Best Treadmill For Runners 2023

What Should You Look For When Buying A Treadmill For Running?

Runners have specific needs that include power, size and cushioning. Here’s a quick list of things to look for if you are in the market for a treadmill for running.

Enough Motor Power For Running

If you plan to walk, a smaller motor works fine. But runners need a strong motor to power long distances and fast speeds. For marathoners, sprinters or those who do HIIT, motor power is paramount. We recommend a motor that is at least 3.0HP for running and jogging. Closer to 4.0HP is better if you plan to do long distances, have multiple users or are training daily for a race or event.

Enough Speed For Your Run

Smaller treadmills usually have a top speed of 10mph which is a 6minute mile. If you run faster than this, then you’ll want something with a top speed closer to 12mph. Most motorized, residential treadmills do not go faster than 13.5mph. If you want something with unlimited speed, check out a manual treadmill like a Woodway or TrueFit Runner. This type of treadmill will go as fast as you can run.

Response Time

The response time is how quickly the treadmill reacts when you change a speed or incline setting. For those who enjoy doing sprints or HIIT intervals, a 3-5 second lag may be too long in between settings. If you run steady-state and just want to adjust the speed or incline periodically, most treadmills are fine. We’ve found the most responsive motors are on the new Nordictrack treadmills (since they just upgraded the incline tech), and the Horizon 7.0-7.8AT lineup. These respond the fastest to incremental adjustments.

Incline and Hill Training

Training on an incline helps strengthen your posterior leg muscles for a more balanced musculature when running. Incline training is a valuable addition to any treadmill, so evaluate how high a treadmill will incline for variability. Newer treadmills with subscription programming will also include options such as hiking or trail running. NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills that feature iFit offer outdoor hikes led by a personal trainer, which is a great way to get a high-intensity but low-impact workout on your non-running days.

Finding An Affordable Treadmill For Running

At the end of the day, most of us have to factor price into any large purchase. Sure, you can spend a lot and get all the fancy features, but most buyers want to find the best – and most affordable – treadmill that will suit their needs. We provide a breakdown of both affordability and durability in our reviews so you can evaluate what you really need and want on your treadmill.

Size of the Deck

Having a running surface that is large enough to support a healthy running gait is important. Our treadmills are all evaluated based on how much room they provide to the runner (not just how big the machine is in general). Look for a running deck that is at least 20” wide and preferably 60” long. Treadmills that are 55” long will work for walkers or those under 6 feet tall, but may not provide enough leg span for runners or taller users.

Cushioning

Consider the cushioning as well. Larger runners will appreciate a bit more cushioning. If you run long distances, cushioning helps absorb some of the impact that can be hard on your joints and spine over time. Some deck cushioning can also be turned on or off which is an added benefit as well. The Nordictrack 2450 makes the top of our list because it offers enough cushioning to keep you comfortable, but not so much that energy is lost in your running stride.

Apps and Training Features

How do you like to train? Do you use Zwift? Do you prefer a subscription with classes and content? Some treadmills have full color touch screens while others are rather simple with preloaded training programs. Not all runners want to pay for a subscription, so consider the quality of the training programs included on a treadmill and how they can benefit you as a runner. And a quick reminder that any treadmill that requires a subscription is going to require wifi as well, so you’ll need a good internet connection.

Ease of Use

Runners are typically busy people. When looking for a treadmill, consider how easy it is to use. Can you just hop on and go? Is the user interface simple to understand? Is the console streamlined or cluttered? Some subscription models have great programming, but if your internet connection is spotty it can affect how well (and how quickly) programs load on the machine. If you don’t want to wait for video content, opt for something streamlined and simple.

Noise Output

When running indoors, noise matters! If you live upstairs from a neighbor or have a family or roommates, the noise of your treadmill may limit when and how often you can use it. Consider how noisy a treadmill is if you plan to train indoors. We include noise output in our reviews to help with this.

Roller Size and Belt Texture

These are things most people probably don’t know about, but the roller size on a treadmill makes a difference. The rollers move the belt along the surface of the deck. If the rollers are small, there is more tension and friction on the belt. It can wear out faster and have performance problems. Look for rollers that are close to or larger than 2.0”. The belt texture affects how the belt feels underfoot, so we recommend a belt be gently textured and 2-ply for durability.

Warranty/Durability

Runners need a durable treadmill. Since running is high-impact and requires a bit of motor power, look for a treadmill that has at least a 5-year warranty on the motor and frame. Most companies don’t offer a full lifetime warranty anymore simply because finding the right parts after 10 years is a challenge. However, if the treadmill is covered by a 10-year warranty, it’s a good indication that it is designed to last. If it has a limited 1-year warranty, then we recommend caution if you plan to use it for running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Running On A Treadmill Make You A Better Runner?

Surprisingly, running on a treadmill can in fact make you a better runner. There are a few reasons for this:

Runners who own a treadmill can run more often

A powerful treadmill allows runners to train anytime of day or night. If you work long hours, have kids or other responsibilities, or live in an area where weather limits training part of the year, a treadmill is a great solution. During quarantine this past year, runners with treadmills were able to continue to train even when gyms and running clubs were closed. A treadmill makes it so runners can run more miles in the safety and convenience of their own homes. New apps such as Zwift or Peloton even allow you to train with friends who may live across the country or in different time zones.

Motorized treadmills have preset speed settings

Rather than have to push yourself to hold a certain speed, a motorized treadmill can challenge you to keep up with a set pace. If you are working to improve your speed or time on a certain event, a treadmill is a great training tool. Eventually, your body will be able to match and hold the pace based on practice and improved conditioning. No need to check your watch every minute to evaluate your pace, just set it on the treadmill and get ready to go!

Treadmills allow for a greater range of incline training

If you are training for an outdoor event with lots of hills but live in a flat location, it can be hard to get the right training done. A treadmill allows you to build a route that will be challenging (or easy!) and provide the right training. Rather than drive to a set location to do hill training every morning, just hop on your treadmill and adjust the incline! It’s safer and easier.

A cushioned treadmill will allow you to train longer without getting injured

Running is high-impact. Even young, fit runners can suffer stress fractures or shin splints from too much outdoor running. Most treadmills provide a modest amount of cushioning simply because they are inherently softer than asphalt or concrete. Higher-end treadmills tend to offer more cushioning which allows you to run longer without getting injured.

What Treadmills Are Best For Serious Runners?

Our list above outlines our take on the best treadmills for runners. However, what type of running you plan to do will influence which treadmill is best for you. We recommend finding a treadmill with at least 3.5+ horsepower. Look for a treadmill that has a minimum width of 20” and length of 60”. Any smaller than this may not provide enough room for a full stride. If you are a sprinter, look for a treadmill with a top speed at least equivalent to your fastest pace. Serious runners need power, size and cushioning. Also, the type of training provided on the treadmill matters as well.

Are Treadmills Good For Running?

Running on a treadmill can be better than running outdoors. It is safer, more cushioned and can be done at any time of day. As long as the treadmill has sufficient motor power and is large enough to support your stride, a treadmill can be an excellent training tool for runners. However, outdoor runners often find treadmills to be debilitatingly boring. This is when video content can make a big difference. Many of the newer treadmills include video content that has been filmed outdoors. Larger screens that fill the console make it feel like you are actually on the road, training with friends or a trainer. Additionally, if a treadmill has automated integration, then it will incline and adjust speed automatically. This makes it so you can run hands-free like you would outside. Treadmills are no longer torture devices that sit in a dusty basement only to be used on gloomy, rainy days! You can use and enjoy a treadmill indoors to benefit your running outdoors.

Are Treadmills Bad For Knees And Joints?

Actually, a treadmill is better for your knees than running on concrete or asphalt. Many of the treadmills on our best list include generous cushioning that will absorb much of the shock from running. If you have sensitive knees or tender joints that could use a break from all the impact of running, using a treadmill is a great option.

How Fast Is 7.0 On A Treadmill?

7mph is about an 8:30min mile. Many treadmills will provide miles per hour, kilometers per hour and also minutes per mile metrics as you run. The 2450 offers this feature right at the top of the screen.