Regardless of your weight, paying attention to a treadmill’s weight limit can be very helpful when buying. A high weight limit of 350-400+ lbs not only means the treadmill can handle a lot of weight, but it usually indicates that it can handle a lot of use and is well-built. This notion is at least true for quality treadmills—the only ones we recommend.
Suppose you’re looking for a high-weight limit treadmill or a durable one; welcome! We are treadmill experts who range in size and weight ourselves, and we know the ins and outs of these machines. After putting miles on the decks, we’ve determined the best treadmills for heavy people because of their generous weight limits and impressive construction and features. So, without further ado, I present to you our list.
Best Treadmills For Heavy People, Compared:
Sole F85 | Horizon 7.8 AT | Sole F80 | NordicTrack 1750 | AssaultRunner Elite | Sole TT8 | TrueForm Runner | NordicTrack X22i | |
Price (MSRP) | 2,299 | $2,399 | $1,899 | $2,2991799 | ||||
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Star Rating | ||||||||
Bottom Line | A durable folding treadmill for heavy runners that inclines, declines, and streams Netflix. | Horizon’s premium model features a quick-adjusting motor, roller dials, and Sprint 8 programming for the ultimate HIIT training treadmill. | A well-priced running treadmill that folds up and offers standard workout programs and Netflix streaming without an additional subscription fee. | A high-quality, interactive folding treadmill for most people that streams iFIT and features forgiving deck cushioning. | The AssaultRunner Elite manual treadmill lets you run as fast as you can with its unlimited speed potential and smooth rolling slat belt. | This non-folding treadmill is rated for home and studio gym use. It features a spacious deck, incline and decline, and a touch screen for streaming Netflix. | This manual treadmill has a gentle slope and a cushioned slat belt for a more natural running stride. | The ultimate treadmill with an insane 40% incline and a lovely 22” touch screen to follow along with iFIT. |
Awards Earned | ||||||||
Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Product | Sole F85 | Horizon 7.8 AT | Sole F80 | NordicTrack 1750 | AssaultRunner Elite | Sole TT8 | TrueForm Runner | NordicTrack X22i |
Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
Specs / Features | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 |
Dimensions / Storability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
On-Board Workouts & Apps | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
Build Quality | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
Overall Score | 85 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 83 | 74 | 82 | 90 |
# of Onboard Workouts | 100+ | 10 | 100's | 2 | 8 | 100+ | 1 | 2 |
Paid Programming - Cost | Sole+ App - Free | N/A | N/A | iFIT - $39/month | N/A | Sole+ - free | N/A | iFIT - $39/month |
Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | N/A | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | N/A | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | N/A | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) |
Display | 15.6″ touchscreen | 9.3" TFT LCD screen, 16-digit LED | 10.1" touchscreen | 14" HD touchscreen | Hi-contrast. UV resistant console | 15.6″ HD touchscreen | Bright LED Rechargeable Battery | 22" HD touchscreen |
Dimensions (In Use) | 82.5″L x 38″W x 66″H | 76" L x 37" W x 64" H | 82.5"L x 38"W x 66"H | 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 64.7” H | 69.9″ L x 31.7″ W x 64.4″ H | 82.5″L x 38″W x 66″H | 64" L x 36" W x 63" H | 70” L x 39” W x 72.5” H |
Deck Size | 22” x 60” | 22" x 60" | 22" x 60" | 20" x 60" | 17″ x 65″ | 22″ x 60″ | 17" x 64" | 22" x 60" |
Folding? | ||||||||
Treadmill Weight | 319 lbs | 330 lbs | 274 lbs | 293 lbs (in box) | 289.2 lbs | 226 lbs | 350 lbs | 417 lbs (in box) |
Weight Capacity | 375 lbs | 375 lbs | 350 lbs | 400 lbs | 400 lbs | 400 lbs | 700 lbs (walking), 450 lbs (running) | 400 lbs |
Motor Size | 4.0 HP | 4.0 HP | 3.5 HP | 3.5 CHP | N/A | 4.0 CHP | N/A | 4.0 CHP |
Max Speed | 12 MPH | 12 mph | 12 mph | 12 MPH | Unlimited | 12 mph | Unlimited | 12 mph |
Incline/Decline | 15 incline levels, 6 decline levels | 0 to 15% | 15 incline levels | -3% to 12% | N/A | 15 incline levels, 6 decline levels | N/A | -6% to 40% |
Warranty | Lifetime frame & motor, 3-year deck, parts and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year deck, 3-year parts, 3-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, lifetime belt, 3-year non-wear parts, 1-year parts & labor | lifetime frame & motor, 3-year deck, parts, & wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items; light commercial: 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
Additional Features | Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging pad, device rack | QuickDial controls, Bluetooth speakers, 3-zone cushioning | Screen mirroring, Sole+ app, wireless charging pad | AutoAdjust, ActivePulse, soft cushioning | Bluetooth, ANT+, AssaultFitness app, Zwift app | Wireless charging pad, light commercial grade build, storage | tread surface options: tread, turf, track, Naboso; custom paint and decals, shallow deck curvature | Very soft cushioning, AutoAdjust, ActivePulse |
Best Treadmills For Heavy People of 2024 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know about each of these treadmills so you can make an informed buying decision.
Sole F85 Treadmill
- Heavy-duty construction
- 4.0 HP motor
- Incline and decline
- Touchscreen with included content
- Lifetime warranty
- Large, foldable deck
- Non-adjustable screen
- Weak fan
The Sole F85 is a quiet home treadmill with a 22” wide and 60” long running surface. The deck has a low profile, making it easy to step on and off, and it is excellent for more ceiling heights. The deck’s cushioning has shock absorption with a firm feeling underfoot, making it great for road runners and those training for an outdoor event.
While running on the F85, you have plenty of options to keep you entertained and help keep your runs structured. You can, of course, hop on and go, but the free trainer-led workout videos, workout programs, and fitness tests included are a nice option. Plus, you can create custom workouts and save them.
The console has a good-sized 15.6” touchscreen with 12 preloaded streaming apps and the ability to pair your phone to mirror content on the screen. The streaming apps include Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video, Spotify, and Peacock.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole F85 Treadmill.
Interested in the Sole F85?
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
- Durably built
- Nice price
- Made for HIIT workouts
- Responsive 4.0 HP motor
- Nice deck cushioning
- Lifetime warranty
- Less console tech
- No built-in subscription training
This large running treadmill is one of our favorite high-weight limit, heavy-duty treadmills because of everything it offers. It also helps that the construction is backed by a lifetime frame and motor warranty.
Even though the 7.8 AT is sizable, it has a folding deck and two transportation wheels for when you need to move it. The deck folding out of the way makes it fit better in more homes. It’s a good idea to have a spot for this treadmill to stay in your home, though, because it weighs 330 lbs.
The 4.0 HP motor is quiet and quick to adjust, so if you like interval training on treadmills, this is the one to pick. It is one of the fastest-adjusting treadmills we’ve tested. The Sprint 8 interval training program is on the LED screen for structured training.
The 22” wide and 60” long deck accommodates all stride lengths, and the belt moves up to 12 mph for a good speed range. With the 15% max incline in the deck, you can fire up your posterior chain, too! The cushioning in the deck has good shock absorption, so it does not feel too soft or too firm for those looking to lessen the impact on their joints.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill.
Interested in the Horizon 7.8 AT?
Sole F80 Treadmill
- Excellent value
- Powerful construction and motor
- Spacious folding deck
- 350-lb weight limit
- Lifetime warranty
- Touchscreen with included training content and streaming apps
- Non-adjustable screen
- Weak fan
In addition to its heavy weight capacity, the F80 has a large 22” wide by 60” long deck to accommodate most running strides. Its 3.5 HP motor handles heavy use, like long-distance training. The F80 also goes up to 12 mph and inclines up to 15 different levels, so you have a lot of speed and grade to choose from.
Beyond the hardy motor and training variables, the steel frame and low-profile deck make the F80 a substantial treadmill. It’s large and heavy-duty but folds up nicely. There are multiple transportation wheels, so when it’s folded, it isn’t tough to move, even though it does weigh 274 lbs.
The Sole F80 Treadmill has a 10” touchscreen and many content options. From included trainer-led workout videos, workout programs, and fitness tests to 12 preloaded streaming apps like Netflix and screen mirroring from your phone, the F80 has thoughtful features.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole F80 Treadmill.
Interested in the Sole F80?
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- Great quality
- iFIT streaming with a subscription
- Powerful to handle lots of exercise
- Comfortable cushioning
- Swiveling touchscreen for off-treadmill training
- Folding deck
- Narrower deck to fit in more homes
- No device rack
- Need a subscription for full access to features
There are multiple note-worthy features about the 1750. One of the most stand-out features is the 14” touchscreen that offers streaming from iFIT. iFIT is an interactive training platform designed to bring you structured and engaging trainer-led workout videos. The library of workout videos is made for on and off-the-treadmill training.
You can take a guided walk, run, or treadmill boot camp and then follow it up with some yoga, strength training, and stretching. Conveniently, the screen pivots to either side of the treadmill for the off-the-treadmill workouts so you can see it clearly.
Another notable feature is the deck cushioning. NordicTrack Treadmills are some of the most well-cushioned. This translates to a softer landing surface. The 1750 isn’t the softest from the brand, but it’s the right combo of supportive and absorbent to help lessen the high impact on the joints that comes with running.
The 1750 is suitable for walkers and runners of all sizes. Its 60” long and 20” wide deck make it ideal for more homes. It requires a little less floor space than some of the other heavy-duty treadmills we’ve included.
Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill.
Interested in the NordicTrack 1750?
AssaultRunner Elite
- 400-lb weight limit
- Extremely durable
- Lifetime belt warranty
- No max speed
- Easy-to-move belt
- No electricity
- Onboard interval and target programs
- It takes some getting used to at first
- It is not best for walkers wanting to zone out
What makes manual treadmills great for running is their curved decks. The AssaultRunner Elite has a slight curve that makes it easy to get up to speed. Since there isn’t a motor, the slat belt’s pace is controlled by your legs, so the belt moves as fast as you can.
The slat belt has 62 rubberized slats that absorb the shock when your feet hit the deck. It feels firm to run on while providing some impact absorption.
The belt is 17” wide and 65” long, so it’s great for all running strides. The narrow belt also helps keep you in alignment while running. The AssaultRunner Elite is the brand’s premium manual treadmill.
Its impressive steel construction gives a solid running experience and a smooth-moving belt. The console is also battery-powered, so you don’t have to worry about plugging the AssaultRunner in.
Click here to read our detailed review of the AssaultRunner Elite.
Interested in the AssaultRunner Elite?
Sole TT8 Treadmill
- Commercial-grade
- 400-lb weight limit
- Incline and decline
- Included training content and streaming apps
- Lifetime warranty
- Built for homes and small commercial settings
- Non-adjustable touchscreen
- Doesn’t fold
This non-folding treadmill is rated for home and light commercial use. The motor features a 10 lb flywheel to keep it smooth and consistent while adjusting. An additional motor operates the incline and decline in the deck. Lifetime warranties also back the reinforced frame and high-powered motor.
The Sole TT8 has a 15.6” touchscreen, trainer-led video workouts, and 12 preloaded streaming apps. You can log into your respective account and start watching. There’s no additional subscription fee, which we appreciate.
Plus, there are onboard workout programs to follow along with or the ability to create your own. Another aspect we love about the TT8 is that you get all of this packed into a commercial-quality design for an excellent price.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole TT8 Treadmill.
Interested in the Sole TT8?
TrueForm Runner
- 700-lb walking and 450-lb running weight limits
- Commercial-grade
- Customizable belt
- No electricity required
- Limited console functionality
- Splurge in price
This treadmill is especially ideal for sports athletes because of the customizable slat belt. With the belt, you can move as fast as you can for an unlimited max speed, and it can be purchased with different materials. It comes in the standard rubberized slat-belt design, as well as turf and rubberized track.
This is so you can train in your track spikes or cleats on the TrueForm Runner. For this reason, we love recommending the TrueForm Runner as the best manual treadmill for heavy athletes. Its incredible weight capacity also makes it perfect for most people.
What makes a TrueForm a TrueForm is the shallow curved deck. This minimal curve is proven to help promote proper running mechanics and encourage a forefoot and midfoot strike. Heel strikers like me will probably find they fatigue faster, but if you want to work on improving your gait, the TrueForm Runner is one to check out.
Click here to read our detailed review of the TrueForm Runner.
Interested in the TrueForm Runner?
NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill
- 40% incline and -6% decline
- Well-cushioned deck
- iFIT on the 22” screen with a subscription
- 4.0 HP motor
- Comfortable for running
- Heavy and non-folding
- iFIT requires a subscription
Considering the deck goes all the way up to 40%, the 400 lb weight limit is a nice component of the construction. For all of its training capabilities, the X22i has a heavy-duty design.
The X22i has a quiet 4.0 HP motor and a 12 mph max speed. The deck, which is 22” wide and 60” long, provides ample room for running and hiking. It also features soft cushioning that is great for those with joint issues and discomfort. In fact, this treadmill has some of the most forgiving deck cushioning we’ve used on treadmills.
The NordicTrack X22i has a large 22” touchscreen that offers streaming from iFit. iFit is a complete training platform that features trainer-led workouts filmed indoors and outdoors.
The outdoor classes are impressive. They let you follow instructors through remote locations on literally every continent on Earth. Plus, in each iFit workout, the X22i automatically adjusts for hands-free training.
Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill.
Interested in the NordicTrack X22i?
Finding The Best Treadmill For Your Weight
As mentioned, when looking for treadmills with high weight limits, we look for ones with 350 to 400+ lb capacities. This is the upper limit for most treadmills.
Best Treadmills With A 400 lb Weight Capacity
If you’re looking for the best treadmill for a 400 lb person, check out these models below.
- NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill
- AssaultRunner Elite
- Sole TT8 Treadmill
- TrueForm Runner
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Best Treadmills With A 375- 350 lb Weight Capacity
If you’re looking for the best treadmill for a 350 lb person, check out these models below.
- Sole F80 Treadmill
- Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
- Sole F85 Treadmill
Factors To Keep In Mind When Buying The Best Treadmill For Heavy People
There are some things to consider when purchasing the best treadmill for a heavy person beyond the weight limit. Check out these factors below.
Weight Capacity
Of course, if you’re looking for a treadmill, you should check the weight capacity to make sure it will support you. Some treadmills only have 200-250 lb limits, so they’re not ideal for many people.
Typically, the highest weight limit on motorized treadmills is 400 lbs, and some manual treadmills offer a higher amount. Treadmills with high-weight capacities are usually larger machines with great construction, so whether you’re concerned about the limit working for you or just want a solid treadmill, you’ll most likely get both when purchasing a high-capacity machine.
Training Goals
Another factor to consider is what you want to use the treadmill for. Are you looking to just walk, run, or train for long distances? Treadmills come with different motor sizes and deck sizes to support different uses.
For running, we recommend motors of 3-4.0 HP, which typically handle a lot of use. Motors of 2-3.0 HP are usually best for walking and some jogging. Our testing also found that 60” long decks are best for all running stride lengths.
Treadmills also have different max speeds and inclines, and some even decline. You want to be sure that the training capabilities will work for you.
Your Home
It’s imperative that the treadmill you decide to buy fits in the space where you intend to use it. Some high-weight capacity treadmills fold, while others don’t, so you’ll want to be sure that whichever one you take home works for you and your space.
Floor space and ceiling height are important, as many treadmills have an incline feature. Factoring in the step-up height, incline range, and height is a great way to help determine that you’ll have enough head clearance to use the treadmill.
Also, some treadmills are heavy and not meant for upper-level floors. You’ll want to check out the weight and size, too.
Content
Although it isn’t the most important factor, treadmill content can vary greatly. Some come with touchscreens that offer subscription content, while others have less tech and more basic features. Some also include trainer-led workout videos and streaming apps like Netflix, such as treadmills from Sole and NordicTrack.
Checking out the treadmill’s content is a good idea to ensure the features are what you prefer. You don’t want to be stuck with a subscription you don’t want to pay for or wish for more training options on your treadmill to keep you engaged. Treadmill content is designed to help keep your workouts structured and fun. Having fun on a treadmill helps ensure you’ll use it regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are treadmills good for obese people?
Treadmills are a great piece of cardio exercise equipment for most people. Their ability to adjust and control their speed for different walking, jogging, and running paces makes them adaptable for most people, no matter their size or fitness level. Treadmills also come with different weight capacities to be more accessible to users.
What happens if you are too heavy for a treadmill?
If you purchase a treadmill that has a lower weight capacity than you, it could impact the longevity of the machine. This could cause problems with the motor, like overheating, and cause the treadmill to break and not work. It’s important to make sure the weight capacity is appropriate for you.
What is the highest weight capacity for a treadmill?
The highest weight capacity that we normally see on motorized treadmills is 400 lbs. Some manual treadmills, like the TrueForm Runner, have a higher 450 lb capacity while running and a 700 lb capacity while walking.
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