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The WalkingPad X21 is a space-saving running machine. This review of the WalkingPad X21 treadmill decides whether or not this tiny treadmill is really built for 5k running.
Updated: September 12, 2023
If you want to run or walk, but don’t have the space for a giant treadmill, the WalkingPad X21 has your back. This treadmill has an ultra-compact and discreet design, so it won’t clutter your space. The X21 can be tucked in a closet or behind a couch. Its sleek design is nice enough to blend into a modern home. In this WalkingPad X21 Treadmill review, we will take a closer look at its unique folding design and performance.
The WalkingPad X21 has an all aluminum alloy frame. It is powder-coated black to protect the treadmill from scuffs and bumps, and it also improves its appearance. The X21 has multiple stabilizing feet to keep the treadmill from shifting or tilting while you are using it.
The footrails are a bit small, but I liked them more than the WalkingPad R2’s footrails. Users with a large shoe size should be mindful of stepping on the footrails as you do not have a lot of room for error. The treadmill is very low to the ground, so you don’t have to worry too much. If you do lose your balance, I wouldn’t trust the handrail. It really isn’t sturdy enough to support a user’s full weight. I like that WalkingPad has the handrail, but it functions more as a console and a reminder of your positioning rather than as a safety feature.
The X21 is not only a small treadmill; it is a quiet treadmill. The quietness is owed, in part, to the brushless motor. It is not the most powerful motor, but it makes sense for the style of treadmill the X21 is.
The 18” x 48” belt is quite a bit smaller than you normally find on a running treadmill. Yet, it is quite possible to run on the WalkingPad X21. It doesn’t feel as cramped as you might expect, though I do recommend running with a higher cadence (more steps per minute) to shorten your stride. If you are a long-legged runner, the X21 might not work for you, especially near its 7.45 mph speed limit.
There is not much cushioning to the X21. The deck is on the firmer side of the treadmill running spectrum. The size of the treadmill doesn’t allow for much in the way of shocks. I liked the underfoot experience. If there is one thing I would change, it is how noticeable the seam where the deck folds. Depending on how cushioned your shoes are, you may notice this more. At first, it really bothered me, but I got used to it over time. I also noticed it much less with cushioned shoes versus minimal shoes.
The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill has a double-folding design for very compact storage. To unfold the treadmill, place it in its upright position. Then use the release lever to softly lower the folded deck to the ground. Once the deck has been released, you can then unfold the deck. The WalkingPad treadmills have a tendency to make a loud sticking noise and then clang onto the floor. This will not hurt the treadmill, and I suggest placing a mat underneath the treadmill if you are worried about your floor. The noise can be a bit surprising, but nothing is wrong, I promise!
It is no surprise that such a tiny treadmill is slim on features. The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill has a small console with little room besides the strict necessities. In the case of the X21, this is an advantage, because it keeps the treadmill as small and compact as possible. I never felt like I was missing something on the X21, because it is easy to move wherever you need it, and it isn’t really made for long, running efforts that would require a lot of nutrition and hydration.
The console doubles as the handrails. These rails are not adjustable like those found on the WalkingPad R2 2-in-1 treadmill. They are fixed to keep you supported during your activity. The console and rail duo are not quite as sturdy as you might wish. They are not going to save you from a fall, so I would be cautious about overly relying on them. The rail serves more as a reminder of your positioning.
The WalkingPad X21 has an LED screen on top of the rail. I often think of LEDs as old-fashioned in treadmills, with the rise of HD touchscreens, but the LEDs in the X21 look discreet and futuristic. They display your metrics in large, easy-to-read numbers. You can view your time, speed, distance, calories, and steps.
Treadmills are increasingly using dials to control their speed settings, and I love it. This design is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. The X21’s speed dial also displays feedback to let you know how much you have increased the speed with each turn. This is very helpful in keeping track of your pace. It may take a bit to learn how much a turn increases or decreases the speed, but after a single use, I already had it down. WalkingPad made a great choice with this feature.
The X21 has an optional device rack. It is easy to install if you want to use it, and it does come with the treadmill. The rack is a simple rubberized shelf for storing a small smart device. When walking, it can be used for phones or moderately sized tablets. When running, I recommend restricting your usage of this rack to a smartphone. The rack is not the sturdiest, so it is possible your device could fall off, though we did not have an issue during testing.
The X21 has a safety key on its console. This key helps keep you safe during exercise. If you have any issues starting the treadmill up, make sure the key is attached to the console all the way. I have also turned the treadmill off and back on to find any error messages resolved by the soft reset.
The WalkingPad X21 is winning me over. I really did not think a treadmill this size could possibly be good for running. But WalkingPad has proved me wrong. Again. Like the WalkingPad R2, the X21 can work as a running treadmill. Its sleek and compact design doesn’t keep you from logging mile after mile. Of course, this is no marathon training treadmill, but it is great for beginners or runners in desperate need of an indoor solution. When I am not testing treadmills, I run outdoors as often as possible, but there are many scenarios that make outdoor running impossible or not recommended. There are weather and pollution obstacles. I have also wanted to run at night when it might not be safe either due to crime or encountering wild animals. The WalkingPad X21 is a great solution for an experienced runner like me or a newcomer to the sport.
We do need to discuss limitations. If the X21 was the perfect running treadmill, no one would have any reason to invest in a larger, space-hogging machine. But the X21 cannot incline or decline. It doesn’t have the cushioning many runners prefer. It has a speed limit of 7.45 mph, which may not be fast enough for all runners, even on their easy days. It’s definitely not fast enough or large enough for stretching your stride out and hitting some speed intervals. I say all this not to dog on the X21, but to let you know what and who it is for, because it really excels at that.
From unfolding to running to folding, the X21 is a quick and easy process. I do occasionally forget what orientation it needs to be in and the steps to unfold it, but if you aren’t testing out a bunch of different treadmills like I am, you will have no problem mastering the setup and takedown of the WalkingPad X21. Just don’t forget about this treadmill, because its double-folding design makes it easy to overlook.
The WalkingPad X21 doesn’t have any training content, which is fine. It does pair with the KS Fit app. This app connects quickly and easily with the X21 to give you another method of controlling your speed and viewing your metrics. You can also view some information about your workout history. The KS Fit app is a basic, free app. WalkingPad really encourages its customers to try the app alongside the treadmills, but it does not have the best reviews on the Apple and Android app stores. It is possible that WalkingPad will improve the app’s features in the future.
The WalkingPad X21 has a small footprint when folded and unfolded. It is one of the smallest functional running treadmills we have tested. It won’t prepare you for any upcoming marathons, but it is perfect for the new runner or an outdoor runner who occasionally needs to get a few more miles in indoors. The WalkingPad X21’s futuristic appearance makes it a discreet addition to your home, whether it is displayed or tucked into a closet or behind a couch. With a maximum speed setting of 7.45 mph, the WalkingPad X21 is quite impressive.
