6 Best Treadmills for Tall Runners in 2024

Everybody wants to be tall until it’s time to find pants that are not too short, shoes that are not too small, or gym equipment that fits you. Being tall has its perks, but it’s usually a challenge to find equipment (especially machines) that will work because, well… Tall people are often too tall for most of them. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in, because we’ve found the best treadmills for tall runners, or rather, 6 of them!

Forget about short belts and feeling like you can’t work out the way you’re supposed to. The treadmills in this article are made to work for tall people, so if you’re one of those lucky ones, you’ll most likely find a treadmill that suits you just how you want it to. But don’t give up even if you don’t, because there’s also a whole section dedicated to finding the best treadmill and things to look for.

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Let’s start right away and see which treadmills are best for all of you tall people!

Top 6 Best Treadmills for Tall People Reviewed

1. SUNNY Pro Treadmill – Best Overall
2. PRO-FORM Carbon TLX
3. NORDICTRACK EXP 7i
4. SUNNY Helius Lite Smart Brushless Motor Treadmill – Best With Brushless Motor
5. RUNOW Incline Treadmill – Best Budget
6. XTERRA FITNESS TR150 Folding Treadmill

In our quest to find the top treadmill for tall people, our team of pro runners, standout athletes, and trainers gave 15 treadmills a whirl, evaluating them on 6 essential aspects (adjustability, durability, portability, folding, interactivity, and price/quality) and we considered online user reviews, too. Merely 6 products rose to the top. With 57 hours of exploration and testing under our belts, we’re excited to help you find the best option. Don’t hold back on your personal tips and suggestions —drop them in the comments.

1. SUNNY Pro Treadmill SF-T7718

Best Overall

Sunny Health Pro Treadmill

This treadmill combines high-quality build with space-saving design, and it’s suitable for really tall people! The LoPro Deck is 20” wide and 47” long. These dimensions will work for everyone, but they’re especially good for tall people because it provides a lot of space for a more natural and comfortable stride. It’s comfortable, low-profile, and doesn’t wobble or bounce when you use it. Since its surface is closer to the floor, it makes you feel almost like you’re running outside, but you still get that shock absorption treadmills have, so your joints don’t suffer as much and your workout ends up being more comfortable.

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Sunny’s Pro Treadmill is an amazing, moderately priced treadmill, and the best folding treadmill for tall runners. Treadmills can get extremely expensive, so when you find one that’s excellent quality and doesn’t cost too much, it’s like hitting the jackpot.

The speed ranges from 0.6 MPH to 9 MPH, so this treadmill can adapt to all fitness levels. There are also 9 built-in programs to add some versatility to your routine. Running or walking on a treadmill can get monotonous pretty fast and built-in programs prevent that from happening and help you stay motivated.

The monitor is not too fancy, but it’s functional and shows all important metrics: speed, time, pulse, steps, and calories burned. In addition, the treadmill features Bluetooth connectivity as well as MP3 and USB charge ports, and you can connect it to the Sunny Health and Fitness app.

Safety is another great feature: you have non-slip handlebars, an emergency stop brake, and a lower center of gravity, which makes the treadmill more stable at higher speeds. The only issue is the incline – it’s fixed. You cannot adjust it to your liking, so it might feel limiting to people who want different incline settings.

• Dimensions: 63” L x 29.25” W x 49” H
• Folded dimensions: 63” L x 29.25” W x 10.5 “H
• Running surface length: 47”
• Monitor: Digital
• Incline/ decline level: Fixed
• Speed max: 9 MPH
• Programs: 9
• Warranty: 3-Year Structural Frame Warranty, 180 Days for Other Parts, and Components
• Additional features: Device holder, Sunny app connectivity, pulse sensor
• Weight: 117.9 lbs
• Weight capacity: 265 lbs
• $$$: Moderately priced

2. ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill

ProForm Carbon TLX

This treadmill with 60 inch belt is compatible with iFit and you get a 30-day free trial when you buy it. After the free trial is up, you’ll need to pay for a subscription, which may not be ideal, but think of the value you’re getting. IFit gives you access to personal trainers and over 10,000 workouts, adding a lot of versatility to your running sessions, and you can even work out with professional trainers.

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Carbon TLX is another moderately priced folding treadmill for tall person, although this one is more expensive than our top pick. This is a very functional treadmill that may lack some bells and whistles high-end models have, but as far as value for money goes, this is another fantastic choice.

The LCD display is relatively basic and without a touchscreen, but it’s still functional and you can see everything clearly. It won’t work for entertainment, of course, but since the treadmill has Bluetooth connectivity, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite music while running or walking. Its weight is not insanely high, but at almost 250 pounds, it may be challenging to move it.

The 3.0 CHP motor is powerful and has consistent performance. The 20” x 60” belt is spacious, and the incline ranges from 0 to 12% (no decline, unfortunately). You can easily adjust it with the QuickSpeed button controls, but the greatest thing is that iFit trainers can adjust your incline themselves during workouts.

The overall surface area of 2607.93 sq inches (74.3 L x 35.1 W) makes this one the biggest treadmill on this list. This means that you won’t feel claustrophobic or that you’ll fall off while running, but it also means that the PRO FORM TLX big treadmill requires the most amount of space. If you have the space that can fit it, you are going to love it, especially if you’re very tall, because you will be able to extend your stride as much as you want.

This treadmill is not the most joint-friendly one, but the ProShox cushioning is decent and performs well when it comes to minimizing impact and absorbing shock.
The warranty is not the best you will find, but it’s not a dealbreaker, since it is a quality extra long treadmill, you probably won’t even need to use the warranty if you maintain it regularly.

• Dimensions: 74.3” D x 35.1” W x 59.1” H
• Folded dimensions: -
• Running surface length: 60”
• Monitor: 7” High Contrast display
• Incline/ decline level: 0%-12%
• Speed max: 12 MPH
• Programs: Available through iFit
• Warranty: 10-Year Frame, 1-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor Warranty
• Additional features: ProShox cushioning, CoolAire fan, low step-up height of 7.75’’
• Weight: 249 lbs (in box)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• $$$: Moderately priced

3. NORDICTRACK EXP 7i

NordicTrack Treadmill EXP 7i

NordicTrack is known for premium fitness machines that also have premium prices, so you may be expecting something pricey, but this long treadmill is decently priced, and although it doesn’t have all bells and whistles you may be expecting from NordicTrack, its quality is still great.

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The 7” touchscreen is a dead giveaway that this treadmill isn’t as premium as something more expensive, and it does feel like a budget version of something from NordicTrack. However, it is still a functional display that shows all of the information you want to see, although it’s not as comfortable as something bigger. 7” is rather small for today’s standards, and if you have bad eyesight, prepare to occasionally squint in order to be able to see everything.

The screen isn’t the only thing that’s been downsized, the running deck is also somewhat smaller, although it’s still comfortable. It’s 20” wide and 55” long, which is a good treadmill length for height and will give you a decent amount of running space. This treadmill may not have the absolute longest deck on the list, but 55’’ is still a good size and it will allow you to work out comfortably, without feeling like you’re confined. The 2.6 CHP Plus motor can accommodate speeds up to 10 MPH and the user-friendly OneTouch control system makes adjustments a piece of cake. Besides, speaking of adjustments, the incline goes from 0% to 12%, but it makes a noise during use. If you live by yourself, that’s not going to be an issue, but if you have household members, you might annoy them with it.

This may not be as luxurious as some other equipment from NordicTrack, but there’s no doubt that it’s built well, and nothing about it feels cheap.

• Dimensions: 70.8”L x 34.9”W x 59.7”H
• Folded dimensions: -
• Running surface length: 55”
• Monitor: 7” Tilt HD touchscreen
• Incline/ decline level: 0-12%
• Speed max: 10 MPH
• Programs: Available through iFit
• Warranty: 10-Year Frame Warranty; 2-Year Parts Warranty; 1-Year Labor Warranty
• Additional features: Bluetooth Headphones & Heart Rate Connectivity; Premium Audio Speakers; Runner's Flex Cushioning; Integrated Tray
• Weight: 228 lbs (in box)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• $$$: Moderately priced

4. Treadmill Sunny Helius Lite SF-T722051

Best With Brushless Motor

Sunny Health Treadpad Helius Lite

This is a surprisingly lightweight treadmill that still manages to stay stable when you use it. It’s very quiet, and its price is affordable.

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This treadmill is ideal for people who don’t want very intense workouts because it’s built for light exercising. There is a walking and a running mode, and if you fold down the handlebar, you can slide the Treadpad under a desk. It’s a great feature to have for everyone who works from home and wants to stay somewhat active during working hours.

The 47’’ x 16.5’’ running surface will give tall people plenty of space to run or walk comfortably. At first glance, it might seem like it’s too compact, but keep in mind you can’t really push yourself too far on this treadmill and you can only do light exercises. For that, these dimensions are quite perfect.

The Sunny Helius Light treadmill connects to the SunnyFit app and gives you access to workouts led by professional trainers. Other than providing you with workout options, the app also shows metrics, like time, distance, calories, speed, and steps. Every 188 miles, the treadmill will send a reminder to lubricate its belt, which is not a feature you see often, but it’s very good to have, because people often forget to lubricate the belt on time.

The brushless motor has a smooth performance and stays very quiet during workouts. The monitor is decently sized and backlit, and the treadmill has dual controls – on the handlebar and through a remote – which makes it easier and more convenient to adjust the speed.

Unfortunately, you won’t be adjusting the incline because it’s fixed. Another thing that could be better is the maximum speed: it goes up to 3.7 MPH for walking and 7.5 MPH for running, which is a little disappointing.

• Dimensions: 57.9” L x 26.8” W x 40.6” H
• Folded dimensions: 59.8” L x 26.8” W x 4.3” H
• Running surface length: 47”
• Monitor: Backlit LED
• Incline/ decline level: Fixed
• Speed max: 3.7 MPH for walking, 7.5 MPH for running
• Programs: Available through SunnyFit app
• Warranty: 3 Year Structural Frame Warranty, 180 Days Other Parts and Components
• Additional features: Brushless Motor for a quieter and smoother running experience; Dual Mode (Run + Walk) functionality catering to cardio needs; Dual Control (Remote and Handlebar Control) for speed adjustment
• Weight: 79.4 lbs
• Weight capacity: 265 lbs
• $$$: Affordable

5. RUNOW Incline Treadmill

Best Budget

Incline RUNOW Treadmill

It is an affordable treadmill that still remains functional and doesn’t feel cheaply made, although you won’t be able to mistake this for something more expensive. It’s pretty basic and has no fancy features, but you’ll get a decent workout out of it and its price won’t get you into debt.

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The maximum speed is 8.1 MPH, which is not too impressive but not bad either. It will get the job done, and you’ll get a decent running session. The motor is quiet and operates at less than 60 DB noise, with a vibration value of less than 0.28mm/s.

The RUNOW treadmill has an 18” LED monitor and there are 40 programs included: 36 preset programs, 3 user-defined programs, and 1 manual program. The controls are user-friendly: there’s a start/stop button on the left handrail and speed +/- buttons on the right handrail. They are easily accessible, so making adjustments is a breeze.

You’ll find treadmills with longer and wider running belts on this list, but for the price, this one has decent dimensions: 49.2” in length and 16.5” in width. It will give anyone with a long stride a good amount of space and you won’t need to worry about your training session being ineffective. It may be a one of the more compact treadmills, but it’s still very functional, even for tall people. It has a double-shock absorbing system that’s supposed to protect your knees and ankles from shock, but this system sounds a lot more impressive than it really is. The running surface feels rigid, and although you won’t exactly feel like you’re running on concrete, there’s not as much shock absorption as is advertised. The treadmill also wobbles a bit during use, which is distracting.

On the bright side, it is incredibly easy to assemble, and the entire process lasts for approximately 15 minutes. You can set it up quickly, and once you’re done with using it, just fold and store it away.

• Dimensions: 60.4” L x 26.6” W x 55.9” H
• Folded dimensions: -
• Running surface length: 49.2”
• Monitor: 18” LCD
• Incline/ decline level: Maximum incline 5%
• Speed max: 8.1 MPH
• Programs: 40 (36 Preset Programs, 3 User Programs, 1 Manual Program)
• Warranty: Free replacement parts for 1 year
• Additional features: Portable, foldable
• Weight: 110 lbs
• Weight capacity: Approximately 280 lbs
• $$$: Affordable

6. FITNESS XTERRA TR150 Folding Treadmill

Best Budget

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

This treadmill is the least expensive one on the list, and if you can’t decide on buying a treadmill for a large person, this one may be just what you need, because it is inexpensive and has a decent number of additional features as well as a spacious running surface.

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The 2.35 HP motor gives good performance, and it’s not very loud. It’s not exactly quiet either, but it shouldn’t disturb the people around you unless you try to use it while they’re sleeping. The speed goes up to 10 MPH and there are 3 levels of manual incline.

The frame is made of durable heavy gauge steel, and it seems like it will last a long time. You get a lifetime warranty for the frame, so you shouldn’t worry too much about anything happening to it.

The display is one of the less impressive things about the TR150 – it’s only 5”, and although it does show all relevant metrics, it’s just way too tiny for today’s standards. Most phones have screens bigger than 5”, so seeing this size on a treadmill is really disappointing.

There are 12 preset programs to keep your workouts versatile and motivating, and the console has preset speed buttons that make adjustments quick and easy. The deck is decently cushioned, and the 16” x 50” belt is long enough for even the tallest people. 50’’ is a good length for tall people to run or walk comfortably, without feeling like their stride is confined or that their workout can’t get intense enough. There are transport wheels to make moving it easier, and if you don’t have enough space for the treadmill to have its dedicated spot, you can just fold it up and store it away until you need it again.

You might say you get what you pay for, but honestly, you get more with the TR150. Yes, it does have room for improvement, but all things considered, this one provides superb value for money.

• Dimensions: 63.4” L x 28.75” W x 51.4” H
• Folded dimensions: 28.5” L x 28.75” W x 61” H
• Running surface length: 50”
• Monitor: 5” LCD (not backlit)
• Incline/ decline level: 3 manual incline settings
• Speed max: 10 MPH
• Programs: 12
• Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 1 Year Motor, 90 Days Deck, 90 Days In-Home Labor
• Additional features: XTRASoft cushioned deck, Hand grip pulse sensors, Accessory holder, Transport wheels
• Weight: 97 lbs
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs
• $$$: Affordable

How We Choose a Treadmill For a Tall Person?

Choosing treadmills for big guys involves a pretty meticulous process, so we make sure to analyze a lot of different factors, so we know whether the equipment meets the ergonomic and performance standards we’re after.

Besides general features, like durability, value for money, portability, interactivity, etc., we check more specific ones, like how long the deck is, how well the motor performs, whether the weight capacity is satisfactory or not, and how customizable the machine is. Our process includes hands-on testing and real-world use scenarios to check each model in detail.

Can Being Tall Be a Problem for Treadmill Running?

Being tall can be both a blessing and a curse in fitness and in everyday life. If you’re tall, you’re considered to be more attractive, especially if you’re a man, and you stand out from the crowd more. However, finding things that fit you can be a real issue and can lead to a ton of frustration – shoes are too small, clothes fit too tightly or are too short, and going to a new gym that has machines you’re not completely familiar with can be stressful because you don’t know whether they’ll fit you comfortably. Your height affects your biomechanics, so you need to find a treadmill that supports the way you run and walk.

Treadmills are probably one of the most problematic pieces of equipment, because if you’re tall, your stride is probably decently long, and not all belts can accommodate that. As a result, you end up settling for a shorter belt and pretend that you’re okay with it, but in reality, you’re distracted the entire time and can’t relax and enjoy your workout session.

Adjusting your natural running form to fit the shorter belt or a more compact treadmill is problematic and can negatively affect your gait and overall biomechanics. The console and handlebars can be off and not as suitable for you if you’re tall, which can change your posture and cause discomfort.

So, in short – yes, being tall can be an issue when it comes to using treadmills.

6 Benefits of Treadmill for Tall Person

Although treadmills can be quite a challenge because of the size constraints, those that are catered to tall people have a bunch of advantages and they’ll be able to accommodate long strides. Running and walking have a lot of health benefits, so don’t give up on finding your perfect treadmill.

1. Larger Running Surface

Treadmills that have spacious, long running surfaces have enough length and width to be suitable for longer strides and wider gaits. If you’re tall, this feature means that you’ll be able to walk and run in a natural, unrestricted range of motion and won’t feel cramped like you usually do on treadmills with average dimensions. The way the treadmill is designed can influence your gait and muscle activation, so this is something you need to pay special attention to.

2. Adjustable Speed and Incline

You’ll notice that speed and incline are adjustable on most modern treadmills. This is something everyone benefits from, including tall people. It allows for changes in workout intensity and pace, and the speed can be increased to match the longer stride length. Moreover, walking on an incline is good for people who are dealing with knee issues, which could also mean tall people, who may have different biomechanical stresses on their joints.

3. Absorbing Impact

Most treadmills have cushioned decks that can absorb shock and make the workout easier on the joints. This is another feature everyone, including very tall people, benefits from.

4. Safety Features

Stop buttons and safety clips are a must for all treadmills, because safety comes first when working out. However, it is especially important for tall people, since longer limbs can carry higher momentum, making sudden falls or stops riskier.

5. User-Friendly Interface and Controls

Tall people can have a hard time reaching controls — imagine how uncomfortable it has to be to awkwardly bend or stretch during running just to reach a button? If a treadmill is designed for tall people, they’ll be able to reach all the buttons and displays without issues.

6. Workout Programs

A lot of treadmills have customizable built-in programs that bring variety into your routine, but tall people in particular can benefit from them, because they can pick and choose between programs that fit them best and make a workout more accommodating to their body proportions. They can select programs that suit their body mechanics and make the exercise more engaging.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Treadmill for Tall Runners

Choosing a new treadmill can be a hassle, but if you’re tall and need specific features, it can be a recipe for a nervous breakdown. If you don’t take your time to do some research and find something that will suit your body, you’ll be in a pickle, because treadmills are staples in home gyms.

Let’s see what you should look for when choosing a treadmill that suits a tall person.

Spacious Running Surface

This may not even be something that you need to be reminded of, but it’s good to mention it anyway. The first thing you should pay attention to is how long and wide the running surface is. Ideally, you want at least 50” in length and 20” in width. A big surface will let you run comfortably, without feeling restricted.

Powerful Motor

Robust motor (preferably 3.0 CHP or higher) makes the treadmill perform smoothly and consistently, especially at higher speeds.

Adjustable Incline and Speed

Being able to adjust the incline is always a plus, because it can simulate different terrains and make your session more or less demanding. Additionally, look for a treadmill that has maximum speed sufficient for tall people’s longer strides (usually at least 10 MPH).

Shock Absorption

Decent cushioning that is able to absorb impact is especially important for tall people, because their limbs are longer and can experience more strain during exercise. Look for a treadmill that advertises having generous cushioning and check user reviews to see how effective it is.

Console and Display

Readable displays, user-friendly console, intuitive controls… You want all of this, but check the positioning and whether any of these features be adjusted or not. Some displays can be rotated or tilted, and some treadmills have consoles and buttons that are placed so they can work for tall people.

Pro Tip:

Beyond the console being simply user-friendly, try aiming for a treadmill that has an adjustable console/display. Stooping or stringing your neck just to use/look at it can result in an unsavory workout experience (especially for tall people).

Pro Tip:

Beyond the console being simply user-friendly, try aiming for a treadmill that has an adjustable console/display. Stooping or stringing your neck just to use/look at it can result in an unsavory workout experience (especially for tall people).

Frame

Don’t underestimate the importance of a sturdy frame! Tall runners exert more force on the treadmill because of their long strides, so they need the frame to be particularly robust and durable. High-quality materials are always the way to go, and alloy steel is the best choice.

FAQ

How long should a treadmill be for a tall person?

Ideally, you want a running surface that is at least 50” long and 20” wide. It will give you enough space to run or walk without feeling restricted and cramped and you’ll enjoy your workout a lot more. If you want something that will give you enough space to go crazy, go for a treadmill 22x60 – this one would have a belt whose width and length is more than enough for anyone.

What is the best treadmill for marathon runners?

For marathon runners, you’ll need a sturdy build, a lot of space to run on, a powerful motor, and nice cushioning. Brands like NordicTrack and Precor are known for having treadmills with these features, but if you want a recommendation from this list, then the Xterra TR150 will be a good choice, primarily because of its spacious deck.

What treadmill has the longest track?

Generally speaking, NordicTrack’s Commercial 2950 has a pretty long track, but if you want a recommendation from this list, go for NordicTrack EXP 7i or the Pro-Form Carbon TLX.

Is 55 long enough for a treadmill?

Yes, 55” is long enough for a treadmill for big and tall people. However, keep in mind that width is also important, and at least 20” would be ideal.

Conclusion

As you can see, finding a long stride treadmill doesn’t have to be a hassle. All it takes is a little research and knowing which features to look out for.

Hopefully, by now you know exactly what you’re looking for, but if you have any doubts, go for the best treadmill for tall people, the SUNNY Pro Treadmill.

There has to be something you want to add to this, so feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and potential struggles when it comes to treadmills for tall people! Have you found your perfect match yet? Have you tried any of the treadmills from this list? Which feature do you think is the most important when it comes to treadmills for tall people?

Running off!

Also read:

• Walking 5 Miles a Day Results
• Best Treadmill for Bad Knees
• Best Treadmills With High-Quality Shock Absorbers

References:

1. Aravind Sundaramurthy, Junfei Tong, Adhitya V. Subramani, Vivek Kote, Michael Baggaley, W. Brent Edwards, Jaques Reifman, "Effect of Stride Length on the Running Biomechanics of Healthy Women of Different Statures," BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 24 (2023): 604.
2. Duck-Chul Lee, Angelique G Brellenthin, Paul D Thompson, Xuemei Sui, I-Min Lee, Carl J Lavie, "Running as a Key Lifestyle Medicine for Longevity," Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 60, no. 1 (2017): 45-55.
3. “Get Smart about Treadmills,” Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/get-smart-about-treadmills (accessed December 29, 2023).
4. Matthias Woiczinski, Carolin Lehner, Thekla Esser, Manuel Kistler, Monica Azqueta, Johannes Leukert, Leandra Bauer, Eduard Kraft, "Influence of Treadmill Design on Gait: Does Treadmill Size Affect Muscle Activation Amplitude? A Musculoskeletal Calculation With Individualized Input Parameters of Gait Analysis," Frontiers in Neurology, Neurorehabilitation Section 13 (2022).
5. “5 Surprising Benefits of Walking,” Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking (accessed December 29, 2023).