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Best Manual Treadmills of 2025 for Running and Walking

By
  • Sydney Kaiser
    Sydney Kaiser
    X
    Sydney Kaiser
    Sydney KaiserProduct Reviewer, Content Writer, Certified Personal Trainer

    Sydney is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist who combines her passion for fitness, health, and wellness with her passion for writing. After graduating from UC Riverside with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she began teaching indoor cycling and Lagree Fitness group fitness classes to people of all ages and abilities. Raised in Central Michigan, Sydney grew up training and competing on the Arabian Horse Association circuit through both Regional and National levels in Dressage and Sport Horse classes. In college, Sydney went on to compete at the collegiate level as a Division 1 equestrian athlete. Here at TRG, Sydney relies on her extensive background in fitness when reviewing and recommending all kinds of fitness, recovery, and health-related equipment and products.

    See full bio
  • Kaleigh Ray
    Kaleigh Ray
    X
    Kaleigh Ray
    Kaleigh Ray

    Kaleigh received a master’s in Biomechanics from the University of Northern Colorado in 2022. She is a runner and competed in Division 2 cross country and track. Since college, she has competed in trail and road races from the mile to marathon distance. Kaleigh is certified as an exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine and has worked as both a personal trainer and a running coach. At TRG, Kaleigh combines her expertise in biomechanics with over a decade of running experience to review and test treadmills and other fitness equipment.

    See full bio
December 31, 2024
Self-powered treadmills that are expertly approved for everything from sprinting, sled-pushing, and even walking backwards

December 31, 2024
  • Sydney Kaiser
    Sydney Kaiser,
    Product Reviewer, Content Writer, Certified Personal Trainer
  • Kaleigh Ray
    Kaleigh Ray
    Product Reviewer, Content Writer, Biomechanist

On the surface, a manual treadmill is intimidating. Maybe you’ve only ever seen manual treadmills used in CrossFit gyms or a garage gym, and you’re thinking, “Not for me.” But we’re here to tell you that if you have 99 problems, a manual treadmill could probably solve most, if not all, of them.

Hear us out. How does this sound? No maximum speed cap, an absorbent rubber-slat belt that’s user-controlled, no electricity required, and less maintenance for more running. Most curved, non-motorized treadmills offer all of this and more, at least the ones we recommend do. We’ve even included some unique treadmills with even more training options, so keep reading to find out why you NEED one of these best manual treadmills below.

Top Manual Treadmills Reviewed for 2025

Best Manual Treadmills By Award, 2025

  • Best Overall Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro TreadmillSee Deal at Assault FitnessView Details ↓
  • Best Manual Treadmill for Athletes: TrueForm TrainerSee Deal at TrueFormView Details ↓
  • Best Hybrid Treadmill: NordicTrack X22iSee Deal at NordicTrackView Details ↓
  • Best High-End Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Elite TreadmillSee Deal at Assault FitnessView Details ↓
  • Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential TreadmillSee Deal at Bells of SteelView Details ↓
  • Best Manual Treadmill For CrossFit: Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG TreadmillSee Deal at RogueView Details ↓
  • Best Manual Treadmill With Resistance: Tru Grit RunnerSee Deal at Tru GritView Details ↓
  • Best Manual Treadmill for Walkers: Xebex Trekker 4000See Deal at GetRx’dView Details ↓

We Want to Help you Find the Best Manual Treadmill for 2025

The sheer variety of training options on these treadmills has us excited. Yes, we love treadmills and test all kinds, but manual and hybrid treadmills hold a special place under our feet. There’s something about controlling the belt’s pace ourselves that gives us a sense of independence and autonomy in our training.

We want to share this feeling with you. That’s why we do what we do. We test treadmills of all kinds to help you find the right one. It’s one thing to buy a treadmill; it’s another to fall in love with one so much that you run or walk on it daily. The key to fitness is consistency, and a manual treadmill is convenient, durable, and, frankly, fun to use.

Why You Should Trust Us

Who are we? Well, we’re personal trainers, garage gym owners, and runners who are passionate about health and fitness. We test treadmills for a living, so we know these machines like the backs of our hands. We put miles on the belts, so when you shop for a treadmill online, you know what you’re getting when it arrives at your home.

Our goal is to help you find a treadmill that best fits your home and needs and that you can trust will handle your workouts with ease. After our runs, we come on here to share what kind of experience each treadmill provides. When we can compile the best list, we get excited to share our top recommendations with you at home.

Editors Note:Stay tuned, as we will be updating our list to include our award for best manual treadmill for walking backwards – the Bells of Steel Blitz. With it’s 6 levels of magnetic resistance, the Blitz is a fantastic options for those looking to gradually increase the resistance as they progress with programs such as Knees over Toes.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Best Manual Treadmills By Award, 2025
  • We Want to Help you Find the Best Manual Treadmill for 2025
  • Why You Should Trust Us
  • Prefer a Video vs Text? Watch our Best Manual Treadmills video, updated for 2025 below:
  • Best Manual Treadmills, Compared:
  • Best Manual Treadmills of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
    • AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill
    • TrueForm Trainer
    • NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer
    • AssaultRunner Elite
    • Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill
    • Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG Treadmill
    • Tru Grit Runner Curved Manual Treadmill
    • Xebex Trekker 4000 Treadmill
  • Why Buy A Manual Treadmill?
  • What To Look For In A Manual Treadmill
    • Your training goals
    • Your training space
    • Your budget
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Is a manual treadmill hard to use?
    • Are manual treadmills quiet?
    • How do you clean a manual treadmill?
    • Can you walk on a manual curved treadmill?

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Best Manual Treadmills By Award, 2025
  • We Want to Help you Find the Best Manual Treadmill for 2025
  • Why You Should Trust Us
  • Prefer a Video vs Text? Watch our Best Manual Treadmills video, updated for 2025 below:
  • Best Manual Treadmills, Compared:
  • Best Manual Treadmills of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
    • AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill
    • TrueForm Trainer
    • NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer
    • AssaultRunner Elite
    • Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill
    • Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG Treadmill
    • Tru Grit Runner Curved Manual Treadmill
    • Xebex Trekker 4000 Treadmill
  • Why Buy A Manual Treadmill?
  • What To Look For In A Manual Treadmill
    • Your training goals
    • Your training space
    • Your budget
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Is a manual treadmill hard to use?
    • Are manual treadmills quiet?
    • How do you clean a manual treadmill?
    • Can you walk on a manual curved treadmill?

Prefer a Video vs Text? Watch our Best Manual Treadmills video, updated for 2025 below:

Best Manual Treadmills, Compared:

AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill ReviewAssaultRunner ProTrueForm Trainer TreadmillTrueForm TrainerNordicTrack x22i TreadmillNordicTrack X22iAssault Runner Elite TreadmillAssaultRunner EliteRogue Woodway Curved LTG TreadmillRogue | Woodway Curve LTGTru Grit Runner Manual TreadmillTru Grit RunnerXebex Trekker 4000TreadmillXebex Trekker 4000
Price (MSRP)
Star Rating
Bottom LineThe AssaultRunner Pro is an affordable manual treadmill with a belt that should last 150,000 miles.With the subtlest curve of any manual treadmill, the TrueForm Trainer encourages better running form while its low-tech console minimizes distractions from your workout.The ultimate treadmill with an insane 40% incline and a lovely 22” touch screen to follow along with iFIT.The AssaultRunner Elite manual treadmill lets you run as fast as you can with its unlimited speed potential and smooth rolling slat belt.The Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG is built on a long heritage of quality curved manual treadmills.The Tru Grit Runner is a more affordable manual treadmill with six resistance levels and a commercial-grade frame.This sled treadmill packs everything you need for an intense workout: incline, magnetic resistance, and a manual belt, all in a small folding design.
Awards Earned
Check PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
ProductAssaultRunner ProTrueForm TrainerNordicTrack X22iAssaultRunner EliteRogue | Woodway Curve LTGTru Grit RunnerXebex Trekker 4000
Workout Experience
8
8
10
8
8
7
7
Specs / Features
8
8
10
8
8
8
6
Dimensions / Storability
7
7
5
7
7
6
9
On-Board Workouts & Apps
8
6
10
8
8
6
7
Build Quality
7
7
9
7
7
6
7
Overall Score
84
81
90
83
82
70
72
# of Onboard Workouts71286216
Paid Programming - CostN/AN/AiFIT - $39/monthN/AN/AN/AN/A
Netflix / 3rd Party AppsN/AN/ANetflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing)N/AN/AN/AN/A
DisplayUV resistant consoleLCD Battery (Bluetooth optional)22" HD touchscreenHi-contrast. UV resistant consoleLCDBattery powered LCDLCD
Dimensions (In Use)69.7″ L x 33.1″ W x 64″ H64″ L x 31″ W x 63″ H70” L x 39” W x 72.5” H69.9″ L x 31.7″ W x 64.4″ H67" L x 34" W x 70" H79″ L x 35″ W x 60″ H60” L x 28” W x 60” H
Deck Size17″ x 62″ 17″ x 54″22" x 60"17″ x 65″17" x 62"18.75” x 62.5”18” x 51”
Treadmill Weight280 lbs300 lbs417 lbs (in box)289.2 lbs297 lbs400 lbs143 lbs
Weight Capacity350 lbs400 lbs400 lbs400 lbs350 lbs330 lbs265 lbs
Motor SizeN/AN/A4.0 CHPN/AN/AN/AN/A
Max SpeedunlimitedUnlimited12 mphUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited3.7 mph+
Incline/DeclineN/AN/A-6% to 40%N/AN/AN/A22% & 27%
Warranty150,000-mile belt, 5-year frame, 3-year moving parts10-year frame10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor10-year frame, lifetime belt, 3-year non-wear parts, 1-year parts & labor5-year frame, 3-year belt, 3-year moving parts, 1-year wear items, 1-year laborLifetime for the belt and 1-year overall warranty5-year frame,1-year parts
Additional FeaturesBluetooth, phone holder, cushioned slatsCustomizable frame and belt surface, shallowest curveVery soft cushioning, AutoAdjust, ActivePulseBluetooth, ANT+, AssaultFitness app, Zwift appTPE slat belt, rated for residential & light commercial use, 3% deck curvature6 levels of resistance, cushioned slat belt, commercial grade frameSled pushing, 10 resistance levels, folding deck
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details

Best Manual Treadmills of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks

Now, let’s get to know these treadmills so you can be an informed buyer and proud treadmill owner. A confident purchase is the best kind of purchase, especially when it comes to buying a treadmill.

AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill

Best Overall Manual Treadmill

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $2,999
  • ManufacturerAssault Fitness
  • TypeManual
Best Price at Assault Fitness
84
The best manual treadmill for most people is the AssaultRunner Pro because of its easy-moving belt, which is good for 150,000 miles.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    8

  • Specs / Features

    8

  • Dimensions / Storability

    7

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    8

  • Build Quality

    7

What We Like:
  • Well-priced for the quality
  • Solid design backed by an excellent warranty
  • Used in homes and commercial gyms
  • No max speed
  • Easy-to-move belt
  • Plenty of onboard workouts
  • Fairly lightweight to move
Areas For Improvement:
  • No cupholders
  • Non-folding
The AssaultRunner Pro is our pick as the best overall manual treadmill. For the quality, price, and warranty, it is the best value. This treadmill can be found in homes, garages, and commercial gyms. It’s built to last, which makes its price even more enticing.

The AssaultRunner Pro is fully manual, so you don’t need to plug it into an electrical outlet to use it because it doesn’t have a motor. The Pro has a solid steel frame and handles, which contribute to its durability. Speaking of durability, the AssaultRunner Pro comes with a belt warranty that is good for 150,000 miles! This way, you’re sure to get a lot of use out of this impressive treadmill.

Manual treadmills can take some getting used to because you control the pace of the belt, but the Pro’s belt is easier to move than others. This is why we recommend it to most people. The deck has a higher curvature than others to get the belt moving while providing shock absorption through the rubber slats and keeping up with whatever pace you set.

The Pro is only 280 lbs, so it’s a little easier to move than other manual and motorized treadmills. It’s fairly quiet, too, since there isn’t a motor, and the sound of the belt moving is the only noise generated.

The simple console has good metrics tracking and onboard workouts. The only aspect we miss is a cupholder for water, but at this price, you can set your water aside or wear your water on your back if you refuse to get off of this durable, fun, and next-level treadmill.

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

Interested in the AssaultRunner Pro?

Check Best Price


TrueForm Trainer

Best Manual Treadmill For Athletes

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $2,995
  • ManufacturerTrueForm
  • TypeManual
Best Price at TrueForm
81
A treadmill to actually help you become a better runner is the TrueForm Trainer.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    8

  • Specs / Features

    8

  • Dimensions / Storability

    7

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    6

  • Build Quality

    7

What We Like:
  • Promotes proper running form
  • Great price for the quality
  • For athletes and runners
  • Up to 400-lb weight limit
  • No max speed
  • Absorbent slat-belt
Areas For Improvement:
  • Not as many metrics tracked
  • No cupholders

The TrueForm Trainer is another curved, non-motorized treadmill that we love. Between the price and design, this treadmill is the best for athletes. What makes the Trainer special is its shallow-curved deck. It’s the shallowest in the industry and specifically designed to help promote good running mechanics.

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.

Interested in the TrueForm Trainer?

Check Best Price


NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer

Best Hybrid Treadmill

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $3,499
  • ManufacturerNordicTrack
  • TypeIncline
Best Price at NordicTrack
90
Train at a maximum speed of 12 mph and 40% incline, then sled-push for even more exercise possibilities.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    10

  • Specs / Features

    10

  • Dimensions / Storability

    5

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    10

  • Build Quality

    9

What We Like:
  • Hybrid treadmill
  • 12 mph, 40% incline, and sled-push mode
  • iFIT streaming available
  • Excellent deck cushioning
  • Workout fan available
  • Powerful motor
Areas For Improvement:
    Not fully manual
    No running in sled-push mode

Alright, stick with us here. The NordicTrack X22i isn’t exactly a motorless treadmill. It, in fact, has a powerful motor, max speed, and impressive incline and decline capabilities. Why is it on our best non-motorized treadmills list? The X22i is technically a hybrid treadmill that features a sled-push mode, like some manual treadmills.

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.

Interested in the NordicTrack X22i?

Check Best Price


AssaultRunner Elite

Best High-End Manual Treadmill

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $3,999
  • ManufacturerAssault Fitness
  • TypeManual
Best Price at Assault Fitness
83
Excellent quality, belt warranty, and features packed into a sleek and powerful manual treadmill.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    8

  • Specs / Features

    8

  • Dimensions / Storability

    7

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    8

  • Build Quality

    7

What We Like:
  • Well built
  • Lifetime belt warranty
  • Responsive belt
  • Absorbent and durable slat-belt
  • Built to last
  • Comes with onboard workouts
Areas For Improvement:
  • Doesn’t fold
  • No subscription content
A high-end option that’s reasonably priced for premium quality is the AssaultRunner Elite. It has everything the Pro has to offer and then a bit more. It’s built with a steel frame and handles, powder-coated uprights, and corrosion-resistant hardware. Plus, the non-motorized slat belt is covered with a lifetime warranty! So, if you can run it, the Elite can handle it.

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.

Interested in the AssaultRunner Elite?

Check Best Price


Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill

Best Budget Manual Treadmill

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $1,999
  • ManufacturerBells of Steel
  • TypeManual
Best Price at Bells of Steel
72
This budget treadmill is curved, manual, compact, and pleasant to look at.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    6

  • Specs / Features

    7

  • Dimensions / Storability

    7

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    7

  • Build Quality

    8

What We Like:
  • Budget-friendly and compact
  • Best for walking and jogging
  • No electricity required
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Heavy 396-lb weight limit
Areas For Improvement:
  • Not for intense running and sprinting
  • It might be too short for some

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.

Interested in the Bells of Steel Wooden Residential?

Check Best Price


Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG Treadmill

Best Manual Treadmill For CrossFit

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $3,995
  • ManufacturerRogue
  • TypeManual
Best Price at Rogue
82
Two reputable brands come together for one well-constructed and thoughtfully designed manual treadmill.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    8

  • Specs / Features

    8

  • Dimensions / Storability

    7

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    8

  • Build Quality

    7

What We Like:
  • More affordable than other Woodway Treadmills
  • Patented and proven belt
  • Made for heavy use
  • No max speed
  • Promotes good running mechanics
  • Backed by two reputable brands
Areas For Improvement:
  • Heavy
  • Non-folding
Our pick for the best manual treadmill for CrossFit is the Rogue x Woodway Curve LTG. Both Rogue and Woodway are popular brands that create high-quality fitness equipment. Woodway has an impressive lineup of treadmills, and Rogue is known for its strength and conditioning equipment. Rogue is also an official supplier of the CrossFit Games. The fact that these two brands have partnered to bring consumers this manual treadmill has us excited.

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.

Interested in the Rogue | Woodway Curve LTG?

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Tru Grit Runner Curved Manual Treadmill

Best Manual Treadmill With Resistance

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $2,499
  • ManufacturerTru Grit
  • TypeManual
Best Price at Tru Grit
70
This one is a budget-friendly, manual treadmill with six resistance levels for sled-pushing.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    7

  • Specs / Features

    8

  • Dimensions / Storability

    6

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    6

  • Build Quality

    6

What We Like
  • Affordable
  • Six resistance levels for varying training
  • No max speed
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Versatile
  • Metrics tracking and interval modes
Areas For Improvement:
  • Plastic components around the base
  • No cupholders
  • Larger dimensions than others
The Tru Grit Runner is another good budget manual treadmill, but it has more than meets the eye, or rather, the foot. This manual treadmill has everything you need for running: a non-motorized and easy-to-use design, a curved deck, and a simple console. The Grit Runner is all about this, plus adjustable magnetic resistance.

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.

Interested in the Tru Grit Runner?

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Xebex Trekker 4000 Treadmill

Best Manual Treadmill For Walkers

  • Star Rating
  • PriceMSRP: $1,299
  • ManufacturerXebex
  • TypeManual
Best Price at GetRx’d
72
A permanently inclined, foldable manual treadmill that’s highly versatile, compact, and challenging.
Rating MatricOur Rating
  • Workout Experience

    7

  • Specs / Features

    6

  • Dimensions / Storability

    9

  • On-Board Workouts & Apps

    7

  • Build Quality

    7

What We Like:
  • Challenging and versatile
  • Manual with resistance
  • Compact and folding
  • Affordable
  • No electricity required
  • Quiet
Areas For Improvement:
  • Low weight limit
  • Not for sprints
To complete our top recommendations for manual treadmills, we have the Xebex Trekker 4000. This one is unique because it folds up and features a permanently inclined deck. Train at a 22% or 27% grade only on this treadmill-our glutes burn just thinking about it!

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.

Interested in the Xebex Trekker 4000?

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Why Buy A Manual Treadmill?

There are many reasons to buy a manual treadmill. For starters, manual treadmills don’t have motors. Motorized treadmills’ motors control the belt pace. This means that motorized treadmills have maximum speeds. Non-motorized treadmills have belts that are moved by the user’s feet. Due to the motorless design and user-controlled belt, curved, manual treadmills don’t have max speeds.

Curved, manual treadmills are excellent for runners because you can run as fast and as long as you want on them. They’re typically more expensive than some motorized treadmills, and the curved, slat-belt designs are very durable. Manual treadmills also require less maintenance than motorized treadmills because they lack motors and slat belts that don’t need lubrication or adjusting.

The deck’s curvature is another reason to consider a non-motorized treadmill. Most have a curve designed to help promote a healthy foot strike and good running mechanics. Specific brands like TrueForm have been proven to help improve running form.

Some manual treadmills also have adjustable resistance to run, walk, and even sled-push, providing even more training options. You can also train backward on most manual treadmills, thus helping to strengthen the muscles in the fronts of the legs and the posture chain.

Manual treadmills come in different types. Curved, manual treadmills, like the majority on our list, are the most popular, and most are made for running. There are flat, regular-belted manual treadmills that are better for walking. These treadmills are usually only a couple hundred dollars versus thousands like curved, non-motorized treadmills.

Sled treadmills, like the Xebex Trekker 4000, are a unique and newer type of manual treadmill made for sled-pushing, incline walking, and jogging. There are also motorized treadmills with sled-pushing features and ones with flat, slat belts that completely disengage the belt from the motor to control it like a manual treadmill.

All in all, with all of the different options for manual and hybrid treadmills and the different training features they provide, these treadmills can definitely take your training to the next level.

What To Look For In A Manual Treadmill

Now that we’ve hopefully convinced you to consider buying a manual treadmill, what should you consider when buying?

Your training goals

Finding the right treadmill for you starts with considering what you want to do with the treadmill. Do you want to run long distances? Interval train with all-out sprints? Just walk? There are different types of manual treadmills for different types of training. Some are meant for running and sprinting, while others are better for walking and jogging.

Your training space

Where are you planning on using the treadmill? Do you have a garage or home gym with room for a treadmill? Are planning on putting it in your bedroom or living room? Most curved, manual treadmills are large and non-folding. They’re also pretty heavy so it’s best to have a designated spot in your home for them.

Some flat-belted walking manual treadmills are smaller and fold up, which makes them more convenient for homes with less space.

When determining if a treadmill will fit in your home, consider its overall dimensions and add a couple of feet surrounding it to allow you to use it safely.

Your budget

Finally, your budget should be considered. Since manual treadmills vary in type, they vary pretty greatly in budget. Most curved, manual treadmills are at least $2000 and up. Some cost close to $10,000, while budget walking manual treadmills can cost a few hundred dollars.

Hybrid treadmills typically are priced at thousands of dollars as well. Although they can cost more than the average treadmill, curved, non-motorized treadmills are often built to last and come with excellent warranties to instill buyer confidence. One of these treadmills might be pricey upfront, but the long-term benefits of your health and fitness, both physical and mental, are well worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a manual treadmill hard to use?

When you first try a manual treadmill, there can be a learning curve because your feet move and control the belt. This can make it slightly challenging for some users to keep the belt steady. We don’t recommend a manual treadmill for someone who wants to “zone out” since they require more concentration.

It’s easy to use once you get the hang of a manual treadmill.

Are manual treadmills quiet?

Although they don’t produce the same type of sound as a motorized treadmill, manual treadmills still make noise when you’re using them. You can expect foot noise when you’re walking and running and noise when the belt moves. The noise output on a manual treadmill isn’t excessive, but it isn’t silent either.

How do you clean a manual treadmill?

We suggest wiping down your manual treadmill with a clean cloth after each use, especially if you get dripping with sweat. You want to keep your treadmill’s belt free of dirt and debris and also regularly clean underneath it.

Can you walk on a manual curved treadmill?

Even though curved belt manual treadmills can help improve your running form and allow you to run as fast as you can, you can also use them for walking. Both curved and flat belt manual treadmills are great for walking.

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