The HealthRider SoftStrider is a treadmill which appears like it should have potential to be an interesting treadmill innovation. Unfortunately, the reality is the movable arms attached to the uprights of the SoftStrider are mostly there to distract from the fact that this is not a very good treadmill. It is not very durably built and has more limited features than other treadmills in its price range.
Overall, we would not encourage people to invest in the SoftStrider as it does not seem to be a quality treadmill.
Price
The SoftStrider has a listed price of $999 though it often on sale for $699.
The SoftStrider Is Built For Users who:
Want a mix of treadmill and elliptical - While the SoftStrider doesn’t really work as an elliptical except for the mobile arms attached to the treadmill’s uprights, it certainly a draw for some users.
Need a walking treadmill only - As with all budget treadmills, they are not up to the pounding of a treadmill for joggers and runners. The SoftStrider is a budget treadmill and will be best for walking.
Don’t mind buying short-term treadmills - From customer reviews and our treadmill testers’ assessment, we have determined that the SoftStrider is not a treadmill which will last you in the long-term. It is more likely to last only a couple years at most.
Why The SoftStrider earned 2.2 stars
Even judging the SoftStrider by the best treadmills between $500-$700, the SoftStrider doesn’t show to the advantage.
Restrictive warranty length - While most budget treadmills don’t have overly generous warranties, the SoftStrider only has 5-year frame and motor warranty as well as a 90-day labor and parts warranty. This is shorter than we like to see.
Few programs than expected - There are only 16 built-in workout programs on the SoftStrider and 18 is closer to the standard number for this price range of treadmills.
Narrow treadmill belt - With a belt only measuring 18” in width and 50” in length, the SoftStrider can become quite cramped.
Treadmill Reviews decided that even understanding that the SoftStrider is a budget treadmill did not excuse some of its more obvious flaws, especially when held up to other treadmills in its price range.
Main Specs - 5/10
Specs “Quick Review”:
Motor Size: 2.75 HP
Running Area: 18” W x 50” L
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Folding: Yes
Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 32” x 66” x 56”
Footprint Folded (W, L, H): 32” x 34” x 61”
Incline Range: 0% to 10%
Max Speed: 10 MPH
Treadmill Best For: Walkers
Electrical Requirements: 120 volts
Motor Size - The motor in this treadmill is a small 2.75 HP. If the motor was a 2.75 CHP motor, we would have been more impressed but the only measurement we have is for the SoftStrider peak motor power, which is less powerful than continuous duty horsepower (CHP).
Running Area - The running area is cramped and becomes even more crowded when you use the mobile arms attached to the SoftStrider uprights. The treadmill belt measures 18” wide by 50” long and can be uncomfortable for users over 6’ tall.
Weight Capacity - While the HealthRider site claims the SoftStrider can accommodate a user weighing up to 300 lbs, we have our doubts. We recommend any user weighing over 250 lb to use the SoftStrider with caution.
Folding - The SoftStrider folds up with the help of a spring-loaded pin to keep the treadmill deck in place.
Space / Footprint - Measuring 32” wide, 66” long, and 56” tall, the SoftStrider doesn’t take up too much floor space. When folded, this treadmill measures 32” wide, 34” long, and 61” high.
Max Speed - The treadmill’s max speed is 10 MPH, which is fairly standard for this price range.
Incline - This treadmill has an incline range of 0% to 10%, which is also fairly standard for this price range.
Features - 4/10
Features “Quick Review”
Display: LED
PreInstalled Workout Apps: 16
Speakers: Yes
Fans: Yes
Heart Rate Monitoring: Pulse grips
USB port: No
Audio Jack: Yes
Water bottle cubbies: Yes
Device holder: yes
Workout Apps - A few workouts programs shy of what we usually look for, the 16 workout programs available give you a workout with preset inclines, speed, and time settings.
Display - A small LED display is embedded in the top of the console of the SoftStrider. Track your time, distance, incline, speed, and calorie burn this way.
Speakers - There is a pair of speakers built into the console of the SoftStrider. They are of low sound quality.
Fans - A one-speed fan is near the base of the SoftStrider’s console. It has fairly weak air output.
Heart Rate Monitoring - Pulse grips on the main treadmill frame are available to take your heart rate. These grips are not very accurate in their readings.
Other Tech Features
Meal plan
Audio Jack
Build Quality - 5/10
Trainer 720 Review: Build Quality
Warranties - 5-year frame and motor, 90-day labor and parts
Belt - 1-ply
Cushioning - SoftStrider™ Cushioning
Customer Support - Forms, phone, email
Return Policy - 30-day trial
If we hadn’t read that the SoftStrider had cushioning, it may be hard to believe. The deck is very firm, which some users may prefer.
The striding arms of the treadmill don’t really work that well for anything except walking. If you are moving faster than a walk, the motion of the arms can feel very awkward.
A 10% restocking fee will be assessed if you want to return your SoftStrider within the 30-day trial period.
Bottom Line Review Of The HealthRider SoftStrider Treadmill
Although HealthRider is a sister company to companies such as NordicTrack and ProForm, it has next to none of its sister companies’ quality. With the SoftStrider frail frame, gimmicky elliptical-like arms, small treadmill belt and more, you would be better off not spending your money on the SoftStrider unless you want to replace it after a year or less.
Best Place To Buy The HealthRider SoftStrider Treadmill
If you do choose to go ahead and buy the HealthRider SoftStrider treadmill, then work directly with HealthRider. You’ll likely need customer service help after a month or so of owning and using the SoftStrider.
