Running Shoes - Gear

Two things stood out to us as highlights of the 1750 in our testing: its ease of use and its big touchscreen. We didn’t have to stab at buttons multiple times to get to the speed or incline we wanted, since quick keys allowed us to switch right to them with one press. And the ample screen affords space to take in the equally ample selection of trainer-led workouts.

Reviewers Jeff Dengate and Adam Schram also called out the 1750’s long deck and stability. And they noted that, despite the treadmill feeling a bit bouncy, the firmness is adjustable in case you don’t need as much cushioning to eat up heavy strides.

As great as the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is, not every runner can part with more than a thousand dollars for the privilege of running indoors—that’s like several pairs of Nike Vaporflys! Enter the ProForm Carbon TLX, a quality machine with access to the iFit interactive workout library for under $1,000 (and free shipping for Prime members). Unlike the Commercial series, though, runners accessing iFit workouts must sync their smartphone or tablet to the treadmill to load up a workout.

That said, a large media shelf provides a stable place to put your device, and two water bottle holders and a fan keep you cool during your trot. The underlying mechanical technology is rock-solid, too, with the Carbon TLX sporting a large running platform and a top speed and peak incline to rival top-range models. However, there’s no downhill running feature, so look elsewhere if that’s important.

If the mountains are calling but you can’t go right now, try simulating your favorite hilly routes with the Reebok SL8.0. It has impressive 18 incline settings to help you dial in the ideal effort while a cushioned running platform makes it comfortable for hours of running. A maximum top speed of 12.4 mph and a 3-horsepower motor put it on par with more expensive mills, as do integrated heart rate monitors on the handles.

Tech-wise, this Bluetooth-enabled treadmill has 24 preloaded workouts and can connect to the Reebok Fitness app to access even more content. You can also connect the treadmill’s Bluetooth speakers to your phone or computer via a headphone jack and USB input.

Just note that, to get the $90 discount on this treadmill, you have to click the coupon before you add it to your cart.

If you’re the type who mourns the loss of buttons on your smartphone, you’ll feel right at home on the Sole 63. It sports two sets of buttons to adjust speed and incline, including a buttons featuring preset speed and incline settings below the fan, and another set of up and down buttons below the display.

The mechanical performance is also top-notch thanks to a durable frame with a 325-pound weight limit, a top speed of 12 mph, and a maximum incline of 15 percent. Purchasing the Sole F63 also gets you free, unlimited access to Sole+, an app-based fitness video service with more than 3,000 classes on demand.

Click on the coupon to get $150 0ff, which is a steeper discount than the one Sole is running on its own site right now.

If you’re the type who mourns the loss of buttons on your smartphone, you’ll feel right at home on the Sole F80. It sports two sets of buttons to adjust speed and incline, including a line of buttons featuring preset speed and incline settings along the sides of the display and another set of up and down buttons on the handrails. In testing, we found it easy to adjust incline and speed using the latter set of well-placed buttons, rather than stabbing at a touchscreen with sweaty hands during an interval workout. The mechanical performance is also top-notch thanks to a durable frame with a 375-pound weight limit, a top speed of 15 mph, and a maximum incline of 15 percent.

The Sole F80 is also feature-packed—albeit with a somewhat small 10.1-inch touchscreen display—and includes preloaded workouts and the ability to stream content from built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube. If you’d like to use an app not loaded onto the treadmill, there’s also a screen-mirroring feature.

The Horizon Fitness T101 is an ideal treadmill for runners who want a ’mill built to last for the least amount of money. The T101 comes with a lifetime warranty for the motor and frame, with the option to buy additional coverage to offset the cost of parts and labor if something else breaks.

While there’s no touchscreen, the T101 features a simple control console and a library of preloaded workouts. You also get a fan, a media shelf to hold a phone or tablet, and Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately for faster runners, the speed tops at 10 mph or 6-minute mile pace. However, long-distance runners will appreciate the three-zone running surface: It starts soft near the front, where you touch down, and firms up toward the rear of the running surface for a responsive toe-off.

The ProForm Pro 2000 is a sturdy mid-range smart treadmill currently on sale for hundreds of dollars below MSRP. A long 60-inch running platform makes it ideal for taller runners or those with longer strides, and customer reviews indicate that the platform itself is well-cushioned and comfortable for long runs. It can also run downhill at a gradient of up to -3 percent and uphill at up to 12 percent.

Like many treadmills that cost significantly more, the ProForm Pro 2000 allows runners to access the (subscription-based) iFit workout library and comes with a 30-day free trial. However, steer clear if you run in your garage—storing it there will void the warranty.