Best Manual Treadmills, 2024: Don’t Run Before Reading!

Running on this TrueForm can help improve your stride, posture, foot strike, and overall positioning. You control the pace of the belt, but it isn’t as easy to get moving as others. It requires good form, so we hope we have the attention of athletes and runners looking to improve in their sport.

Another notable feature is the belt itself. The rubber-coated slats absorb the impact on your joints and the overall design is uncomplicated to use. The console is simple to track your metrics and for those wanting to get better, whether you play a sport or not, should seriously consider the TrueForm Trainer.

Another option that we love from TrueForm is the Runner. This practically indestructible manual treadmill isn’t for everyone because of its price, but if it’s in your budget, it’s well worth it. Thanks to the all-steel construction, this thing will last through whatever you put it through. The TrueForm Runner is also fully customizable, featuring customization we haven’t seen from other treadmills, both motorized and non-motorized.

You can choose from various colors, which many college training facilities have taken full advantage of, and you can swap out the rubber slat belt for artificial turf or rubberized running track. If you want to train in your sport-specific shoes, you can on this one.

It has the same shallow curve as the Trainer which has been proven to help promote proper form, so if you want to train better and smarter, check out a TrueForm.

Click here to read our detailed review of the TrueForm Trainer.

When you set the speed to 1 mph with the deck flat, you can push against the front handles to simulate the experience of pushing a weighted sled. The treadmill at this speed provides resistance to add to the possibilities the NordicTrack X22i has to offer.

It’s large, heavy, and non-folding, so like most of the non-motorized treadmills on this list, plan to keep it in a designated area. Although you’ll need to be near a plug to use this one, the 22” touchscreen with the option to train using iFIT is awesome. iFIT offers thousands of trainer-led workouts and the ability to create your own running routes.

So, if you’re not quite sure if you want a fully manual treadmill but still want a variety of training capabilities like sled-pushing and a 40% (yes, really) incline, then consider the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill. It is so impressive that we had to add it to this list.

Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill.

The belt is also easier to move than other manual treadmills, so most people can hop on the Elite and start running without a problem. And with its impressive 400-lb weight limit, this AssaultRunner handles pretty much anyone and anything.

The Elite is commonly used in homes and commercial settings. It weighs less than many manual treadmills, but its impressive build and functional size make it a staple wherever it’s placed.

The console is also really functional. There are preset intervals, custom intervals, target time, distance, calories, and heart rate programs. The two cupholders and small ledge for your phone is helpful to have everything you need nearby while running on the Elite, too.

Click here to read our detailed review of the AssaultRunner Elite.

If you’re looking for a manual treadmill on a budget, we have you covered. This one is also lightweight and compact, at only 209 lbs, with a 47” running surface. The Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Manual Treadmill not only fits in more homes, but it will also fit in more homes. The wooden frame is eye-catching and matches whatever design style you have.

This is a non-motorized treadmill that doesn’t have a max speed, but Bells of Steel recommends it for light to moderate running. Because of its size and price, the Wooden Residential Treadmill is best for walking and jogging. The compact deck has a good curvature, but you’ll need to shorten your stride to go faster than a leisurely jog.

The console tracks everything you need and includes onboard workout programs so you can take advantage of structured training. This treadmill is good to use just about anywhere, and it shouldn’t be discounted because of its size and price. You’ll get pretty much all of the same advantages on this Bells of Steel Treadmill as you do on larger and more expensive manual treadmills.

Woodway is known for its curved manual treadmills. The Curve LTG comes with the brand’s patented slat-belt design. The belt helps lessen the impact of running on your joints by providing shock absorption. The slats are covered in a thermoplastic elastomer, a rubber-like material.

The console is a bit more tech-enhanced than the average manual treadmill. It tracks all your vital metrics and allows multiple users to track their stats. Plus, the console is Bluetooth-enabled to pair with a compatible heart rate monitor. We also like the fact it has a storage tray, a rack for your phone, and two holders for your water.

The curved deck has a fairly shallow curve of just three degrees, which is said to put less stress while helping promote good running mechanics. The Curve LTG is the cheaper alternative to the Woodway Curve, so we’re pleased to see it offered at Rogue. This treadmill is recommended for residential and small commercial gyms, and we expect users to get a lot of use out of it.

Click here to read our detailed review of the Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG.

The small lever by the right handle adjusts the belt tension. There are six levels to choose from, which makes the training options really fun. Levels 1 and 2 have the least resistance to run against. 3 and 4 are for walking against tension, and 5 and 6 have the most resistance, which results in pushing from the front handle for sled training.

For the price and features, the Grit Runner is enticing. A lifetime warranty also backs it to instill confidence in the steel and aluminum construction.

Run as fast as you want (and can) on the Grit Runner, then amp up your walks with some resistance (if you want) and incorporate some strength training with some sled pushes. Be aware that you’ll need a little bit more room for this manual treadmill because it is pretty large, but for everything it offers and its nice 330-lb weight limit for its nice price, make the Grit Runner one of the self-powered treadmills.

Click here to read our detailed review of the Tru Grit Runner Curved Manual Treadmill.

A newer type of treadmill to hit the market, sled treadmills, like the Trekker 4000, are pushing their way through the treadmill industry, quite literally. The Trekker has ten resistance levels for walking, jogging, and sled-pushing.

The levels on this one are reversed, so levels 0-3 are for sled-pushing, and 4-9 are for walking and jogging. How fast you’re able to get up to speed on this treadmill depends on your weight and which incline. You shouldn’t plan to run very fast on it, though. Even though you can’t run super fast, the Trekker is challenging. Just walking up the incline is tough, let alone jogging and running.

This motor-less treadmill is compact and very space-conscious. It features a folding deck, so when you’re done, you can cut down on its footprint and roll it out of the way. Even when it’s unfolded, the deck is only 51” long, requiring much less floor space than others on this list.

The Xebex Trekker 4000 has a regular belt, and it’s a treadmill to consider if you want something different for walking, jogging, hiking, sled-pushing, and trekking.

Click here to read our detailed review of the Xebex Trekker 4000.