The Best Treadmills for Runners: The Features That’ll Help You Hit a New Personal Best

Much like the United States Postal Service, for some runners, neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night can stop them from their appointed workouts. Which is why it’s handy to have a backup for bad weather days, early mornings, late nights, or any other time when hitting the streets isn’t the most practical option.

To help you jump on board, we’ve rounded up an entire gyms’ worth of treadmill options that will keep you moving.

The top treadmills for runners

How we selected the best treadmills

We researched some of the most popular treadmill brands on the market based on reviews, speed, and incline options, motor power and ease of use. We also considered recommended factors from running experts, scoured countless reviews for additional data points to compare, and factored in personal experience as well.

What to consider when choosing the best treadmill for a runner

Motor power

Those slipping into their running clothes for workouts strictly of the walking variety will find a machine with 2.0 horsepower will get the job done. But for runners, 3.0 horsepower is recommended, says New York City running coach Elizabeth Corkum. “Considering that for a motorized treadmill, the motor is the heart of the machine, this isn’t something to skimp on.”

Speed and incline options

No, you can’t match your outdoor run stride-for-stride, but a good treadmill will offer enough speed and incline settings that you’re able to log everything from a long, hilly walk to a series of intense sprint intervals. Some smaller treadmills will top out at 10 mph, though, and while a six-minute mile is quick enough for most recreational runners, if you have a need for lots of speed, you’ll want a pick that reaches up to 13.5 mph.

Ease of use

When you’re attempting sprint repeats on a treadmill, you don’t want to be fumbling around to find the right keys. The ideal treadmill will have a simple-to-understand user interface that lets you just hop on and hit the road.

Size and durability

The key here is to find a belt large enough to support a standard running gait — ideally at least 20 inches wide and 60 inches long. Cushioning is important, too, particularly if you’ll be logging quite a few miles. Belts with more cushioning help absorb some of the impact and protect your joints and spine.

Extra features

If you’re the type to simply hit the quick start button, a basic machine will do. But if you’re hoping to stream workouts, consider an option with a built-in screen or place to put a tablet, and other features like a USB charging port and Bluetooth speakers.

Things to know before you bring home a treadmill

Who’s going to use it and how?

If you’re the running type, you’ll need a machine that offers both a shock-absorbing cushion, a wider and longer belt to accommodate your stride, and a large range of speed and incline options that allow you to mix up each session. If you’re a self-starter, you can probably opt for a more bare-bones model, but if you’re in search of some guidance, seek machines that offer preset programs, or an option to connect to streaming and on-demand workouts.

How big is your space?

To comfortably run without fear of knocking your head on the ceiling, you’ll want to ensure you have a clearance at least 15 inches above your height. You’ll also want to keep the area behind your treadmill clear. And if you plan to run above a bedroom—or another apartment—consider springing for a treadmill mat that will help dampen some of the noise.

Safety is also an important consideration. Your treadmill should be in a place that is not accessible to pets and children.

Can you dedicate an electrical circuit to your treadmill?

Bogging down a circuit with your treadmill plus other appliances, could lead to an overload and frustrating shutdowns.

What are the benefits of having a treadmill for runners at home?

“You can use it 24/7, no matter the weather or safety due to daylight,” explains New York City running coach Elizabeth Corkum of the allure of a treadmill. And no excuses not to lace up those running shoes means no reason to stray off course from your fitness goals, she notes: “Having a path of least resistance can be key in training consistency.”

When you have the option to knock out a run at any time of day in any type of weather, it’s harder to put off training. However, Corkum adds, “Having a treadmill in a space that doesn’t feel designated for training may mean the machine won’t be used. There’s something sacred about going to the gym and eliminating chores and distractions that are always at home.” That’s why she suggests carefully cultivating your fitness space: “Creating a home gym that feels supportive, fun, and shuts out the rest of the house is often the key to using the machine.”

What’s the difference between running outside and running on a treadmill?

As with anything, there are pros and cons to each. In addition to providing a controlled, no excuses environment, treadmills “can be fantastic for specific workouts like intervals or mile repeats at a specific space,” says Corkum. Though, she notes, long, slow runs can feel especially tedious indoors.

Running outside, meanwhile, can provide the sort of variety necessary for your mind and your body, forcing you to adjust to different terrain, elevation, and all types of weather which, notes the coach, “is necessary if you plan to race.”

Do you want a different treadmill for walking versus running?

If you plan to use the machine mainly for runs, you don’t want to skimp. “Runners will notice the quality of a treadmill over a walker,” says Corkum, “as the high-impact nature of running will simply require a better piece of equipment.” While walkers can use a motor with just 2.0 horsepower, runners will want to seek out an option with at least 3.0.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is treadmill running bad for joints?

Not if you’re doing it properly, says Corkum. “When outside, we naturally adjust our form and muscle recruitment and usage for terrain,” she notes. “On a treadmill, those external variables are eliminated, so adding in variety is important.” In other words, make the incline button your friend.

Other mistakes to look out for: Running too close to the console (“This will impact hips, core and arm swing,” notes Corkum), overstriding (“Toes should not be going over the front of the treadmill belt,”) and building a bad habit of “under-utilizing the posterior chain, specifically the hamstrings,” she says, “because the belt moves.”

Do professional runners use treadmills?

Yep, they’re just like the rest of us. “They pick and choose how and when to use the treadmill,” says Corkum, “often due to weather, location, what they feel like doing, and what they may have done the day before or have on their training calendar the following day.”

Can I get a good cardio workout on a treadmill?

We promise you can feel every bit as drenched with sweat and out of breath as you do on pavement. “Running is running and walking is walking — it doesn’t matter where or how you do it!” stresses Corkum. Though, she notes, you may need to play around with your pace, “as often, treadmill runs feel harder or easier than outside for a slew of reasons.”

Are curved treadmills better?

That depends on your definition of the word better. Curved treadmills don’t require electricity and can often be more cost-effective than motorized machines, says Corkum. But while they’re, “ideal for short and fast intervals,” she says, they’re not as great for a long walk or run.