The 7 Best Treadmills for Tall Runners of 2024 — Expert Tested and Approved

When choosing to build out a home gym, a treadmill is often one of the first pieces people consider for cardio equipment. But when perusing the internet for the best treadmills, you’ll find the market is saturated with options that aren’t suitable for tall runners or those with longer gaits. However, we’ve compiled a list of treadmills that offer at least a 60-inch running deck, which will provide racers of all heights enough runway to take off.

Finding the right treadmill that’ll have you committed to building your routine is one of the best ways to bring the benefits of cardio into your life. Benefits include elevating your mood and managing weight, to improving cardiorespiratory function and increasing longevity. (1) Our team of testers, ranging in height from five foot five to six foot three, laced up with the best running shoes and put the top machines in the market to the test — here are our top picks for the best treadmills for tall runners.

The 7 Best Treadmills for Tall Runners

• Best Treadmill for Tall Runners Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Manual Treadmill for Tall Runners: AssaultRunner Elite
• Best Treadmill with Screen for Tall Runners: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Treadmill for Tall Runners with Interactive Programming: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Simple Treadmill for Tall Runners: Sole F63
• Best Foldable Treadmill for Tall Runners: NordicTrack 2450
• Best Value Treadmill for Tall Runners: Bowflex Treadmill 10

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Tall Runners

The BarBend roster is filled with marathon racers, former D.1 athletes, and weekend warrior fitness enthusiasts who have tried and tested over 40 of the top treadmills with the goal of giving you the most honest and thorough reviews possible. To provide the clearest understanding of our testing notes, we’ve utilized a multi-point methodology, scoring categories such as footprint, adjustability, and dynamic programming from 1 (not great) to 5 (we love it). Here are some of the areas we focused on when making our picks:

Deck Length

While we’ve tested treadmills with deck sizes between 38 inches and 62 inches, our first point of consideration was making sure to only provide choices with at least a 60-inch running surface. As certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto noted, “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride. Shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck; taller individuals may need to look for a deck even longer than 60 inches, although this can be tough to find and will cost you more money.”

Cost

Running on a treadmill shouldn’t limit a proper stride length, regardless of the cost. However, we understand that every runner is working with a different budget, so we made sure to include options that varied in price range from entry-level budget treadmills up to premium high-quality machines. However, due to the 60-inch deck length, a majority of these choices are quality treadmills and will be more expensive than treadmills with less suitable space for your pace. 

Adjustability and Ergonomics

We sprinted at their top speed and climbed to the max of each treadmill’s top incline. Having access to a wider range of speed capabilities, incline and decline training, and seamless interactive programming puts athletes in the driver’s seat of their success. We wanted machines that provided enough training intensity that tall runners of all levels could benefit from.

Additionally, when there were HD touchscreens for streaming content, we looked for tilting capabilities to keep taller runners in a more ergonomic viewing position. When treadmills on our list had screens that didn’t have tilting capabilities, we made sure to note it. Some lower-priced treadmills come with an LCD display instead of a touchscreen, providing basic user stats and some preset programs.

Best Treadmill for Tall Runners Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT  

The benefits of cardio have been proven to lower blood pressure, strengthen hearts, and reduce cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. (2) While many treadmills aren’t suitable for tall runners, the Horizon 7.0 AT provides a 60-inch running deck with enough room for those with long legs and long gaits. You’re also getting 12 miles per hour max speed, and while there’s no decline training, there is up to 15 percent incline. Value, conveniences, durability, and footprint all scored a 4 out of 5 for us.

Workout experience scored a 4.5 out of 5. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, noted, “It didn’t shake when I was running and the 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning felt comfortable.” This cushioning creates stability at the back of the belt where your foot pushes off, a neutral central zone, and extra cushioning at the front where your foot makes impact. “A well-cushioned running deck is an essential component of a treadmill for individuals who have joint problems, particularly bad knees,” mentioned certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto.

Durability scored a 4 out of 5 for its 325 max user capacity and lifetime frame and motor warranties. “I recommend looking for a 10-year frame [warranty],” said Capritto, and here Horizon Fitness goes above and beyond. However, the 3.0 HP motor is less robust than the CHP motors we tend to recommend for serious runners.

Usually on sale for $999, this is a budget-friendly pick when compared to similar machines that range from $1,500 to $2,000. Our tester noted, “While the tech capabilities on this treadmill aren’t the most impressive, the Bluetooth connectivity makes pairing with Zwift or Peloton possible.” There isn’t an HD touchscreen, but there is a 7.25-inch LCD display that provides basic stats like duration, distance, speed, incline, and heart-rate. Plus, 8 workout programs are built-in to get your rear in gear. Since the console here falls a bit short compared to other higher-end treadmills, our team gave tech capabilities a 3 out of 5. 

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Manual Treadmill for Tall Runners: AssaultRunner Elite

Manual treadmills are touted for their ability to help runners improve their form, encouraging a powerful push-off from the balls of your feet to propel you forward. Because of this, you won’t need a power source — you are the power source. The AssaultRunner Elite is our choice for the best manual treadmill for tall runners, and best curved treadmill overall, due to its incredible 400-pound user weight capacity and its generous 62.2-inch running deck, allowing users of all heights and sizes the ability to pick up the pace. Durability, customizations, adjustability, and conveniences all scored a 4 out of 5 for us.

Our tester has owned this treadmill for over two years, “I appreciate that the LCD screen is simple and easy,” they noted. Here you’ll see stats such as time, calories, distance, speed, and programs. You’ll also have the ability to connect a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth and ANT+. Tech capabilities scored a 3.5 out of 5 with our tester, who noted, “The monitor is solid, but that’s about it when it comes to tech features.”

At $3,999 the Elite is $1,000 more expensive than the Pro model, but with that price tag, you’re getting two water bottle holders, a UV-resistant console, and a lifetime warranty on the belt as compared to the 150,000 mile belt warranty on the Pro. Additionally, “The Elite reigns supreme compared to the Pro when it comes to max user weight, with 400 pounds versus the 350 you’ll find on the Pro,” noted our tester.

This machine is built to last. The frame and handrails are made from solid steel with a rust-resistant top coat, the hardware is corrosion-resistant, and the console screen is UV resistant. Our tester gave durability a 4 out of 5, stating, “You’re getting a lifetime warranty on the belt, and 10 years on the frame. The only reason I took away a point in this category is because of the plastic sides.”

While users won’t have the option to adjust the incline range, certified personal trainer  and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto noted her appreciation of these manual treadmills, “I love how the AssaultRunner encourages me to maintain good running form and feels more like running outdoors, but brings all the benefits of running indoors.” Similarly, customers love this machine and mention the ease of assembly when they have a helping hand. Customer reviews scored a 4.6 out of 5.

Read our full Assault Runner Elite Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill with Screen for Tall Runners: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 

The 1750 is one of the best NordicTrack treadmills out there. With a 60-inch running deck, taller runners or those with longer strides will have room to move. The 14-inch touchscreen can tilt, improving your view based on your height. And, it can swivel, so you can take classes off of your treadmill. This treadmill has an overall score of 4.5 out of 5, one of the highest overall scores out of over 40 treadmills that we’ve tested. Durability, customizations, workout experience, and tech capabilities all scored a 5 out of 5 for us. (Can you tell we love this treadmill?)

This treadmill is iFIT compatible, viewed through the tilting touchscreen, giving users access to over 17,000 workouts. This subscription comes with a monthly membership of $39 after a free month’s trial. We think this is a worthwhile investment, and if you’re not interested in iFIT programming, perhaps you may want to consider an alternative treadmill since its compatibility is a big selling point. Dynamic programming and ergonomics scored a 5 out of 5. For more information on the NordicTrack 1750’s tech features, check out our video from our expert reviewer, Jake Herod, below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0eR4J8l0_4

The 12 miles per hour max speed and -3 to 12 percent incline are powered by a 3.5 CHP motor, stronger than the 3.0 CHP motors we recommend for serious racers. Certified personal trainer and Barbend editorial member Kate Meier took the 1750 for a spin utilizing an iFIT workout. “On screen, the trainer started running downhill and the treadmill adjusted so I felt like I was right there with them,” they said. With iFIT’s AutoAdjust features, your treadmill adjusts its speed and incline based on your trainer’s commands. Workout experience and tech capabilities scored a 5 out of 5.

“While the four-figure price tag may not be everyone’s idea of budget-friendly, I truly do think this is one of the best buys for the money…The main drawback… is its footprint. It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it,” noted certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. At 80-inches long and 38-inches wide, the 1750 is 3-inches longer and wider than the average treadmill.

Read the full NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill for Tall Runners with Interactive Programming: ProForm Pro 9000 

If you’re in the market for a premium treadmill that’ll provide high-quality interactive programming, look no further than the ProForm Pro 9000. The 3.6 CHP motor powers 12 miles per hour max speed and a -3 to 12 percent incline on a generous 60-inch belt deck, perfect for taller runners. Most notably, the 22-inch HD touchscreen provides access to iFIT’s interactive programming. This treadmill scored one of the highest overall scores at 4.5 out of 5, tied only with the NordicTrack 1750.

This is one of the best treadmills with iFIT, and with this integration, users can stream over 17,000 workouts, from trail runs to weight lifting and interval training. iFIT trainers can also automatically adjust your speed and incline depending on the workout, so all you have to focus on is keeping one foot in front of the other. 

Membership costs $39 a month after a free one-month trial, and while it’s an added expense, we think it’s necessary to fully enjoy this machine. “The Pro 9000 is one of my favorite treadmills,” noted certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, “[but] it requires an iFIT subscription for full use.” While there are some workouts available on the console, without iFIT programming the 22-inch monitor feels like a waste. Tech capabilities scored a 4.5 out of 5.

“iFIT is some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom. The cushioned deck helps prevent joint pain, and the negative 3% to 12% incline/decline range is great for runners who need to train hills,” said Capritto. Our tester agreed, giving dynamic programming a 5 out of 5

While the 300-pound max user weight is 25 to 50 pounds less than what we’ve seen on similarly priced treadmills, certified personal trainer and Barbend editorial member Kate Meier thought the durability of the machine was impressive. “Even when I had the incline up and was sprinting my heart out, the treadmill felt stable. Also, the treadmill belt feels thick and durable, like it’ll last me some time,” they said, giving durability a 5 out of 5.

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review.

Best Simple Treadmill for Tall Runners: Sole F63

The Sole F63 provides a simple streamlined design, workout variety in the form of 12 miles per hour max speed and incline training, and a generous 2-ply 60-inch running deck suitable for taller runners or those with long strides. With a $1,199.99 price tag, this is one of the best treadmills under $1,500 that we’ve tried — you’re getting functionality without added amenities that may be unnecessary (and costly) for those looking for simplicity. Conveniences scored 4.8 out of 5, while value, workout experience, and adjustability scored 4.5 out of 5.

Customizations scored a 5 out of 5 with its 12 miles per hour max speed (2 miles above industry standard) and its 15 percent incline capabilities, higher than anything we’ve seen at this price point. “While you won’t have interactive programming, the simple 6.5-inch LCD provided basic stats and there’s Bluetooth connectivity and pulse handlebar sensors,” mentioned certified personal trainer and Barbend editorial member Kate Meier. Tech capabilities scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Durability got dinged a point, falling to a 4 out of 5. Meier noted, “It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but the treadmill did shake a little when I was running on it.” This could be due to the 325-pound max user weight capacity, which is on the lower end of high-end treadmills with a 325 to 350-pound average weight capacity. 

An additional win for taller runners is that the fans are angled higher. “The fan felt a little high for me, but it’d be great for someone taller. Although, it wasn’t all that strong,” noted Meier who’s about five feet four inches tall. In addition, you’ll find cup holders, a tablet holder, an emergency stop, and a large storage tray for easy access to whatever you want nearby. Conveniences scored a 4.8 out of 5.

Lastly, the 3.0 HP motor isn’t as strong as the CHP motors we tend to recommend for serious runners. However, the lifetime frame and motor warranty should help put your mind at ease about problems down the road. You also won’t find streaming capabilities like iFIT, Peloton, or JRNY, but for tall runners looking for a simple treadmill that won’t break the bank, the Sole F63 provides.

Read the full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Best Foldable Treadmill for Tall Runners: NordicTrack 2450

“You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” noted certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. But what happens when a taller runner needs ample deck space while also needing to save on floor space? The NordicTrack 2450 provides a 60-inch running deck that folds up to save users floor space when not in use. Adjustability, tech capabilities, and customizations all scored a 5 out of 5.

The footprint of this treadmill transforms from 65 inches long to 44 inches, saving users 21 inches of floor space when folded. Plus, EasyLift hydraulic assist makes sure your deck lowers to the ground with control.

With a max speed of 12 miles per hour and -3 to 15 percent incline, there’s no wonder why this is one of the best high-end treadmills we’ve come across. “Most treadmills don’t have decline training, so it’s nice to see it here. Plus, the 12 miles per hour max speed is higher than the industry standard of 10 miles per hour,” noted our tester, giving customizations a 5 out of 5.

While folding treadmills can often start to feel flimsy, due to the addition of moving parts, the 2450 scored a 4.75 out of 5 for durability. “When I was running, I didn’t notice any wobble. This could be due to the large stabilizers on either side of the treadmill,” noted our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 coach, “It felt incredibly durable. This thing feels like it’ll last a real long time.” But, assembly was a struggle for our tester. “I’ve assembled a lot of treadmills, and this was still difficult for me. You’ll want another pair of hands to help,” they said, scoring setup a 2.5 out of 5.

You’ll also find a 22-inch HD touchscreen for iFIT programming, where you’ll have access to thousands of scenic workouts. This screen can tilt for taller runners to view more easily or pivot so users can take workouts off of their treadmill. Tech capabilities scored a 5 out of 5. For more information on the NordicTrack 2450’s tech features, check out our video from our expert reviewer, Jake Herod, below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmOq24_wKXI

iFIT programming will cost you an additional $39 monthly membership after a one-month free trial. Also, since iFIT programming and capabilities are what make this treadmill shine, you may want to consider other options if you’re not interested, since you won’t be able to stream other content from the touchscreen.

Read our full NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill Review.

Best Value Treadmill for Tall Runners: Bowflex Treadmill 10 

Tall runners wanting the most bang for their buck need look no further than the Bowflex Treadmill 10. For $1,999, users get 15 percent incline training, -5 percent decline training, and 12 miles per hour max speed, which provides impressive workout versatility for a tread in this price range. Plus, the 10-inch immersive HD touchscreen can stream workouts and your favorite shows with the use of the JRNY app. Adjustability, ergonomics, and tech capabilities scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Value scored a 4 out of 5. At $1,999, this machine is one of the best treadmills under $2,000. “The shock absorption on the belt made running and walking comfortable, plus the deck is long enough and wide enough for any stride,” noted our tester, giving a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics, “It’s big but you’re getting a lot of features.” The 60-inch belt deck length is great for runners, and the 22-inch width is 2 inches larger than the average treadmill we’ve tested. 

The best part about this treadmill is the ability to access content. “You can stream all of the apps you’d want from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon — you name it,” noted our tester. With a JRNY subscription, you’ll have streaming capabilities and fitness programming to use from the 10-inch touchscreen. Tech capabilities scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Users get two months of free membership from JRNY, then it’s $19.99 a month after that. This is nearly half of the cost of what iFIT or Peloton Tread will run you, so we think it’s a worthwhile investment. Our only pain point is that the touchscreen doesn’t tilt, so eye lines for tall runners might not be the most ergonomic viewing experience.

While this treadmill proved sturdy, it’s undeniably due to its large 85-inch length by 39.6-inch width footprint and heavy 323-pound weight. That’s nearly 10 inches longer and 5 inches wider than the average treadmill. “This machine is huge. And if you’re planning on folding this up to move it around, I don’t know if I’d recommend it.” Footprint scored 2.5 out of 5. This size provides a max user weight of up to 400 pounds which is impressive, however, the 4.0 HP motor isn’t as strong as the CHP motors we tend to recommend for serious runners.

Read our full Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review.

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill for Tall Runners

Navigating through the options on the market for a good treadmill that’ll fit your stride and your budget takes an understanding of what your fitness goals are and how you intend to use your machine. 

Whether you’re interested in casually hopping on for a run whenever the weather keeps you from heading outdoors, or you’re intent on increasing your average marathon time with daily dedicated use, we’ve made it our mission to provide users with options suitable for however they view their training shaping up. Here are some key areas to consider before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

Floor Space

Treadmills built for taller runners have a longer running deck, and with that added space often comes larger footprints. Make sure you measure your space available and use the dimensions we’ve provided to see what treadmills will work for your home. Some users may want a treadmill that can fold up, saving floor space when not in use, and we’ve made sure to highlight our favorite option with this feature.

Motor Size

Our list provides a wide range of motor sizes from 3 HP (horsepower) up to 3.6 CHP (continuous horsepower). Certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto noted, “Ideally, a running treadmill will have a powerful motor with at least 3.0 CHP. The best (and usually most expensive) models have a CHP of up to 4.0.” 

4.0 HP translates to having 4.0 horsepower at the motor’s peak, meanwhile a 4.0 CHP motor provides 4.0 continuous horsepower. Basically, CHP motors are stronger and will last longer than HP motors. While HP motors are less robust than the CHP motors we recommend for runners, they’re often times cheaper, so depending on your budget and desired use, they may be the right fit for your needs. 

Intensity

Deciding on the level of intensity you’d like to train with will help you wade through your options, from looking to train in a fat-burning heart rate zone to setting your sights on increasing your speed or mileage. All of the options on our list provide impressive speed capabilities, from a 12-mile-per-hour max speed to manual treadmills where you can pick up and hit a sprint in just a few steps. 

What about incline capabilities? Many of the treadmills on our list provide incline ranges between 12 and 15 percent. In addition, there are also some options with decline training, providing -3 to -5 percent decline. Knowing the intensity you’d like for your training will help you land on the right speed and grade for the work you want to do.

Final Word

The best treadmills for tall runners provide enough deck length to allow users to run without any restraint. We didn’t skimp when it came to providing options with at least a 60-inch running deck, so you won’t have to worry about a choice on this list providing. Beyond the deck length, the additional features and functionality of the treadmill depend on what you’re looking for. From budget, and simple options, to choices with integrated programming and screens the size of a melon, there’s a choice on this list for you no matter what you’re looking for.

Investing in a treadmill can be a stressful experience, but the investment in your health, from improved moods, stronger bones, and stronger hearts, is a worthy expenditure. (1) (3) Take your time perusing our top picks, check out customer reviews, look deep into your soul, and see what sort of training you want to do. After that, we hope you take the leap and treat yourself to the joys of running on a treadmill that’s long enough for you.

FAQs

References

1. Chan, L., Chin, L. M. K., Kennedy, M., Woolstenhulme, J. G., Nathan, S. D., Weinstein, A. A., Connors, G., Weir, N. A., Drinkard, B., Lamberti, J., & Keyser, R. E. (2013). Benefits of intensive treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 143(2), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.12-0993
2. Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
3. Kim, J. S., Lee, Y. H., & Yi, H. K. (2016). Gradual downhill running improves age-related skeletal muscle and bone weakness: implication of autophagy and bone morphogenetic proteins. Experimental physiology, 101(12), 1528–1540. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP085852