Best treadmills for walking
Top walking treadmill picks
Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to look after your health. Here you’ll find some of the best treadmill options for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
Is a walking treadmill right for you?
These recommendations are aimed at people who want a treadmill mainly for everyday walking at home.
✓ For walking only (not jogging or running)
✓ To help achieve daily step targets at home
✓ That is easy to move and store without taking up too much room
✓ That can be used while working at a desk or watching TV
Core criteria for a walking treadmill
These minimum criteria are based on a user who is around the average UK weight (14 stone) and height (5 ft 10 in) and will be walking for up to one hour each day.
| Criteria | Range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 6 km/h+ (3.7 mph+) | 6 km/h (3.7 mph) is a brisk walking pace for most users. Taller users with a longer stride may need up to 8 km/h (5.0 mph). |
| Walking Area | 120 x 40 cm+ (47.2 x 15.7 in+) | Provides enough room for users of most heights and stride lengths to walk comfortably. If you are 6 ft 2 in or taller, consider a longer belt. Most walking pads have a maximum belt length of around 120 cm (47.2 in), so a standard treadmill may be a better option. |
| Motor Power | 1 CHP+ | Provides enough power for an average-weight user walking for an hour each day. Although I would ideally aim for a higher CHP rating, walking pads with motors above 1 CHP can be difficult to find. For heavier users, I’d probably rule out a walking pad and choose a standard treadmill for walking instead to help ensure machine longevity. |
| User Weight Capacity | 100 kg+ (15.7 stone / 220 lb+) | Provides a sensible safety margin for someone around the upper end of the average UK weight – 14 st (89 kg / 196 lb). |
| Machine Weight | 20 – 30 kg (44 – 66 lb) | Walking treadmills are much lighter than standard treadmills but can still weigh a considerable amount. Although many can be moved using wheels, you still need to feel comfortable lifting the machine onto its end. |
| Folded Height | 15 cm (5.9 in) max | Allows the treadmill to be stored easily under furniture with 20 cm (7.9 in) of clearance without getting jammed. |
Other things to consider
Frame type – Is the pad foldable or one-piece? Does it have the option for handles – for example, a 2-in-1 treadmill, attachable handles or fixed handles?
Display – Is it easy to read? What stats does it show? Does it work with any apps?
Controls – How is the speed adjusted if there is no frame-mounted console – remote control, app or foot positioning?
Step-up height/deck height – Can you step onto the treadmill easily?
Noise – Does it have a Decibel rating? Factor in the extra noise caused from feet hitting the deck -will get louder at higher speeds.
Warranty – How long is the cover and what does it include?
Customer reviews – Do owners repeatedly mention the same strengths or problems? Are there patterns around noise, reliability, storage, comfort and customer support.
Best all-round walking treadmills
BEST ALL-ROUNDER
WalkingPad A1 Pro
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed (km/h / mph) | 6 | 3.75 |
| Walking Area (cm / in) | 120 x 41.5 | 47 x 16.5 |
| Motor Power (CHP) | 1.25 | |
| User Weight Capacity (kg / lb) | 136 | 300 |
| Machine Weight (kg / lb) | 28.5 | 63 |
| Folded Height (cm / in) | 12.9 | 5 |
| Incline | None | |
| Connectivity | KS Fit / Bluetooth | |
| Assembled Dimensions (cm / in) | 143.2 x 54.7 x 12.9 | 56.5 x 21.5 x 5 |
| Folded Dimensions (cm / in) | 82.2 x 54.7 x 12.9 | 32.5 x 21.5 x 5 |
★ Why I recommend it
The 1.25 CHP motor gives the A1 Pro enough continuous power for regular daily walking, so it is a sensible option if you expect the treadmill to get frequent use rather than only the occasional short session. Its 136 kg (300 lb) maximum user weight also gives heavier walkers useful capacity. If you are well below that limit, the figure is still a good indicator of a sturdier frame and deck with plenty of build margin under normal use.
The folding deck reduces the machine to just 12.9 cm (5 in) high, making it easy to store under most furniture when you are finished. FootSense lets you alter speed simply by moving forwards or backwards on the belt, which is handy when you do not want to keep reaching for the remote. You can also use the KS Fit app, while the 6 km/h (3.75 mph) top speed covers gentle walking through to a brisk pace.
Pros
✓ 1.25 CHP motor provides useful continuous power for regular daily walking
✓ 136 kg user capacity gives heavier walkers room to spare and is a reassuring indicator of sturdy construction for lighter users
✓ Long-term owner feedback includes examples of frequent multi-year use, which is encouraging for regular walkers
Cons
✕ At 28.5 kg, check that you can comfortably move it if it needs to be stored after each use
✕ No handrail or handles if you prefer something to hold on to
✕ Some owner feedback says the cooling fan noise can become noticeable after a few minutes of use
BEST ALL-ROUNDER #2 – OPTIONAL HANDRAIL
BodyMax WP60
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed (km/h / mph) | 6 | 3.7 |
| Walking Area (cm / in) | 120 x 41.5 | 47.2 x 16.3 |
| Motor Power (HP) | 1.0 | |
| User Weight Capacity (kg / lb) | 100 | 220 |
| Machine Weight (kg / lb) | 28 | 61.7 |
| Folded Height (cm / in) | 13 | 5.1 |
| Incline | None | |
| Connectivity | None | |
| Assembled Dimensions (cm / in) | 143 x 55 x 13 | 56.3 x 21.7 x 5.1 |
| Folded Dimensions (cm / in) | 82 x 55 x 13 | 32.3 x 21.7 x 5.1 |
★ Why I recommend it
The 1.0 HP motor is designed for everyday walking, while the front speed sensor can automatically adjust the pace according to where you are positioned on the deck. That means you can speed up or slow down without constantly using the remote, which is especially useful when you are walking while working or watching TV. An optional handrail is also available if you would feel more comfortable having something to hold on to.
The deck folds down to 13 cm (5.1 in) height so it can be put away easily under most beds and sofas. Its two-year home/light-commercial parts and labour warranty also gives useful reassurance for regular use. Customer reviews on Fitshop repeatedly mention sturdy construction, straightforward storage and quiet operation, all of which make it well suited to home offices and flats.
Pros
✓ Automatic speed sensing can change the pace without you having to keep using the remote
✓ Customer feedback regularly praises the quiet operation, which is useful for calls, TV and shared living spaces
✓ Two-year home/light-commercial parts and labour warranty provides useful cover for regular use
Cons
✕ At 28 kg, check that you can comfortably move it to and from storage
✕ 100 kg user limit will not suit heavier walkers
✕ The optional handrail is an extra purchase – £99
BEST FOR EASY MOVING & STORAGE
WalkingPad Z1
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed (km/h / mph) | 6 | 3.7 |
| Walking Area (cm / in) | 121 x 40 | 47.6 x 15.7 |
| Motor Power (HP) | 0.75 | |
| User Weight Capacity (kg / lb) | 110 | 242 |
| Machine Weight (kg / lb) | 23 | 50.7 |
| Folded Height (cm / in) | 13.8 | 5.4 |
| Incline | None | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth – KS Fit / Kinomap | |
| Assembled Dimensions (cm / in) | 142.5 x 56 x 10.6 | 56.1 x 22 x 4.2 |
| Folded Dimensions (cm / in) | 81 x 56 x 13.8 | 31.9 x 22 x 5.4 |
★ Why I recommend it
At 23 kg (50.7 lb), the Z1 is a practical choice if you expect to move the treadmill regularly rather than leave it permanently in one place. The deck folds down to 13.8 cm (5.4 in) height, so it can be tucked away under suitable furniture when you need the floor space back. Its 110 kg (242 lb) user capacity also gives many walkers useful headroom; if you are well below the limit, it is a reassuring indicator of the frame and deck having some sturdiness in reserve.
The 0.75 HP brushless motor is best suited to normal daily walking rather than heavier users or particularly long sessions, but the 6 km/h (3.7 mph) top speed is still enough for a brisk walk. Bluetooth support for KS Fit and Kinomap adds app-based tracking and workouts. Owner feedback frequently praises the folding design and easy storage, although high-mileage users have occasionally reported increasing noise after months of very heavy use.
Pros
✓ 23 kg machine weight and folding deck make regular moving and storage much more practical
✓ Owner feedback often praises the compact folding design and quiet everyday use
✓ Bluetooth connectivity with KS Fit and Kinomap adds app-based tracking and workouts
Cons
✕ 0.75 HP motor may not suit heavier users or particularly long daily sessions
✕ Some high-mileage owners report increasing noise after months of heavy use
✕ No handrail or handles if you prefer something to hold on to
Author: Ian Smith For the past five years I’ve worked in marketing for one of the UK’s leading fitness equipment brands. During this time I’ve learnt a thing or two about fitness equipment: what’s out there and commonly asked customer questions. I also regularly used the equipment myself and would help test out new products. LinkedIn profile
