What’s the Best Treadmill for Walking You Can Buy After 2015?

You don’t have to run on a treadmill to reap the benefits of this exercise machine. Walking is easier on the joints, and lets you burn an impressive number of calories if you move at a brisk pace. A walking treadmill is also a great option for older, heavier or injured users who want to stay in shape.

LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill	Our favorite for 2020
Exerpeutic TF1000 Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill	A great value option
Sole Fitness F85 Folding Treadmill	Heavy-duty, supporting up to 400 pounds

While you’ll find that most treadmills can be used strictly for waking, some models are better suited for slower paces than others. How can you find and compare walking treadmills?

• Speed: The first thing to consider is the speed. Some models offer slower speeds than others. Determine how quickly (or slowly) you want to walk, and choose a model that offers that speed. Some higher-end models will have quicker speeds on both the low and high end, so keep that in mind.
• Durability: Even if you don’t plan on running, you still want to choose a treadmill that will provide you with years of use. Look for models built with quality materials. Consider user reviews, too, as these are often an indication of the machine’s durability. If the treadmill has positive ratings, there’s a good chance it will meet your quality standards.
• Uses: How will you use the treadmill? This may sound like an obvious question, but you may prefer a conventional treadmill, or you may want a standing desk model that can be used while you work. Determine what type of treadmill you want and how you’ll use it before you start comparing models.

We know how time-consuming and challenging it can be to find a treadmill that suits your needs. That’s why we took the time to research and review five of the best models that are designed for walking, so you can find a treadmill that works for you.

Walking Treadmill Reviews – Our 5 Favorite Models

LifeSpan TR1200i – The TRI1200i from LifeSpan is one of our favorite treadmills, and that’s partly because it folds up nicely when it’s not in use. But it’s also a great treadmill for both running and walking. With a speed range of 0.5-11 MPH, you can walk as quickly or as slowly as you want on this machine.

A gym-quality model, the TR1200i has a 2.5 HP motor and a generous 20” x 56” running surface. The deck suspension system is biomechanically correct, so it’s capable of supporting up to 300 pounds.

A convenient LCD console includes several built-in programs for weight loss, healthy living and heart rate monitoring. You can move at your own pace, too.

If you’re looking for a reliable, quality treadmill that offers slower speeds, the LifeSpan TR1200i is a good choice.

ProForm Pro 2000 – Walking on a treadmill doesn’t have to be boring. The Pro 2000 from ProForm has an iPod port and is compatible with iFit, so you can listen to music and try out hundreds of different workouts through the iFit app.

Speeds range from 0-12 MPH, so this model is a bit faster than the previous one. But it does offer ProShox cushioning on the running deck, which makes workouts easier on your joints.

There are 18 built-in workouts, and a cooling fan will keep you comfortable during your workout. A 0-15% quick incline feature will give your workouts a boost.

When you’re done working out, just fold up the treadmill and go about your day.

If you’re looking for a treadmill that offers extra convenient features, like music and cooling fans, the Pro 2000 is the right choice.

Sole F85 – The Sole F85 is a high-end treadmill that offers the exclusive Cushion Flex Whisper Deck. The cushioning on the treadmill’s deck has been proven to reduce the impact on your joints by up to 40% compared to pavement.

The F85 has a speed range of 0.5-12 MPH, so if you’re injured or have achy joints, you can walk as slowly as you’d like.

A built-in LCD displays workout stats, like calories burned and time, but it also includes built-in workouts: 6 standard, 2 heart and 2 custom.

Cooling fans and MP3-player compatibility complete the experience by taking your workout to the next level.

If you have a bigger budget and need a treadmill that is easy on the joints, this is the model you want.

Exerpeutic TF1000 – The Exerpeutic TF1000 is the ideal treadmill for users who want to walk at very slow speeds. This electric walking treadmill features a 1.5 HP motor and speeds ranging from 0.1 – 4 MPH. Speeds are adjusted in 0.1 MPH increments, so you can move at exactly the right pace for you.

The 20” long belt gives you plenty of space to move, and the safety handles are 18” to ensure that your workouts are not only gentle, but safe.

A built-in LCD screen displays your calories, distance, time, pulse and speed. This model can also support up to 400 pounds, so it’s a great option for heavier users who want to start a fitness routine.

LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 – The TR1200-DT5 from LifeSpan is more than just a treadmill – it’s a work desk, too. Riding on the popularity of standing desks, this treadmill takes the trend one step further by making it easy to walk and work at the same time. Now you don’t have to buy two separate pieces of equipment.

This compact treadmill is just 68.5” x 29” and offers a desktop area of 38” x 29,” so you have plenty of space to work while you move.

A built-in console displays your time, distance, calories, belt speed and the number of steps you’ve taken. You also have the option of synching your activity to your smartphone using the free Active Trac app.

The TR1200-DT5 lets you set your maximum speed to 2 or 4 MPH, and you can even resume your previous speed if you take breaks.

If you want a walking treadmill you can use at work, this is a smart option.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Home Treadmill for Walking

Whether you want to pair a walking treadmill with a standing desk or simply use it to start a new workout routine, it’s never an easy task to find a treadmill that has everything you need. Here are some things to be on the lookout for when you start your search:

• Speed Adjustments: In what increments can you adjust the speed? Treadmills that are designed for walking, like the last two models on our list, usually allow for smaller, more precise speed increases. Conventional treadmills, on the other hand, may not give you as many options.
• Weight Limits: Every treadmill model has a weight limit, and some are more accommodating than others. If you’re a heavier user, you may consider the ProForm or Exerpeutic treadmills that have higher weight limits.
• Programs: You’ll likely be using your treadmill just for walking, but that doesn’t mean you have to move at the same pace or incline the entire time. Look for treadmills that offer different exercise programs to keep your workouts fun and challenging. And keep in mind that many of these offer custom programs that allow you to create your own routine, so you can set the speed and incline to whichever level you prefer.
• Extra Features: Some models come with MP3-player compatibility, speakers, cooling fans and other features that can enhance your workout. These features are nice to have, but can add to the overall price of the treadmill.
• Cost: Finally, you’ll want to look for models that fit within your budget. Always choose quality over price when buying a treadmill. It’s often better to go to the higher end of your budget to ensure that you get a quality model you’ll be using for years to come.