Whether you’re a casual runner or an athlete, a quality treadmill is essential for a powerful session.
And lots of top-quality treadmills are available in this higher-end category.
As it’s a populated category, it might be overwhelming for you to choose the best one that suits your needs and budget.
After thorough research on the higher-end models, we’ve shortlisted the five best treadmills for runners that are highly capable of giving you a smooth and stable running experience over the years.
Quick List: Best Treadmills for Runners
- Best Overall Treadmill for Runners: NordicTrack 1750 at Amazon
- Best Treadmill for Serious Runners: 3G Cardio Elite Runner at Amazon
- Best Treadmill for Heavy Runners: Bowflex T10 at Bowflex
- Best Compact Treadmill for Runners: Sole F80 at Amazon
- Best Budget Treadmill for Runners: Nautilus T618 at Nautilus
The 5 Best Treadmills for Runners
The treadmills selected in this article are based on the following criteria:
- At least 3.0 HP motor with 12 mph speed.
- At least a 20″ x 60″ deck with good cushioning technology.
- Premium built-in quality and heavy-duty frame.
- Lots of comfort features and entertainment options.
Here’re the five best home treadmills for running.
1. Best Overall: NordicTrack 1750
Where to Buy NordicTrack 1750
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.8/5 |
| Display: | 14″ Interactive HD Touchscreen |
| Tread Belt: | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 3.5 HP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | -3% to 15% Motorized |
| Cushion: | RunnersFlex Cushioning |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Item Weight: | 340 lb (154 kg) In-box Weight |
| Weight Capacity: | 300 lb (136 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 64.5″ H x 37.3″ W x 79.4″ D |
| Programs: | 30-Day iFit Membership Plus 5 User Profiles |
| Warranty: | 10 Years Frame, 2-Years Parts, and 1-Year Labor |
NordicTrack is one of the leading treadmill brands in the industry, known for their top-performance high-quality machines, and this commercial 1750 is a great example.
NordicTrack 1750 provides a 22″ x 60″ extended deck, creating optimal space for your free-flowing arms. Its integrated RunnersFlex cushioning keeps your every stride comfortable.
This treadmill builds with a 3.5 CHP motor that runs up to 12 mph — a perfect combination for getting a smooth running session.
One of the key highlights of this treadmill is its 14″ Tilt & Pivot HD Touchscreen, where you can stream live and on-demand workouts and studio classes.
Nordictrack includes a 30-day iFit family membership along with five user profiles so your family members can train with their customized global workouts.
Pros
- A 22″ x 60″ extended running path.
- 3.5 CHP robust motor.
- A 14″ Tilt & Pivot HD touchscreen.
- 30-day iFit and 5 user profiles.
- ActivePulse cardio cruise control.
- -3% decline and up to 15% incline.
- It comes in a clean yet beast look.
Cons
- It doesn’t provide a bottle holder.
- iFit subscription is required after the free trial ends.
Summary
The NordicTrack 1750 is packed with a combination of comfort, entertainment, and high-performance features, making it an excellent treadmill for indoor running.
2. Best for Serious Runners: 3G Cardio Elite Runner
Where to Buy 3G Cardio Elite Runner
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.9/5 |
| Display: | Elite Runner Console |
| Tread Belt: | 22″ x 62″ |
| Motor: | 4.0 HP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | 0-15% Motorized |
| Cushion: | Ortho Flex Shock Suspension |
| Folding: | No |
| Item Weight: | 386 lb (175 kg) |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 lb (181.4 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 84″ L x 35.5″ W x 58″ H |
| Programs: | Many Built-in Programs with Numerous Pre-Programmed Courses, and Fitness Tests |
| Warranty: | Lifetime Frame and Motor, 10-Year Parts, 2-Year Labor |
3G Cardio Elite Runner is one of the best treadmills for serious runners with a 4.0 HP powerful motor and 12 mph speed.
This treadmill builds with a commercial 22″ x 62″ belt with an integrated Ortho Flex shock suspension system so you can run without hurting your joints and knees.
Its extended deck is also very suitable for tall runners. It can support up to 400 pounds of user weight which is a sign of a highly heavy-duty treadmill.
This treadmill offers many pre-programmed courses, fitness tests, and heart rate monitors and offers you to customize and create your workout plan.
The 3G Cardio covered this model with an extended warranty life — giving you the peace of mind and freedom to go at your full pace.
Pros
- A huge 22″ x 62″ running platform.
- You can run at the speed of 12 MPH.
- 4 HP motor with a lifetime warranty.
- 400-pound user weight limit.
- Ortho Flex shock suspension system.
- No membership is required.
- Up to 15% motorized incline levels.
Cons
- It’s a heavy treadmill.
- It’s an expensive one.
- Non-folding treadmill.
Summary
The 3G Cardio Elite Runner treadmill is built to give a smooth and stable running experience for long years and may best suit the athlete and heavier runners.
3. Best for Heavy Runners: Bowflex T10
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Display: | 10″ Interactive HD Touchscreen |
| Tread Belt: | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 4.0 HP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | -5% to 15% Motorized |
| Cushion: | Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning |
| Folding: | Yes (SoftDrop Technology) |
| Item Weight: | 323 lbs. (146.5 kg) |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 lbs. (181.4 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 85″ L x 39.6″ W x 65.3″ H |
| Programs: | 1-Year JRNY Membership; and Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max (Subscriptions required) |
| Warranty: | Frame and Motor: 15 years; Mechanical Parts: 5 years; Electronics: 1 year; Labor: 2 years |
Bowflex T10 is one of the best treadmills for heavy runners, which can carry up to 400 pounds of user weight while running.
If we look at the performance, it gives a 4.0 HP motor, 12 mph speed, and a 22″ x 60″ trade belt — an excellent combination for running.
Note: Horsepower isn’t mentioned on Bowflex’s website.
In the large deck, Bowflex integrates Comfort Tech Deck cushioning technology, which will minimize the impact of your stride and keep your joints safe in the long run.
Also, this treadmill gives you a 5% decline (which is a slightly more decline than other models) to a 15% incline, which will add more excitement and hardness to your workout.
The Bowflex T10 comes with a 10″ adjustable interactive HD touchscreen with a 1-year JRNY membership ($149 value), where you can run, hike or sprint through 50+ scenic destinations worldwide.
Surprisingly on this treadmill, you can stream your favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max on top of your custom workouts.
PS: If you’re a fan of a large screen, you can look for Bowflex T22, which has a 22″ HD touchscreen and higher incline capabilities.
Pros
- A large 22″ x 60″ running path.
- A powerful 4.0 HP motor.
- You can run as fast as 12 mph.
- -5% decline and up to 15% incline.
- It can load up to 400 lb user weight.
- 10″ Interactive HD Touchscreen.
- 1-year JRNY membership with shows.
Cons
- It’s a slightly heavy treadmill.
- Motor capacity isn’t mentioned.
Summary
If you want a heavy-duty running treadmill with a higher user weight limit and many streaming options, you can go for the Bowflex T10.
4. Best Compact: Sole F80
Where to Buy Sole F80
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Display: | 7″ LCD Screen |
| Tread Belt: | 20″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 3.5 CHP |
| Speed: | 0.5-12 MPH |
| Incline: | 0-15% Motorized |
| Cushion: | Flex Whisper Deck Cushion |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Item Weight: | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Weight Capacity: | 375 lb (170 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 80″ L x 58″ H x 35″ W |
| Programs: | Six Standard Programs, Two Custom Programs, and Two Heart Programs |
| Warranty: | Lifetime Frame, Motor, and Deck; 5-Years Electronics; and 2-Years Labor |
Sole F80 is one of the best compact treadmills for running and its lifetime warranty makes it more appealing to the users.
The F80 treadmill, built with a 3.5 CHP, DC-type motor with a speed of 12 mph, satisfies most runners with smooth training.
It’s equipped with a 22″ by 60″ Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which creates optimal space for running, and cushion to reduce joint impact by 40% compared to running on asphalt.
You can adjust this machine’s incline by up to 15%, and it has 375 pounds user weight limit.
The Sole F80 features a 7.5″ LCD screen with six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart programs, and it also displays your essential workout feedback.
Pros
- 3.5 CHP, powerful DC-type motor.
- 20″ x 60″ large trade belt.
- 0-15% motorized incline controls.
- Cushion deck reduces impact by 40%.
- MP3 sound system with cooling fans.
- 375-pound user weight limit.
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty.
Cons
- It gives a basic console.
- Delay delivery.
Summary
If you’re looking for a compact running treadmill with an extended warranty period, you might want to go with the Sole F80 treadmill.
5. Best Budget: Nautilus T618
Key Specs:
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Display: | Dual Blue Backlit LCD |
| Tread Belt: | 20″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 3.5 CHP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | 0-15% Auto |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Cushion: | Rebound deck cushioning |
| Item weight: | 253 Pounds |
| Weight Capacity: | 350 Pounds |
| Dimensions: | 78″ L x 37.6″ W x 62.8″ H |
| Programs: | 26 Customized Programs and Explore the World App (subscription required) |
| Warranty: | 15-Years Frame and Motor; 5-Years Parts and Electronics; and 2-Years Labor |
The Nautilus T618 is one of the best affordable treadmills for runners and a popular one in the mid-range category.
This treadmill is built with a 3.5 CHP motor that runs at 12 mph, which is what you want in your running machine.
Besides a powerful motor, nautilus offers a 20″ x 60″ gym-quality running path that integrates Rebound Cushioning technology, keeping you safe and comfortable in the long run.
The T618 features blue backlit DualTrack screens, packed with 26 customized training programs, including interval, heart rate, and weight management.
You can also adjust incline levels up to 15% to push your limits for better results.
This machine has a max user weight limit of 350 pounds, assuring you a stable and smooth running experience for years to come.
Pros
- It builts with a robust 3.5 CHP motor.
- It gives a 20″ x 60″ large running path.
- 26 customized workout programs.
- Sync with Explore the World App.
- 350-pounds of weight capacity.
- Wireless heart rate chest strap.
- You can adjust the incline up to 15%.
Cons
- Basic console.
- Explore the World subscription required.
Summary
If you want a running treadmill while saving a couple of hundred dollars, then the Nautilus T618 is an impressive option to look for.
What to Look for When Buying a Treadmill for Running
Here’re the six things you should go through when choosing a running treadmill.
Performance
When it comes to performance, a strong motor is crucial because a powerful motor can efficiently run through your toughest workouts without interrupting your rhythm.
Your aim should be to get a treadmill with at least a 3.0 HP motor with a speed of 12 mph.
If you’re a heavy user, going with a higher horsepower motor (like 3.5 HP, 4.0 HP, or higher) may serve you better.
Deck Size
When we want to run on our equipment, we need optimal space to fully stretch out our stride and swing our arms without hitting them on the machine.
Make sure you shouldn’t accept a deck anything below 20″ width and 60″ length on your running machine.
However, if you’re a fairly tall user or have a wider running style, you may want to go with a bit of extended deck, like 22 inches by 62 inches.
Cushioning
Cushioning is one of the features that creates a big difference between treadmill running and regular road running.
Cushioning helps soften the impact of your every step and protects and maintains your knees and joints’ health in the long run.
Make sure you go with a treadmill with good cushioning technology. We’re happy to tell you that all the treadmills listed above offer a pretty amazing cushioning system.
Incline
Another feature that makes the treadmill more appealing than road running — incline.
The incline helps increase your intensity to burn more calories while spending less time on the machine. It’s also an excellent feature that helps to experience the hills running in the comfort of your home.
Most high-end treadmills offer about 15% of incline, which is a standard range you could expect.
Some treadmills also offer about a 3% to 5% decline option, adding more excitement to your indoor running.
Stability and Durability
Having a highly stable treadmill during running is essential that help you get a powerful session without shaking and breaking the machine.
Durability comes from stability. If your treadmill is stable enough (i.e., not shaking during running), you’ve got a high built-in quality model, which signifies that the machine can serve you for long years.
How can you know that?
Look for the treadmill’s weight capacity and warranty, which are significant clues to a treadmill’s stability and durability.
A higher capacity treadmill can most likely withstand a heavier load efficiently, while an extended warranty gives you assurance of long-lasting service.
The rule of thumb for weight capacity is that go for a treadmill with 50 pounds higher weight limit than your body weight. It will help your treadmill to be more stable and durable.
Warranty
The last but not least thing you should check out is the warranty of your equipment.
When you’re going with a running treadmill means a higher-end model, you’ll be most likely to get the best warranty period.
Here’re the best treadmill warranties you could expect from a running treadmill:
- Frame and motor: At least 10 years to lifetime coverage
- Parts and Electronics: At least 2 to 5 years
- Labor: 1 to 2 years
However, this may vary on different brands and your budget as well. Remember, the more, the better.
Final Word
Okay… We’ve crushed it: best treadmills for runners.
Our chart highlights one of the best running treadmills in their category, so you can easily pick the one according to your needs and budget.
Now we’re curious to know, which one did you find the best match to your needs?
Is it NordicTrack 1750, Bowflex T10, or any other?
Let us know in the comment section below. We love to hear from you.
FAQs
Which treadmills are best for running?
After thorough research on the current market, our experts recommend the NordicTrack 1750, 3G Cardio Elite Runner, and Bowflex T10 as the best treadmills for running.
Read the full reviews of these treadmills above to determine which one will best suit your needs and budget.
Are treadmills good for runners?
A treadmill is a must-have for runners. It prevents all the excuses regardless of weather and gives the comfort of indoor running.
A treadmill comes with several amazing features like cushioning, which softens the impact of your joints and protects your keens from injury.
Another benefit of using a treadmill is its incline capability, which allows you to adjust your machine’s elevation to increase your intensity for better results.
Do marathon runners use treadmills?
Yes, they do, and you can definitely train for a marathon on a treadmill.
Treadmills offer different speeds that can efficiently meet your specific marathon speed workouts, and you should know that lots of people have successfully prepared for marathons using treadmills.
