Best Treadmill For Walking – 2023

Sydney Kaiser

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Last Updated: June 29, 2023

An often underrated form of exercise is walking. Walking is low-impact and can be done by nearly anyone. No matter the weather or your schedule, a treadmill is a great way to get in some steps and walk. Walking treadmills come in all different sizes. You can find one that is simple, folds up, and is easy to use — or one that has all the bells and whistles and will provide hours of interactive training. The best walking treadmill for you depends on your needs, budget, space, and expectations. We’ve put together this list of the best treadmills for walking to help you find your ideal treadmill and we’ve made sure to include a good variety of sizes and types. Check them out below!

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team has been testing and reviewing treadmills for years. We’ve spent countless hours on all kinds of models, so we know which ones work best for certain preferences, homes, and activities. When it comes to walking, we have some favorites that we’ve tested to share with you so you can make informed buying decisions and purchase a walking treadmill that you’ll not only use but love.

Best Walking Treadmills of 2023:

• Best Treadmill For Walking Overall: Horizon T101
• Best Walking Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63
• Best Walking Content: ProForm Carbon T10
• Best Cushioning For Walking: Nordictrack EXP 7i
• Best Folding Walking Treadmill: Echelon Stride
• Best Space-Saving Walking Treadmill: WalkingPad R2 2-In-1
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill For Walking: LifeSpan TR5000 Treadmill
• Best Incline Treadmill For Walking: NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill
• Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Xterra TR150

See the Pro’s and Con’s, features, specs, and why each exercise bike made our best list below.

Sneak Peek Of The Best Treadmills For Walking:

Our Picks For The Best Treadmills For Walking

1. Best Treadmill For Walking Overall: Horizon T101 Treadmill

Our pick for the best treadmill for walking overall is the Horizon T101 Treadmill. This folding treadmill is one of the most popular because it is priced well under $1000, has a simple console, and provides metrics like distance, speed, incline, and time. While the Horizon T101 is one of the simplest treadmills you’ll find, it is excellent for walking and doesn’t take up much space in your home.

Since walking has a lower impact than running, it is easier on you and your treadmill. The T101 is a small, simple treadmill that provides 20” of width and 55” of length which is excellent for all walking strides. The cushioning in the deck is forgiving and more than what we see on entry-level models, so it’s soft and comfortable to walk on.

The Horizon T101 only weighs 180 lbs, which is on the lighter side for a treadmill, but it will support up to 300 lbs. The top speed is 10 mph and the incline goes up to 10% for plenty of hill work, speed range, and incline options. The console is simple with just a few metrics and program options, making it easy to use and understand. We recommend this treadmill for anyone looking for something to use at home for walking and cardiovascular training. It’s also appropriate for jogging and running if you have a shorter stride length.

The smaller size of the Horizon T101 makes it so you could place this treadmill behind a couch or off to the side in a bedroom and use it while watching the news, reading your favorite book, or listening to music. The console has a device rack that will easily hold either your tablet or a book.

Read our full review of the Horizon T101 treadmill

2. Best Walking Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is simple to use, has a low 8” step-up height, does not require internet, and folds up when you are finished. Sole has long been an industry leader in building quality durable treadmills, and the Sole F63 is no exception. This machine has a 3.0 HP motor, a sturdy deck that is 20” wide by 60” long, and supports up to 325 lbs of user weight. This impressive treadmill is also reasonably priced, making it a viable option for most households. We consider it to be the best walking treadmill for under $1500 on this list of best walking treadmills.

Many fitness manufacturers have transitioned to online subscriptions and training content, however, Sole treadmills remain technically simple but functionally proficient. This means the Sole F63 does not require a monthly subscription or an internet connection to operate. Just plug it in and go! You can use this out of wifi range without a problem. The Sole F63 is easy to use and provides excellent training. It includes six basic programs, two custom programs, and two heart rate training programs.

For those who plan to walk, the Sole F63 provides all the functionality you’ll need at an excellent price point. The deck cushioning is gentle but supportive and the low step-up height of just 8” makes this easy to get on and off. You still have an incline of up to 15 levels for hill work and incline walking as well.

Read our full review of the Sole F63 treadmill

3. Best Walking Content: ProForm Carbon T10 Treadmill

The ProForm Carbon T10 is excellent for walking with a comfortable 20” wide by 55” long deck and tech-enhanced console that includes a 10” touchscreen and iFit content. iFit is really one of the best platforms for training content, especially for walking. They have studio-filmed workouts as well as workouts filmed all around the world. Instructors guide you through different areas and it’s really fun to be able to walk through unique locations while using the Carbon T10.

We love that ProForm has created a comfortable walking treadmill that is also lightweight and affordable. This is an excellent option for those who want to stay engaged while walking. The tech-enhanced console is easy to use and the 10” touchscreen is bright with good visibility. We find iFit classes and training options help people stay engaged better than a simple console with no subscription. So, you’ll get those 10,000+ steps without getting bored!

On top of the best walking content, the ProForm Carbon T10 has nice cushioning, a foldable deck, and good training variables of 12 mph and a 12% incline. It handles users up to 300 lbs while still being compact to fit better in more homes. You should consider the ProForm Carbon T10 if you’re looking for a well-performing walking treadmill with engaging content.

Read our full review of the ProForm Carbon T10

4. Best Cushioning For Walking: Nordictrack EXP 7i Treadmill

The Nordictrack EXP 7i is one of Nordictrack’s compact models from the EXP Series. This affordable model is good for walking because of the gentle cushioning, folding deck, and easy-to-use console. The 7” screen on the EXP 7i displays iFit content as well. We’ve found this screen can be slightly small for some users but is still a great way to add guided training to your walking routine.

The deck features soft cushioning that absorbs shock and lessens the impact on your joints. The EXP 7i has a 3.0 HP motor and a nice 20” wide by 55” long deck. It inclines to 12% and has a 10 mph max speed for plenty of speed variables and incline range. You can walk, hike and enjoy incline training on the spacious deck and those with shorter running strides will be able to jog and run, too.

The EXP 7i is a good option for walkers who want subscription content at a good price on a solid treadmill. The deck is a good size for pretty much any user and it will support up to 300 lbs. It’s also easier to move than comparable treadmills and has hydraulic assist so the deck will slowly lower to the floor when it’s unfolded. Check it out if you’re looking for a tech-enhanced treadmill that’s really comfortable to use.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill

5. Best Folding Walking Treadmill: Echelon Stride Treadmill

The Echelon adds a new dimension to walking treadmills with its fully collapsible Stride treadmill! This treadmill is perfect for walking! What makes the Echelon Stride unique is rather than the deck folding up against the console like on other treadmills, the uprights and console fold down against the deck to be just 10” tall. This makes the Stride the best folding walking treadmill on this list.

The Echelon Stride still features a 55″ L × 20″ W walking surface with 12 levels of incline and a 12 mph max speed, so even though it’s small it offers impressive training variables. The motor is only 1.75 CHP which isn’t quite as powerful as other folding treadmills, but it has a 2.5 HP peak to better handle occasional use at higher speeds. The Stride is a great option for college students, roommates, seniors, and anyone with limited space who want something quiet and compact to use for walking at home.

The Stride only weighs 156 lbs, so it is a little lighter than other models on our list.

When you are finished, simply fold the uprights and console flat against the deck. A steel bar on one end and wheels on the other allow the Stride to be rolled where you need it to go: in a closet, under a bed, or behind a couch. This treadmill will completely hide away when you’re not using it.

Read our full review of the Echelon Stride treadmill

6. Best Space-Saving Walking Treadmill: WalkingPad R2 2-In-1

The best space-saving walking treadmill has been awarded to the WalkingPad R2 2-In-1 Treadmill. This treadmill is compact and folds in half to save you a lot of room. It can also be stored upright to be just 6” long, so you can store it in a closet or against a wall out of the way. It can also be rolled under a bed.

When it’s in use, the WalkingPad R2 has a 2-In-1 design that makes it very versatile. The handles fold up and down so you can use the R2 in the middle of a room or under a desk. It has a 17” wide by 47” long deck so it’s perfect for walking briskly in your living room as well as more slowly at your desk. The R2 goes up to 3.7 mph with the handles folded down on either side of the deck, or 7.5 mph when the handles are upright. So, users with shorter running strides will be able to jog and run on the deck, too.

The WalkingPad R2 2-In-1 sits directly on the floor and has minimal cushioning, but it’s plenty comfortable to walk on. The R2 only weighs around 80 lbs and can handle users up to 240 lbs. We love how small the R2 is and that it utilizes space really well. It is a great walking treadmill that can handle most strides while folding up to be really compact and storable.

Read our full review of the WalkingPad R2 2-In-1 Treadmill

7. Best Under-Desk Treadmill For Walking: LifeSpan TR5000

The LifeSpan TR5000 is the best under-desk treadmill for walking. It’s also at the top of our best under-desk treadmills list. There are a number of reasons why the LifeSpan TR5000 is the best under-desk treadmill. To start, it has a spacious 20” wide by 50” long belt to give you plenty of room for walking, yet compact enough to fit under most standing desks.

The LifeSpan TR5000-GlowUp has an all-black design to coordinate well with most office settings. The TR5000 is a great treadmill if you want to walk at your desk all day. It is recommended to be used for up to 9 hours per day, so you can get in a lot of steps while you work. The 3.0 HP motor is powerful and quiet so it’s not disruptive to use in shared spaces.

You can choose between two consoles that sit on top of your desk to display metrics like time, speed, distance, and calories. There is also an Intelli-Step technology to keep track of the number of steps you take, too. The TR5000 offers a good range of 0.4-4 mph of speed so you’ll be able to choose from various paces while walking and working at your desk.

Read our full review of the LifeSpan TR5000 Under-Desk Treadmill

8. Best Incline Treadmill For Walking: NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill

Walking on an incline is a great way to condition your cardiovascular system and work the posterior muscles in your body, as well as your core. If you’re looking to walk a serious incline at home, then the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill is for you. The deck inclines up to 40% for intense training and declines to -6% for impressive downhill training. It is because of its incline motor and training capabilities that the X22i has earned the title of the best incline treadmill for walking.

The X22i has a beautiful 22” touch screen that displays iFit to offer thousands of walking and hiking workouts. These workouts are filmed all over the world and the treadmill automatically adjusts to the format of the class and grade of the location, so you can feel like you’re hiking up a mountain in Romania or up a volcano in Chile.

For cushioning, the X22i has a significant amount to help lessen the impact on your joints when walking and running on the deck. The deck is 22” wide and 60” long so you’ll have plenty of room to incline, decline, and run if you want. Keep in mind that the NordicTrack X22i doesn’t fold up and weighs around 417 lbs (at least in the box) so it requires a designated space to use it. For its powerful 4.0 HP motor and incredible incline and decline range, the X22i is definitely worth it if you want to crank up your walking workouts to another level.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill

9. Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Xterra TR150

The Xterra TR150 is a compact, folding treadmill that’s very inexpensive. We’ve given it the best budget walking treadmill on this list because of its affordable price. It is under $500 so if you’re looking to save on a walking treadmill, this one is it.

For such an affordable treadmill, the TR150 has some nice features. The motor is 2.25 HP to handle walking and the deck is 16” wide and 50” long for a large enough surface for most walking strides. Those with shorter stride lengths should be able to lightly jog on the TR150, too.

The TR150 is made out of alloy steel and only weighs 97 lbs. The deck folds up so it can be pushed out of the way when you’re not using it. It also is lightweight enough to use on upper-level floors. So, not only does the affordable price make it accessible, but the design makes it appealing to more people and home spaces.

The LCD display is straightforward with onboard workouts included to give your walks some structure. The deck moves up to 10 mph and the deck manually inclines up to 3 different levels so you have some variety in your training to vary the intensity of your workouts.

Read our full review of the Xterra TR150 Treadmill

What Should You Look For When Buying The Best Treadmill For Walking?

Here are some things to consider when searching for the best walking treadmill for you and your home.

Deck Size – Walking Surface

Finding the right treadmill for walking is important! Most walking treadmills have around 50-55” long decks which is best for most walking strides. Some are a little shorter than this, so be aware if you are a taller user with a long walking stride. You want to be sure that you have plenty of room to comfortably walk on the deck.

Space/Storage

Not only do you want to make sure that you fit on your treadmill, but that the treadmill fits in the space where you intend to use it. Walking treadmills come in all different sizes and have folding and non-folding decks and consoles. If you have a limited amount of space, you’ll probably want a compact treadmill that has a deck that folds. Some treadmills are so small that they can be stored under a bed or in a closet, too.

Motor Power & Weight Capacity

Don’t discount the motor simply because you plan to walk! Look at the specs to make sure the treadmill will support your anticipated usage. 2.0 – 3.0 HP motors are best for primarily walking and lighter to moderate use. Motors over 3.5-4.0 HP are more powerful to handle long-distance walking and running. If you have multiple users in your home, who also walk regularly, you’ll want to be sure you purchase a treadmill with a larger motor. If it’s just you and you walk for around 30-45 minutes per day, a smaller motor should work fine. Motor power can often correspond with speed and incline options as well, so look for the max speed listed and how high the deck inclines (if it inclines) to make sure it aligns with your goals.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re under the weight limit that the treadmill is rated to hold. Smaller, more affordable treadmills usually have lower weight capacities of 250 lbs or so, while larger models have higher weight limits.

Console Design/Subscription Options

Having an easy-to-use console is key to any treadmill. Most have pretty standard layouts that make them easy and quick to adjust. Consoles with less tech – think LCD screens – usually come with preprogrammed workouts that you can follow along with. Most treadmills with touch screens offer subscription training content that gives you even more guidance while walking. If you’re someone who likes to read or stream content from your device, you’ll want to make sure there is a rack to place your phone/tablet or book. Alternatively, you’ll probably want a smaller treadmill or one with a simple console with fewer frills if you plan to use the treadmill in front of your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Lose Weight Walking On A Treadmill?

Absolutely! One of the best ways to lose weight is to find an exercise you enjoy, that you know how to do, and are able to do regularly. Walking checks all the boxes! Many people underestimate the power of walking, but it has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve endurance, lose weight, and get fit. Using a treadmill makes it so you can walk whenever it is convenient for you! If you have little ones, walk during nap time! For seniors, you can walk while watching the news or talking on the phone to loved ones. Even college students can walk after class in their apartments on a compact walking treadmill. This makes it easy to get the exercise you need to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. You’ll also want to examine your diet if weight loss is your goal, too.

Do Walking Treadmills Have Incline?

Most do. Most of the walking treadmills on our list incline except for the LifeSpan TR5000 and the WalkingPad R2. These are smaller walking treadmills that don’t feature incline, but our list includes treadmills with the necessary features and specs for everything from gentle walking to intense hiking! We’ve even included a treadmill on our list that has a 40% incline for walking and hiking.

How Many Calories Can I Burn Walking on a Treadmill?

That depends on how hard you work and how long you walk, but people can burn upwards of 400 calories per hour just from walking! A study from Nordictrack indicated that walking on an incline increased the number of calories burned up to 5x in the same amount of time compared to walking on a flat road! Another way to kick up both your heart rate and calorie burn is by adding speed walking intervals. These power walking sessions are not easy, and they’ll have you sweating in no time.

Where Can I Put a Walking Treadmill in my Home?

All walking treadmills should be stored in an area that is clear of doors, stairs, curtains, ceiling fans, and retractable shade/blind cords. Treadmills can shift slightly when in use and may impact walls in close proximity, so we recommend leaving a small gap between your treadmill and your wall. While folding treadmills are convenient, they need to be safely folded and locked when not in use to protect children or pets in the home. Never place a walking treadmill in a high-traffic area where people have to step under, over, or around it frequently. A locked room away is always best – although many people don’t have this luxury. Remove the safety key after use and place it away from the treadmill. You also need to be careful if you plan to put your treadmill in a garage, some companies will void the warranty on your treadmill if it is not kept in a clean and dry area.

Can I Use A Walking Treadmill Upstairs?

Yes, but we don’t recommend carrying your treadmill up/down stairs regularly. If you plan to use a treadmill on an upstairs floor, assemble it there. Some door frames are not wide enough to allow a treadmill to be rolled in/out of a room. Evaluate the weight of the treadmill and the structure of your floors to make sure you place your treadmill in an appropriate location. Even walking treadmills can be too large for a standard door frame.