Best Treadmills for Runners (2024)

Best Overall Treadmill for Runners – Sole F80

Best Runner-Up Home Treadmill – NordicTrack 2450

Best Treadmill for Heavier Runners – Sole TT8

Best Budget Treadmill for Runners – Horizon 7.4 AT

Best Premium Treadmill for Runners – Landice L7

1. Best Overall Treadmill for Runners – Sole F80

Good for: Runners who don’t want to be locked into a paid app and prefer their own screen.

Where to buy Sole F80 Check price at Sole Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Sole F80  See details  See details  See details

Video Provided By Sole

Year after year, the Sole F80 has been coming up aces in runners’ reviews. And with the improvements to the 2023 model, I’m really excited about it for distance runners. This updated model is also our top pick in many categories as it’s truly built to satiate a variety of needs. I feel I could use this to prepare for a bodybuilding contest or 10K, two very different contests requiring different workouts. This is definitely true if you’re a heavier runner who needs a solid 3.5 CHP motor and 350-pound weight max. I only weigh 200 pounds and I can tell the difference in stability when using machines with heavier weight maxes.

Roomier and more powerful than ever, I can feel the difference when I step on it my own home. Among these differences are the newly upgraded 10.1-inch display, a fully integrated tablet holder, and a wireless phone charging pad. This means you’ll want to bring your own screen or use a television if you like app training. In my experience, this can be a big plus or minus depending on your preferences. When using the Sole F80 for my review, I simply rolled it in front of my smart television and happily watched music videos. For those who want to ditch the paid app route, you’re definitely going to like this. The commercial 3.5 HP motor and power incline up to 15% works well with the impressive 22-inch x 60-inch running surface. Also worthy of note, the F80 is manufactured with a reversible deck, which both doubles the life of the unit and softens the noise factor up to 40% compared to outdoor training. This means you can afford to pound the belt a little longer and harder than a walker. Like the rest of the Sole line-up, the F80 brings 10 preset workout programs to the game, including a user-designed option. The workouts can either be viewed via the 10.1-inch LCD screen, smartphone, or tablet. Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the unit is also built to integrate with most iOS and Android devices. The great thing about the app is it can be used anywhere, and syncs with FitBit, Apple Health, and other fitness software. And in terms of space efficiency, the F80 can be easily folded and stored after workouts. I must admit to loving foldable treadmills having used them for years in these reviews now. They’re so much easier to clean and lubricate.

See our detailed review of the Sole F80.

Where to buy NordicTrack 2450 Check price at NordicTrack Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy NordicTrack 2450  See details  See details  See details

Video Provided By iFit

Fitness fans seeking the commercial experience in their own home should definitely check out the NordicTrack 2450. For those runners who do rely on interactive apps to motivate them, I haven’t found any that can beat iFit and its automatic trainer control. A giant 22″ touchscreen is also a plus. Priced at $2,999, the machine comes with a 30-day trial of iFit which normally runs $39 per month. This NordicTrack treadmill is backed by a 10-year warranty on the frame, with two years for parts, and one year for labor. This model is just one step up from the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and I like these units a lot. With a quiet 3.6 CHP motor and a 300-pound user capacity, there’s little chance of slogging this treadmill down. A great horsepower motor for sure. I also love the Quiet Drive Incline Tech associated with the power incline/decline option of -3% – 12%. Meanwhile, it’s a relatively quiet motor and my dog sleeps on my couch while jog. In my experience, this made the treadmill feel very realistic compared to running outside. If you’re a runner, consider the value of having the decline option as you go up and down hills.

Built with an upgraded 22″ HD touchscreen display, this unit features an upgraded graphics package as well as added processor cooling. Top running speed is 12 mph on a 22-inch x 60-inch deck, and the machine features automatic trainer control when used with iFit, meaning trainers in remote locations can adjust the speed and incline during a live program. I like how this feature literally trains my body to hit the marks needed without much thought. This also allows the iFit heart rate program, ActivePulse Technology, to adjust the unit in conjunct with one’s individual cardio metrics. The treadmill features SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist, and Bluetooth audio capabilities which allow users to listen to favorite workout playlists through 3-inch digitally amplified speakers wirelessly. Dual AutoBreeze workout fans help runners keep their cool as they ramp up the heart rate and burn off calories.

See our detailed review of the NordicTrack 2450.

KEY SPECS

3. Best Treadmill for Heavier Runners – Sole TT8

Good for: Runners needing a heavy-duty machine with larger parts.

Where to buy Sole TT8 Check price at Sole Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Sole TT8  See details  See details  See details

Video Provided by Sole
Runners looking for a quality treadmill with lots of add-ons will definitely enjoy the Sole TT8, named for its 22-inch x 60-inch (Twenty-Two) self-lubricating deck featuring four layers including nylon, rubber and PVC, as opposed to cheaper single ply tracks. This means you won’t have to lubricate the deck and frankly it should outlast the competition by years. In my experience reading customer complaints, one thing I notice is people don’t lubricate their belts regularly. If this sounds like you, then I’d suggest getting as good a belt as you can from the start. I’m also a big fan of big rollers on treadmills, and this unit brings whopping 3″ parts to the game. The rollers hold the belt and are driven by the motor. This means heavy-duty, long-lasting performance and a user weight maximum of 400 pounds. No question, if I’m a heavier, 330-pound runner looking to lose weight, this is my pick.

Operated off a 4.0 CHP motor with a lifetime warranty, the treadmill runs up to 12 mph with great incline setting maxing out at 15% with a decline of -6%. When I’m running 5Ks, one of my biggest challenges is the ups and downs of hills. The same is true with trail running. This decline feature means you’ll get that feel here, and when I used it myself, the action up and down was incredibly smooth. Equipped with a CushionFlex Whisper Deck, the Sole TT8 allows up to 400 pounds of user weight capacity while staying soft on the joints. Exercise data can be interpreted through a 10.1-inch screen, including 10 preset treadmill workouts including manual mode, and user-designed routines available to support cardio training, weight loss, and muscle toning. As a manufacturer, Sole Fitness leads the industry in warranty quality. With a lifetime guarantee on the frame, motor, and deck, the company also offers five years on parts coverage, and two years on in-home labor. Extras include an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth audio speakers, and a USB charging port.

See our detailed review of the Sole TT8.

KEY SPECS

4. Best Budget Treadmill for Runners – Horizon 7.4 AT

Good for: Runners who want top-flight performance for under $1,600.

Where to buy Horizon 7.4 AT Check price at Horizon Check price at Amazon Where to buy Horizon 7.4 AT  See details  See details

Video Provided by Horizon

When training for distance runs on a budget, I like the Horizon 7.4 AT. Horizon Fitness offers unlimited interactive streaming options and other highlights include: an easy-to-fold-frame; high-quality 3.5 CHP motor which can keep pace with interval training; a roomy 60″ by 22″ track; Bluetooth heart-rate monitoring; and 10 preset programs including Sprint 8 training program, a HIIT training program for runners. You’ll have to bring your own screen for separate app training, but again, that’s reflected in the $1,599 price. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Horizon 7.4 AT, especially if you and the rest of your household members want to try a variety of interactive training apps. Obviously, I go back and forth on whether the attached screen with paid apps is worth it relative to the bring-your-own-screen and cost-free apps. In my experience, that’s the name of the game here really, and it all comes down to preference. In terms of the machine, you won’t find a more solid frame or better motor for the money than a Horizon 7.4 AT. Rather it’s the bells and whistles which come with the fancy HD touchscreen you’ll be missing.

Bluetooth-enabled, purchase includes a chest strap heartrate monitor. I’m a big fan of heartrate monitors for High Intensity Interval Training, and the fact that one comes with the purchase is a good deal. I liked how quickly the Bluetooth Horizon chest strap got into sync with the unit, and noticed it was very accurate compared to my Apple Watch and Oura Ring. You’ll also get a lifetime warranty on the frame and 3.5 CHP motor. This unit is only 76″ long but still sports a 60″ track, which means you can fit it into more places. Plus, it folds. I’ve found folding treadmills are much easier to maintain, lubricate, and re-align. At 318 pounds, you’ll need that fold-and-roll ability if you want to move it to another room when done. Sporting a 350-pound user weight, tt also has solid 2.36″ rollers and full expectation of a long life. See our detailed review of the Horizon 7.4 AT.

See our detailed review of the Horizon 7.4 AT.

Pros	Cons
Budget priced at $1,599 3.5 CHP motor Built In Sprint 8 program 2.36″ rollers Lifetime warranty on frame/motor	No decline option

KEY SPECS

Motor	3.5 CHP
Incline	0 — 15%
Running Area	22″ x 60″
Folding	Yes
Top Speed	12 MPH
Weight Capacity	350 LBS
Dimensions	76″ L x 37″ W x 63″ H
Screen	16-Digit Alphanumeric LED & 8.25″ LCD
Warranty	Lifetime Frame/Motor; 5 Years Electronics/Parts; 2 Years Labor

 

5. Best Premium Treadmill for Runners – Landice L7

Good for: Runners willing to pay for heavy-duty, premium parts and lifetime warranty.

Where to buy Landice L7 Check price at Landice Where to buy Landice L7  See details

Video Provided by Landice
Serious runners looking for the luxury range of treadmills have to see the Landice L7. At $4,599, it might be considered a bit pricey, but the details tell the story. The only home treadmill with a lifetime warranty on parts, the L7 sports a 400-pound user weight maximum and is considerably sturdier than a foldable treadmill. When I got on the Landice L7, I could feel the difference in stability frankly. One should be aware this is not a folding treadmill built for a quick home workout. Where you place it is where it will stay. I’ll also have to loosen the belt to lubricate it whereas with a folding treadmill it’s just so much easier to lift up the back end. With a speed range of 0.5 to 12 mph, a 15% grade electric elevation, and a 1,000-pound thrust elevation motor, the treadmill is built for the hard-core runner. Engineered with a 4.0 HP motor, the unit also features 2.5″ diameter, 14-pound steel rollers, and a rust-free aluminum frame. That’s all part of the stability I feel when I get atop it.

The 20″ x 58″ running deck is a full 1″ thick and reversible. Runners over 6′ tall might want to consider the shorter deck depending on their stride length, but frankly I like the fact that it’s reversible and unlikely to ever wear out. I’m 5’10 and I really don’t have any problem striding on this model, but I could see runners over 6’3 perhaps facing an issue. That said, past customers note they’ve used the same high-end Landice treadmills for as many as 20 years, and just in my brief experience on them, I can see why. The treadmill features a Landice Achieve Console Panel and 9″ LCD window with five pre-set programs. Users can always affix a separate tablet or other device and utilize any number of their own running apps.

Runners can also feel confident in the lifetime warranty coverage on both frame and parts, which is quite unique in the home treadmill world.

See our detailed review of the Landice L7.

How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Running

When looking for a treadmill for running, keep in mind that running treadmills need to be held to higher standards than walking treadmills due to the greater impact of the exercise involved. If I’m training for a 10K race, I may be on that machine for up 50 minutes at a time, whereas my walking workouts are typically under 30. Here are some of the main things to look out for when on the hunt for a new running treadmill.

The Need for Speed

Editor Jessica Jones gives the NordicTrack 2450 a run. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

 A Commercial Motor

The motor is not something you should cut corners on when you’re looking for a new treadmill. You want your treadmill to have at least a 3.0 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor to ensure it can handle long-term use. That said, anything that puts additional strain on the treadmill such as running at faster speeds, using the incline, or being a heavier individual will increase your CHP needs. Some people may find that they need to go up to 4.0 CHP or even higher, so don’t think that 3.0 is automatically sufficient. Another factor to keep in mind when thinking about the treadmill motor is how noisy it is and the cooling system it offers. CHP is not the only thing to consider; keep all these tips in mind when thinking about the right treadmill motor for your weight and workout needs.

Plush Cushioning

You know the feeling of running on pavement? That’s precisely what you want to avoid when purchasing a treadmill. My knees don’t need any more stress. You’re paying for the user experience, so why not make sure it’s luxurious? Good deck cushioning is a must on any treadmill you’re considering, especially for runners; they need to look for more deck cushioning than walkers. The good news is that treadmill training in general can help to minimize impact and keep your joints feeling comfortable and healthy. The best treadmills on the market all come with decks that reduce impact by up to 30% compared to running outside on grass or asphalt. The precise amount will depend on the particular brand, so if you’re someone who regularly experiences joint issues, this is something you should look into. You can even find treadmills now that offer the ability to turn their cushioning system on or off. This is ideal for runners who are training for an outdoor event and want to mimic how it feels to run on the road; it allows you to build a competitive edge and ensure there’s no nasty surprises on race day.

A Low-Maintenance Belt

It’s also important to consider the belt on your treadmill. The belt has a huge influence on how it feels to run on any machine and how well it operates in the long term. Ideally, you want to look for a belt that’s self-lubricating or requires very little lubrication so you aren’t always having to tend to the belt. Cheap treadmills typically do require lubrication on a regular basis, so unless you are willing to commit to regular maintenance sessions, don’t buy one of these treadmills.

When a belt is described as ‘prelubricated’, this means it’s infused with silicone and has been designed to be used for running on an ongoing basis. These are the belts that you can virtually forget about once purchased. Another thing to think about here is belt thickness. Generally, the thicker the belt, the better the treadmill, as it reduces total wear and tear and the possibility of having to replace it. That’s why I recommend a 2-ply belt which has an undercoating of fabric. If you opt for a commercial treadmill you’ll usually get around 15,000 miles of training before requiring a new belt. Some top-of-the-range lines last about 150,000 miles before requiring a change; on an average of 3 miles per workout this means that the treadmill can be used 50,000 times before it requires a belt change. What’s more, the best treadmills make changing out the belt a breeze, and will take around 20 minutes.

A Power Incline

Horizon’s 7.4 AT treadmill features an incline range of 0% to 15%, recruiting both anterior and posterior leg muscles. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Want an extra challenge and the chance to mix up your workouts? A power incline is a really useful feature to have on your treadmill. This allows you to raise your treadmill up on a ‘hill’, mimicking that of real life hill training quite effectively. Hill training offers many training advantages, from strengthening and conditioning benefits to the option of taking your calorie burn up a notch without forcing you into high impact running. Most experts recommend that you set the incline to one or two percent to mimic the wind resistance you’d experience outside and to help reduce the amount of impact on your body. Beyond that, you can always set the incline higher for an extra challenge. The best treadmills have incline capabilities up to 15 %, and may also offer the ability to simulate decline as well. How can you effectively train for outdoor races without hills?

Monitoring the Ticker

Treadmills are also called cardio trainers, and the best treadmills make it easy to get accurate data about your cardiovascular performance. While treadmills in all price categories monitor pulse through grips on the handlebars, the best treadmills have wireless pulse receivers too. Wireless heart rate monitoring is more accurate than grip monitoring, especially at speeds above 4 mph. When purchasing a treadmill, note whether a wireless chest strap is included with your purchase as often these are sold separately. And the great thing about wireless receivers is you can still watch Netflix while using!

Keeping a Profile

These days all treadmills are equipped with training programs regardless of the price point, from the cheapest and most budget-friendly machines to the most elite treadmills on the market. Yet only the best treadmills let users save their profiles. One huge benefit of having a profile is getting better data, especially in terms of estimated calorie burn. Another key advantage is the ability to save custom-made workout programs. In general, only higher-end treadmills support user profiles. However, treadmills with wireless iFit programming are sold at all price points. With an iFit family subscription, you can add up to four secondary users to your account, so this is something to look into if there will be more than one person using the machine in your home gym.

Find Your Best Treadmill for Running

You can use the tips above to start searching for your new running treadmill; keep them in mind to know what to look for and what features are important. We’ve listed our favorite treadmills for runners to help kickstart your search, but they’re not the only winners. For more options, see our lists of the best treadmills on the market categorized by price and treadmill type to find your perfect match.

Recent Updates

June 29, 2021: Numerous specs have been updated for accuracy and to reflect changes made for 2021 models.

July 27, 2021: The Runner-Up Treadmill has been changed to the NordicTrack 2450, and the Premium Pick has been switched to the Landice L7 in light of upgrades to those machines made this year.

October 18, 2022: Updated pictures from hands-on review and specs.

May 31, 2023: Updated specs and pricing.

September 26, 2023: Updated specs and pricing