Best Treadmill for Runners? 5 Treadmills for Serious Runners!
Looking for the best treadmill for running?
Runners need more from their treadmill – stronger decks, longer belts, tougher motors and even more advanced cushioning systems to properly protect your knees, hips, back and joints.
While there are so many treadmills on the market today touting themselves as the “Best Treadmill for Runners”, this post will cut through all the sales hype.
We’ve listed 5 top-rated machines below that are perfect for runners. These are treadmills that give you extra cushioning protection, stronger motors and higher-grade construction that runners need.
You’ll find a brief review of each treadmill and links to where you can find out more about each option.
So let’s dive in:
Best Treadmill for Runners – 5 Treadmills That Give You More
#1 Nordictrack Commercial 1750
The Nordictrack 1750 is one of the most “best-buy awarded” treadmills in the world. It’s a great mix of strong construction and premium entertainment features.
It’s the most affordable treadmill in Nordictrack’s “Commercial” series – treadmills built with stronger motors, tougher decks, larger rollers and longer belts than starter models.
With a strong 3.75 HP motor and long 60-inch belt, you have the power you need to get through longer, more intense, running workouts.
Plus the console is amazing – a full-color, HD, touch-screen display. You can see your workout stats in full color – or connect with iFit and stream fitness class workouts to your treadmill.
You can also run famous trails all over the world – from the streets of Paris to the shores of Hawaii. You can run on your own – or with a coach who motivates you and points out interesting landmarks along the way.
Another bonus?
The Nordictrack 1750 comes with up to 15% incline AND up to 3% decline – to add in some extra crosstraining to your running workouts.
Overall if you’re looking for a strong runner-friendly treadmill that won’t break the bank, the 1750 is a great option.
Click Here For More on the Nordictrack 1750
#2 Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill
The Bowflex BXT216 is a very hefty, solid, built-like-a-truck kind of treadmill with a strong 4.0 HP motor, long 60-in running surface and extra-thick 3-ply treadbelt (most treadmills only give you a 1 or 2-ply belt).
The deck cushioning on this treadmill uses 5 cell Comfort Tech Cushioning (vs 3 cell on the BXT116 model) giving you a bit more support for your joints, knees, hips and back.
While the console is not as nice as the Nordictrack 1750, it is bright, large and easy to read. There’s also a media shelf to hold your tablet. So you can watch Netflix or YouTube videos as you run.
Plus it’s Bluetooth compatible. And Bowflex has recently made it compatible with their Bowflex JRNY app.
This means you can sync your workouts to the app to track your progress and see how far you’ve come. You can also get virtual coaching and personalized workouts with the JRNY option.
Overall if you want a solid, rugged treadmill with a few nice entertainment options, this is one to consider.
Click Here for a Free Promo Code on the Bowflex BXT216
#3 Sole F80
The Sole F80 used to be a bit more popular and did pull in several “Best Buys” around 10 years ago. It doesn’t have as many entertainment or tracking features as the treadmills above – and Sole hasn’t really kept it up to date.
However it does give you tough, rugged construction and a strong 3.5 HP motor to power you through longer, running workouts.
You also get Sole’s well-known CushionFlex Cushioning – which, according to Sole – helps to reduce impact on your joints by up to 40% as compared to road running.
There are also side handrail speed and incline controls, which is a convenient touch – as you don’t have to reach up to the console to change these things as you’re running.
It’s not as impressive looking as the other treadmills on this list. But overall, if you want a strong, stable treadmill that will hold up well for running, this is a decent option.
Click Here for More on the Sole F80
#4 Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
This is a new treadmill from Horizon that comes with some interesting features that runners will appreciate. You get quick-dial controls and one-touch incline or speed controls for fast, on-the-fly changes.
Plus the rapid-sync motor on this treadmill responds to your changes up to 33% faster than other Horizon treadmills. This will again help you make faster changes when running.
The console is not as advanced as some treadmills – but you do get multiple shelves for your phone or tablet. So you can use your tablet to watch Netflix or YouTube videos as you run.
The frame on this treadmill is also quite rugged, giving you a feeling of stability and comfort when you pick up your pace and run.
Overall if you like the Horizon name and want their top treadmill built specifically for runners, this is the treadmill to consider.
Click Here for More on the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
#5 Nordictrack X22i Incline Trainer
The X22i is like a treadmill on steroids. Instead of the 10 or 15% incline you get with a standard treadmill, you get up to 40% inclines and up to 6% declines on this treadmill.
The super-high inclines and deep declines are a great way to continually challenge yourself, run uphill or downhill and crosstrain more effectively.
The X22i also comes with a strong 4.0 HP motor, extra-long 60-inch belt and Reflex cushioning for lower impact on your joints.
Another plus?
Like the Nordictrack 1750 you can stream iFit workouts to your console – but the console on this treadmill is massive – a full 22 inches across.
This is like having a built-in tv screen in your treadmill. It really makes the iFit world trail workouts come alive for a more immersive experience.
And the treadmill will incline and decline to match the terrain that you’re running – for a cool virtual reality – style experience.
While it’s not the most inexpensive treadmill on this list, if you want the ultimate runners treadmill – with a little something extra – this is one to check out.
Click Here for A Special Offer on the Nordictrack X22i
So those are 5 of the best home treadmills for runners. They all give you strong construction, extra long belts, tough-as-nails motors and the upgraded cushioning you need if you’ll be running.
Plus they all give you a little something extra or unique in their own way.
Hopefully you found these suggestions useful. Do you have a favorite treadmill for runners that we didn’t list on this page? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Nordictrack X22i Review – A Good Buy For You?
Nordictrack 1750 vs Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill – Which is Best for You?
