The DeerRun Z10 is an under-desk treadmill. Technically. However, I think of it as more of a “walking pad” because it’s more geared toward fitness than casual under-desk use. That’s mostly due to the premier feature: an automatic incline.
While I’ve used under-desk treadmills with an incline before, this is the very first one I’ve used with an automatic incline and such a generous range. It’s a unique feature and certainly not one I expected at such a low price.
From unboxing the DeerRun Z10 to training on it, I evaluated this little treadmill. If you are looking for a walking pad with an incline, you’ll want to learn what I discovered. Scroll down for my expert review of the Z10.
DeerRun Z10 Under-Desk Treadmill Review: Bottom Line
DeerRun vs Similar Treadmills
Call them walking pads or under-desk treadmills, the DeerRun Z10 is one among many. Make sure you are making the right choice by comparing this treadmill to others in the chart below.
 DeerRun Z10 |  WalkingPad A1 Pro |  LifeSpan TR1200 |  Urevo 2-in-1 |  DeerRun A1 Pro | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The DeerRun Z10 proves you don’t need a high budget and a ton of space to conquer your next incline walk. | This compact and affordable folding under-desk treadmill is surprisingly robust for larger users. | A quality, quiet, under-desk treadmill to get work done at your desk for up to 6 hours daily. | The Urevo 2-in-1 Treadmill is the compact, versatile, and affordable treadmill for anyone with a restricted budget or space. | The DeerRun A1 Pro Treadmill is for anyone who needs an affordable and portable way to go for a good run indoors. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | DeerRun Z10 | WalkingPad A1 Pro | LifeSpan TR1200 | Urevo 2-in-1 | DeerRun A1 Pro |
| Workout Experience | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 10 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Build Quality | 7 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 6 |
| Overall Score | 72 | 75 | 73 | 64 | 68 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | $10/month | N/A | N/A | N/A | $10/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display | LED digital display | LED digital display | omni-hub console, retro console | LED | Digital |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 45.3” L x 22” W x 6.2” H | 56.37” L x 21.5” W x 5” H | 63" L x 28.5" W x 7.25" H | 51.2" x 22.6" x 4.6" | 54.1” x 24.1” x 42.3” |
| Deck Size | 16” x 35” | 16.5” x 47” | 20" x 50" | 15" x 40.1" | 16.5” x 44” |
| Treadmill Weight | 60 lbs | 61.73 lbs | 114 lbs | 55 lbs | 86 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 230 lbs & 300 lbs | 350 lbs | 265 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Motor Size | 3.0 HP | Brushless | 2.25 HP | 2.25 HP | 3.0 HP |
| Max Speed | 3.8 mph | 0.5 to 3.72 mph | 0 to 4.0 mph | 4mph (walking mode) 6.2 mph (running mode) | 10 MPH |
| Incline/Decline | 0 to 9% (12 levels) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 or 6% (manual) |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 1-year | 1-year |
| Additional Features | PitPat app, remote control, step counter | folding deck, automatic mode, Bluetooth | Intelli-Guard deck safety, Intelli-Step counter, 6 hours of daily use | Third-party app connectivity, quiet motor, magnetic remote control | Flat folding, stores upright, PitPat app |
Dimensions/Storability
What I like most about walking pads, like the DeerRun Z10, is how easy they are to move around. The Z10 weighs only 60 lbs, and it has transport wheels, so I can move it one-handed.
The Z10 moves easily from place to place on its two transport wheels.
It measures 45.3” long, 22” wide, and 6.2” tall. The step-up height to the belt is only 4”, which allows it to fit almost anywhere. It is about 7” tall when the treadmill is fully inclined, so you only need a room with a ceiling that’s a foot taller than you or so to accommodate training at the top incline.
A 7’ ceiling for a 6’ walker would be more than enough room to walk on the incline.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
As is, the DeerRun Z10 is a simple walking pad. You turn it on, and you can get right to walking. The remote control lets you change speeds and incline at the press of a button. However, you can also upgrade your training experience by connecting the Z10 to the PitPat app.
I use the PitPat app as a replacement for the remote control if I misplace it.
If you subscribe to PitPat, you can get more training content. There are virtual races, challenges, events, and workout videos. It’s a good option for anyone looking for an upgraded experience for their walking pad. I prefer simplicity, though, and I don’t feel like I’m doing without by not having a PitPat app membership.
Subscribing to the PitPat app gets you access to events where you can earn real money by competing against other PitPat members. However, you have to pay to enter and enable all the required permissions on your phone to verify that you are a real person and not a bot.
Train with other PitPat users to tackle your training goals on the DeerRun Z10.
Console
The Z10 has a bright display that shows all your necessary metrics, right on the motor hood. It might be harder to see if you are using the Z10 under a desk, but you can pair it with the PitPat app to view your metrics that way, too. You can see your speed, time, calories, incline, steps, and distance on the console.
My favorite console feature is the step counting.
There aren’t any buttons on the treadmill itself, besides the power and reset buttons. All the controls are located on the remote. My biggest complaint about this treadmill is the inability to silence the beeps that signal the incline and speed changes. While it’s great for safety, it’s disruptive when walking in the same room as others.
The Z10 beeps pretty loudly, and there’s no button to turn it off on the included remote.
Overall, the features and console are rather simple, but the quality is nice. Nothing felt like it was missing to me.
Build Quality
DeerRun is a more affordable brand with treadmills that typically fall below $500. The Z10 is budget-friendly, but my first impression of the treadmill was how nice it looked. I’ve tested a lot of cheap treadmills, and the Z10 feels well-crafted compared to many others.
I like the sleek look of the Z10. We received the treadmill in black.
Frame
The standard weight capacity for any fitness equipment is 300 lbs, but it’s not often that budget equipment meets that standard. Fortunately, the Z10 is one of the exceptions that does. Its steel frame is sturdy and feels stable on the floor, even when the unit inclines.
I like the footrails on the Z10. They are close to the floor and fairly wide, so you can easily step up and down from this machine. Standing to the sides of the belt should be doable for more petite walkers, too.
There are no uprights on this treadmill since it is an under-desk machine. I recommend that most walkers use some kind of upright support when training on the Z10. If you have trouble with your balance, be cautious about using this treadmill, and consider using a standing desk for support.
Motor
To support the incline and speed range, the Z10 has a 3-horsepower motor. This motor is great for a walking pad like this. However, horsepower doesn’t tell the full story of the motor’s capabilities. In general, I recommend using a treadmill like this for up to two hours per day to prevent the motor from burning out prematurely due to heavier use.
The speed range is 0.6 to 3.8 miles per hour, while the incline has 12 levels. I measured the incline to be 9% at the top level, which is a great range for such an affordable and compact treadmill.
The DeerRun Z10 inclines to 9% and feels smooth and stable as it adjusts.
Aside from the beeping, the Z10 is pretty quiet. At 2 miles per hour, it is 47 dB, and at its top speed, it is about 58 dB. When inclining, it reaches about 55 dB when set to 3 miles per hour, so the incline really doesn’t add much noise.
Deck
I measured the DeerRun Z10’s walking surface to be 16” wide by 35” long. That’s pretty short, even for an under-desk walking treadmill. I felt like I was running out of space when walking at 3 miles per hour faster on this treadmill. I don’t think it’s going to be a good option for taller walkers.
At only 5’4”, even I was running out of space on the Z10 when walking near the top speed.
When walking on a treadmill surface this small, you really have to be mindful of your foot placement. I hit the back roller with my foot a few times when walking fast, but I was much more comfortable at a slower speed.
The deck has shock absorbers, but the cushioning isn’t too noticeable. It’s not too firm of a walking surface, but it’s not overly soft either.
Warranty
The DeerRun Z10 has a 1-year warranty. This warranty is really short, but it’s the norm for cheaper walking pads. I recommend the DeerRun Z10 for light to moderate walking use. Think, 1 to 2 hours per day. A more heavy-duty, premium treadmill is necessary for intense use.
As for maintenance, the Z10 requires you to lubricate the belt periodically. You should also clean underneath and around the treadmill to prevent debris from accumulating beneath the motor hood.
Should You Buy the DeerRun Z10
There are tons of walking pads and under-desk treadmills, but few have mastered the automatic incline mechanism. The DeerRun Z10 executes this feature wonderfully, bringing you an incline of up to 9%, adjustable at the click of a button. If you want a treadmill you can use at your desk and for fitness, the DeerRun Z10 is a great choice.
There are only a few drawbacks to this treadmill. While it is compact enough to fit in most spaces and move easily, the small walking area may be challenging for some walkers. Additionally, the treadmill beeps with every speed and incline adjustment, making it unsuitable for some workspaces.
I recommend the DeerRun Z10 for anyone who needs a compact and affordable treadmill with a nice incline feature.
DeerRun Z10 Under-Desk Treadmill Q&A / FAQ
Does an under-desk treadmill really work?
Under-desk treadmills are excellent for increasing your daily step count, reducing sedentary time, and alleviating the pain of sitting still for too long. Under-desk treadmills are not as suited to high-intensity exercise due to their small walking areas and low speed limits.
Has anyone lost weight on an under-desk treadmill?
Under-desk treadmills are a great weight-loss tool. Walking slowly for long periods of time can be an effective way to lose weight because it keeps you in the “fat-burning” zone, where your body uses fat as its primary source of fuel. However, using an under-desk treadmill is not as effective without also incorporating a proper meal plan and resistance training.
Are DeerRun treadmills quiet?
The DeerRun Z10 operates at between 45 and 58 dB, according to our testing.
Is your DeerRun Z10 Treadmill review a paid review?
No, our DeerRun Z10 Treadmill review was not paid for. DeerRun sent us the Z10 for free in exchange for an honest review. However, we earn commissions when you use our links to purchase this treadmill. It does not increase the cost of the treadmill for you.
Because we also have this same relationship with various other home treadmill brands, we are not pushed to recommend one brand over another. We want to match you with the right product to suit your needs. You will find both pros and cons of the DeerRun Z10 in this review.
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