Last Updated: 1/13/2022
Finding the best treadmill for running takes more work than finding a good treadmill to walk on. This disqualifies many cheaper treadmills as they cannot compete with the best treadmills for running. Budget treadmills focus on basic functionality and runners need more than that.
Runners need a steady treadmill that can handle heavy daily use. The best running treadmills will be well-constructed, usually heavier than your average treadmills because they are built with better materials than treadmills not designed for running. However, if you simply Google “best treadmills for running”, you will be bombarded with an overwhelming variety of treadmills which are not all suitable for running.
Here at Treadmill Reviews, we have spent hundreds of hours researching, testing, and reviewing treadmills. We have put our experiences to good use and selected the 6 best treadmills for running to help you find the perfect treadmill for you.
Top-Rated Treadmills For Running
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Appealing to runner everywhere, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is an excellent treadmill. It can reach a max speed of 12 MPH while supplying users with an incline range of -3% to 15%. Built with Runners Flex™ cushioning, this treadmill will reduce the impact of running. With the new 14″ swivel touchscreen, this treadmill will keep you running for miles on end.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Here
ProForm Pro 2000
Just behind the Commercial 1750 is the ProForm Pro 2000. It has a strong 3.25 HP motor, with a treadmill belt measuring 20” wide and 60” long. This treadmill is slightly more compact than most other treadmills on this list making it a great option for runners who have a small space to try and fit a treadmill into.
Read our full review of the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Here
Sole F85 Treadmill
Heavy-duty treadmills are what the Sole brand has become known for and the Sole F85 is a great example of this brand. It can accommodate a user weighing up to 400 lbs, which is around the highest weight capacity in the industry. It also means the sturdy F85 is up for a runner who tends to run heavily. With its 4.0 CHP motor, the F85 has the strength and durability to last under the most demanding runners.
Read our full review of the Sole F85 Treadmill Here
NordicTrack Commercial 2450
If you are looking for a treadmill with the power to help you through years of running, then the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is a treadmill you should consider. Its large 3.6 CHP motor can ease beginner runners into their training as well as support veteran runners. And with all this power, it can still be folded up when you need the space.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill Here
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill is a powerful treadmill for runners with a 4.0 HP motor and an easy to navigate console. The sturdy deck is firm but cushioned enough to take the pressure off of your joints so you don’t have to worry about putting in those extra miles. The 7.8 AT is a great treadmill for running and training for events.
Read our full review of the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Here
NordicTrack Commercial 2950
The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is the treadmill that most runners have been dreaming of owning. With its 22” touchscreen to help immerse the user in their running experience and the connection to iFit, this treadmill is built to keep you moving. With a powerful motor and a cushioned deck, you won’t dread putting the miles on the 2950, you’ll look forward to it.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill Here
Determining The Best Running Treadmill
It would be easy to say the most expensive treadmills likely would be the best running treadmills. Not only is that not the case but by saying that, you might miss out on some more affordable running treadmills.
As mentioned above, we did exclude budget treadmills from our best treadmills for running review. While you can run on a cheap treadmill, they will wear out quickly as they are being used beyond their actual capacity. They also tend to lack some of the features which make running treadmills comfortable to run on for extended periods of time. So if you want a running treadmill to last longer than a year and is comfortable, then you will skip the budget treadmills.
Instead, we looked at treadmills from three different price points. The starting price point is just under $1,500. Treadmills manufactured for this price point and beyond are usually better built than cheaper treadmills. Other things for you to consider:
- Brand name carries importance. We aren’t advocating unthinking loyalty to any particular treadmill brand. However, established treadmill brands have a proven quality they are invested in backing up. By going with well-known treadmill manufacturers, you can eliminate some of the guesswork when looking for the best running treadmill.
- Strong motors are key for runners. Runners looking to use a treadmill for regular training need to find a treadmill with a motor size of at least 3.0 CHP. Motors of this size and larger can keep up with the kind of workload a runner will need from their treadmill.
- Cushioning requirements differ between runners. Some runners want their treadmill to have a very cushioned surface. Other runners prefer their treadmill deck to be firm and mimic outdoor running. Either way, the best treadmills for runners will reduce the impact on the joints of the runner.
Selecting Your Running Treadmill Budget
Even though we have narrowed the available treadmills to those priced just under $1,500 and above, there are other ways to find your ideal running treadmill budget.
Our 6 top-rated running treadmills actually fall into 3 different price categories. There is some variance between the treadmills of each category.
Under $1,500 – ProForm Pro 2000
Under $2,000 – SOLE F85, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, and Horizon 7.8 AT
Under $2,500 – Nordictrack Commercial 2450 and NordicTrack Commercial 2950
Within each category, these running treadmills vary from each other. However, the buyer receives a clear step up in quality as they go up in price. Check out our in-depth reviews of these treadmills for complete coverage of their various features.
As you are searching for the best treadmill for running, remember that most top treadmill manufacturers have financing options available. This can allow you to purchase the best running treadmill for your needs and not suddenly be out over $1,000. Also, many do not charge interest for the first 18 months if you pay off your treadmill in full within that time frame.
Other Running Treadmill Features To Consider
Entertainment Options – Depending on what kind of runner you are, entertainment options while running may be important. NordicTrack treadmills are considered some of the most tech/entertainment packed treadmills. SOLE treadmills generally have simple interfaces with limited tech and entertainment options. While Matrix treadmills are notable for having 3 different consoles you can order so you can customize how much or how little entertainment and tech your running treadmill has available.
Warranties – Running on a treadmill can wear down the best of treadmills, which is why it is important to have good warranties. On average, the best running treadmills have lifetime frame and motor warranties. The parts and electronics should have at least a 5-year warranty period, and there should be a 2-year labor warranty included.
Space Considerations – Many of the best running treadmills take up more space than the average treadmill. This is because they need to be more sturdy and stable than non-running treadmills. However, all the best running treadmills we recommend do fold up. So you can still reclaim some space when you are not using your treadmill.
Summary: Best Treadmills For Running
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- ProForm Pro 2000
- Sole F85
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450
- Horizon 7.8 AT
- NordicTrack Commercial 2950
Finding just the right treadmill can be hard, especially if you want it to be up to being ran on regularly. However, the best treadmills for running can be found by starting with a simple elimination process and working from there. We hope we have been able to help you find your perfect running treadmill. If you still aren’t sure about your choice, check out the top treadmills in other categories by going to our best treadmills page.
