Walking pad treadmills have revolutionized the way we approach fitness and wellness in our daily lives. In an era where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common, these compact and convenient machines offer a practical solution to stay active, no matter how small your available space is! This guide delves into the world of these mini treadmills. We went deep on over 147 of the current best sellers in 2025 and this guide should save you a bit of time if you’re thinking about getting a new machine.
Regular walking can improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight management and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can do that with one of these machines, no matter what the British weather chucks at you.
Unlike traditional treadmills, walking pads are designed specifically for walking, offering a low maximum speed and a compact running deck without the bulk of guide rails or extensive controls. This design not only makes them ideal for use in limited spaces, such as under a desk or in a small apartment but also ensures they operate quietly, causing minimal disturbance. Moreover, their affordability and ease of storage make them an excellent choice for a wide range of users, from busy professionals to older individuals seeking a safe and effective way to exercise.
As we navigate through the guide, we will explore various models of walking pad treadmills, each with unique features catering to different needs and preferences. From models offering high-tech features like app connectivity to those emphasizing portability and simplicity, this guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information to help you choose the walking pad treadmill that best fits your lifestyle and fitness goals.
- Maximum speed: 6 km/h
- Running Track Size: 40x14cm
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- Treadmill weight: 17.01 kg
- Maximum speed: 13 km/h
- Running Track Size in cm: 120 x 48 cm
- Max user weight in kg: 110 kg
- Treadmill weight: 55 kg
- Maximum speed: 15 km/h
- Running Track Size: 120 x 48 cm
- Max user weight: 110 kg
- Treadmill weight: 57 kg
- Maximum speed: 16 km/h
- Running Track Size in cm: 120 x 45 cm
- Max user weight in kg: 120 kg
- Treadmill weight: 33 kg
- Maximum speed: 16 km/h
- Running Track Size in cm: 120 x 42
- Max user weight in kg: 110
- Treadmill weight: 35 kg
- Maximum speed: 6 km/h
- Running Track Size: 96D x 56W cm
- Max user weight: 120 kg
- Treadmill weight: 17.1 kg
- Maximum speed: 9 km/h
- Running Track Size: 116D x 7W cm
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- Treadmill weight: 22 kg
- Maximum speed: 6 km/h
- Running Track Size: 136.5L x 61W cm
- Max user weight: 110 kg
- Treadmill weight: 25 kg
- Maximum speed: 10km/h
- Running Track Size: 1200x480mm
- Max user weight: 120kg
- Treadmill weight: 25kg
- Maximum speed: 10 km/h
- Running Track Size: 39 x 97 cm
- Max user weight: 120 kg
- Treadmill weight: 21.6 kg
When most people think of treadmills, they think of the massive, bulky machines that you see in most commercial gyms, with a big set of guide handles and a huge, whirring running deck.
But over the last few years, there’s been a quiet revolution in treadmill use. As we become more aware of the host of benefits that come from regular walking and the amount of damage sitting around all day actually does to us, more people are taking walks than ever.
But for most of us, staying active and on the move is simply not possible.
Whether it’s the realities of having to work an office job, being older or having long-term injuries, or simply theeffects of the pandemic, outside walking might be outside the remit of a lot of us.
Thankfully, there’s an easy fix that anyone can use. A walking pad treadmill.
Decorcn Walking Pad Treadmill
This Decorcn Walking Pad Treadmill is designed for sedentary individuals, offering a safe speed range, smooth motor, and shock absorption. It's ideal for home and office use, providing an effective and space-saving exercise solution.
Check Latest PriceBoasting a swift delivery and secure packaging, the assembly of this treadmill is a breeze, even for the most technologically challenged individuals. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably under most furniture, making it ideal for compact living spaces. Its quiet motor allows for disruption-free operation, and with features like an intuitive remote control, Bluetooth speakers, and easily movable wheels, it's a joy to use.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks. For homes with high-legged furniture, its fit might not be as snug. The absence of an incline feature may disappoint those seeking uphill training, and its weight might make relocation a bit challenging. Additionally, the included lubricant can be quite slippery on certain surfaces.
In comparison to other treadmills on the market, it holds its own with competitive features and a quiet operation. Its compact and space-saving design, coupled with its whisper-quiet motor, make it a worthwhile consideration for a home workout solution.
Overall, for those looking to incorporate exercise into their routine without leaving home, it's an excellent choice. It’s quiet, packed with features, and its compact design makes it a worthy investment for those who appreciate uncluttered living spaces.
- Fast delivery and well packaged: Customers appreciate the prompt delivery and secure packaging.
- Easy to set up: Users find the treadmill easy to assemble and set up for immediate use.
- Easy to hide away under couch/bed: The compact design allows for convenient storage under furniture.
- Good speed selection: Customers like the range of speed options available for varied workouts.
- Quiet: Users praise the treadmill for its quiet operation, minimizing disturbance to others.
- Bulky counter bit sticks out under sofa: The bulky counter part of the treadmill may not fit entirely under certain sofas with taller legs.
- No incline function: Some users miss the incline function for varied workout intensities.
WalkSlim 810 Treadmill
This sleek and foldable treadmill is perfect for home use, offering maximum speeds of up to 13km/hr, a durable motor, and superior cushioning for safety and fast recovery. It's ideal for individuals seeking a reliable and space-saving fitness solution.
£879.00 From Vitality4LifePrices checked: 18th January, 17:44:14
What we liked:
The AbodeFit Health WalkSlim 810 Treadmill presents an ideal solution for home fitness enthusiasts, boasting a sleek and foldable design that suits various living spaces. With a powerful and durable 0.75 CHP DC motor, this treadmill offers adjustable speeds from 0.8 to 13km/hr, catering to users' varying fitness levels and goals. The integrated touchscreen display and automatic quick speed presets enhance the ease of use, allowing users to track their workout progress with metrics such as time, distance, speed, steps, and calories. Additionally, the shock-absorbent, high-density cushioning system ensures a smooth and comfortable running experience, while the foldable frame and safety handles make it a convenient addition to daily exercise routines.
What we didn't like:
While the AbodeFit Health walking pad offers impressive features, some users may find the initial assembly process slightly cumbersome due to its sturdy build. However, once assembled, its compact and foldable design makes it an excellent space-saving solution for home workouts.
How does it compare to similar treadmills?
Compared to similar treadmills in its category, the WalkSlim 810 stands out with its powerful and quiet motor, adjustable speed range, and integrated touchscreen display. Its sleek and foldable design makes it a versatile choice for home fitness, offering a balance of performance and convenience.
Verdict: Is it worth a buy?
The AbodeFit Health walker is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable and feature-packed treadmill for home use. With its durable motor, superior cushioning, and user-friendly interface, this treadmill caters to users looking for a space-saving yet high-performance fitness solution.
- Lifetime warranty on frame.
- Sleek and foldable design.
- Automatic speed presets.
- Superior cushioning for safety.
- Powerful and durable motor.
WalkSlim 920 Treadmill
Compact, silent, and powerful, the WalkSlim 920 Treadmill offers a maximum speed of 15km/h, a 4% incline, and built-in programs for high-intensity interval training, making it perfect for home use.
£1099.00 From Vitality4LifePrices checked: 18th January, 17:44:14
- Powerful and durable motor for consistent performance.
- Compact and foldable design for easy storage.
- Built-in programs for HIIT, fat burning, and walking.
- Sleek and modern aesthetic suitable for any space.
- Lifetime warranty on frame, 5 years on motor, and 2 years on parts & labour.
- Limited incline options.
- May be relatively heavy for some users.
ZJZ Walking Pad Treadmill WAPPY0081
This ZJZ Walking Pad Treadmill is ideal for home and office use, praised for its quiet operation and space-saving design. It's perfect for individuals looking for a compact yet efficient treadmill.
Check Latest PricePicture a silent and smooth journey to fitness, the convenience of a compact design, and the versatility of diverse speed settings. This whisper-quiet treadmill offers all that. It fits seamlessly in small spaces and folds away tidily. Its shock absorption system ensures comfort and safety, while the intuitive user interface and swift Bluetooth connectivity provide excellent data tracking. An emergency stop ensures safety.
However, the gentle slope may disappoint those seeking rigorous hill training, and its substantial weight might hinder easy relocation. The preset workout options may feel limited, and the arm support could be improved. At high speeds, it might be a touch noisy. Nevertheless, it offers a sound, low-impact workout experience.
Compared to its competitors, this treadmill stands out for its quiet operation and space-efficient design. It's built for steady, comfortable workouts rather than high-intensity training. It's a reliable, robust machine that delivers what it promises.
In conclusion, it is a worthy investment for those seeking a quiet, compact, and adaptable exercise tool. However, fitness enthusiasts desiring challenging hill training and diverse workout options might want to consider other options. It's a reliable, robust machine that delivers what it promises.
- Quiet and Smooth Operation: Users praise the treadmill for its noiseless and seamless performance, allowing for distraction-free workouts.
- Space-Saving Design: Its compact and foldable structure is highly commended for saving space in homes and offices.
- Multiple Speed Settings: The variety of speed options provides users with flexibility to customize their workouts according to their fitness levels.
- Shock Absorption: The effective shock absorption system reduces impact on joints, ensuring a comfortable and low-impact exercise experience.
- User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive and easy-to-use console makes it convenient for users to navigate and control the treadmill functions.
- Limited Incline Options: Some users find the limited incline settings to be a drawback, desiring more challenging incline levels for enhanced workouts.
- Heavy Weight: The treadmill's weight makes it difficult to move around, posing a challenge for users who need to frequently relocate the equipment.
ROLTIN Walking Pad Treadmill Model X
This ROLTIN Walking Pad Treadmill is perfect for those seeking a compact and portable exercise solution. With its quiet operation, it's an ideal choice for home workouts.
Check Latest PriceStruggling to fit a bulky treadmill into a small apartment? The solution is here, featuring a slim, space-efficient design that's as silent as a whisper during your workouts. Its intuitive controls are user-friendly, while the auto-stop function ensures safety during your fitness regimen. The exceptional shock absorption feels like running on air. This foldable, lightweight machine boasts robustness, providing an array of speed settings and workout options at a wallet-friendly price.
However, this isn't a perfect fit for everyone. Those with a taller stature or a preference for steep inclines might find its compact design and level surface limiting. Unfortunately, there are no built-in entertainment features to distract you from the workout. The initial setup can be a bit challenging, and it might not support heavier users. It's essential to consider these factors before purchasing.
The noiseless operation and minimalist design set it apart from competitors. However, if you crave for inclines or enjoy watching Netflix during your workout, you might need to look elsewhere. Weigh these aspects against your personal preferences while comparing.
So, is it the right choice for you? If you're short on space and need a quiet, easy-to-fold machine, then definitely. Although it might not cater to incline enthusiasts or those who want a screen, its sturdy construction and variety of programs offer great value. It's ideal for people wanting to stay fit without leaving the comfort of their home.
- Compact and Portable Design: Users admire the treadmill's space-saving design and easy portability.
- Quiet Operation: Customers appreciate the treadmill's quiet motor, allowing for undisturbed workouts.
- User-Friendly Interface: People find the treadmill's interface intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Safety Features: The inclusion of safety features such as auto-stop functionality is highly valued by users.
- Shock Absorption: The treadmill's effective shock absorption system reduces impact on joints, enhancing comfort.
- Limited Incline Options: Some users desire more incline settings for a more challenging workout experience.
- Small Running Surface: The compact size of the walking pad limits the available running area for some users.
HOMEFITNESSCODE Walking Pad Treadmill
This compact and quiet treadmill is perfect for home and office use, offering a space-saving design, easy storage, and comfortable, quiet workouts.
Check Latest PriceCompact, quiet, and economical, this space-saving treadmill is an excellent solution for individuals in small apartments or those living with clutter-averse roommates. The subtle operation ensures your late-night fitness sessions won't disrupt anyone's Netflix binge-watch. It's gentle on your pocket and surprisingly robust, built to withstand daily use. The straightforward assembly process is a breeze, avoiding any flatpack furniture frustration.
On the flipside, the belt can be somewhat temperamental, demanding occasional adjustments. Also, the workout options may lack variety for those craving more challenging routines. It's not ideally suited for those seeking a rigorous, Olympian-level training regime.
Compared to its competitors, this model excels in portability and noise-free operation. However, the belt's occasional need for attention and the somewhat limited workout features might encourage potential buyers to consider other options.
To summarise, if you value compactness and simplicity over high-intensity workouts, this is a great choice. Despite the occasional belt issue and its simplistic nature, it's a reliable, quiet treadmill that offers an easy path to fitness without requiring a roomy space. It's a definite 'yes' for those prioritising uncomplicated fitness solutions.
- Compact and Portable: Users appreciate its small footprint and ease of movement, making it suitable for small spaces.
- Quiet Operation: Users find it operates quietly, allowing for use without disturbing others nearby.
- Affordable Price: Users are satisfied with its cost-effectiveness compared to other treadmills.
- Easy Assembly: Users commend the treadmill for its straightforward and hassle-free setup process.
- Durable Build: Users praise its sturdy construction and long-lasting performance.
- Belt Alignment Issues: Some users have experienced difficulties in keeping the belt centered during use, requiring frequent adjustments.
- Limited Training Functions: Users note the lack of advanced training options, which may not meet the needs of more experienced fitness enthusiasts.
REKA Fitness Walking Treadmill
This compact treadmill is ideal for small living spaces, offering quiet operation, app connectivity, and safety features. It's suitable for adults looking for a space-saving, foldable design with a 9 km/h maximum speed.
£149.99 From Amazon UKThe compact and high-tech marvel that is the REKA Fitness Walking Treadmill offers an ideal solution for those fed up with gym commutes or navigating crowded paths on morning runs. Its quiet motor doesn't disturb the peace, making it perfectly suited for early morning or late-night workouts. Its small size makes it an excellent fit for any living space, large or small. Plus, its digital compatibility allows you to sync up your favourite app for a personalised, intimidation-free workout.
Though it boasts a fast setup and safety features like a key and auto-stop function, it also takes into account comfort with its shock-absorbing system to protect your knees and joints. Yet, it's not without its drawbacks. The handlebars might be too short for taller individuals, and the incline could be more generous. Also, the noise level can increase with the speed.
Despite these minor issues, when compared to similar products, its tech features and safety measures make it stand out. While it may not offer a wide range of workout programs or inclines, it's a robust option for its size. For people seeking a simple and efficient home workout solution, this treadmill is a strong contender. Despite a few quirks, its combination of safety, connectivity, and compact size make it an appealing choice in the home fitness market.
- Quiet Operation: Users praise the treadmill's quiet motor, enabling peaceful workouts at any time.
- Compact Design: Its space-saving design is appreciated for fitting well in small living spaces.
- Easy Assembly: Users find the straightforward assembly process convenient and time-saving.
- Foldable: The treadmill's foldable feature is highly valued for efficient storage when not in use.
- Safety Features: Its safety key and automatic stop function offer peace of mind during workouts.
- Limited Incline Range: Some users feel that the treadmill's incline options could be more diverse to cater to advanced training needs.
- Short Handlebars: The shorter handlebars may not provide sufficient support for taller users during intense workouts.
UMAY X512N Walking Pad Treadmill
This UMAY X512N Walking Pad Treadmill is perfect for home use, offering a quiet operation, compact size, and adjustable incline for varied workouts.
Prices checked: 22nd January, 00:52:06
Our Take on the UMAY X512N Walking Pad Treadmill
Ever tried sneaking a workout during a conference call? With the walking pad, your colleagues will be none the wiser, thanks to its whisper-quiet hum. It's a gem for anyone trying to fit in fitness without turning their living room into a makeshift gym - it slides away as smoothly as it operates. Unboxing to 'up-and-running' is a breeze, and when tech support's this good, who needs a gym buddy?
But It's Not All Roses...
Now, don't get too starry-eyed; it's not perfect. A few folks have grumbled about the decibels creeping up – nothing drastic, but let's just say it might not pass the 'sleeping baby' test. The app's a bit like a moody teenager – full of potential but occasionally refuses to play ball. And for the marathon enthusiasts, it taps out at 5 miles, possibly leaving you high and dry mid-run.
Compared to the Treadmill Troop...
How does it stack up against the competition? Imagine a treadmill that not only talks to your phone but also climbs hills – that's the UMAY X512N for you with its nifty incline feature. The motor is like the Rolls Royce of engines, and we're not just talking about smoothness; it's built to last. Plus, with a belt that's more layered than a winter outfit and cushioning that would make a mattress jealous, it's ahead of the pack.
So, Should You Swipe the Card?
In a Nutshell: This walker is the Swiss Army knife of home fitness - compact, whisper-quiet, and simple. It's like the dependable friend who occasionally forgets your birthday – not ideal, but you love them anyway. If your workout wishlist includes squeezing in steps without losing living space, this could be your match. It's got some quirks, but it's a solid sidekick for the home workout warrior.
- Quiet Operation: Users consistently praise the treadmill's quiet performance, making it suitable for home use, even during work calls.
- Convenient Size: The compact size and easy placement make it a practical fitness equipment choice for home use.
- Functional and Easy to Use: Customers appreciate the complete functions and ease of use, including the simple setup and operation.
- Responsive and Helpful Customer Support: Positive feedback on the prompt and helpful customer service, exemplified by free replacement parts and quick assistance.
- Potential Noise Issue: Some users have reported noise concerns, indicating a need for improved noise management to ensure consistent quiet operation.
- App Functionality: Issues with the app, including QR code and joining problems, have been highlighted as areas for improvement.
- Limited Mileage Tracking: A limitation on mileage tracking, with the treadmill shutting off at 5 miles, has been noted as a drawback for some users.
ROLTIN Folding Treadmill
This ROLTIN treadmill is perfect for home use, offering a space-saving design and quiet operation. It's best for individuals seeking a reliable and convenient way to stay active at home.
Check Latest PriceImagine a robust, space-saving treadmill that folds up for easy storage - no more bulky equipment cramping your living space. Constructed with durability in mind, it's designed to withstand the test of time, eliminating frequent replacement worries. Noise won't be an issue either. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures workouts won't disturb others in the household, even during late-night sessions. Its user-friendly interface is as intuitive as your go-to gadget, whilst the shock absorption system offers joint-friendly workouts. Easily transportable and accommodating a range of fitness levels with various speed settings, safety is also prioritised with an emergency stop button and safety key. Its only shortcoming? Maintenance as simple as caring for a cactus.
However, perfection is a tall order. Experienced runners may crave tougher challenges due to limited incline options. The handlebar height might be a stretch for taller users, and tech enthusiasts may miss the inclusion of speakers or a tablet stand. Although generally silent, rare instances of a louder than expected motor have been reported.
In comparison to similar products, this treadmill excels in terms of space-efficiency. While it may lack in certain luxury features like advanced incline options or integrated entertainment systems, it makes up for it with its user-centric design and easy portability, making it ideal for those constantly on the move.
Overall, this folding treadmill is akin to a Swiss Army knife in the fitness world - compact, quiet, and user-friendly. It serves as a reliable addition to your home gym, offering essential features without taking up too much space or breaking the bank. It's not without its minor flaws, but for most, the pros heavily outweigh the cons, making it a worthy fitness investment.
- Robust and Durable Design: Users appreciate the treadmill's sturdy and long-lasting construction.
- Space-Saving: The compact design makes it ideal for small living spaces.
- Quiet Operation: Users value the treadmill's quiet operation, allowing for undisturbed workouts.
- User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive controls and display are highly praised for ease of use.
- Effective Shock Absorption: The treadmill's cushioning system provides excellent impact reduction.
- Limited Incline Options: Some users desire more incline settings for varied workout intensity.
- Basic Workout Programs: The pre-set programs are deemed somewhat limited for advanced users.
- Short Handlebars: Taller individuals find the handlebars to be somewhat restrictive in length.
HomeFitnessCode Folding Treadmill
This 2-in-1 foldable treadmill is perfect for small homes, offering quiet operation, sturdy construction, and Bluetooth connectivity. Suitable for users looking for a space-saving and home-friendly workout solution.
£199.99 From Amazon UKFor those seeking a quiet, compact, and durable solution for indoor fitness, this treadmill ticks all the right boxes. It's an exercise wizard, designed to smoothly fold away - an ideal fit for cramped spaces. The silent operation is a boon, offering a tranquil workout experience. Robustly built, it's a resilient partner for your long-term fitness goals. The setup is straightforward, with the added bonus of a Bluetooth feature to keep your workout tunes flowing.
However, it's not without minor flaws. Some users have reported issues with the belt leaning to the left, disrupting the workout flow. The assembly instructions could benefit from added clarity. The metallic Bluetooth voice may not be to everyone's liking. The feature set is relatively basic, which might not satisfy those looking for a feature-packed machine.
When compared with its rivals, this treadmill stands out with its space-efficient design and silent operation. The Bluetooth feature is a neat addition, though the simplicity may not appeal to all. Despite minor issues with belt alignment, the overall user experience remains positively solid.
In conclusion, if you're in search of a straightforward, reliable, and space-saving treadmill that can effortlessly disappear post-workout, this is a worthwhile investment. Despite a few quirks, it shines with its simplicity and commitment to your home fitness routine.
- Compact and Space-saving Design: Fits in limited spaces, including under the sofa, making it ideal for small homes.
- Quiet Operation: Minimal noise, suitable for home use without disturbing others.
- Sturdy and Well-built: Durable and solid construction, ensuring long-term use.
- Easy Assembly: Straightforward and hassle-free assembly process, saving time and effort.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Ability to connect music via Bluetooth, enhancing the workout experience.
- Off-center Belt Alignment: Some users experienced a slight off-center belt alignment, affecting performance.
- Limited Instructions: Assembly instructions lacked detailed guidance on usage.
- Annoying Voice Prompt: Disruptive and irritating voice prompt during startup.
- Limited Workout Features: Some users desired additional workout features and functionalities.
Walking pad buyer’s guide
Like the sound of mini treadmills? Here’s our full guide to help you pick the right one.
What is a walking pad?
The answer is simple. A walking pad treadmill is a treadmill that has been specifically designed for walking.
This means it has a low maximum speed and a smaller total area on the running deck. But what makes it specifically a walking pad treadmill is the fact that there is no guide rail or additional support.
Top 5 Benefits of walking pads
- Anyone can use them – Because of the low maximum speed and ease of use, anyone who can walk can easily use a walking pad treadmill to keep themselves mobile and their health and fitness up.
- Storage: Walkpads fit almost anywhere – Walking pad treadmills have a small footprint and profile, meaning that they can be stored almost anywhere in the home when not in use, as well as being able to be used whether you live in cramped student digs or a palatial mansion.
- You can use them at work – Work-life balance is hard and sitting down all day is not good for your body. A walking pad treadmill is an easy answer, switching any desk into a walking desk almost instantly. These machines don’t have sides and can slip under a standing desk to keep mobile at work and lose some extra calories.
- They’re incredibly quiet and unobtrusive – Most walking treadmills will have a working speed of around 30 to 40dB, which is around the level of a fan or air conditioner on low, so it won’t interfere with TV watching, conversation, or conference calls.
- Cheaper than full-scale treadmills – Smaller motors, fewer parts and less stress on the machine mean that you can pick up a good walking pad for very little money, making them an accessible fitness tool for almost everyone.
OK, so what are the negatives to walk pads?
These machines have their uses but they’re not suitable for everyone. What are the cons to picking up a walk pad?
- Don’t expect to get much of a run – Don’t let the product pictures fool you. The smaller form factor and the reduced power motor mean they’re not suitable for anyone in really good shape looking to jog or run.
- Lower user weight capacity – The average weight capacity for a walkpad is around the 110kg mark, depending on the product. While a lot of people will fall under that capacity, these machines are generally less robust and take far less weight than larger gym machines.
- Weaker motors – A decent running machine will have at least a 3HP motor but the walking pads have far less power, usually sub 1000w.
- Less padding on the belts – While they’ll have some form of padding, walk pads generally have less shock absorption than the full-size ones. That’s fine in most cases as there’s less impact as you won’t be running.
- Smaller walking surface –
- No inline setting – None of the pad-style machines I’ve seen has any kind of incline setting which is shame as when used on a regular machine, it makes for a much more realistic feel and can work off a lot more calories in less time.
Should I get a walk pad or a full-size treadmill?
Walking on a treadmill is nothing groundbreaking – go to any gym and you’ll see people of all ages and abilities using a £3000 treadmill to do some simple walking. What are the pros and cons of getting a full-size running machine vs one of these newer walking pads?
Walking pad FAQs
Still unsure if this kind of running machine is for you? Here are some quick-fire reader’s questions and answers. If you have anything that’s not answered on this page, email me (Tom) and I’ll get back to you. Or ask in the comments below. Thanks!
How fast can I go on a walking pad?
The upper-speed limit varies slightly between different brands but you can expect to go at a walking speed of up to 0.5km/h up to 6 – 7 km/h. The upper speed is likely going to be a brisk walk for most people. The average walking speed for people is around 5km/h and most walk pads will go a fair bit above that.
Can you put a walking treadmill on the carpet?
You can definitely put the walk pad on a carpet but the belt is quite close to ground level. It’s possible it could pick up some fluff from the carpet and build up over time. It might be better to find a hard floor in your home to do your running on. Another option is to get a treadmill mat to go under it though as this will make for a more padded surface and also protect your floor.
How do you use a walking pad?
Here are the steps to using one of these compact treadmills:
- Setup the pad where you’re planning to use it.
- Grab the hand remote and step onto the machine.
- Stand around midway in the centre of the track.
- Start the machine at the lowest speed and begin walking.
- Gradually increase speed to a comfortable walking pace.
- To stop using the machine, slow down gradually and then make sure it has fully stopped.
- Step off the machine to the side or back.
Can you run on a walk pad?
No. While the specs differ a great deal between these machines, with some offering a faster speed than others, if you’re buying one to use as a running machine, you’ll likely find it is not powerful enough to do this. These machines should be used for a good walking pace but nothing more than a light jog. anything more, pick up a decent treadmill.
How do you move them around?
There are wheels at the front of the treadmill which, when tipped upwards at an angle you can just wheel it around. They work on carpets and anyone should be able to move this machine around without too much trouble. You will have to bend to pick up one end of the treadmill to do this.
Can you go barefoot or wear your socks?
Yes, you can use this kind of machine without trainers on and they feel OK. The belts aren’t especially thick or padded so it feels more like walking on a floor with a thin carpet or mat. You’ll likely have a much comfier walk with some nice Skechers though.
Will I be able to keep my balance?
I think a lot of people see these treadmills without the sides and are understandably worried about whether they’re harder to use than the bigger gym style machines. There are three things I’d say if you like the look of these but are worried about your balance:
- Firstly, there are some in-between style machines that have raised sides that you can keep hold of while you get used to the treadmill’s motion. You can always lower these supports to the ground once you get used to the motion.
- They’re not as weird or difficult to walk on as you might think. Walk pads come with a hand-held remote control and the minimum speed they go at is such a slow pace that it’s easy to build up your walking pace gradually as you get used to it.
- You can move these machines around your home easily so putting them within reach of any kind of rail, wall, or table can give you something to keep hold of when practising walking, which helps get your balance.
Are walk pads safe for older users?
This kind of machine is a good choice for seniors who are not looking to run but need a reliable way to walk, regardless of the weather or conditions outdoors.
Final thoughts
Adding extra walking to your day has such a huge range of benefits that, if you can do it, you probably should.
A walking pad treadmill like this gives you the option to fit in an hour or two, as and when you need, at your absolute convenience. If you work from home, or even if you don’t, if you want to burn some extra calories and keep your heart healthy, there is no better way.
