*TreadmillReviewGuru helps consumers find the best home fitness products. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
Last Updated: December 3, 2023
Alright, you’ve found the best treadmill now you’re looking for the best treadmill running shoes. We spend a lot of time testing and using treadmills so we’ve worn our fair share of running shoes in the process. We’ve put together this list to help you find the right pair of running shoes to take you miles and miles across your treadmill’s deck. We know how important it is to keep your feet comfortable while running on a treadmill. Not only do we have an overall recommendation of the best treadmill running shoes, but we’ve added a wide variety since running shoes are extremely subjective. What’s comfortable to one person might not be to another, so we’ve broken down the top running shoes for treadmills to help with your search.
Why You Should Trust Us
Here at TRG, we not only spend a lot of time running on treadmills, but we practically live in running shoes. We’ve worn all kinds from different brands and for different purposes. We know what makes a good running shoe and what makes it good for use on a treadmill. The following list has been tested and thoroughly researched to include shoes we think are best and we’ve given each an award for the type of treadmill use they’re best suited for.
The Best Treadmill Running Shoes For 2024
- Best Treadmill Running Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
- Best Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost 15
- Best For Incline Treadmill: Hoka Mach 5
- Best Treadmill Running Shoes For Beginners: On Cloudgo
- Best Treadmill Walking Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best Budget Treadmill Running Shoes: Reebok Floatride Energy 5
- Best Manual Treadmill Running Shoes: Adidas Adizero Adios 8
- Best Stable Treadmill Running Shoes: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
- Best Zero Drop Treadmill Running Shoes: Altra Rivera 3
- Best Treadmill Speed Running Shoes: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
Sneak Peek Of The Best Treadmill Running Shoes:
Our Picks For The Best Treadmill Running Shoes
1. Best Treadmill Running Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
We’ve picked the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 as the best treadmill running shoes. The mid-level cushioning makes for versatile and comfortable shoes that you can wear on any treadmill. Just like running shoes, treadmill decks have different levels of cushioning that provide shock absorption from brand to brand and model to model. Because the Pegasus 40 aren’t as highly cushioned as other running shoes, they make for a great shoe to wear no matter the treadmill. They don’t feel overly soft or firm, so they’re great for all-around treadmill running.
Updated with a more breathable mesh upper from the 39s, the Pegasus 40 are great for indoor use to help keep your feet cool and dry mile after mile on your treadmill. The outsole provides good traction to help keep you from slipping on your treadmill’s belt, too.
Just like the treadmills that we consider to be the best on the market, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 are workhorse running shoes that provide a stable and consistent ride, even through years of updates. Our reviewer, Matt, has had his Nike Pegasus for years and through reviewing several treadmills, so they’re proven to be durable. So, from running and walking to hiking and intervals, the Pegasus 40 are the shoes to take you across your treadmill’s deck for miles.
Beginners to advanced runners should find that the Pegagus 40 works well for treadmill running. Check these out if you want a neutral running shoe with a comfortable collar and secure fit.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- The mid-level cushioning makes them pair well with most treadmills no matter the deck’s shock absorption.
- These are durable and consistent for all kinds of treadmill running and walking.
- The updated mesh upper is breathable for indoor use.
- The outsoles have a good grip to work on all kinds of treadmill belts.
- They aren’t as lightweight as others.
- Cushioning: Mid-Level
- Midsole Drop: 10 mm
- Upper: Engineered Mesh
- Shoe Weight: 10.1 oz (Men’s) 8.5 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal
- Sizes: 7-15 (Men’s) 5-12 (Women’s)
2. Best Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost 15
If you’re looking for the best running shoes to wear inside on your treadmill and outside on the road, then check out the Brooks Ghost 15. Brooks Ghost was my first real pair of running shoes and my current pair of Ghost 14s are my personal favorite running shoes. The Ghost 15 has maintained the integrity and features of the Ghost 14 while offering slightly lighter cushioning. The Brooks Ghost 15 are also eco-friendly as they have a 100% carbon-neutral footprint.
The mid-level cushioning is great for all kinds of treadmill use. The cushion feels springy without feeling bouncy, so it pairs well with all levels of treadmill shock absorption. The Ghost 15 are neutral running shoes that provide a good level of support for all kinds of running strides and runner types. This shoe helps provide support for pronation, supination, and neutral foot types.
The outsole has nice traction to take you from the pavement to your treadmill’s belt so if you’re training for a race or like to run indoors and out, you won’t need to change your shoes to do so. On all of the different treadmills we test here at TRG, I’ve found the outsoles on my Brooks Ghosts to be plenty grippy without providing too much friction on every treadmill belt I’ve tested.
Check out the Brooks Ghost 15 if you want a reliable, supportive running shoe for treadmill running and outdoor running.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- These running shoes are great for indoor and outdoor use.
- The mid-level cushioning and neutral support make them great for a wide range of runners and foot types.
- The outsole provides good traction to take you from your treadmill to the road outside.
- The air mesh uppers are breathable for indoor running.
- They aren’t as cushioned as other shoes.
- 100% DNA Loft v2 Cushioning
- Cushioning: Mid-Level
- Midsole Drop: 12 mm
- Upper: 3D Fit Print Air Mesh Upper
- Shoe Weight: 9.8 oz (Men’s) 8.8 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Wide & Normal
- Sizes: 7-15 (Men’s) 5-12 (Women’s)
3. Best For Incline Treadmill: Hoka Mach 5
When you think of Hoka running shoes, you might think of highly cushioned midsoles that a lot of people love and some not so much. The Hoka Mach 5 has mid-level cushioning so if you don’t like a super plush ride, you’ll probably appreciate this running shoe. The ProFly+ midsole still makes for a springy feel underfoot that works well on top of the EVA rubber outsole. The ProFly+ also makes for a “snappier” ride because of its responsiveness, which many other reviewers have complimented.
The Mach 5 offers neutral support so they’re great for most people. The upper is a 100% vegan creel-engineered mesh that’s lightweight, breathable, and fits well on your feet. The lay-flat gusseted tongue makes for a smooth and comfortable fit, too.
The Hoka Mach 5 is great for tempo and speed runs, as well as incline training on a treadmill. When running on an incline, the last thing you want is to feel like your feet are dragging. The Mach 5 gives you a little spring in your step to tackle high inclines on your treadmill with ease. Once you strap on these, we challenge you to try the 40% incline on our best incline treadmill the NordicTrack X22i.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- The mid-level cushioning makes for a responsive and snappy ride that we like for incline treadmill running.
- These shoes are lightweight for speed and tempo runs, too.
- The upper is vegan and lightweight with a gusseted tongue to provide more comfort and breathability.
- The 5mm heel drop is good for incline running.
- They aren’t as cushioned as other Hokas.
- Cushioning: Mid-Level
- Midsole Drop: 5 mm
- Upper: 100% Vegan Engineered Mesh
- Shoe Weight: 8.2 oz (Men’s) 6.8 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal
- Sizes: 8-14 (Men’s) 6-11 (Women’s)
4. Best Treadmill Running Shoes For Beginners: On Cloudgo
For those who are beginners to treadmill running or running in general, we recommend looking into the On Cloudgo. These neutral running shoes provide support for most people. The mid-level cushioning of the Cloudgo features On’s patented CloudTech cushioning. This cushioning is meant to support your feet whichever way you land, making it great for beginners.
This is the type of shoe to handle casual runs, slower paces, as well as speed runs. It’s versatile, flexible, and responsive. You get some spring without it feeling bouncy. The outsole provides good traction for all kinds of treadmill belts.
The On Cloudgo has a comfortable collar and sock liner that some say allows them to wear these running shoes without socks. We really like that the upper is made from 85-90% recycled polyester so it’s an environmentally-conscious mesh upper that’s a little more sustainable and breathable.
Check out the On Cloudgo if you are looking for the best treadmill running shoes for beginners.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- The overall design and support are great for beginners to treadmill running.
- The patented cushioning is mid-level with neutral support to work well for most people.
- The mesh upper is breathable and eco-friendly.
- The speedboard is flexible and propels you forward while running.
- They’re a little pricy for a beginner shoe.
- Cushioning: Mid-Level
- Midsole Drop: 11 mm
- Upper: Engineered Mesh Upper
- Shoe Weight: 9.0 oz (Men’s) 7.5 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal & Wide
- Sizes: 7-14 (Men’s) 5-11 (Women’s)
5. Best Treadmill Walking Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9
If you’re looking for a max cushioned shoe for treadmill walking then check out the Hoka Clifton 9. These have a plush design with a bouncy feel underfoot to provide a lot of cushion while you walk. Even though the Clifton 9 has been updated to include thicker cushioning in this model from the previous Clifton 8, it’s still lightweight.
The engineered knit upper is breathable but provides good support. The Clifton 9 has a nice toe box to provide plenty of room with neutral support, too. The Hoka Clifton 9 has a supportive outsole that’s great for walking and running. Heel strikers might want a little more heel-to-toe drop than the 5mm that the Clifton 9 has, but overall this is a great max-cushioned shoe for most.
If you’re looking for a plush shoe for walking on your treadmill then consider the Hoka Clifton 9. These are our pick as the best treadmill walking shoes and we think they pair well with any of these best treadmills for walking.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- These are max-cushioned shoes that are great for treadmill walking.
- They provide structure and support while giving a bouncy feel underfoot.
- The toe box provides plenty of room.
- These are lightweight and breathable.
- They might not offer enough of a heel drop for some.
- Cushioning: Max
- Midsole Drop: 5 mm
- Upper: Breathable Engineered Knit
- Shoe Weight: 8.7 oz (Men’s) 7.3 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal & Wide
- Sizes: 8-14 (Men’s) 6-11 (Women’s)
6. Best Budget Treadmill Running Shoes: Reebok Floatride Energy 5
If you’re looking to save a little bit on a treadmill running shoe but still want a quality one, then check out the Reebok Floatride Energy 5. These aren’t the most cushioned shoes but they still provide some bounce. The Floatride Energy Foam is responsive and great for daily running.
The rubber outsole handles concrete outdoors and treadmill belts inside. The outsole has a good grip so you don’t have to worry about slipping. We’ve named the Reebok Floatride Energy 5 as the best budget treadmill running shoes because they maintain a great price point even after years of updates. As the most current model, the Energy 5 is made to support your runs no matter the distance.
The Speed Shift upper is breathable for a good fit that helps keep you cool while indoor running. The Energy 5 are also lightweight with an 8 mm midsole drop. We appreciate that these shoes get the job done and allow you to run on your treadmill while on a budget.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- These are a great value for the quality and price.
- They’re not max-cushioned but they provide a comfortable midsole and some bounce.
- The outsole has good traction for road running and treadmill running.
- The upper is lightweight and breathable.
- The upper is quite as high-quality as more expensive shoes.
- Cushioning: Mid-Level
- Midsole Drop: 8 mm
- Upper: Speed Shift
- Shoe Weight: 9.4 oz (Men’s)
- Width: Normal
- Sizes: 7-12.5 (Men’s) 5-12 (Women’s)
7. Best Manual Treadmill Running Shoes: Adidas Adizero Adios 8
Manual treadmills are much different than motorized treadmills because they don’t have a motor that controls the pace of the belt. Instead, you control the pace of the belt with your feet. This makes running on a manual treadmill different than running on a motorized one. The decks are curved on manual treadmills which helps promote good running mechanics and you can run as fast as you want (or can) on these treadmills.
While the other best treadmill running shoes that we have on this are good for running on a manual treadmill, we recommend the Adidas Adizero Adios 8 as the best for manual treadmill running. One thing I want to highlight about manual treadmills is that you can run fast on them. If interval training, tempo running, and sprinting is your goal on your manual treadmill, the Adidas Adizero Adios 8 are the shoes to help you crush these goals. They’re lightweight with medium cushioning and great for speed training.
The upper is a very breathable mesh that’s see-through to help keep your feet cool and dry. The midsole cushioning is light but gives you some spring without being carbon-plated. We suggest checking out the Adizero Adios 8 if you’re looking for a great pair of running shoes to use with your manual treadmill. And if you’re interested in buying a manual treadmill, check out our top picks, here.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- These running shoes are great for speed training and use on a manual treadmill where you can run as fast as you want.
- The upper is very lightweight and breathable.
- The rubber outsole has a good amount of grip and flexibility.
- The midsole has light cushioning that helps to propel you forward.
- They aren’t as cushioned as other shoes.
- Cushioning: Light & Fast
- Midsole Drop: 9 mm
- Upper: Vegan, Engineered Mesh
- Shoe Weight: 7.8 oz (Men’s) 6.5 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal
- Sizes: 8-13 (Men’s) 6-11 (Women’s)
8. Best Stable Treadmill Running Shoes: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Another option that we love from Brooks is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. These are stability shoes with guide rails that support your feet and ankles. GTS stands for “go to support”. The guide rails sit on either side of your feet to help support your feet if you pronate or supinate. Pronation is where your foot rolls inward when landing, and the supinating is when it rolls outward when landing.
Whether you have those problems or not, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 are great for most. The guide rails are there if you need them but won’t get in your way. Also, the Adrenaline GTS 23 are designed for a wide variety of use. From walking to running outdoors and indoors on your treadmill, these are the ones to consider.
We love how many sizes and fits these mid-level cushioned shoes come in. No matter your size or how wide your feet are, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 comes in several sizes and widths. If you’re looking for the best stable treadmill running shoes, we highly suggest giving these a look.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- The guide rails provide support and stability, especially to those who pronate or supinate.
- They are mid-cushioned and similar to Brooks Ghost but provide extra support to those who need it.
- They’re available in various sizes and widths to fit most people.
- The outsole rubber is durable for walking and running on a treadmill and outside.
- Not as cushioned as others.
- GuideRails
- Cushioning: Mid-Level
- Midsole Drop: 12 mm
- Upper: Engineered Air Mesh
- Shoe Weight: 10.1 oz (Men’s) 9.1 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal, Wide, & Extra Wide
- Sizes: 7-15 (Men’s) 5-12 (Women’s)
9. Best Zero Drop Treadmill Running Shoes: Altra Rivera 3
If you’re looking for a 0 mm midsole drop, then we recommend checking out the Altra Rivera 3. By keeping your heels and toes on the same level, these shoes are designed to help strengthen your feet while you run. All of the other models on this list have a slight drop from the heels down to the toes, in comparison.
If you’ve ever wanted to try barefoot running, the Rivera 3 are a good place to start. These have medium cushioning and a stack height of 28 mm for your toes and heels to sit at this same height. Altras are great for mid and forefoot striking, so if this sounds like your stride, we recommend giving these a whirl.
The upper is breathable with a layered mesh and they’re soft yet responsive underfoot. The Altra Rivera 3 are the best zero-drop treadmill running shoes because they are designed with all the benefits of zero-drop shoes with a good outsole for all kinds of running. If you’re looking for a shoe to help with your balance and overall performance, consider these.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- These shoes have a zero heel-to-toe drop.
- They’re great for helping to improve overall performance and for mid and forefoot strikers.
- These are made for indoor and outdoor running.
- These are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable around the collar.
- They’re not available in wide sizes.
- 28 mm Stack Height
- Midsole Drop: 0 mm
- Upper: Layered Mesh
- Shoe Weight: 9.8 oz (Men’s) 8.2 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal
- Sizes: 8-13 (Men’s) 5.5-12 (Women’s)
10. Best Treadmill Speed Running Shoes: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
To complete this list, we have the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. If you’re looking for a shoe to take you through your treadmill speed runs, then these are it. The Endorphin Pro 3s propel you forward with its Speedroll technology for you to push your pace to the max.
These carbon-plated best treadmill speed running shoes have a maximum amount of cushion that provides a good amount of bounce and spring in your step. Even though they have a high stack height of 39.5 mm, they’re super lightweight at only 7.2 ounces for the men’s sizes.
The textured outsole is good for running on all kinds of treadmill belts. From motorized treadmills to manual, runners should get a lot of use out of the Endorphin Pro 3. If you are looking for a treadmill running shoe that will help you pick up your pace and maybe even hit a PR, then check out the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.
Check here for men’s sizes.
Check here for women’s sizes.
- These are carbon-plated racing shoes to help you improve your stride and pace.
- The max-level cushioning and Speedroll technology create a soft landing that propels you forward.
- They’re durable for speed running outside and on a treadmill.
- The carbon plate makes the cushioning even more responsive.
- Don’t come in wide sizes.
- PWRRUN PB Cushioning
- Cushioning: Max-Level
- Midsole Drop: 8 mm
- Upper: Mesh
- Shoe Weight: 7.2 oz (Men’s) 6.2 oz (Women’s)
- Width: Normal
- Sizes: 7-15 (Men’s) 5-12 (Women’s)
What To Consider When Buying Treadmill Running Shoes
The following are what we consider to be important factors when choosing the best treadmill running shoes for you.
Type Of Running
As with picking any running shoes, whether you’re running outside or on a treadmill, the type of running you plan to do is important to consider. Just like you want to make sure the treadmill you get for your home aligns with your goals and the type of running you plan on doing, you want to make sure the same is true for your shoes. Running shoes come in all different types. From road to trail to racing, there are running shoes for all kinds of activities.
When searching for the best treadmill running shoes you want to make sure that the outsole has good and appropriate traction for the belt. The right amount of traction can help prevent slipping and getting too much friction while running. We recommend most neutral road running shoes for treadmills.
Fit
The fit is extremely important. You want a wide enough toe box to give you room and cushioning in the midsole that you find to be comfortable. Along with the heel collar fitting well, you want to make sure the shoes you want come in your size and width, too. Plus, getting running shoes with the heel-to-toe drop amount that you prefer is important.
Your Stride
Your stride is another consideration. Do you heel strike or are you a mid or forefoot runner? Do you have high or low arches? Do you pronate or supinate? Considering your stride and the structure of your feet are good to factor in when choosing a running shoe. There are different shoes to help with different things and you want to get the type of support that you need to run with your best stride.
Your Treadmill
Finally, your treadmill should be a part of the equation when searching for the best treadmill running shoes. Your treadmill influences how much activity and the type of activity you can perform. You want your shoes to align with those goals whether you’re looking to do speed running, distance training, or just walking. What kind of capabilities does your treadmill have? What is the max speed and max incline range? Does it decline? Is it a motorized or manual treadmill? You’ll want to gauge the type of treadmill you have and what you regularly do with it to make sure you find the right shoes to pair with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to look for in treadmill running shoes?
You want to look for treadmill running shoes that are going to fit you well and align with your feet, stride, and comfort. You want to consider the cushioning, size, how breathable the upper is, and the midsole drop. You also want to consider the arch support. Another big factor is to consider your treadmill and your goals. You want shoes that will align with your goals and treadmill.
Which type of shoes are best for the treadmill?
Running shoes are best for treadmills. Road running shoes have good traction and most are lightweight and breathable, making them great for running on treadmills. There are different types of running shoes that work better for different types of treadmill running though. Check our list of the best treadmill running shoes to find your perfect pair.
Do shoes matter on a treadmill?
Yes, shoes matter on a treadmill. We recommend wearing running shoes on a treadmill. They provide cushioning in the midsole that can help protect your joints while providing support to your feet and traction so you don’t slip on the belt.
POST REPLY