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There are many reasons people decide to invest in a treadmill. They guarantee consistent & convenient home workouts regardless of weather or travel constraints.
And with the machine sitting right in front of you, it’s much harder to make excuses to not work out!
Because running on the treadmill can cause knee problems and unnecessary joint strain if done improperly, many opt to use their machines exclusively for walking.
However, when it comes to walking, some treadmills are better for the job than others – and you’ll need to know which are superior in order to make a wise investment.
That’s why we’ve spent countless hours testing and reviewing the best treadmills for walking! By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your fitness goals.
Best Walking Treadmills
Goplus Under Desk Walking Treadmill | Sunny Health Manual Walking Treadmill | REDLIRO Home Walking Treadmill | |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions: | 52 x 24 x 6 Inches | 49 x 50 x 23 Inches | 25 x 25 x 49 Inches |
Weight Capacity: | 220 Pounds | 220 Pounds | 220 Pounds |
Monitor: | LCD Display | LCD Display | LCD Display |
Safety Features: | Emergency brake, rubber struts | Non-slip track | Shock-absorbing belt |
For more of my workout gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Womens Workout guide links: Manual Treadmills, Air Bikes, Under Desk Treadmills.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Treadmills For Walking
- Goplus Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill
- Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill
- REDLIRO Home Walking Treadmill
- 2 in 1 Under Desk Folding Treadmill
- CITYSPORTS Walking Treadmill For Home
- WalkingPad A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill
- FUNMILY Electric Treadmill
Our reviews of the top rated treadmills for walking with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.
Treadmills For Walking Reviews
#1 Goplus Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill
- Dimensions: 51.5 x 23.5 x 6 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD Display
- Safety Features: Emergency brake, rubber struts
The Goplus Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill is designed for both quality and convenience.
Simply slide it underneath your desk and you’ll be able to squeeze in your daily exercise quota without sacrificing any valuable working hours.
Heavy-duty construction allows this model to withstand up to 220 pounds of weight, and it also comes with 2 transportation wheels for easy maneuverability.
Although this model lacks a formal monitor, it features an LED display at its base which displays time, speed, distance and calories burned.
It also has 12 built-in exercise programs that you can choose from! These will help you challenge your body, improve your cardiovascular health and burn fat.
Safety won’t be an issue here, either – an emergency brake button, thick foot pad and rubber struts reduce instability from motion and allow for rapid shut-off in the case of accidents.
No wonder this is one of the best treadmills for walking!
#2 Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill
- Dimensions: 49 x 50 x 23 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD
- Safety Features: Non-slip track
Level up your walking routine with the Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill.
This lightweight model is great for small spaces like studios or apartments. It has a weight capacity of 220 pounds and a wide running surface of 42 x 13 inches.
An advanced LCD monitor allows you to track time, speed, calories burned and steps. It even comes with a “scan” feature for touch-free use!
Because this is a manual model, you’ll be able to save power without sacrificing performance.
Since it’s not limited by the need for an electrical outlet, you can place it virtually anywhere.
The convenience doesn’t stop there – this treadmill can even fold in half for hassle-free compact storage.
Improve your mood, strengthen your muscles and kickstart your fitness journey with one of the best walking treadmills on Amazon.
#3 REDLIRO Home Walking Treadmill
- Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 49 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD Display
- Safety Features: Shock-absorbing belt
REDLIRO has created a home treadmill that is perfect for walking workouts.
With an easily assembled folding design, it is perfect for fitting into small spaces and can be moved around with ease due to its transport wheels.
It has 3 variable incline levels which can be manually adjusted, as well as a multifunctional LCD display and a spacious phone / iPad bracket.
The handrail features 4 buttons for start, stop, speed up and cool down, as well as 2 heart-rate sensors. This makes adjusting levels mid-workout safe and convenient.
With a shock-absorbing running belt that provides cushioning for your knees and joints, you won’t even have to worry about getting injured.
All things considered, this is one of the best incline treadmills for walking!
#4 2 in 1 Under Desk Folding Treadmill
- Dimensions: 53 x 26 x 41 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD
- Safety Features: Non-slip + shock-absorbing track
The FUNMILY 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill is another top contender on the market, and for good reason.
This model offers double the utility at an incredibly affordable price. When the riser is folded, it can be used as an under-desk walker so you can multi-task while getting your sweat on.
Simply raise the handrail for a more traditional treadmill experience. The powerful yet quiet 2.25 HP motor is perfect for walking or jogging without disturbing others!
In terms of physical quality, this machine doesn’t lack. It features a sturdy and durable steel frame and multi-layer shield design for shock and noise absorption.
The built-in push-down security safety key also ensures an instant shut-off under emergency situations.
The FUNMILY can support up to 220 pounds at once, and folds for convenient compact storage.
It also comes with bluetooth compatibility and an advanced LED display which displays time, speed, steps, calories burned and distance. Use the included remote to scroll through the metrics touch-free.
With 12 programs and 5 exercise modes built into the treadmill, you’ll be able to challenge yourself as your fitness levels increase.
This is by far one of the best walking treadmill desks we’ve seen yet.
#5 CITYSPORTS Walking Treadmill For Home
- Dimensions: 52.8 x 23.2 x 4.9 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 265 Pounds
- Monitor: None
- Safety Features: Non-slip belt
Next up, we have the CITYSPORTS Walking Treadmill For Home.
This model has both beauty and brains, equipped with stereo bluetooth integrated speakers, a backlit dual LED display, and a handheld wireless remote for touch-free control.
The low profile deck and standing harness also maximize safety as you mount and dismount.
It has one of the highest weight capacities on this list, capable of loading up to 265 pounds at once.
A key feature of this model is its powerful mute motor. With 7-layer noise reduction and a non-slip, shock-absorbent running belt, it is perfect for home or office use!
Without a formal monitor, this treadmill slides right under your desk and uses LED technology to display your time, speed, distance and calories on its front base.
This is a great option for novices and seasoned fitness enthusiasts alike. Its 4 mile/hour speed limit makes it one of the best walking desk treadmills on Amazon.
#6 WalkingPad A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill
- Dimensions: 56.38 x 21.54 x 5.08 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Monitor: None
- Safety Features: Double-lined belt
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Folding Treadmill is a sleek, alloy steel model that arrives to your home fully assembled.
It is the ideal minimalist model for small spaces, with a height of only 2 inches and a length under 3 feet.
It even won a design award in the 2019 International Red Dot Design Competition, a globally recognized product design contest.
This is a manual model, which means the running speed is controlled by the human motion trajectory. You can control the speed as needed.
It can slide under any desk and also comes with a tabletop included, for use if necessary! You’ll be able to focus on your work or entertainment while doing exercise.
This treadmill has a 220 pound weight capacity and 2 walking boards for a sturdy and cushioned walking experience.
It is clearly one of the best exercise walking machines around.
#7 FUNMILY Electric Treadmill
- Dimensions: 49 x 24 x 41 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 265 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD
- Safety Features: Safety key, emergency shut-off
Lets finish our list off strong with another FUNMILY product – the folding electric treadmill.
This is an advanced model with 12 preset programs, 3 countdown modes and a super-quiet 2.25 HP motor for a customizable and hassle-free workout experience!
It features a multi-layer tread belt with no-slip traction to absorb shock and protect your joints during walks.
You’ll be able to choose the most suitable program by adjusting the speed on the sleek LCD monitor. This displays run time, distance, speed and calories burned.
There are even built-in dual speakers to help you stay motivated throughout your workout!
Physically, the FUNMILY is built for safety and security. It has a stainless steel frame that can support up to 265 pounds at once, making it one of the strongest models on our list.
It also comes with an integrated tablet holder and dual cupholders, as well as safety features like a safety key and emergency shut-off button.
When you need to store it, simply fold it up and use the transportation wheels to move around.
All things considered, this is one of the best home treadmills for walking!
Treadmills For Walking Comparison Table
Treadmill | Dimensions | Weight Capacity | Monitor | Safety Features | Rating | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goplus Under Desk Walking Treadmill | 52" x 24" x 6" | 220 lbs | LCD | Emergency brake, rubber struts | 4.2 / 5.0 | ||
Sunny Health Walking Treadmill | 49" x 50" x 23" | 220 lbs | LCD | Non-slip track | 4.0 / 5.0 | ||
REDLIRO Home Walking Treadmill | 25" x 25" x 49" | 220 lbs | LCD | Shock-absorbing belt | 4.5 / 5.0 | ||
2 in 1 Under Desk Folding Treadmill | 53" x 26" x 41" | 220 lbs | LCD | Non-slip + shock-absorbing track | 4.3 / 5.0 | ||
CITYSPORTS Walking Treadmill | 53" x 23" x 5" | 265 lbs | None | Non-slip belt | 4.6 / 5.0 | ||
WalkingPad Smart Walk Treadmill | 56" x 22" x 5" | 220 lbs | None | Double-lined belt | 4.1 / 5.0 | ||
FUNMILY Electric Treadmill | 49" x 24" x 41" | 265 lbs | LCD | Safety key, emergency shut-off | 4.7 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Treadmill For Walking – Buying Guide
Now that we’ve gone through the best walking treadmills on Amazon, it’s time for you to decide which one you’ll be bringing home!
But before you do that, you must understand how to pick the right treadmill for your personal fitness goals and unique lifestyle.
That’s why we’ve written up this handy buyers guide, which will walk you through key aspects of the selection process.
By the time you’re done, you should have no problems finding the perfect fit for you.
Health + Safety
Before engaging in any new form of exercise, you must consult your doctor!
Chat with a medical professional to determine whether buying a treadmill is the right move for you.
If you have pre-existing health conditions, especially those related to bone weakness / deterioration, or take medication that impacts your heart rate or breathing, treadmill workouts may not be right for you.
Make sure to get a professional opinion on what your body can handle.
If you’re confident that you are fit for treadmill workouts, you should still take precautions – that means keeping an eye out for safety features like auto shut-off keys and emergency brakes.
Remember that if you have small kids or pets, you’ll have to make sure they don’t play on the machine and fall into harms way.
Utility / Type of Treadmill
How and when will you use your treadmill?
The answer to this question will determine which features you should prioritize during your search.
There are a handful of treadmill types – manual, electric / motorized, and under-desk treadmills. Each can be conducive to a great walking workout.
Let’s take a look at each kind.
Manual
Manual treadmills are self-propelled, meaning they are activated by the movement of your feet on the belt, rather than with electricity.
This alone offers a slew of health and safety benefits that you may not have considered before.
Because the onus to move the belt falls on the user, studies show that manual treadmills force subjects to expend nearly 30% more energy while moving at the same speed.
Therefore, if you’re simply looking to burn more calories in less time, a manual model is for you
However, a key disadvantage to manual treadmills is their lack of personalized workout capacity.
Non-electric LCD monitors are limited in capacity, and don’t offer the varied resistance levels or different workout programs that electric models often include.
If you’d rather personalize your workouts, stick to a motorized treadmill.
Motorized / Electric
Electric treadmills are the most popular kind, which are common in commercial and residential gyms. These must be plugged in and rely on a motor for power.
The advantage to this type is their advanced monitors, which usually come programmed with different workout routines and challenges, incline levels and more advanced fitness metrics.
These are the go-to for people who want to challenge themselves with a variety of settings.
Under-Desk
Under desk treadmills can be motorized or manual, and their purpose is straightforward – they lack a monitor in order to slide neatly underneath one’s desk or seating area.
This enables you to multi-task during use!
Great for busy people just looking for a convenient way to squeeze in a workout, under-desk models save both time and space.
Just keep in mind that because they often lack monitors, you’ll be sacrificing a personalized, variable workout experience for convenience.
Features
Incline, programs and metrics (or some combination of 2 of these) are the main features you’ll find on most treadmills.
As we discussed above, the model of treadmill you go for will determine a lot of the features it comes with.
In order to guarantee a good walking workout, you may need to prioritize something with variable incline and a variety of workout programs.
This will allow you to challenge your body without having to pick up the pace and risk knee strain.
If you’re concerned about safety, you should prioritize a treadmill with a detailed metrics display. The more stats it is capable of monitoring, the better.
Look for options with heart rate sensors, calorie-burn trackers and distance / time displays. These will help you monitor your own performance.
Size + Storage
Not only should you be aware of the dimensions of your treadmill while its assembled, but you must also consider how you’ll store it.
Realistically, you’ll have to move your treadmill at some point, whether you’re moving apartments / homes, rearranging furniture, or transferring ownership.
That’s why many people opt for folding treadmills. If it can fold, it will be twice as easy to store, as you’ll need exactly half the space.
Maintenance
Taking care of your treadmill is the key to guaranteeing that you get a good workout for years to come.
This usually involves lubricating it occasionally and re-aligning the belt when needed.
Nearly all treadmills will run into belt alignment and insufficient lubrication issues, so you will need to periodically inspect your machine for malfunctions.
Take care of your machine by regularly oiling it – simply apply a good quality treadmill lubricant on the underside of the belt.
You can just lift it up and rub the oil on the center and sides of the belt’s underbelly – this alone should solve many of your problems.
If you’re having trouble with belt alignment, check out the video below:
How to Adjust a Treadmill Belt
FAQs About Treadmills For Walking
Q: Are treadmills bad for your knees?
A: You’ve probably heard that consistent treadmill use can place unnecessary strain on the knees.
This is true – it was discovered by biomechanics experts in the early 2000s that running on a treadmill with no incline causes users to keep their legs un-naturally straight, rather than slightly bent.
This irregular movement can cause muscle strain in both the knees and feet.
However, this strain is not due to the treadmill itself, but rather a result of the poor posture that uninformed users tend towards.
Firstly, if you’re just using the treadmill to walk, you shouldn’t run into issues with knee strain.
But if you do choose to run, try not to step with your toes first – rather, aim to land on the middle of your feet each time.
In general, aim for a ‘heel-to-toe stride’. This means your heels should make contact with the running belt first, then your toes.
This will promote correct leg posture and distribute force across your foot as well as over multiple joints (knee, ankle, hip) thus avoiding any disproportionate strain.
Q: Is walking on a treadmill as good as running?
A: This depends on your personal fitness goals. If your ultimate goal is quick weight loss, walking on the treadmill is simply not as efficient as running.
Simply put, running burns more calories at a faster rate than walking does. However, walking is easier on the joints and generally safer.
Neither is better than the other – it just depends on your ultimate goals and your overall lifestyle.
Q: Is using the treadmill every day bad for me?
A: Using the treadmill every day isn’t bad for you – it’s very important to get in your daily dose of physical activity! However, you must listen to your body.
If you feel sore, sluggish or unnaturally tired, your body is asking for a break. Don’t force yourself to use the treadmill every single day if your body is telling you not to.
Q: Are expensive treadmills worth the price?
A: Quality workout equipment is always worth the steeper price tag.
Expensive treadmills cost so much because they’re built to last and generally offer a higher return on investment.
If you go for something cheap just because its affordable, you may end up spending more in the long run if your product malfunctions or breaks.
Invest in quality!
Tips For Choosing A Treadmill For Walking
#1: Safety first
Always consult a medical professional before embarking on a new fitness routine. Your safety should be top priority – don’t push your body past what it can handle!
#2: Consider utility.
How and when you use your treadmill will determine which features you should prioritize during your search.
Make sure the product you go for suits your unique lifestyle and personal fitness goals.
#3: Maintenance is key!
Taking care of your treadmill is key to guaranteeing its longevity.
Remember to regularly lubricate your treadmill, adjust the belt as needed, and perform periodic inspections to check for defects or malfunctions.
Summary
Now that you know all about how to choose a good treadmill for walking, it’s time for you to make a decision on your own!
No matter which product you ultimately go for, know you’ll be purchasing one of the best ones available today. So lace up your shoes and enjoy your walk!
How We Researched
To come up with the top walking treadmills, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.