The recent events have forced us to stay in our homes and watch as the world progresses into its “new normal”. Our everyday lifestyles have morphed into a whirlwind of social distancing measures and health precautions, all the while wondering how long this will last.
As we progress into a new lifestyle, we learn to adapt and create new ways to continue our habits. Our fitness goals are no exception to this. Admittedly, it has been quite hard to keep up with the fitness lifestyle I used to have before the quarantine. But I’ve found new ways to stay strong, like implementing new home workouts and building my home gym.
With gyms being closed, you might want to build your own home gym too. Some reach for the dumbbells and the weights first. Others tend to lean towards the treadmills to continue their running training indoors.
Treadmills are a great device that allows you to stay in the safety of your own home while achieving your fitness goals. However, these are usually quite pricey, so buying one entails a lot of research beforehand.
You don’t have to worry too much though, as I have researched the best treadmill for walking. I hope this helps out!
Best Treadmills For Walking Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Sunny Health & Fitness Folding T4400 Treadmill | Sunny Health | Check Price on Amazon |
 | NordicTrack T Series Treadmill | NordicTrack | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill | Goplus | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Aceshin Electric Folding Treadmill | Aceshin | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - Sunny Health & Fitness Folding T4400 Treadmill
It has its limitations, of course. It has 3 levels of elevation, which may be enough for you if you’re simply using this as a supplement to your training. Its speed ranges from 0.5 to 9 miles per hour, which has one of the highest speeds on this list.
I especially love its handrails. It features controls where you can change the speed, start, and stop. This is a great feature because I know how reaching for the screen of a treadmill can throw off your rhythm when running.
This particular model can accommodate 220 pounds of maximum user weight, with 9 built-in treadmill workouts to help you out. Its digital monitor also shows time, distance, calories, and pulse.
If you’re living in a small apartment or you just want to save some space, this treadmill will help you out. It is a folding treadmill that features wheels for easy transportation. It also has a soft drop system to unfold your treadmill safely.
If you’re willing to shell out more money, though, the highest Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill model features a speed range of up to 10 mph, 15 levels of incline, Bluetooth, USB port, MP3, and earphone jack.
PROS
- 3 levels of elevation and good speed range
- Handrails include controls
- Digital monitor
CONS
- Some users have found that their treadmill lasted only a few months, although this is a minority and there is warranty.
#2 - NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
Its speed ranges from 0 to 10 mph, with 0 to 10-percent incline control. It also features their cushioning technology called FlexSelect which allows for a smoother landing. This absorbs the shock and reduces the impact on your joints.
Live interactive training is also included where the trainers ask you to change your speed and incline. Buying this treadmill will also give you a 30-day free iFit trial membership.
You’re also given an aux port, 2” digitally amplified speakers, and a backlit iFit display. To save some space in storage, you simply lift the treadmill as it folds itself. It can handle up to 300 pounds of maximum weight capacity.
Now to the iffy parts. Going through a lot of reviews will tell you how bad customer service is. The treadmill upon starting up will require you to apply for an iFit membership which you have to pay.
However, some users discovered that you can get around this by holding the logo on the treadmill. It’s quite sketchy for them to claim that the membership is required to get the treadmill going even when it’s not.
PROS
- Highest speed range on this list (0 to 10 mph)
- Cushioning for shock absorption
- Live interactive training
CONS
- Sketchy iFit membership required
#3 - Goplus 2 in 1 Compact Treadmill (Folded)
When the handrails are lowered so that all that’s left is a flat treadmill, you can place your desk over it to create your walking desk! This gives you a speed range of 1 to 4 kph. Once you raise the handrails back to the proper position, the speed range rises as well from 1 to 12 kph. You can then use it for running.
Its belt has 5 layers that both prevent you from slipping and create a cushion to reduce the impact on your joints. The treadmill also features a Bluetooth speaker and remote control. The remote control adjusts the speed and stops the treadmill.
The LED display is a simple display of your speed, time, distance, and calories. Overall, it’s a very simple device that you can turn into something with more function if you’d like, especially with its folding feature.
Users have reported that this is not that sturdy a treadmill, although it does the job. It’s also quite small. If you’re looking for a treadmill to run on, you probably won’t like this. However, since we’re on the topic of the best treadmills for walking, this is on the list.
PROS
- Folds to accommodate your walking desk
- Cheaper than most
- 5 layer belt
CONS
- Not the best treadmill for running
- Not very sturdy
#4 - Aceshin Electric Treadmill
It has the lowest speed range of all the treadmills listed here, with a range of 0.5 to 6 mph. It also features a screen display that shows the time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories.
It can accommodate a maximum of 220 pounds. It also has a heart rate sensor on the handrails, which other treadmills don’t offer at this low a price!
Similar to other treadmills, it features portability wheels and a foldable treadmill for easy transportation and storage. Its belt is multi-layered to provide you with more cushion and a non-slip belt.
This is a no-fuss treadmill that will give you everything you need. Expect that it won’t be too amazing, but it will do the job. If you’re a casual walker, this is a good treadmill for you.
PROS
- Good speed range for walkers (0.5 to 6 mph)
- Multi-layer belt for cushioning
- Foldable and portable wheels
CONS
- Basic features only
My Number One Pick
- 2.20-Peak HP drive system provides speeds of 0.5 - 9 MPH along with 3 manual options for adjusting incline levels (0%, 2%, 4.37%)
- Designed for a max user weight of 220 lb. with 49L x 15.5W inches of running surface
- Easy folding mechanism and soft drop system helps you unfold your treadmill safely and hands free
- 9 Built-in workout programs with large LCD displays time, distance, speed, calories burned and pulse. Convenient smart phone/tablet holder is included to fit different devices
What To Look Out For When Buying A Treadmill For Walking
There is a lot to consider when buying treadmills. You have to think about your own lifestyle and how you’re going to use the treadmill before purchasing one.
Are you buying to eventually build up to running indoors? Or are you simply using this as a tool to burn your calories off as you work from home? Keep these things in mind as we go through some of the things you should consider when buying treadmills.
Price Range
I personally ranked this list with the prices in mind. Take note that there are treadmills with more features, but they cost a lot. Given that we’re talking about treadmills for walking only, I tried to balance the price with the basic features that you would probably need.
Ask yourself what your budget is for treadmills. What are your fitness goals, exactly? This will determine what kind of treadmill you should be able to afford. Speaking of…
Fitness Goals
You want to think about your fitness goals like I said earlier. If you’re simply looking for a treadmill to get your feet going as you work from home, you’re probably going to want something simple. A basic treadmill will be perfect for you, such as the Goplus 2 in 1 Treadmill which can help you build your own walking desk.
If your goal is to slowly build up to a running speed, then you’re probably going to want to create your own training program that involves your treadmill. Some brands will offer those programs for you, such as the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill.
The more features, of course, the higher the price. However, there is a difference between overpriced treadmills and treadmills with added functions. I tried my best to avoid overpriced treadmills in my list.
Speed Range
Again, you’re going to want to evaluate your fitness goals in order to decide which speed range will be ok for you. If you want to build up to a running speed, you’re going to want a treadmill that has an option for higher speeds. The Sunny Health & Fitness Folding T4400 Treadmill goes up to 9 mph.
Lower speed ranges will be for those who only expect some walking indoors. The Aceshin Electric Treadmill goes up to 6 mph. In my experience, you’ll definitely be walking briskly with that speed.
In general, though, I would prefer a wider speed range so that you can change your mind whenever you want. However, if you’re looking to save some hundred bucks, lower ranges can be great as well.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of your treadmill is an important thing to consider. This will determine the flimsiness or the sturdiness of your treadmill. Most treadmills will be able to handle up to 220 pounds.
If you are bordering on the maximum weight capacity, though, you might want to look for a treadmill that has a higher weight capacity. This will ensure your safety on the treadmill and will prevent any damage.
Display
Although this might be a secondary thing to consider, a good display monitor will help you reach your goals. I personally mentally note my speed, time, and distance during my runs on treadmills.
It’s very helpful to have a display that shows speed, time, and distance, especially if you’re focusing on increasing your mileage. However, if you’re doing heart rate training, you might want that extra feature of heart rate display and heart rate sensor, which the Aceshin Electric5 Treadmill has on its handrails.
Safety Stop
Most treadmills will have a safety key or a magnetic safety stop. When you pull the safety stop, the treadmill automatically shuts down as an emergency feature. This ensures your safety on the treadmill. Be sure not to skimp out on this feature.
Storage and Transportation
If you’re living in a small space, you know how important it is to be able to move your treadmill around and store it properly. Most treadmills on this list will have that foldable option and wheels that will help you transport your treadmill.
Cushioning
A treadmill is supposed to have to cushion or shock absorption in one way or another. Some treadmills have it on the belt itself by featuring a multi-layered belt. Other treadmills will include them at the bottom of your treadmill, which gives it a bit of bounce-back that makes running or walking easier on your joints.
Frequently Asked Questions On Treadmills For Walking Purposes
Q: Are foldable treadmills less sturdy than non-folding treadmills?
A: It is a common misconception that foldable treadmills are less sturdy. However, we’re starting to see a lot more developments in treadmills that even trustworthy brands such as NordicTrack are developing their folding treadmills.
Q: Is it worth investing in highly-priced treadmills?
A: The treadmills I listed are probably in the lower range of prices when it comes to treadmills. However, higher-priced treadmills will definitely give you more features and sturdier parts. So, if you have the budget, go for more expensive treadmills!
Q: What are the advantages of treadmills vs. walking outside?
A: Treadmills give you the convenience of getting a complete walking session indoors. Treadmills also have handrails and safety keys or stops that are beneficial for those who need a bit of support while walking. It also goes without saying that you’ll be avoiding any inclement weather.
Conclusion
Treadmills are a great investment. If you get the right treadmill and treat it with care, it can last for years! Be sure to evaluate your fitness goals before investing in one, though. You have to make sure that you’ll actually be using it and making the most out of it.
Do your own research too. It’s a big hit to your wallet if you buy a treadmill that breaks down after a few months. Reading reviews is a great way to see real-life experiences with the treadmills you are eyeing.
Your treadmill is a very versatile tool, and you can use it for different movements, not just running and walking. For now, though, happy walking!
If you’re looking for more ways to lose weight, check out the reviews we did on the best home gym equipment for weight loss. We also did a comprehensive post on the best workout machines for weight loss. If you’ve got the space for your home gym, they’re worth checking out. If your goal is more of strength training, then check out these smith machines you can use in your home gym.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.