Our fave features: It boasts a great incline, and this treadmill is incredibly comfortable while running. “Without a doubt, [this is] probably the most cushioned and supportive treadmill I’ve used,” a tester previously said. “There was just no discomfort when using this machine.” That’s thanks to Horizon’s three-zone cushioning, which varies the amount of shock absorption based on where you are in your stride.
This tread comes with 10 built-in workouts but can also connect to the streaming app of your choice. You’re not locked into an iFit or Peloton membership, for example, but can use whatever you like—even a free fitness app like Nike Run Club. “My app was picking up what I was changing on the treadmill, which was neat,” our tester says.
Just so you know: You can’t get automatic speed and incline adjustments during classes with third-party apps, so you have to change those as you go manually.
Size: 76″L x 37″W x 63″H | Tread belt: 22″W x 60″L | Weight capacity: 350 lbs | Max speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 0–15% | Motor:3.5 CHP | Display:8.25″ LCD screen | Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor | Folding options: Upright | Membership: None required
Best Folding Cushioned Treadmill: Sole F63
Pros
- Folds up easily
- Quiet
- Comes with free access to workouts on Sole+ app
Cons
- The hood is easy to step on or kick accidentally
- Slow to adjust incline
- No HD touchscreen
Why we picked it: If you have minimal space to dedicate to a home gym, you’ll love how this machine folds up as much as we do. You only have to lift a little bar in the back, and it clicks into place. Then, you simply unlatch a lever at the top, and it will come back down. Our tester found the whole process “on the faster side” among the folding treadmills she’s tried.
Our fave features: We love how little sound this treadmill makes. “I would say it’s one of the more quiet treadmills [I’ve] used,” our tester says, adding that it didn’t get loud when adjusting the incline. That’s not to say we’d suggest running on it next to a sleeping baby, but if noise concerns are a top priority, this is one of your better treadmill options.
Who it’s for: The budget-conscious athlete looking for a solid treadmill without high-tech bells and whistles will appreciate how straightforward to use this equipment is. Sure, there’s no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, but that means there’s nothing complicated to fumble around with before you get moving. The built-in programming is minimal, though you can access the free Sole+ app on your phone or tablet. If you just want to get on and do your own thing, we found this machine has a solid performance: The buttons are responsive, the deck is stable, the belt never slipped on us, and everything was easy to navigate.
Size: 77″L x 35″W x 67″H | Tread belt: 20″W x 60″L | Weight capacity: 325 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Incline: 15 levels | Motor: 3.0 HP | Display: 6.5″ backlit LCD | Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor; 2-year deck, parts, and wear; 1-year labor | Folding options: Upright | Membership: Free access to Sole+ app
Best Budget Cushioned Treadmill: Sunny Health And Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill
Pros
- Under $400
- Smaller footprint
- Foldable and easy to store
- Comes with nine built-in workouts
Cons
- Small 16-inch by 49-inch belt
- Low 220-pound weight capacity
- Only inclines up to 4.3%
- Maxes out at 9 MPH
Why we picked it: While most cushioned treadmills will set you back at least $1,000, this far more affordable option from Sunny Health and Fitness will do the trick for many beginners for half that price. While the incline only goes up to 4.3% (which you have to adjust manually by stepping off the machine), and the max speed is 9 MPH (a six-minute, 40-second mile), as long as you’re under the 220-pound weight capacity, you can still get in a great workout on this machine. Our team found it surprisingly stable for having such a compact frame—one of our testers even said it’s small enough to fit in the back of their car once it’s folded up.
Our fave features: Although this machine doesn’t have the techy perks you’d expect from a high-end treadmill, you get quick speed buttons that make interval workouts way more enjoyable. “They allow you to change your speed literally at the touch of a button, whereas other treadmills have toggles you have to hold if you want to go fast,” Bernadyn says, pointing out that if you have to feverishly press a button for 10 seconds’ worth of a 30-second sprint, it’s hard to get the full benefit of your interval. “If you’re just looking to start working out, a lower-end treadmill with the quick-touch buttons [and] a well-cushioned, flexible deck are necessities,” she adds.
Who it’s for: This 49-inch deck may be too short for serious runners, who likely want a deck at least 60 inches long to support a long stride. But if you just want a treadmill for walks or casual jogs, our tester says the cushioned deck makes for exceptionally comfy strides. Plus, the small, foldable design means you can fit it in tight spaces that might not otherwise have room for major home workout equipment.
Size: 62″L x 25.5″W x 50″H | Tread belt: 16″W x 49″L | Weight capacity: 220 lb | Max speed: 9.0 MPH | Incline: 0–4.3% | Motor: 2.2 Peak HP | Display: LCD screen | Warranty: 3-year structural frame; 180-days other parts | Folding options: Upright | Membership: None
Benefits of a cushioned treadmill
While there isn’t much research on how cushioned treadmills affect our bodies, one 2019 study published in Gait & Posture found that a deck with more shock absorption could reduce the impact force of running on the fore and midfoot. Gregory Moy, DPT, a physical therapist in California, tells SELF that that could be helpful for anyone with foot problems.
Dr. Moy adds that the decreased force could also be helpful for runners coming back from injury or putting in super high-mileage weeks. “For my marathoners [and] ultramarathoners who are running 70 to 100 miles a week and need some time off from the hard pavement, [a cushioned treadmill] can be effective,” he says. He says that even hopping on one of the most cushioned treadmills for just some of those miles can help ease the wear and tear caused by lots of pounding.
How to find the best-cushioned treadmill for you
Let’s be honest: Getting any cushioned treadmill for your home will cost you a good chunk of change. So take your time thinking through what you want. “It’s definitely something you want to make sure is exactly right,” Bernadyn says, adding that “treadmills last a really long time,” so long as you take care of them. To find the best option, here are the factors to keep in mind:
Price
Most good treadmills will set you back at least $1,000, but there are solid budget options like Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 for under $500 if you’re looking for just the basics. Or, if you want all the latest high-tech amenities, you can invest in a high-end piece of equipment like the Peloton Tread, which costs $2,995 (plus $44 a month for the Peloton membership). “More expensive doesn’t always mean better. But the better brands are more expensive,” Bernadyn says.
Type of cushioning
Some treadmills have cushioning throughout the entire deck. In contrast, others will have targeted cushioning that varies in firmness from the front to the back to accommodate different parts of your stride. Some even allow you to adjust the cushioning to turn it on or off. The type you choose is a matter of personal preference: Which feels best on your body? Do you want firmer landings to mimic better what you’d experience running outdoors on concrete?
Touchscreen
Choosing a tread with a high-definition screen comes at a premium. “It’s obviously more expensive to have a touchscreen,” Bernadyn says. But some people find it’s worth the bigger price tag to get access to interactive workouts or stream Netflix while they get their miles in. “If you use [your treadmill] all the time, you might want more options, so you don’t get bored,” Kunz says.
Warranty
Warranties can vary quite a bit. For instance, the Sole F63 and Horizon 7.4 AT come with lifetime coverage for the frame and motor, while the WalkingPad P1 Under Desk Treadmill doesn’t include any warranty; you must purchase it separately.
