ProForm pick have 22-in. screens and access to the same iFit trainer-led classes and automatic speed/incline adjustments.

But this treadmill also has some extra features that make it great for taking your classes to the next level: a stronger motor, a bigger running deck, and a higher incline maximum. It’s also supposed to be extra-quiet, so you can cut out the noise and focus on your sprints.

Best foldable treadmill for running

Echelon Stride

The Echelon Stride is designed to be paired with streaming fitness apps — in particular, the Echelon app (obv). And it’s got some smart features that, TBH, every treadmill really needs, like a tablet holder that doesn’t block the treadmill’s display. Plus, it’s got a USB charging port so you can energize your devices while you energize your bod.

But the coolest part is that this ’mill can fold itself down when you’re done with it. All you have to do is flip up the console and press a pedal lever, and it’ll automatically fold down to a teeny 10-in.-tall treadmill taco.

Best compact treadmill for running

Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill

Tight on space and ISO a treadmill that won’t be in your way when you’re not using it? Look no further. This one from Sunny Health & Fitness folds completely flat for easy, compact storage. But it still has a fairly standard-size running deck (49 in., compared with the standard 50 in.).

It also has built-in speakers and a tablet holder, so there’s no skimping on the luxe features.

Best treadmill for beginner runners

Horizon T101 Treadmill

The Horizon T101 treadmill is the most basic model in the brand’s lineup, but it boasts some impressive draws — like Bluetooth, built-in speakers, a tablet holder, and even a little fan to help keep you cool.

The low price makes it a great intro ’mill for beginners. But the solid features mean you’ll still appreciate it even as your running moves up to the next level.

Best treadmill for advanced runners

3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill

Serious runner? You’re gonna need a serious treadmill, and boy howdy, this one is IT. It’s got a super-long 62-in. running platform, an extra-powerful 4.0 horsepower motor, built-in surround sound speakers, and a personal fan.

You can run at up to 12 mph (OK, Usain-in-training) and ramp the incline up to 15 percent. We’re getting sweaty just thinking about it.

Best treadmill for runners in larger bodies

Sole TT8 Treadmill

Big and/or tall? This treadmill has you covered. It has a generous 60-in. running deck that’s also a little wider than most (22 in. instead of 20 in.) and a 400-lb. weight capacity. And according to Sole, its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck can help reduce joint strain by up to 40 percent. Welcome to Comfort Town.

Things to consider as you shop

Ready to get your treadmill run on? First, you gotta get your treadmill shop on. Here are some tips to help you find your treadmill running *sole*mate, in addition to the expert tips from James re: speed, CHP, and running area.

Foldability

Look for a treadmill that folds away for storage if you’re in tight quarters or if you’ll need to move your treadmill from room to room on the reg.

Size

Definitely take measurements of the space you plan to put the treadmill in, just in case you need a more compact model to fit.

BUT also think about your typical running pace. Smaller treadmills tend to have lower max speeds, less powerful motors, and smaller running decks, so they’re better for slower running, while larger models are better suited to a faster pace. It’s a trade-off, for sure.

Incline

If you’re an outdoor runner using a treadmill for training, you’ll want a treadmill with incline to replicate hills. Some treadmills, like the Sole TT8, also include decline settings so you can replicate downhill running.

Weight limit

Most treadmills have a weight limit of 300 lbs., but several models have higher or lower weight capacities. Make sure the treadmill you buy can accommodate the largest person who will be using it so you can maximize the treadmill’s lifespan and ensure a safe workout for all.

Number of profiles

Some treadmills — especially those that connect to apps like iFit, Peloton, and Echelon United — allow you to have multiple profiles. This is ideal if more than one person will be using the treadmill regularly. You can each store your stats separately within the app, so you can easily keep tabs on your progress.

Classes, programs, and entertainment

Some high end treadmills with built-in touch screens (lookin’ at you, NordicTrack and Echelon) don’t function to their fullest unless you fork over the cash for a monthly subscription — but darn if they don’t have some amazing fitness content that makes it worth the price!

This is def something to keep in mind when shopping for a treadmill for streaming fitness, though.

Wanna DIY it and save a little dough? Get a nice treadmill in your budget that has Bluetooth speakers and a tablet holder, and then buy a membership to your favorite streaming fitness app (Peloton is only $12.99 per month if you don’t have a Peloton device vs. $39 if you do) and view the workouts on your tablet.

Extras

While the extras may not be the reason you choose a treadmill, they can certainly make treadmill running a whole lot more enjoyable. As far as extras go, a tablet or phone holder is a MUST in 2021, and a USB charging port and Bluetooth speakers might as well be. The little personal fans are a nice touch, too, even if they don’t really do much.

If streaming workouts are a high priority for you, you may want to go ahead and buy a streaming-ready treadmill that’s got a built-in touch screen. Just know that these treadmills are significantly pricier.

Additionally, many treadmills come with heart rate monitors. While they’re not the most reliable, they are good for comparison purposes (like comparing your baseline heart rate to your heart rate when running at diff levels of exertion), so you may want to look for a treadmill with HR monitoring as well.

Benefits of treadmill running

While treadmill running has a rep for being tedious and boring, it definitely has its place. Here are a few of the benefits of treadmill running:

• It’s weatherproof. Unless the power goes out, you ain’t gonna miss a treadmill run because of the weather. You can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer — and always dry (except for the sweat 💦 ).
• It’s easier on your feet and joints. Treadmills are a bit more springy and giving than pavement, so they’re a little more forgiving for your bod. And yes, treadmill running is easier than outdoor running, but you don’t have to worry about that unless you’re a competitive racer — even then, you may want a treadmill for bad weather days.
• It’s good for speed training. A treadmill is a helpful tool for achieving your pace goals because it makes it super easy to run intervals and set your goal pace. The only other thing you need is a playlist with a good beat.

The bottom line

While a treadmill may or may not be your fave way to run, it’s a valuable tool for runners, making home workouts possible no matter the weather, the temp, or how antisocial you’re feeling.

Look for treadmills that have a generous running deck and that you won’t outgrow in terms of speed as you get faster. And remember: The extras may seem minor, but they can go a long way to making your treadmill run an overall better experience. So don’t be afraid to splurge.

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