Best Walking Treadmills of 2023
Editor's Choice
If walking is your choice for home fitness, you can save money compared with people who want treadmills for running. Treadmills for walking can be built from cheaper components and still support great workouts. For one thing, they can have smaller motors of about 2.5 CHP. For another, they can have smaller workout belts; room for long running strides isn’t needed.
In all price classes the best walking treadmills have workout areas 20” or 22” wide and at least 55” long. Machines with smaller workout dimensions can make exercise uncomfortable and unsafe -- so if you need to conserve space, choose a folding unit. Folding treadmills can supply enough room to walk safely and comfortably, but they can be rolled away after workouts.
Two other features to keep in mind: cushioning and incline. Cushioning isn’t as important for walkers as for runners, but shock absorption still matters for joint/tendon protection. Power incline can further reduce impact… but this feature is popular especially because it increases potential calorie burn, helps sculpt lean muscle, and makes indoor walking more exciting! Check out the incline and other special features on our five best walking treadmills shown below.
Top 5 Best Rated Walking Treadmills
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Model |  NordicTrack |  Sole |  Horizon |  |  Bowflex |
| Rating |  Rating: 97.2% | Rating: 97% | Rating: 96.4% | Rating: 96% | Rating: 95% |
| Motor | 3.0 CHP | 3.5 HP | 4.0 CHP | 3.5 CHP | 4.0 |
| Speed | 0 - 12 mph | 0.5 - 12 mph | 0.5 - 12 mph | 0 – 12 mph | 0 - 12 mph |
| Incline | 0-12% | 0-15% | 0-15% | -3-12% | -5 - 15% |
| Folding? |  | | | | |
| MSRP | $1,399 | $2,799 | $1,999 | $1,599 | 1999 |
| Pricing | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price |
Walking Treadmills Buying Guide
The importance of walking should not be dismissed. Yes, jogging and running are excellent cardiovascular exercises, but in a world that is increasingly less dependent on our feet and more dependent on other means of transportation, walking is more important than ever.
Some people say that you should only invest in a treadmill for jogging or running, but we think that is ludicrous. Walking is just as effective of a cardio workout with the proper focus and goals. If you think that you’ll spend more time walking than jogging on your new treadmill, why not save a few hundred dollars by purchasing a treadmill designed for walking?
While the 3.5 CHP motor of some of our highest rated treadmills are excellent for all ages and abilities, it is not exactly necessary for walkers. You definitely want to invest in a machine with some power, but in reality a lot of 3.0 CHP motors (and even a few 2.5 CHP models) can and will support walking.
When you shop in this niche, make sure to note the capacity of the motor first, but also consider other specs like speed and incline. Do you feel like a max speed of 10 mph will support your abilities? 12 mph? What about incline? Are you really looking to challenge yourself with intense simulations of hills or is a flat surface more ideal?
While a lot of great walking treadmills exist, definitely be wary of budget treadmills trying to front as a walking treadmill. Some very low-end models may come across as outstanding candidates for walkers (lower powered motor, low speed and incline great), but are actually just poorly made treadmills with no hope for a long lifespan.
You should definitely note the max user weight, the size and weight of the trainer, and the brand. Even if you only intend to walk on the treadmill some models ride a little shaky and feel like they’re about to break, even at a slow pace. Always invest in a machine that is stable!
The most important factors to consider when searching for appropriate walking treadmills are:
- The size of the treadmill.
- The max user weight.
- The power of the motor.
- The reputation of the company.
- The warranty and guarantee.
Of course, added luxuries like an iPod dock, built-in speakers, iFit Live, and cooling fans never hurt either. Walking treadmills do not require many specs, but you definitely want a machine that is durable, sturdy, and backed by a solid warranty package. A good walking treadmill should last for many years to come.
More Walking Treadmills
The following did not make the Top 5 Walking Treadmills, but are still worth a look:
Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a high-end treadmill with a 4.0 CHP motor, spacious 22" x 60" running surface, and 22" HD Touchscreen with adjustable console. Read Review »
NordicTrack T 9.5 S
If you are looking for an entry level NordicTrack commercial treadmill to use in your home or in a gym environment, take a close look at the NordicTrack T 9.5 S model. Read Review »
NordicTrack EXP 10i
A new entry-tier model from NordicTrack has arrived, proving yet again why the brand remains a frontrunner in the category. Read Review »
NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer
NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer is a feature-packed incline trainer offering a variety of challenging workouts and options. Read Review »
NordicTrack T8.5S
If you want to get into a commercial grade treadmill that’s a good choice for beginners up to more advanced runners, the NordicTrack T8.5S might be the choice for you. Read Review »
Landice L8
A king among home treadmills, the Landice L8 is built for a lifetime of service. Read Review »
NordicTrack T7.5S
If you want a cost effective home treadmill to train on to help give you the best possible results from your efforts, the NordicTrack T7.5S is definitely a machine to consider. Read Review »
NordicTrack C 700
The NordicTrack C 700 has decent feature options given the price point. While we'd encourage spending another couple hundred dollars for the next step up, this is an ok treadmill for the price. Read Review »
Landice L7
The Landice L7 is among the world’s best high-end home treadmill deals. Read Review »
ProForm 705 CST
The ProForm 705 CST is a treadmill best suited for walkers and joggers. It will provide all the essential challenges and monitoring needed to increase your fitness levels. Read Review »
NordicTrack C 1070 Pro Treadmill
The NordicTrack C1070 Pro Treadmill is a good option for those who need a sturdy, straightforward treadmill and like the idea of choosing a trusted brand that’s been around for years. Read Review »
ProForm City L6
The ProForm City L6 is a great introductory-level treadmill new to the market. Designed and produced with commercial-grade parts, the City L6 is powerful, quiet and durable. Read Review »
ProForm Carbon T10
The ProForm Carbon T10 is a solid treadmill for walking, jogging and light running. Read Review »
AFG Sport 5.9 AT Treadmill
The AFG Sport 5.9 AT is a mid-range treadmill that boasts many of the deluxe features that fitness buffs look for in a quality treadmill. Read Review »
Xterra TRX3500
The XTERRA TRX3500 is a well-made home treadmill, a top choice for low-cost workouts at any intensity. Read Review »
NordicTrack C 590 Pro
NordicTrack’s C 590 Pro competes well with the cheapest treadmills in our fitness reviews. Like a typical NordicTrack fitness machine, this model is feature-rich for its price class. Read Review »
Horizon Fitness Elite T9
The Elite T9 is Horizon's top-of-the-line treadmill. It is a solid running treadmill designed to give you the workout you need. It has a 2.75 CHP motor, 44 workout programs (plus a workout tracking calendar) and a 10" touchscreen console. Read Review »
Xterra TRX4500
The XTERRA TRX4500 is a great new option for shoppers set on spending $1K or less. Read Review »
AFG Sport 5.5AT Treadmill
The AFG Sport 5.5 AT treadmill is one of the company’s lowest priced entry-level machines, designed specifically for at-home use. Read Review »