Pounding out miles on one of the best treadmills can be torturous enough — and when you take away the motor, it requires a whole other caliber of mental toughness. Manual treadmills are exactly what they sound like: non-motorized treadmills powered by the user. Sounds difficult? It is. They’re better for advanced exercisers than those just articulating their fitness goals, but they also offer distinct perks, including a pace and gait that more closely resembles overground running and the ability to reach higher workout intensities at lower speeds. (1)
If you’re willing to put in the work, adding a manual treadmill to your home gym can help you power into a higher level of personal fitness. Our team of expert testers has hopped on dozens of different treadmills and carefully selected the five best manual treadmills we know can help you get the job done — because without a motor, they sure aren’t going to run themselves.
The Best Manual Treadmills of 2025
- Best Overall Manual Treadmill: Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner
- Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill
- Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill
- Best Curved Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner
- Best Manual Treadmill for Running: AssaultRunner Pro
Best Overall Manual Treadmill: Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner
This self-powered treadmill stands out with six levels of resistance — the highest of which works to replicate a sled push. The frame is forged from commercial-grade steel and aluminum, and the battery-powered LCD display tracks time, distance, calories, speed, and tempo.
Specs
- Price: $2,495.99
- User Weight Capacity: 330lbs
- Product Weight: 328lbs
- Product Dimensions: 79” L x 35” W x 60” H
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year belt, 2-year tread, 2-year monitor
Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill
This beefy, self-powered treadmill has an 8.4-degree curve that can help promote proper running form and support sweat-drenched HIIT sprints. It also has a trim 47-inch by 17.3-inch running deck, 4-inch wide footrails, and nylon slats in the belt that can potentially help reduce the impact on your joints.
Specs
- Price: $1,999.99
- User Weight Capacity: 396lbs
- Product Weight: 209.4lbs
- Product Dimensions: 55.75” L x 31.5” W x 61” H
- Warranty: 5-year frame, 2-year parts
Why We Like It
Admittedly, manual treadmills aren’t the best budget home gym equipment, even despite the lack of a dedicated motor. However, we feel this Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill is the best bang for your buck thanks to its roughly $2,000 price tag. With that total, you get a high-quality piece of equipment that looks as good as it performs.
While the wooden framing definitely pops with this manual treadmill silhouette, one of the biggest appeals we found in testing was the machine’s versatile maneuverability. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates the portability at 5 out of 5. “Yes, the machine weighs in at roughly 200 pounds, but I had no issues in getting up onto the front transport wheels and pushing it around my training space. The smaller footprint, which I score at 5 out of 5, as well, also makes it compact enough for training in tight quarters.”
Speaking of the dimensions, this Bells of Steel treadmill features a running surface measuring 47 inches long by 17.3 inches wide. This surface area can be fine for walking or light jogs, but may be too cramped for taller athletes, according to our tester. “It can be difficult to truly open up your gait on such a short belt, so I’d recommend this for slower paces over interval training or all-out sprints,” they note. Accordingly, we rate the ergonomics at 3 out of 5.
Like other manual treadmills, the Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill comes equipped with a basic LCD display. While we appreciate that Bells of Steel includes some built-in programming across the console — for those that aren’t trying to follow along to the best running apps during workouts — we felt that the included tech was somewhat underwhelming. We score the available tech at 3 out of 5.
Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill
This manual treadmill can be a great selection for walking enthusiasts given its minimalist design and highly-portable makeup. Additionally, the SF-T1407M features a constant incline of 13.5 percent, which can be helpful when trying to challenge yourself throughout your daily step goals.
Specs
- Price: $199.99
- User Weight Capacity: 220lbs
- Product Weight: 46.7lbs
- Product Dimensions: 49” L x 23” W X 50” H
- Warranty: 3-year structural frame, 180-days parts and components
Why We Like It
Looking to use your new hamster wheel solely for walking? While many of the best walking treadmills do feature a motor, the SF-T1407M from Sunny Health and Fitness doesn’t, making it a great fit for this round-up. Plus, at less than $200, it’s far below the average cost of other manual machines.
Our tester rates the value at 4.5 out of 5, too, given this manual treadmill’s lightweight portability. “It’s not the most durable machine I’ve ever walked on, but I do like that I can fold it up when not in use. Plus, I can set up in practically any room of my home for a quick walking workout,” they add.
The tread is set at a 13.5% incline, so you get the benefits of incline walking, including increased intensity and calorie burn and prolonged activation of the hamstrings, glutes, and calves compared to walking on flat ground. (2)(3) However, the incline is always set at this pitch, so there’s no room for changing up settings for HIIT intervals.
As stated above, the SF-T1407M isn’t the most durable machine, as seen in its 220-pound weight capacity. We rate the durability at 2 out of 5, and caution athletes to curb any thoughts of using this treadmill for non-walking endeavors. “There’s little resistance underneath your feet, so I would recommend keeping paces slow as you work through your session,” adds our tester, who rates their overall workout experience at 3 out of 5.
Lastly, we do want to point out that we’ve found this compact manual treadmill on Amazon in addition to sunnyhealthfitness.com. While not always the case, you could purchase this machine through the popular third-party retailer and wind up with an even lower cost. It may not be much, but it could be a worthwhile look when it comes time to confirm your cart.
Best Curved Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner
The top-of-the-line TrueForm Runner is a non-motorized treadmill that works to instill proper running form with a curved tread designed to better mimic outdoor terrain. It's the most expensive of its kind, but its powder coated steel frame is designed to last well into the foreseeable future.
Specs
- Price: $6,895
- User Weight Capacity: 700lbs (walking), 450lbs (running)
- Product Weight: 350lbs
- Product Dimensions: 64” L x 36” W x 63” H
- Warranty: 20-year frame, 5-year tread mechanism, 3-year display, 2-year labor
Why We Like It
The price jump here might spook you, but hear us out: The TrueForm Runner, an upgraded version of the TrueForm Trainer, offers an unrivaled training experience. It’s fitted with a shallow, symmetrical curve to give athletes precise control over their form and speed — the latter of which is unlimited on this tread. “You can go from walking to sprint (and vice versa) in just a few steps,” our tester says, giving the Runner a 4.5 out of 5 on adjustability and ergonomics.
It’s a machine worthy of elite athletes. The company even offers versions with an artificial turf tread, which allows you to train barefoot, or one with an outdoor track surface to help competitive sprinters train to race. These options, plus the fact that you can run at an unlimited speed, are why our tester gave the TrueForm Runner a 5 out of 5 for customizations.
The TrueForm Runner is also an absolute tank. Our tester rates it at 5 out of 5 for durability, as it’s designed to handle a lifetime of heavy commercial use. It’ll last you years and years of even the highest-intensity workouts (just peep that 20-year frame warranty).
“It’s incredibly built, with a powder-coated steel frame, stainless hardware, high-end bearings, welded seams, and heavy-duty casters,” says our tester. The weight limit is one of the highest we’ve seen on any machine, accommodating athletes up to 450 pounds while sprinting and 700 pounds while walking.
That said, though, this isn’t the perfect manual treadmill. Our tester scores it a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability, as the stable metal frame makes it quite heavy and hard to move. And despite the hefty price tag, it still lacks a few conveniences, like a device shelf, water bottle holder, and higher-end display.
Read our full TrueForm Runner Treadmill Review.
Best Manual Treadmill for Running: AssaultRunner Pro
The AssaultRunner Pro is a durable, motorless treadmill that can be great for athletes wanting full control of their training intensity. The durable frame boasts a 350-pound weight capacity, and the included display console is easy to read, albeit simpler in nature.
Specs
- Price: $2,999
- User Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Product Weight: 280lbs
- Product Dimensions: 69.7” L x 33.1” W x 64” H
- Warranty: 5-year frame, 3-year moving parts
Why We Like It
What the best Sole and NordicTrack treadmills are to motorized profiles, Assault Fitness is to manual treadmills. The AssaultRunner Pro — a foundational silhouette within the category — is our favorite manual machine for runners thanks to its exceptional durability and shock-absorbing, rubberized belt slats.
Take it from our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, who says, “The AssaultRunner Pro is just a fun machine to run on. As an on-and-off CrossFitter, I’ve spent my fair share of time on the AssaultRunner Pro, and I have a blast every time I use one.”
The dollars spent on this model get you a solid steel frame and handlebars, plus a heavy belt with thick rubber slats to provide a stable running surface. Better yet, it comes with a 150,000-mile guarantee.
“Heavy” might sound like a bad thing when you’re the one powering the machine, but it actually makes running easier. Once you get the belt going, inertia keeps the belt moving so you aren’t working as hard to keep up your speed. Our tester rates it at 4 out of 5 for durability and 3.5 out of 5 for comfort. “It’s harder than running on a treadmill with a motor, but the heavier belt, along with the incline of the curve, makes it more comfortable,” they add.
One area the AssaultRunner Pro is lacking is tech capabilities, which our tester scores at 4 out of 5. “The monitor is fine. It can connect to several different heart rate monitors, but outside of that, the tech is fairly limited,” they note. However, Capritto adds, “I like that the simple LCD screen isn’t distracting and just shows me what I need.”
Any other downsides to this treadmill are commonalities among all manual treads: a lack of incline/decline training and the fact that you have to control your speed with your running pace. The latter, though, is part of what gets you all the juicy benefits of running on a manual tread.
Read our full AssaultRunner Pro Review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Manual Treadmills
If the BarBend team knows one thing, it’s workout equipment. The group is chock-full of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts who’ve had the opportunity to walk, jog, and run on more than 40 different treadmills. To arrive at our top picks, we tapped their expertise and adhered to the BarBend equipment testing methodology. We scored each machine on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across multiple categories including the following:
- Value: It isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about what you’re getting for that amount. Manual treadmill prices range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, so we judged each based on what they offer in relation to the dollars spent.
- Durability: It takes a lot of force to manually power a treadmill, so we carefully eyed the stability, durability, and construction of these machines, including taking a look at the warranties. When it comes to warranties, our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, recommends “looking for 10 years on the frame, at least 2 years on parts, and at least 1 year for labor.”
- Conveniences: Manual treads tend not to have many of the bells and whistles motorized treadmills do (think: fans, water bottle holders, built-in displays, device shelves). We kept the industry standard in mind when rating these based on their inclusion.
Benefits of Manual Treadmills
With manual treadmills, you get all the usual benefits of treadmills plus some extras. Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, is a big fan. “I love how [it] encourages me to maintain good running form and feels more like running outdoors, but brings all the benefits of running indoors,” she says. It also poses a new challenge: “You have to work at maintaining your pace; it won’t set the pace for you,” she says. It’s not just her opinion, either — these benefits are backed by research.
- Better Replicates Outdoor Running: A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that, compared to a regular treadmill, running on a manual treadmill was more similar to overground (i.e. outdoor) running in terms of pacing and gait (1).
- Can Help Refine Running Form: A 2018 study found that running on a curved, non-motorized treadmill had a significant effect on people’s gait. Specifically, runners had a shorter stride length, less gait asymmetry, and reduced stride angle, which are associated with more efficient running, reduced injury risk, and less impact upon landing. (4)
- Potentially Burn More Calories: Research shows that walking or running on a manual treadmill results in higher overall exertion compared to doing so on one that’s motorized, and this seems to result in greater calorie burn while working out. (5)(6) Additionally, Dr. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, adds, “Treadmills allow the most for calorie burn and muscle strengthening because of the propulsion required on the belt and the impact forces that occur with each step.”
- No Electricity Required: Electric, motorized treadmills require a well-placed outlet supplying plenty of power, which can add up on your electric bill. With manual treadmills, there’s also no need for a nearby outlet or unsightly extension cords. As such, it’s ideal for home use, as you can set it up anywhere.
What Is a Manual Treadmill?
In a basic definition, a “manual treadmill” is a treadmill silhouette that doesn’t use an internal treadmill motor to power the running belt. Rather, the belt rotates on its drivetrain through the power put down by the athlete, themselves. As a result, manual treadmills can be excellent for generating high-intensity training scenarios at lower speeds while also better resembling the movements and biomechanics of standard outdoor running. (1)
Types of Manual Treadmills
While you may have an idea of what a manual treadmill looks like, there are a variety of manual treadmill types to choose from. Below are a handful of popular silhouettes to keep your eyes out for when looking to purchase one for your own home gym.
Curved Manual Treadmills
The most common type of manual treadmill is a curved profile. Curved treadmills emphasize the ergonomics of your running stride and help you move the belt in a comfortable, natural manner with each strike and push-off.
When looking at the best curved treadmills, you should understand that there is a learning curve involved. You’ll need to take it easy before jumping out to an all-out sprint. That said, while this does tend to cater to more experienced runners, virtually any athlete can prosper with these treadmill silhouettes (albeit after some practice).
Foldable Manual Treadmills
Like the best folding treadmills, foldable manual treadmills utilize a folding mechanism under the deck that allows for more convenient storage when not in use. These treadmills can be effective options for athletes trying to make the most of their available space. Given the complexity of the internal bearing systems, though, it can be quite rare to find a manual treadmill with such folding capabilities.
Hybrid Manual Treadmills
Hybrid manual treadmills, as the name suggests, offer two running modalities in one. While these profiles do feature a treadmill motor, the power source can be turned off to allow for self-powered training. We rarely see these treadmill profiles in residential settings, though, given the expensive price point when compared to standard motorized or manual units.
Flat Belt Manual Treadmills
In contrast to curved treadmills, flat treadmills feature a flat running deck that can be ideal for lower-intensity workouts like walking. These machines are also more lightweight than other silhouettes, making them an excellent space-saving option for those without ample training room. However, the lack of build components does compromise the durability slightly, so we wouldn’t recommend this manual treadmill type for interval training or dedicated running programs.
What to Consider Before Buying Manual Treadmills
There’s a lot to think about when buying a treadmill for your home gym. Some of the considerations have to do with the treadmill options, while others have more to do with you and your workout preferences. Give these factors some thought before you commit.
Electric vs. Manual Treadmills
Manual treadmills come with the aforementioned benefits, but they are, admittedly, not for everyone. It’s a good idea to dig into the differences between manual vs. electric treadmills to decide which is the best type of treadmill for you.
For example, if you’re a beginner, running on a manual treadmill may be too intense. They also likely aren’t fit if you want incline/decline training, to follow along with running classes, or to stream other content while you work out.
Size
“Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position, if applicable,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. “And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!”
If you plan to move the treadmill on your own, take a look at the machine’s weight, too. “You’ll likely need something that weighs less than 200 pounds and has mounted transport wheels,” she adds, though “the best treadmills tend to weigh 250 pounds or more because they’re designed to withstand sprinting speeds without wobbling or shaking.”
Materials and Durability
You’ll want to have full faith in your treadmill parts when it comes to your manual treadmill. After all, you’re (literally) doing all the work, so the last thing you’d want is to have a component fail during training. We recommend looking for manual treadmills constructed with durable steel frames and minimal plastic overlays across the silhouette.
We also recommend opting for a thick, rubberized belt, if possible. The thicker rubber can withstand more revolutions over time, and also serve as an effective shock absorber when landing and pushing off with each stride.
Included Features
Manual treadmills rarely feature an abundance of accessories and extras, but you should keep a list of which items are must-haves in relation to your training habits. If you value built-in workout programs, be sure to seek a profile that has some training intervals baked into the on-unit console. We’ve also found some manual treadmills with integrated water bottle holders and storage bins, which can be helpful when trying to keep your essentials nearby during sessions.
Price
Your budget, frankly, is your business. Still, it pays to keep in mind that, when it comes to heavy workout machinery, you typically get what you pay for — and that seems to be even more true with manual treadmills.
Investing in a pricer, heavy-duty machine could be a better option if you want to run or sprint at high speeds or if you want one to last for many years and lots of high-intensity workouts. If you’re just looking to get moving (and perhaps aren’t even sure if you’ll like a manual treadmill), trying a cheaper option first may be the way to go.
[Related: Running On a Treadmill vs. Running Outside]
How Much Do Manual Treadmills Cost?
The price spectrum for manual treadmills is wider than you’d think: Budget manual treadmills can go as low as about $200, while high-end options can creep up towards $10,000. Keep in mind, though, that you can often find machines on sale, especially if you shop during some of the best times to buy a treadmill. Below, we’ve compiled the price points of each manual treadmill featured in this round-up.
| Best Overall Manual Treadmill | Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner | $2,495.99 |
| Best Budget Manual Treadmill | Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill | $1,999.99 |
| Best Manual Treadmill for Walking | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill | $199.99 |
| Best Curved Manual Treadmill | TrueForm Runner | $6,895 |
| Best Manual Treadmill for Running | AssaultRunner Pro | $2,999 |
Manual Treadmills FAQs
What is the best manual treadmill?
In our opinion, the Tru Grit Runner from Grit Fitness is the best manual treadmill on the market in terms of quality and price. It offers solid construction, a smooth stride, and a spacious and shock-absorbing curved deck at under $3,000. If price is no object, however, we have to acknowledge the TrueForm Runner (nearly $7,000), which offers an unrivaled manual treadmill experience designed to improve your form and feel just like outdoor running.
Do manual treadmills have inclined options?
It depends, really. While some flat manual treadmills offer incline settings for the running belt, it can be difficult to find a curved silhouette with similar functionality, as changing the pitch of your running surface can interfere with the engineered arc of the belt. If you do prefer a treadmill with incline settings, we recommend seeking out a flat manual treadmill — or look at motorized options.
Why are manual treadmills curved?
Not all manual treadmills are curved, but many are because it makes it easier for you to keep the belt moving naturally with your stride. It also promotes better running form; running on a curved surface seems to shorten stride length, promote a more symmetrical gait, and reduce stride angle, which can help you run more efficiently and with reduced joint impact and injury risk. (4)
Do you burn more calories on a manual treadmill?
It appears so. Generally, the more intense the workout, the more oxygen you consume, and the more oxygen you consume, the more calories you burn. (8) Because running on a manual treadmill is harder and places more cardiometabolic demands on your body than running on a motorized treadmill, it means you’ll likely burn more calories. (5) In one small study done on young adults conducted at Eastern Washington University, the researchers found that running on a curved manual treadmill burned 44 percent more calories than on a motorized treadmill. (6)
References
- Edwards, R. B., Tofari, P. J., Cormack, S. J., & Whyte, D. G. (2017). Non-motorized Treadmill Running Is Associated with Higher Cardiometabolic Demands Compared with Overground and Motorized Treadmill Running. Frontiers in Physiology.
- Silder, A., Besier, T., & Delp, S. L. (2012). Predicting the metabolic cost of incline walking from muscle activity and walking mechanics. Journal of biomechanics.
- Orozco, E., Joslin, H., Blumenthal, K., & Rosario, M. (2022). Characteristics of Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Response to Change in Inclination while Walking on a Treadmill. European Journal of Sport Sciences.
- Hatchett, A., Armstrong, K., Parr, B., Crews, M., & Tant, C. (2018). The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel, Switzerland).
- Dabbs, N. C., Reid, M. J., Wimbish, J., Ng, J. (2021). The Effect of Motorized vs Non-Motorized Treadmills on Exercise Economy during Acute Sub-maximal Bouts in Collegiate Cross-Country Female Athletes. International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science.
- Robertson, N. (2014). Comparing Calorie Expenditure and Rating of Perceived Exertion between the Curve and a Motorized Treadmill. EWU Masters Thesis Collection.
- Schoenmakers, P. P. J. M., & Reed, K. E. (2018). The physiological and perceptual demands of running on a curved non-motorised treadmill: Implications for self-paced training. Journal of science and medicine in sport.
- Thompson, Dixie L. (2010). Fitness Focus Copy-and-Share: What is Oxygen Consumption?. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal.
