The 7 Best Curved Treadmills of 2023

The treadmill is such a gym staple that it’s hard to imagine major innovations on its core design. There are, however, alternatives for those in search of a treadmill that can better replicate the benefits of running or walking outdoors. As its name implies, a curved treadmill has a concave shape — like a smile — that engages the glutes and hamstrings in ways flat belts don’t. It’s also non-motorized, relying on the force of your stride to propel the belt. 

To find the right curved treadmill for you, consider your fitness goals. Sprinters will want a different tread than those who prefer walking or light jogs. You’ll also want to consider the amount of space available in your home. Most curved treadmills don’t fold up like many traditional treadmills. Are you looking for a top-of-the-line model or something more budget-friendly? We’ve been asking these very questions in our search for the best curved treadmills on the market. Here’s what we’ve found. 

Best Curved Treadmills of 2023

• Best Overall Curved Treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
• Best Curved Treadmill For Runners: TrueForm Runner Curved Treadmill
• Best Cheap Curved Treadmill: SB Fitness Equipment CT400
• Best Compact Curved Treadmill: TrueForm Trainer
• Best Designed Curved Treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
• Best Curved Treadmill For Sprinting: TrueForm Runner Curved Treadmill
• Best Curved Treadmill For Small Spaces: IN10CT Curved Manual Treadmill

How We Tested the Best Curved Treadmills

Our team at BarBend has beaten its sneakers on belts both flat and curved in search of the best treadmills. The experts in our testing center, a team that includes ex-athletes and certified trainers, utilize a 12-point methodology that touches on a number of factors, from design elements like durability and adjustability to practical considerations like delivery and setup. 

Best Overall Curved Treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 64’’ H x 69.9’’ L x 31.7’’ W 
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 400lbs

Pros

• Transports with ease thanks to built-in handle, transport wheels, and non-motorized design
• Features a UV-resistant monitor compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+
• Keep drinks, phones, and towels close thanks to a pair of removable cup holders and multi-purpose central storage compartment

Cons

• No incline or color options
• Assembly can be difficult with only one person

Our top pick is a luxury edition of Assault’s Pro model, a non-motorized treadmill with a concave belt that provides a power-based walk, run, or sprint that’s easier on the joints than traditional treadmills, not to mention quieter. The Elite not only supports up to 400 pounds of weight, 50 pounds more than the Pro, but it’s also just as compact as the Pro model, making it a non-intrusive addition to your home gym. 

It’s also built to last. Overbuilt with solid steel, tough oval tubing, and a rust-resistant top layer, the Elite was designed with longevity in mind. That extends to its lack of motorized elements, which ensures the tread will never seize up due to misfiring gadgetry. The tread is one of our favorite parts of the Elite, as its ultra-thin slats provide the comfort and friction you want from a self-powered treadmill. Its tread is also on the heavier side, meaning it provides more of a challenge than other treads on this list. And when the belt itself needs a refresh, you can rest assured that it comes with a lifetime warranty. The built-in monitor is also resistant to UV light, so the screen won’t degrade after long spells in the sun.

Speaking of the monitor, we were impressed by its functionality, which enables you to connect heart rate monitors and other devices via Bluetooth and ANT+. The Elite also markets several built-in training options, though many customer reviews note how refreshing it is to simply step onto the tread and begin your workout without the need to fiddle with settings or cycle through programs. 

The Elite is costly at $3,999, which makes it one of the higher-priced curved treadmills on this list, but its solid construction and various warranties — lifetime for the belt, as well as one year and 10 years for labor and the frame, respectively — should serve as assurances that this machine will be with you for the long haul. There’s also financing available, should you want to pay off the treadmill over time.

Like the best curved treadmills, the Elite works as hard as you do. Since you control the tread, the speeds you can reach on it are limitless. You’ll also enjoy plenty of comfort on your runs — unlike the Pro, the Elite comes with beefed-up side panels, two drink holders, and a central storage compartment for phones, towels, and other gear. 

Best Curved Treadmill For Runners: TrueForm Runner Curved Treadmill

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 63” H x 64” L x 36” W
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 700lbs

Pros

• Works to instill proper running form with its Responsive Belt Technology
• Supports up to 700 pounds while walking, 450 pounds when running at full speed
• Made in the U.S. from heavy-duty powder coated, seven-gauge steel with welded seams
• Choose from multiple customizable belts

Cons

• Monitor provides few metrics, has no technological capabilities
• Costs roughly $2,000 to $4,000 more than the other curved treadmills on this list
• Lacks storage for set phones, water bottles

Curved treadmills were specifically designed to help improve your running form, but we’d argue that the TrueForm Runner is uniquely committed to instilling good habits that will improve your overall fitness. Take, for example, its Responsive Belt Technology, which instantly alerts the user to poor form by slowing its belt down. It’s only after you’ve properly readjusted your steps and posture that the belt will smooth out beneath your feet and your workout can continue. It’s features like this that can impact your performance off the tread. One five-star review notes that they saw “noticeable improvement when I’m on the pavement.”

The Runner’s commitment to quality is reflected in its design. Not only is it more compact than many other non-motorized treadmills, but it was forged in the U.S. from sturdy powder coated steel with high-end bearings, welded seams, and rubber casters. “Best of the best,” says our tester, who describes the Runner as, “incredibly durable and overbuilt.” If that weren’t enough, the Runner also offers a 20-year warranty on its frame. It’s also customizable in ways the other curved treadmills on this list aren’t, allowing users to swap out belts of different colors and styles. 

That craftsmanship is reflected not only in the price — a whopping $6,149 — but also in its weight. Despite its smaller footprint, the Runner clocks in at 350 pounds, making it the heaviest curved treadmill on this list. A built-in handle, pair of wheels, and casters help with transport, but our tester recommends you not try moving it yourself. 

We struggled, too, with the monitor. Considering the price, it provides few metrics — only pace, speed, distance, and time — and lacks the technical capabilities of other, less pricey curved treadmills. Also, while we appreciate the steel handrails, it would be nice to have somewhere to set our phones and water bottles. 

What the Runner lacks in convenience, however, it makes up for in its construction and commitment to improving form. It’s also suited for all manner of users, given that it can support up to 700 pounds while walking and up to 450 pounds running at full speed, which is a great deal more than most traditional and curved treadmills. 

Read our full TrueForm Runner Curved Treadmill Review.

Best Cheap Curved Treadmill: SB Fitness Equipment CT400

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 61.6” H x 73” L x 30.5” W
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 450lbs

Pros

• Costs roughly three times less than the most expensive curved treadmill on this list while still providing key features
• Rated for 150,000 miles with a 10-year warranty on the frame, five years on the parts
• Weighs less than many of its counterparts and equipped with built-in handle and wheels for easy transport

Cons

• Lacks storage for water bottles, phones
• Has a larger footprint than luxury curved treadmills

If you’re feeling thrifty, let us direct you to the SB Fitness Equipment CT400. It will cost you less than half of the other machines on this list while still delivering many of the features you’ll want in a curved treadmill. 

The CT400 provides the benefits of any good curved treadmill — it’s a concave, shock-absorbent tread providing a self-powered, challenging workout that replicates the experience of running outdoors more than traditional treadmills. It might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but the price is right at $1,795, which is more than three times less than the TrueForm Runner’s $6,149 price tag. You also have the option to finance the cost for as low as $82 per month, pending credit approval. 

Several five-star reviews laud the low-impact workout provided by the belt’s thin, flexible slats. “The impact is so minimal that my watch step counter has trouble counting my steps. That’s great news for my knees!” reads one review. Better yet, the slats are rated for 150,000 miles and you get a 10-year warranty on the frame (five years on the parts). The slats have also been tested up to 450 pounds. 

The CT400 is also equipped with a digital display showing your distance, speed, time, and the number of calories burned. You can also use it to set time and distance goals. The CT400 has a larger footprint than other curved treadmills on this list, but it’s one of the lighter models at 165 pounds. Its lighter build and handle/wheels combo make it easier to move around your home or gym.

Cost is a common roadblock for those interested in curved treadmills, what with their hefty price tags. The CT400 is the rare model that provides the essential features at an affordable price.

Best Compact Curved Treadmill: TrueForm Trainer

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 63’’ H x 64’’ L x 31’’ W 
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 400lbs

Pros

• Measures up to nine inches shorter lengthwise and five inches shorter in terms of width than the larger models on this list 
• Has a lighter tread makes it suitable for beginners
• Sports a shallow curve that simulates road running

Cons

• Lacks the heavy-duty construction of its big brother, the TrueForm Runner
• Monitor provides few metrics, has no technological capabilities
• Has no storage for bottles, phones

Great things often come in small packages. The TrueForm Trainer isn’t overbuilt like its big brother, the TrueForm Runner, but it is more compact. In fact, the Trainer has the smallest footprint of any curved treadmill on this list, measuring just 64 inches long and 31 inches wide. That’s five inches slimmer than the Runner. It also assembles easily, according to our tester. 

The Trainer’s lighter tread makes it suitable for beginners making the transition from a flat treadmill to a curved one. Another plus is the shallow curve of the tread, which our tester loves for how it simulates road running. 

What the Trainer lacks is the heavy-duty construction of the Runner. While the Runner is made in the U.S., the Trainer is imported from South Korea. You’ll find more plastic on the shell and smaller casters. However, our tester did point out that the Trainer’s frame is still formed and welded from steel, and it utilizes the same steel ball bearings as its big brother. “The parts of the treadmill that are most vital are still very durable,” he says. 

Like the Runner, the Trainer’s monitor leaves much to be desired. There’s also no place to put your phone or bottles during workouts. But if size and price are a concern in your search for a curved treadmill, the Trainer remains a solid option. 

Best Designed Curved Treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 64’’ H x 69.9’’ L x 31.7’’ W 
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 400lbs

Pros

• Features an overbuilt steel frame and rust-resistant top coat
• Transportable thanks to built-in handle, two wheels, and non-motorized design
• Takes it easy on the feet thanks to shock-absorbent curved belt with ultra-thin gaps between slats

Cons

• Clocks in at a hefty 280 pounds, making transport and assembly difficult with just one person
• Plastic side panels not as durable as rest of the machine

The AssaultRunner Elite was designed with durability, portability, and convenience in mind. Robust yet sleek, the non-motorized machine’s tough-as-nails frame and athlete-friendly essentials come packaged in a treadmill that won’t overcrowd your home gym. 

First off, the Elite is forged from commercial-grade materials: solid steel, heavy-duty oval piping, a rust-resistant top coat, and non-slip hand grips. Since this is a self-powered treadmill, the belt is outfitted with shock-absorbent, ultra-thin slats that provide additional traction as they ease the impact on your joints. It was constructed to withstand daily exercise, and can accommodate users who weigh up to 400lbs. 

The Elite isn’t a folding treadmill, but it compensates for that with a footprint that’s smaller than most traditional treadmills. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in handle and a pair of wheels that allow you to readily move the unit from corner to corner or room to room. And since the Elite is non-motorized, you won’t need to worry about whether or not it’s near a power outlet. The only downside, according to our testers, is that the machine is heavy at 280 pounds, so you’ll likely want a partner during transport. The same goes for assembly. 

Its simple design incorporates safety and comfort as well. Surrounding its built-in monitor is a pair of drink holders and a central storage compartment for phones and towels. There’s also roomy side panels on either side of the belt. They were designed with a secure rubber top, though we wish the panels themselves were made of a stronger material than plastic. Still, with proper care — and a lifetime warranty for the belt — this treadmill will remain a fixture of your fitness routine for years to come. 

Best Curved Treadmill For Sprinting: TrueForm Runner Curved Treadmill

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 63” H x 64” L x 36” W
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 700lbs

Pros

• Puts you in control of your intervals thanks to non-motorized, self-powered design 
• Go from sprinting to walking in just a few steps
• Supports up to 700 pounds while walking, 450 pounds when running at full speed
• Made in the U.S. from heavy-duty powder coated, seven-gauge steel with welded seams

Cons

• Monitor provides few metrics, and has no technological capabilities
• Extremely heavy at 350 pounds
• Lacks storage for phones, water bottles

Sure, you can sprint on a traditional treadmill, but it typically requires smashed buttons and a reliance on the motor to reach your desired speed. With the TrueForm Runner, a curved and non-motorized treadmill that allows you to set your own pace, your HIIT training won’t be hindered by the speed of the motor. And since there’s no limit to the speeds you can reach on the Runner, the sky’s the limit. 

The Runner’s form-focused design responds to your position on the tread. If you run towards the front, the speed will increase; running in the middle will maintain your current speed; and running on the back end will help slow you down. This makes sprinting safer than it is on traditional treadmills. As our tester notes, all it takes is “a few steps” to go from sprinting to walking. 

The Runner, however, is the priciest curved treadmill on our list at $6,149. That said, the unit earns its price point. Constructed from incredibly durable seven-gauge powder coated steel, the machine is fortified by sturdy bearings, welded seams, and rubber casters. You can count on a sure grip thanks to the steel handrails and take comfort in the frame’s 20-year warranty. Our tester describes the Runner as the “best of the best.” 

It’s not without its demerits, though. You’re only able to measure the most basic metrics with its monitor, which is incapable of basic technological capabilities like Bluetooth. The Runner itself is also extremely heavy, clocking in at 350 pounds. Though it has a built-in handle and a pair of wheels, you won’t want to move it on its own. 

If improving your sprints and overall form is your goal, though, you won’t find a better or more durable option than the Runner. 

Best Curved Treadmill For Small Spaces: IN10CT Curved Manual Treadmill

Specs

• Machine Dimensions: 61.5” H x 69” L x 32” W
• Max Speed: Limitless
• Max User Capacity: 400lbs

Pros

• Relatively small footprint and low height is suitable for smaller apartments or gyms with low ceilings
• Has a built-in monitor that tracks heart rate in addition to time, distance, calories burned, watt, and pace
• Forged from corrosion-resistant steel

Cons

• Monitor can be difficult to read
• Lacks storage for water bottles, phones

If you’re looking to make the most of your home’s square footage, we recommend the IN10CT Curved Manual Treadmill. It’s one of the most compact treadmills on this list and also the shortest in terms of height, making it ideal for those in small apartments or gyms with lower ceilings. 

Also, since it’s non-motorized, you won’t need to rely on power outlets when figuring out where to set it up. And if you need to make room for other new additions to your gym, moving it is made easier by a built-in handle, wheels, and a pair of rubber casters. It does, however, weigh in at around 330 pounds, so you’ll likely need a second hand during transport. 

The weight comes from the machine’s corrosion-resistant steel construction. It also utilizes a pulley track system to ensure its belt stays on track. Don’t let its heavy-duty nature intimidate you, though. Several five-star customer reviews note the machine’s easy assembly and whisper-quiet tread. “The sound is so quiet I don’t have to worry about using it early mornings and waking the family up,” writes one reviewer. Another notes that the machine’s shallow tread isn’t as heavy as ones you’ll find on other models. “The curve is also not that aggressive,” they write, “so it’s easier for both older and younger folks.” 

The built-in monitor tracks your heart rate in addition to time, distance, calories burned, watt, and pace, making it one of the more comprehensive monitors on this list. However, one customer review notes that the lack of backlighting can make it difficult to see and that its functionality can be impacted by cold weather. 

As far as home treadmills go, the IN10CT is one of the better options if you’re looking to save some space without sacrificing the features that make a curved treadmill special. 

How We Chose the Best Curved Treadmills

Treadmills are an investment. Ideally, the treadmill you buy will be a staple of your home gym for years, if not decades. When choosing curved treadmills, we focused on models that come in a wide range of price points, span a variety of weights and sizes, and emphasize the ways in which they can help improve your form. 

Cost

Curved treadmills tend to cost a pretty penny, but there are budget options. Our picks range from $1,795 to $6,149. The vast gulf between these models has a lot to do with construction. The most expensive curved treadmills on our list are distinguished by their durability, which is further reinforced by warranties that speak to the manufacturer’s confidence in their creation. Longevity is the name of the game here, and that’s something well worth paying for. 

Of course, not everyone has a wallet fat enough to splurge on a treadmill. The budget treadmills we chose are sturdily built and provide a workout that’s comparable to the kind you’d get on a luxury machine. The tradeoff is in their footprint and the quality of the materials. Ultimately, it’s up to you to assess the needs of your home gym and the frequency with which you’ll be using the machine. 

Construction

Treadmills can take a beating. Day after day, year after year, the best treadmills need frames and belts that can withstand the relentless bounce of your body and slap of your sneakers. Some of these curved treadmills are made of tougher materials than others, but every one of them was designed to support daily exercise.

Even the least expensive model on our list has a belt that’s rated for 150,000 miles. The luxury models, meanwhile, are overbuilt with sturdy commercial-grade steel to ensure it’ll catch your sweat for years, if not decades. 

Size

If there’s a common complaint about curved treadmills, it’s their footprint. Any treadmill is going to take up space in your home gym, but the majority of curved treadmills aren’t foldable like many of their flat-belted counterparts. The curved treadmills we chose come in varying lengths, widths, and heights, so you can choose which one best fits in your home. One of the benefits of curved treadmills, after all, is that they’re non-motorized and don’t need to be set near a power outlet. 

What do Curved Treadmills Cost? 

Though curved treadmills can range a great deal in terms of cost, the cheapest quality models will still run in the vicinity of $1,500. You can get an excellent workout on models in that price range, but if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty machine that’s designed for longevity, you can spend anywhere from $4,000 to $7,000. 

The major differences will be in the quality of materials and craftmanship. Commercial-grade materials, high weight limits, and impressive warranties can result in some models running upwards of $6,000. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Curved Treadmill

If the motor’s smoking on your old treadmill and your knees are begging for a break, a curved treadmill might be calling your name. Here are some considerations to take into account before pulling the trigger.

Your Fitness Routine

Do you see yourself hitting the tread every day or a few times a week? Do you exercise to stay fit or are you working to refine your form to run a faster marathon? Curved treadmills eschew a motorized belt in favor of a self-powered tread that users control with the force of their own stride. This provides a more challenging workout that engages more muscles and, by nature of its design, encourages runners to practice better form. This level of intensity isn’t for everybody, so beginners and casual runners will want to take a jog or two on a curved treadmill before setting one up in their home. 

You also won’t find many training programs, incline options, or adjustability settings on curved treadmills. This is a feature, not a bug, for those who love being able to hop on and get moving without having to fiddle with settings on a monitor or keypad. If you prefer a more structured workout, though, a curved treadmill might not be for you.

Price

Curved treadmills are, on the whole, more expensive than flat-belted treadmills. What you’re paying for is top-quality construction — the belts on every curved treadmill on this list are slatted, flexible, and shock-absorbent, which helps to ease the impact on your joints. The more expensive models are outfitted with powder coated steel, rust-resistant coats, and rubber casters, not to mention warranties that promise longevity. We take all of these factors, not to mention customer reviews and our own personal testing process, into consideration to ensure every treadmill on this list earns its price. 

Benefits of Curved Treadmills

Curved treadmills provide many of the same treadmill benefits as traditional models: improved cardiovascular health, strengthened lower body muscles, and a reliable way to burn a lot of calories. That curve comes with its own benefits, though, many of which will appeal to the more seasoned runner.

A Better Workout

Traditional, flat-belted treadmills are an excellent way to stay active and fleet-footed when the outdoor terrain is treacherous. Curved treadmills, on the other hand, are designed for those hoping to take their cardio game to the next level. With its curved belt and flexible slats, the curved treadmill is self-powered, forcing the user to lead with the ball of their foot and engage their core in order to propel the belt. This better replicates the experience of walking or running outdoors, which in turn works to promote proper form and improve your overall performance. 

Not only can this approach instill better habits, but studies have shown that it can lead to “a significant increase in calorie burn and RPE (rate of perceived exertion).” (1) It’s tricky to get the hang of at first, as the belt won’t cooperate until you’re practicing good posture and form, but both our testers and the vast majority of five-star customer reviewers think that you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.

Easier on the Joints

It’s easy to fall into the habit of running heel-first on the flat belts of traditional treadmills. This can put unnecessary pressure on your joints and posterior chain, which can sometimes result in soreness and injury. By encouraging a more natural stride that leads with the balls of the feet, curved treadmills soften that impact. Furthermore, the flexible slats of the curved tread have more give, with many incorporating shock-absorbent materials that provide added comfort. 

No Motor

One of the most appealing features of curved treadmills is that they’re entirely self-powered by the strides of the user. That means there’s no motor, no power cord, and no need to set it up near a power source. If a blackout hits your home, you can still sprint by candlelight (just be careful). This may very well extend the service life of the machine, as you won’t need to worry about electrical shorts or frayed wires.

Since it’s self-powered, users set their own pace. This is especially helpful for runners and sprinters frustrated by having to fiddle with settings or rely on the motor during HIIT intervals. It’s also safer, as you can go from sprinting to walking in just a few steps. Another plus is how quiet curved treadmills can be. With no whirring motor, you can walk or run in peace as the rest of your home sleeps.

Final Word

With their hefty price tags, treadmills aren’t a machine you’re going to want to replace every year or two. As such, there are plenty of factors you’re going to want to consider: construction, size, budget, technology, comfort, and, of course, your own fitness goals. Even the most budget-friendly options on this list will provide the challenge that comes with a curved, self-powered belt, but there’s more to consider. 

How often will you use it? How much space is available in your home or gym? Do you see yourself moving or transporting it often? Also, how committed are you to improving your form? Are you looking to boost your overall performance for an upcoming marathon or are you simply trying to stay fit? We’ve brought our own hands-on experience to this list, but you might want to take a stroll on a curved treadmill yourself. The good news is that more and more gyms are making space for curved treadmills, and there’s likely one not too far from you that’s just waiting to give your sneakers a test run.

FAQs

References

1. Robertson, Nicholas, “Comparing Calorie Expenditure and Rating of Perceived Exertion between the Curve and a Motorized Treadmill” (2014). EWU Masters Thesis Collection. 268.

The post The 7 Best Curved Treadmills of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.