Best Walking Pads | 2022 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
In the early two-thousands, the Walking Pad become the brainchild of a group of professionals, sports scientists, and product designers based in the heart of Chicago.
Since then, the Walking Pad has slowly seeped into cultural awareness. In 2019, the WalkingPad brand won the hotly contested Reddot Design Award for innovation.
What Is a Walking Pad?
Now, hundreds of thousands of customers have opted for walking pads over traditional treadmills. Though they originally gained popularity in China, they've now gained acclaim amongst international markets.
In contrast with treadmills, Walking Pads are very foldable, smooth pads that can be easily moved in and out of limited size spaces. Most don't come with a bulky central console and are instead controlled with either foot movement or remote buttons.
WALKINGPAD Smart Walk Folding Treadmill
With a simple foldable design, the Walking Pad can be folded halfway or smoothly slipped under furniture for efficient packing. Perfect for studio apartments or tiny homes, the folding treadmill provides a simple way to get in daily exercise in small spaces.
On top of being sleek and packable, it is simple to get used to right away. In plus and play mode, the walking pad can be controlled through on, off, start, and acceleration modes operated by the user's footsteps.
How to use the WalkingPad?
In fact, the speed is totally controlled by your footsteps. The high-precision sensors that live in the bed of the treadmill help you control it with fast, medium, or slow speeds.
To decelerate, simply step near the tail of the device. For acceleration, step up to the front of the walking pad. Stepping in the middle of the walking pad keeps it at a uniform velocity.
Moreover, users appreciate the noise-free, comfortable experience it provides every time. The wear-resistant and anti-slip walking belt keep the multilayer surface virtually free of noise, allowing you to job comfortably at home or in the office.
The security protection system helps lend even greater peace of mind. The overload, child-lock, and auto standby systems help you to rest assured when using it. You can even set speed limits in order to avoid accidents.
After the workout, pair the walking pad with the WalkingPad iOS or Android App that lets you quantify all the data related to your walk.
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WALKINGPAD: Check the current price
WalkingPad Comparison: What’s the difference?
All models are popular for their foldable design, small size, and excellent performance. Nevertheless, they differ in appearance, running belt width, display location, and price.
The more expensive A1 walking pad is 21.5” in width and more comfortable compared to the C2 WalkingPad model, which is 17" wide. Speed range: 0.3-3.7 mile/hour or 0.5-6 km/h.
The C2 option is more lightweight (61lbs, versus 79lbs of the R2 model) while having the same weight capacity of 220 pounds. The P1 WalkingPad is Ultra Slim and a little bit more compact when folded.
The main advantage of the R2 walking pad is a more powerful 918-watt motor, whereas the C2’s motor is only 746 watts. On the other hand, this makes the latter a more energy-efficient option.
Also, the R2 walking pad uses a more user-friendly data display method. It features an LCD panel installed on the main body. From my experience, it is pretty inconvenient to hold the remote control while exercising, which is a drawback to the C2 treadmill.
Expert Opinion: Jill Weisenberger, Dietitian Nutritionist
Jill Weisenberger is a registered dietitian nutritionist, who is among 10 top dietitians recommended to follow on social media by US News & World Report. She specializes in diabetes, weight management, nutrition, and heart health. Jill provides her audience with fitness advice and healthy recipe ideas.
I hardly ever complained about back pain while using my treadmill desk. It is awesome. I can do all kinds of work here: I type, I can check my email and Facebook. Pretty much I can do everything except handwriting. It is a big drawback. It is really simple. People ask me all the time, how can you do that? Aren't you getting tired? I do probably more than sometimes 30-35 miles in a week or 9 miles in a day. I walk about 1.4 miles per hour. The desk is very large, it is 72 inches. So I have enough room for books, magazines, my computer, and a file holder. And I have a drink holder here. So if you think you could enjoy a treadmill desk, I would say try it, why not?
Expert Opinion: Dr. Kevin Jubbal, Physician, Innovator, and Educator
Dr. Kevin Jubbal is a physician, innovator, and educator who set up Med School Insiders, a website designed to help pre-med and medical students succeed in their careers. He received his B.S. in Neuroscience and M.D. at the University of California and is passionate about medical education. Dr. Kevin Jubbal runs his personal YouTube channel, where he talks about medicine, fitness, and education.
“What we do know is that being sedentary for too long is bad. Sitting for too long, standing for too long are both bad. Movement is good. And this is why I believe that a sit-stand motorized desk is actually the best of both worlds… So what about exercise desks? I am talking about treadmill desks, bicycle desks, and things of that sort. The research here is conflicting. I found a handful of studies that reported no negative effects on things like typing speed at low-intensity cycling, while other studies say that, yes, there is a negative effect, even with low-intensity cycling… A 2016 study found a positive effect on speed across tasks requiring variable amounts of attention. On the other hand, Larsson et colleagues in 2015 found no negative effect of treadmill desks on executive and cognitive control tasks using treadmill workstations but reduced performance on fine motor skills and learning. Labonté-Lemoine in 2015 demonstrated that you benefit cognitively after using a treadmill desk, not during. When you look at the literature on these exercise desks, they tend to report a zero or minimal detrimental effect on cognitive performance. Very few of them actually report improved performance… My take is if someone wants to use a bicycle or a treadmill, then they are probably gonna be healthier from a cardiovascular and metabolic health perspective. But it probably should not be used that much during the cognitively demanding tasks.”
Best-Selling Walking Pads Comparative Table
Customers' Choice | Best Trusted
WalkingPad R2 Treadmill Running and Walking Folding Treadmill Manual Automatic Modes Foldable Walking Pad...
- 2-in-1 180°Folding Treadmill - Developed with running and walking modes, WalkingPad R1 Pro accommodates your daily exercising needs at the place you prefer. WalkingPad R2 is 90% more space-saving than the traditional treadmill and can be easily folded and stored with the help of a double folding design and smooth-rolling wheels.
- Remote Control & App - WalkingPad R2 can be controlled in three ways. Under manual mode, it can be controlled used the remote control or the KS Fit APP. Alternatively, it can be controlled by feet under the auto mode to provide greater convenience.
- Quiet Motor and Shock Absorption System - By using an aluminum alloy frame, the durability and stability of WalkingPad, R2 are significantly enhanced. We improved the power of the motor but also reduced the noise level at the same time. Additionally, the EVA cushioning softens the impact on your knees and the anti-slip running belt will provide a better grip. "
- We designed a dedicated slot for phone and tablet on the handle, so you can always stay entertained and connected. The WalkingPad R2 has a newly added safety clip and front handle to keep you safe while you exercise. The handle provides additional balance, while the safety clip acts as an emergency stop button.
- The LED panel sits at the front of the WalkingPad R2 helps you to monitor your speed, distance, and workout time. With smooth-rolling wheels attached, the WalkingPad R2 is guaranteed for easy transport. One-year warranty.
SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS ASUNA Space Saving by Amazon.com
- EASY-TO-USE DISPLAY: Watch your workout progress in real-time with the 4-window display. View your time, distance, speed, and calories burned all at the same time. Use the integrated pedometer to track your steps during each exercise session.
- EXTREMELY PORTABLE: This running treadmill can be easily and securely folded flat with the included folding key. Take advantage of the low-profile design, which makes it easy to slide the machine under surfaces and move it from room to room.
- FOLDING TOOL: Turn the tool counterclockwise in the frame locks to fold the treadmill frame. After it is folded, use the treadmill key to secure the frame in place. Keep the tool handy by placing it in its dedicated slot at the base of the treadmill.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill + 30-Day iFIT by Amazon.com
- 30-Day iFit Membership Included; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (15 Dollar value)
- 10% OneTouch incline control; 10 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control; With iFIT, your trainer auto-adjusts your speed and incline through a smart Bluetooth connection
- SMART-Response Motor for effective speed, interval, and endurance training; 20” x 55” tread belt offers plenty of leg and elbow space as you run; FlexSelect deck cushioning protects your joints
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, 2.25HP Superfit by GoplusUS
- INNOVATIVE 2-IN-1 FOLDING TREADMILL-- Compared to ordinary treadmills, our 2-in-1 Superfit treadmill has 2 modes to meet your different sports needs. When the riser is folded, it can be used as a jogging machine at a speed of 1-4km/h, so you can do other things while walking. When the handrail is raised, the running speed is 1-12km/h and you can run to reach your fitness goal.
- POWERFUL 2.25HP -- With a powerful and ultra-quiet 2.25HP motor, this Superfit treadmill allows you to walk or run without disturbing others, making it ideal for home and office use. With a sturdy and durable steel frame and multi-layer shield design, it's shock-absorbing and noise-reducing, making your running quieter, safer and more comfortable.
- NON-SLIP RUNNING BELT & MULTIFUNCTIONAL LED DISPLAY --The 5-layer non-slip texture running belt features a spacious running area(40" x16"), providing an effective and safe cushion for your knees and muscles for a superior running experience. The LED display clearly shows time, speed, distance and calories, monitoring your progress in real-time and keeping your movement data at a glance.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual by Amazon.com
- EXCELLENT CARDIO BENEFITS: This affordable treadmill will help you start your fitness journey! Walking can significantly improve mental and physical health. The compact design of the treadmill will get you into shape regardless of home size.
- COMPACT AND ERGONOMIC: This compact, lightweight treadmill is excellent for small spaces. Running Surface: 42in x 13in. The treadmill is durable and can withstand power walking or light jogging.
- LCD MONITOR: Track fitness progress on the easy-to-read digital monitor. Treadmill monitor displays time, speed, distance, calories.
Testing & Customers Reviews
We found reviews from real YouTube bloggers about the products from our article.
Stevie Richards: "I've been using WalkingPad R2 off and on for about a month. It doesn't take up a whole lot of space when it's folded up but there's one particular negative. It is hard to roll the Walkingpad on the carpet. So I have to lift it up and move it to where I want to put it. Is it a big deal? No, but it's a little bit cumbersome. There are a few steps involved, but all in all it's not too bad to set it up and then break it down so you get used to doing that pretty quickly. And if you can leave it up that's also perfect because it doesn't take up a whole lot of space at all. The handrail is a good ergonomic choice for taller and shorter people. The thing I don't like about it going up is really easy, but bringing it down and adjusting it from the top is going to be a little bit of a challenge because these levers tend to come down and lock it in a little bit. They don't stay up in place and I'm having to kind of finagle it certain ways. And it just feels like it's sort of janky. This is plastic and it tends to move around a little bit. But for the price and what you're looking for sometimes build quality and construction can be sacrificed for lightness, portability, foldability, all that stuff.
I like the fact that I can put my phone on top of here because I like to watch stuff while i'm doing cardio it's obviously not big enough to fit my Ipad Pro. Maybe an Ipad Mini would be the biggest or the smallest Ipad that you fit in there. What I consider to be a con for this is a very short power cord. I wish the power cord was a little bit longer just to give you that choice of where you want to put it. Because you're a little limited as far as where your outlets are. This is a standard plug. I mean even a computer has this type of plug from what I can see, so maybe you can get an extra long one. The buttons on the treadmill seem squishy and at times, it feels like I gotta hit two or three times. It comes with remote control, but it also has an app. There's no assembly needed. This thing comes fully assembled out of the box so you don't need to put the handrails on or anything like that it's all just done and put in the box. So that's nice. You can pretty much take it out of the box and start using it.
The belt size for a foldable treadmill is excellent. I feel like it's a strong choice for people that don't have much room at all who want to get their cardio, want to get their light walks or even runs into their workout regimen or fitness journey. Naturally, you're going to sacrifice some build quality for the portability and foldability of any product in this price range. So you're going to have some plastic. You're going to have some little hiccups with adjusting and ergonomics and things like that. But it's all hardware-wise, software-wise. I really do like this and it is going to have a place in our garage gym area. My wife loves to use the treadmill, loves to run and also warm up using the treadmill before our resistance training programs and workouts. I think for most people, especially people that want to just do general steady state cardio or even some running I think it's an excellent choice for the price category."
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