The 8 Best Cushioned Treadmills for Small Spaces, Streaming, and More for 2023

A treadmill is usually one of the anchors of an excellent home gym set-up. Not only can it help you run off calories and get your miles in regardless of the weather, but a good cushioned treadmill may reduce the impact your joints take from repeated footstrikes on concrete or pavement. 

With a bit of research, buying a great treadmill might be the best investment you can make for your fitness journey, but it’s important to find the right one for you. Do you prefer to run or walk? How much space do you have set aside for your treadmill? Do you want a high-end teched-out treadmill or a simple budget option? We looked around and dug up the best cushioned treadmills on the market for however you like to train.

The Best Cushioned Treadmills

• Best Cushioned Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Folding Cushioned Treadmill: Sole F63
• Most Durable Cushioned Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Home: Sole F80
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Streaming Classes: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
• Best Budget Cushioned Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Small Spaces: Echelon Stride Treadmill
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking: ProForm City L6

How We Tested 

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts, and we’ve put down endless miles on treadmills for both fitness and testing purposes. For this article, we tried different treadmills to determine the amount and quality of their cushioning, how well their technological features work, and to evaluate each treadmill’s overall run experience. 

Best Cushioned Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Specs

• Dimensions: 65” H x 80” L x 38” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: -3-12%
• Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Price: $2,199

Pros

• This treadmill can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and an incline range of -3 to 12 percent.
• You can fold the deck up and out of the way to save space. 
• It’s compatible with iFit’s enormous catalog of live and on-demand workouts. 

Cons

• To stream, you need a monthly iFit subscription, which is $40 a month. 
• There are more affordable treadmills if you don’t want a touchscreen. 
• The large footprint may not be ideal for people who are tight on workout space. 

Part of NordicTrack’s Commercial line of treadmills, the 1750 is loaded with features. It boasts a swiveling 14-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth speakers, a cushioned deck, a feature that changes speed and incline settings to keep you at your optimal heart rate, and a decline setting, which is a rarity in treadmills. 

The Commercial 1750 has a unique feature with its Runners Flex cushioning. By twisting a dial on the side of the deck, users can choose between a softer, more comfortable impact or a firmer impact that simulates running on roads. 

One of the highlights of this treadmill is its iFit integration. The streaming service provides access to thousands of live and on-demand classes, as well as scenic virtual runs that take place in locations all over the world. The scenic runs were a favorite among our testers, as the automatically adjusting settings added a touch of realism. 

Our tester was wowed the first time they experienced the automatic adjustments, saying that feeling the angle adjust to mimic the hill on the screen added a sense of immersion in the scenic run. 

Right now, you can pick up the Commercial 1750 for $2,199. And while that’s not chump change, it can feel like a bargain considering all the technology that it comes with. Remember that it also comes with a free month-long membership to iFit, but when that’s done, you’ll need to shell out an extra $39 a month to keep it going. 

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review. 

Best Folding Cushioned Treadmill: Sole F63

Specs

• Dimensions: 67” H x 77” L x 35” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: 0-15%
• Weight Capacity: 325lbs
• Price: $1,199

Pros

• You can fold up the deck of this treadmill to save space. 
• The tablet holder lets users stream workouts and content while they run. 
• At under $1,200, this is on the less expensive side of the treadmill spectrum. 

Cons

• There’s no decline setting on this treadmill. 
• If you want to stream content on an in-console monitor, this isn’t the treadmill for you. 
• The fan’s angle isn’t adjustable. 

The Sole F63 packs features that you’d find in a more expensive treadmill (15 percent incline, top speed of 12 miles per hour, folding deck) but manages to keep the price down to a manageable $1,199. It also has built-in pulse sensors on the handlebars, so you can track your heart rate zones while you run. 

There are many folding treadmills with decks that fold up and out of the way to save space, but the F63 stands out for its gas-assisted folding operation. There’s a kick-release arm at the end of the deck that activates a gas shock that helps lift the deck. The gas shock also slows down the deck as it is being lowered so it doesn’t slam down to the floor. 

The 6.5-inch LCD screen isn’t particularly impressive, but it provides stat tracking and 10 preset programs, including Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. If you prefer to stream your workouts or want to catch up on Netflix while you run, the handy tablet holder on the top of the console has you covered. If you’re not a fan of earbuds, the speakers are Bluetooth enabled so that you can pair them with your devices. 

Sole doesn’t list anything about the cushioning except for the fact that it is cushioned, but our tester noticed that it provided a comfortable run. Our tester did note that there is a bit of wobble during runs, but not enough to make the treadmill feel unstable. The 20” x 60” deck is long enough to accommodate taller runners, and the hydraulic lift system makes it easy to raise and lower the deck to save space.

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review. 

Most Durable Cushioned Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000

Specs

• Dimensions: 59.6” H x 77.3” L x 35.3” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: -3-12% 
• Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Price: $2,299

Pros

• The powerful 3.6 CHP motor can easily maintain the top speed of 12 miles per hour, increasing its potential longevity. 
• The large 22-inch HD touchscreen for streaming iFIT workouts and scenic runs. 
• There are built-in heart rate monitors in the handles. 

Cons

• There are other treadmills on this list with a higher weight capacity.
• If $2,299 is out of your price range (even with ProForm’s financing), you’ll have to find a more budget-friendly option. 

If you’re looking for a treadmill that will last, you will want to find one with a powerful motor. The 3.6 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor on the ProForm Pro 9000 is on the higher end of the power range (the average treadmill motor size is 2.5 CHP), which means it can run at higher continuous speeds with minimal wear on the engine. 

Not only does that lessen the odds of the motor burning out, but that power also means that the Pro 9000 can hit its top speed of 12 miles per hour and top incline of 12 percent quickly and smoothly. Our tester noted that the treadmill felt smooth and stable even when running sprints on an incline. This stability could also be due to the deck’s built-in shock absorbers and thick 2-ply belt, which also help to take the pressure off joints during run training. 

Another feature of note is that in addition to the incline, the Pro 9000 offers a decline setting, which is rare among treadmills. If you gravitate towards hilly races, this could be a huge help for training those downhill sections. 

The Pro 9000 offers a 22-inch HD touchscreen and a one-year free membership to the iFit fitness app, which offers live and on-demand fitness classes as well as scenic virtual runs that take place all over the world. Plus, the treadmill comes with a Bluetooth chest strap heart rate monitor as well as built-in heart rate monitoring sensors on the handlebars. 

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Home: Sole F80

Specs

• Dimensions: 66” H x 82.5” L x 38” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: 0-15% 
• Weight Capacity: 350lbs
• Price: $1,899

Pros

• The folding deck is perfect for people with limited space in their homes. 
• This treadmill has a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which may reduce joint impact by 40 percent.
• The 10.1-inch display can play streaming content from Netflix, ESPN, and other streaming apps. 

Cons

• Hill runners may be disappointed in the lack of a decline option. 
• Some runners may feel that the 10.1-inch screen is too small. 
• At 2.36 inches, the rollers on this treadmill are on the smaller side. 

The Sole F80 Treadmill is an excellent option for runners who want to bring the amenities of a brick-and-mortar gym into their home. The F80 offers a 3.5 HP motor that offers speeds up to 12 miles per hour and inclines up to 15 percent, both specs that you’d find on commercial treadmills that can cost way more than this tread’s accessible $1,899. 

The 14-inch monitor has seven preset apps, including YouTube, Netflix, ESPN, and several news apps, so you can watch TV just like in your gym’s cardio room. Want fitness classes? You can screen-mirror fitness apps on your phone to the monitor. There’s even a wireless charging pad so your phone doesn’t die in the middle of a workout. 

Most treadmills have a belt width of 20 inches, but the F80 tops out at 22 inches. Several five-star reviews mentioned the extra lateral space, which leaves plenty of room for arm swings and the occasional weaving. “The wide belt is awesome,” one five-star user review says. “[I researched] other models with a 22-inch belt [and] they were well into the $2,000 to $3,000 range.”

The F80 is equipped with Sole’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which the brand claims reduces joint impact by 40 percent, compared to running on pavement. With your purchase, you’ll get a free membership to Sole’s fitness app, but if you want to keep it simple, the 10 preset workouts like Fatburn, Cardio, Strength, Hill, and Interval should be plenty to keep you motivated. 

Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Streaming Classes: NordicTrack Commercial 2450

Specs

• Dimensions: 78.5” H x 65” L x 35.6” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: -3-12% 
• Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Price: $2,999

Pros

• The large 22-inch touchscreen monitor is ideal for runners who like streaming workouts. 
• NordicTrack’s iFit online programming offers a variety of streaming options, from live and on-demand group class HIIT and run workouts to scenic virtual runs.
• This treadmill offers a three percent decline, something you don’t find on a lot of treadmills. 

Cons

• The huge HD touchscreen might be overkill for people who don’t want to stream.
• At $3,000, this tread is on the higher end of the price range. 

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 treadmill has plenty of excellent features. The incline range of -3 to 12 percent, the top speed of 12 miles per hour, and a hydraulic-assisted folding mechanism are all reasons to give this treadmill a look. But its massive 22-inch HD touchscreen monitor and immersive iFit programming really make it stand out from the competition. 

The 2450 is designed to work with iFit, the fitness platform that offers thousands of live and on-demand fitness classes that cover everything from running and cycling to HIIT workouts and meditation for athletes. Our favorite feature, though, is the immersive scenic runs, which take you on guided runs and walking tours everywhere from Caribbean coastlines to a historical tour up to (and inside) the pyramids of Egypt. 

As you participate in these streaming workouts, the 2450 will adjust the incline level and speed to mimic the terrain and follow along with the instructor. “The automatic adjustments and huge screen make you feel like you’re there,” our tester says. “It’s crazy to see a hill coming up on the screen, and then feel the incline increase.” 

During our test runs, the deck felt soft and springy, with just enough rebound to feel like we were running on turf or soft grass. Plus, the hydraulic lift system made it a breeze to lift and lower the treadmill. 

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill Review.

Best Budget Cushioned Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT

Specs

• Dimensions: 76” H x 66” L x 35” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: 0-15% 
• Weight Capacity: 325lbs
• Price: $999

Pros

• Anyone on a budget will appreciate the sub-$1,000 price. 
• The top speed of 12 miles per hour and max incline of 15 percent is what you’ll find on many treadmills that cost twice as much. 
• The eight workout programs here are perfect for people who need direction or motivation. 

Cons

• There are no decline settings here. 
• The small 2.36-inch rollers may affect the treadmill’s long-term durability. 
• Tech-hungry runners may not like the lack of technological features on this treadmill. 

With some selections in the $3,000 or more price range, it’s a bit surprising to find a treadmill with this many features for under $1,000. The Horizon 7.0 AT offers a top speed of 12 miles per hour and a top incline of 15 percent, which is similar to what you’d find with more expensive treadmills.

Plus, the deck is equipped with 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning, which offers a different type of cushioning for each stage of the footstrike — flexible for the impact zone, neutral for the transitional zone, and firm for the push-off zone. Our testers were fans of these zones, noting that they have a spring similar to a synthetic track. 

Horizon keeps the price under $1,000 in part by including a low-cost LED display instead of an HD touchscreen monitor. This also allows users to stream from any fitness app or streaming service they please, thanks to the tablet holder and the treadmill’s Bluetooth connectivity.

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Small Spaces: Echelon Stride Treadmill

Specs

• Dimensions: 49” H x 69” L x 31” W
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Incline Range: 0-10% 
• Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Price: $1,299

Pros

• The console and rails fold down against the frame so you can easily store it under a bed or in a closet. 
• The eight programmed workouts don’t require a subscription. 
• This treadmill has a quiet 1.75 HP motor. 

Cons

• The ten percent max incline is smaller than many other treadmills on this list. 
• This treadmill has a pretty basic console.

If you live in a smaller space, you probably don’t want a treadmill taking up your entire living room. The best option would be the Echelon Stride that you can hide completely out of sight when not in use. Most folding treadmills have a deck that folds up to minimize floor space, but the Stride’s console actually folds down onto the deck. When folded, the whole package is about 10 inches tall, which means you can slide it under a bed and out of your way. 

It might pack down small, but it doesn’t skimp on features — this machine offers an incline up to 10 percent and a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It doesn’t have a touchscreen display, but there is an LCD screen to show you stats like speed, incline, time, and calories. Plus, the handlebar pulse sensors help you track your heart rate while you work. 

Even though the Stride only weighs 156 pounds, its deck has a frame-balanced elastomer suspension to absorb impact and can accommodate runners up to 300 pounds. It’s also surprisingly sturdy for such a lightweight treadmill — our tester noted that it was steady as a rock, even at a full sprint. 

The one knock that we could find on this treadmill is that the Stride’s motor is a 1.75 CHP DC motor. That means it’ll have to work harder to maintain higher speed and may burn out sooner than a more powerful motor. Also, it’s a DC motor, which means it will need about a 20-minute break for every hour of operation.

Read our full Echelon Stride Treadmill Review. 

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking: ProForm City L6

Specs

• Dimensions: 44.5” H x 70.25” L x 29” W
• Max Speed: 8mph
• Incline Range: N/A 
• Weight Capacity: 250lbs
• Price: $599

Pros

• The top speed of eight miles per hour can accommodate jogging as well as walking. 
• This treadmill has a console that folds completely down for easy storage.
• The $599 price is ideal for walkers who don’t want to pay for features that they won’t use. 

Cons

• If you want incline and decline settings, this isn’t the treadmill for you. 
• The top speed may not be ideal for people who want to work their way up to sprinting. 
• Besides the tablet holder, there aren’t any technological features on this treadmill.

If you want a treadmill primarily for walking, you probably don’t need the high-powered motors and higher top speeds that you find on pricier treadmills. With a top speed of eight miles per hour, the ProForm City L6 is a great option for walkers. The 1.6 HP motor is more than enough for walking and jogging, and the $599 price is a great deal. 

Walkers who are tight on space will appreciate that the City L6’s console folds down into the deck, which makes it possible to slide it under a bed or couch when not in use. And while the console sports a basic LCD screen, there is a tablet holder, so you can follow along with a fitness app or watch your favorite streaming content.

The City L6 comes with a free month of iFit, so you can use your tablet or phone to follow along with any of the thousands of live and on-demand workouts that iFit offers, including guided walking or hiking tours. The deck offers some light cushioning, and it will increase or decrease the belt speed to coincide with your iFit workouts. 

One potential downside that our tester noted was that the running surface’s length is only 45 inches long, where most full-size treadmills measure 60 inches in length. This should be fine for walkers and joggers who are 5’10” or shorter, but taller joggers may find their strides hampered. 

Read our full ProForm City L6 Treadmill Review.

How We Chose the Best Cushioned Treadmills

A cushioned treadmill can keep runners comfortable and help soften the blow that each footstrike delivers to joints during run training. But the best cushioned treadmills do a whole lot more. In addition to looking at each treadmill’s cushioning, we looked at factors like how much space the treadmill would take up, what extra features it had, and how much each treadmill cost. 

Cushioning

First and foremost, we looked at a treadmill’s cushioning to see if it was worthy of this list. We looked at treadmills with shock-absorption systems, 2-ply belts, and proprietary tech to provide a soft feel underfoot. We spent miles on these treadmills and researched user reviews to make sure that the cushioning actually performed as well as the company claimed. 

Storage

There’s no way around it — treadmills take up a lot of space. When we could, we tried to include treadmills that easily fold up to save floor space. In a few instances, we found treadmills that folded nearly flat, so they could be rolled into a closet or underneath a bed when not in use. 

And while there are entries on this list that don’t have folding capabilities, we made sure that they stood out in other areas, like a wide incline range, more technological features, or better cushioning. 

Extra Features

While some runners are satisfied with a no-frills treadmill, others prefer technological features to help the miles go by faster. We made sure to include some simpler treadmills on this list as well as treadmills with HD touchscreens, decline settings, and access to streaming services, so there would be something for every athlete. 

Price

Treadmills can vary wildly in price, from $400 or $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on what features you prefer. And while the pricey treadmills have some very fun features, you don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a good cushioned treadmill. We included treads that cost as low as $600 and as expensive as $3,000, so there should be one to fit your budget on this list. 

How Does Treadmill Cushioning Work?

Cushioned treadmills differ from non cushioned treadmills because they add a measure of shock absorption to the running surface. The simplest form of treadmill cushioning comes in the form of a multi-ply belt, whose thickness provides extra padding between the feet and the platform. 

Another way treadmills add cushioning is through shock-absorbing foam or rubber padding on the deck. Sometimes, the entire deck is suspended from the treadmill frame on springs or rubber shock absorbers. Most cushioned treadmills combine these methods to add more bounce to a runner’s stride. 

Running is a repetitive motion, which Stanford Medicine states can put stress on joints and cause overuse injuries. (2) Cushioning on treadmills can reduce the impact of that repetitive motion, which can help keep runners’ joints happy for the long haul. 

Benefits of Cushioned Treadmills

The constant, repeated pounding that comes with run training can be hard on your joints. Cushioned treadmills have either a padding or suspension system (or both) under the belt. These measures are designed to absorb the footstrike shock that would normally be directed back into the body, which can minimize discomfort, take pressure off of joints, and keep run training consistent over time.

Lessen Impact

A study in Journal of Sport and Health Science found that running on a cushioned treadmill was associated with lower peak pressure on the heel compared to running on concrete. (1) This is because cushioned treadmills provide either a shock-absorbing pad or a suspension system underfoot, both of which have more give than concrete. 

Concrete and asphalt don’t have the give that rubber padding or spring shocks do, so your body absorbs all of that impact. With a cushioned treadmill, the treadmill’s cushioning absorbs at least some of that force, lessening the impact that would travel through your body. In the long run, this can keep your joints strong and less injury-prone, which is what every runner wants.

Cushioned treads can also be ideal for runners with existing joint pain or conditions, people recovering from injury, or distance runners who want to minimize impact on their joints. However, if you have a specific injury or condition, it’s always best to consult your doctor or physical therapist before hopping on a treadmill.

Comfort

More cushioning generally means more comfort. Imagine running with zero cushioning, say, with barefoot running shoes on a concrete sidewalk or on a firm treadmill with zero cushioning. If you’re not conditioned to that sort of impact, the pounding on your feet and body can make every step a painful one. But if you put on some cushy running shoes, the foam midsole absorbs some of that shock making your run feel springier and more effortless.

Running on a cushioned treadmill adds even more shock absorption with the addition of a cushioned pad or suspension system underfoot. These systems further absorb the impact that would otherwise go up into your body. Less impact makes a run feel less jarring with every footstep, which goes a long way towards making a run feel more comfortable. 

Consistency

While dedicated runners may use cushioned treadmills to minimize footstrike impact, the casual runner can still enjoy the springy bounce of a well-cushioned deck. And for newer runners, that comfort can help facilitate the consistency that can be so hard to achieve when starting out. 

Having a cushioned treadmill can further help keep your training consistent by softening the impact on your joints and feet and keeping your runs more comfortable and — dare we say it — fun. This reduces the odds of you taking an unscheduled rest day due to excessive soreness or lack of motivation. 

How Much Do Cushioned Treadmills Cost? 

Treadmill prices vary from budget-friendly options under $1,000 to technologically advanced models reaching $5,000 or more. We wanted to include treadmills that appealed to a wide range of runners, so we selected options that cost as little as $600 and as much as $3,000, with a variety in between. 

The most affordable treads lack some of the more advanced features like touchscreens, apps, and streaming options, while the most expensive option will have all of those bells and whistles but may be out of some customers’ price range. Try to balance the features you need with a price you can afford, and you should be able to find an ideal ratio of affordability and luxury.

What to Consider When Buying a Cushioned Treadmill

If you’re looking for a great cushioned treadmill, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. In addition to cushioning, think about a treadmill’s speed and incline settings, technological features, and price before you make your purchase. 

Cushioning

Let’s start with the obvious one. Want to buy a good cushioned treadmill? Check out the cushioning. Most treadmills have suspension systems built into the deck to help minimize footstrike impact and help with rebound. Also, keep an eye out for 2- or 3-ply belts — these are thicker than single-ply and are better at absorbing shock. 

Speed/Incline Settings

It pays to ensure that whichever treadmill you buy has speed and incline settings that match the style of training you prefer. Most treadmills like the ones featured here can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour and inclines of 12 to 15 percent, which should satisfy runners who do sprint intervals and/or hill work. You may also want to consider an incline treadmill that has decline options as well, especially if you trend towards hilly races. 

On the other hand, if you spend most of your time walking, those higher speeds may not be necessary. A walking treadmill with a lower top speed may be plenty and will likely cost less than treadmills with higher top speeds. 

Technological Features

From streaming services and online classes to HD touchscreens and wireless phone chargers, there are countless features to choose from on a treadmill. If you’re a fan of coaching and virtual runs, a treadmill with an HD monitor and compatibility with a fitness app like iFit could be the way to go. Like watching TV or movies while you run? Some treads have apps like Netflix and YouTube installed in their consoles, while others have table holders so you can stream from your device. 

Keep in mind that often, the more features a treadmill has, the higher the price goes. If you’re trying to stay within a specific budget, you might have to make some sacrifices in the technology department. 

Price

And finally, you’ll need to consider your budget. Even though treadmill prices can spike up into the five-digit range, you can often find high-quality treadmills in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. And if you’re willing to forgo some extra features, it’s possible to pick up a budget-friendly option for under $1,000. 

Keep in mind that if you want to take full advantage of a treadmill’s features, you may be required to purchase a monthly subscription to an online fitness app. Prices can range from $30 to $50 a month, so be sure to factor that into your budget when necessary. 

Final Word

The best cushioned treadmills provide more comfortable workouts, lessen the amount of impact on your joints, and can help you run longer with less fatigue than their uncushioned counterparts. But, like any treadmill, buying a cushioned treadmill is an investment, so it pays to take some time to find the right one for you. 

If you’re in the market for a cushioned treadmill, consider things like what kind of run training you do, what features you need versus the ones you want, and how much you’re willing to spend. When you’ve got those nailed down, you can use this list to help you dial in the perfect cushioned treadmill for you. 

FAQs

Resources

1. Weijie Fu, Ying Fang, David Ming Shuo Liu, Lin Wang, Sicong Ren, Yu Liu. Surface effects on in-shoe plantar pressure and tibial impact during running, Journal of Sport and Health Science, Volume 4, Issue 4, 2015, Pages 384-390, ISSN 2095-2546, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2015.09.001.
2. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/bones-joints-and-muscles/overuse-and-repetitive-motion-injuries.html

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