When it comes to the very best treadmills for running, there are certain features and capabilities that you need to look for in order to be sure you are getting the very best machine.
For starters, you need a stronger motor than you would if you were only walking or jogging to meet the increased demand. Also, you need more advanced cushioning to minimize impact and pressure on the knees and joints. Third, you need a bit more room to accommodate your stride.
Of course, these are not all of the considerations, but these are the main ones. Our experts have selected the very best treadmill for runners for this year to help you narrow down your choices.
All of these treadmills for runners are great for the home gym, with features and capabilities that make them ideal for running workouts...powerful motors, cushioned belts, good speeds, wide running decks and more.
Best Choice: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack 1750 has received numerous awards including our Best Overall Treadmill For Home, as it is feature-packed and has everything a runner needs for a great workout.
FEATURES FOR RUNNERS: Powerful/Quite Motor, Large Running Area, Advanced Cushioning, Incline and Decline, 38 Built in Workouts, iFit Running Trails
#2: Sole F80
Another great choice, the F80 is one of the best treadmills that Sole makes with good features for runners and joggers alike.
FEATURES FOR RUNNERS: Strong Motor, Generously Sized Deck, Best Cushioning, Workout Tracking, Incline Capability
#3: Horizon 7.8AT
A solid choice from a well regarded company with unique built in technologies and good features.
FEATURES FOR RUNNERS: Advanced cushioning, Large Deck, Incline Capability, Strong Motor, HD Courses, Workout Tracking
All of these great treadmills for running are priced under $1600, so they are also quite affordable, while giving you the large belt size, advanced cushioning and strong motors that you need as a runner.
But which one should you choose? It really comes down to deciding which of the best treadmills for running has the features and capabilities that you want.
Here is a breakdown of all three top picks as far as what differentiates them from each other. This will help you figure out which one makes sense for your home gym.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 excels in some areas...
Sole F80 excels in some areas...
Horizon 7.8AT excels in some areas...
So as you can see the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has the strongest motor, and is the only one of the three with both decline capability and a touch screen console. It also has iFit built in, which gives you additional workouts, tracking capability, Google map running trails and one-on-one personal training in various settings.
The Sole F80 is going to be your best bet when it comes to construction and durability, as well as impact reducing capability of the tread belt. So if you have any issues with your knees or joints, or are rehabbing an injury, or just generally prefer the best possible cushioning, this one is going to be your best choice.
The Horizon 7.8 AT sits right in the middle of the NordicTrack and Sole, giving you a nice combination of features, workouts and durability. It is one of the best treadmills for running as well, with tons of programs, strong drive system and advanced cushioning.
Take a look at these three to learn about what else they have to offer, and then make your decision.
Now, if you are looking for more of a commercial-grade machine, perhaps for more heavy running or training purposes, then definitely consider one of the best running treadmills from Life Fitness or Precor.
The higher end treadmills start at around $2000 and go up to $4000 or more, but will give you even stronger motors, gym-quality cushioning, maintenance free decks and more durable design.
Still, you don't need to spend this much on a treadmill, and all of the models above should be perfectly suited to the home runner who wants to get a great workout in on those days where it's not possible to get outside.
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