10 Best Treadmills for Tall People in 2023 and Buyer’s Guide
Treadmills are not all made equal. Some work better for some people, while others work better for other people.
If you are particularly tall, you must choose a treadmill to handle your height. Otherwise, the LCD screen may be too low for you to use comfortably, or the safety key may not even work.
Confusingly, most companies do not bill their treadmills as best for specific heights. Therefore, a quick Google search probably will turn up too many options. The only way to tell which treadmills are best for tall people is to read through customer reviews.
However, this can take tons of time.
Luckily for you, we already did all of the legwork. Below, you’ll find treadmills that many taller people said worked great for them.
The 10 Best Treadmills for Tall People – Reviews and Rankings
1. OMA Treadmills for Home 5108EB – Best Overall
No products found.
With a 2.25 HP motor, this treadmill is perfect for home exercise. It allows you to run up to 81 mph. An adjustable speed allows you to run, jog, or walk. This treadmill is equally suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It has enough power for more than 60 minutes of continuous use.
If you’re new to running, you’ll particularly enjoy the 36 preset programs. Each program is specifically designed to introduce a style of running. If you’re newer to running, you’ll likely benefit from using these programs to help get you started.
The handle features a start/stop button and access to quick speed adjustments. It allows you to quickly change the speed as you workout, making this treadmill safer and easier to use. No one likes struggling to change their treadmill’s speed while they’re running on the treadmill.
This treadmill’s belt features a 16.5” running area that is both antislip and shock-absorbing. It is made with many layers, which makes the belt more cushioning. Therefore, it is much gentler on the knees and great for those with joint problems.
Furthermore, this treadmill is very easy to install. In fact, it can take as little as 15 minutes for a single person to install this treadmill. It can also be folded and moved as necessary, allowing you to store it away if you have a smaller space.
2. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill – Best Value
No products found.
Thanks to the large 16” x 50” belt length, this treadmill can accommodate users with longer strides, making it a good option for taller people. It also features an LCD screen that displays key metrics while you run, like time, distance, speed, and incline. It also estimates how many calories you’ve burned and allows you to measure your heart rate right on the spot.
This treadmill comes with 12 present programs, which are great for beginners. They allow you to get started right away. There are three manual inclines as well, offering unmatched variety for your workout.
The deck can be folded or unfolded by easily pulling a knob, allowing this treadmill to be stored when not in use.
Furthermore, this treadmill has an integrated bookrack, which allows you to keep your reading material close by. It also comes with some other holding spaces, so you should have room for all of your belongings while you work out. You can check our guide about best treadmill for heavy people.
3. NordicTrack T Series Treadmills – Premium Option
No products found.
While it is more expensive than other options on the market, the NordicTrack T Series Treadmills include some features that you just can’t get anywhere else. These include streaming on-demand and live workshops, allowing beginners to get started right away.
Incline and speed control is designed to be easy and straightforward. You can do it while you’re running without much of an issue, making this treadmill very easy to use. It also features a smart Bluetooth connection. When combined with iFIT, you can access a professional trainer who can adjust your treadmill’s speed remotely as you workout.
This treadmill has a rather large tread belt at 20” x 55”. This belt is plenty large enough for taller people. In fact, it is one of the largest treads currently available on the market.
This deck is also made with many different layers, cushioning your joints as you run. Therefore, it is great for those who have joint problems.
When you’re done running, you can activate the EasyLift Assist, which allows you to fold up the treadmill. Once folded, it can fit into a very small, compact space, allowing you to easily store away your treadmill.
This treadmill can hold up to 300-pounds, which is plenty for most taller users out there.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill – Best Professional Option
No products found.
Out of the other treadmills we’ve reviewed, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill is about average. It features an auto-incline, which helps ensure that you’re always having a tough workout. It has 12 incline levels of all from 0% to 12% – plenty for most users out there.
There are three countdown modes in all, including time, speed, and calories. You can travel at a speed of up to 8 mph, which is about average for this range of treadmills. You should be able to utilize this treadmill for most workouts with this maximum speed.
The handles of the bars have a built-in pulse-rate monitor. You can check your heart rate while you’re working out by simply holding onto the handles.
The Bluetooth functionality allows you to play music through the treadmill while you work out. It also features an MP3 cord for use with devices that do not have Bluetooth.
When you’re done working out, you can fold this whole treadmill up for easy storage. Transport wheels allow you to move it around as necessary, allowing you to easily shove it into a corner if you need to.
5. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill – Best Treadmill For Storage
No products found.
If storability is extremely important to you, you should consider getting the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill it is the best treadmill for storage. The main benefit of this treadmill is that the handlebars completely come off, allowing you to slide it under your bed when you aren’t using it. It is one of the easiest to store treadmills out there, making it a great option for those with small spaces.
However, you are giving up a bit for this folding feature. For instance, the running area is a bit smaller, which can make it difficult for very tall people to use. After all, if your stride is longer, it may be a bit too much for this treadmill.
With a 2.25 HP motor, this treadmill is decently powerful, though. It seems like it can withstand quite a bit of use, and it can reach a decently fast speed. The steel frame is quite durable and helps the treadmill last longer.
The treadmill belt is anti-slip and features many different layers. Therefore, it provides plenty of cushioning for your knees and muscles. If you have joint problems, this treadmill is probably one of your best options.
This treadmill also includes a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, and app control. You can connect your phone to play music and to control the treadmill remotely using the app.
6. FUNMILY Treadmill for Home – Bets Foldable Treadmill
No products found.
If you need to work while walking on a treadmill, this option is probably the best one you can purchase. It features a huge desktop near the front of the treadmill, where you can place your laptop or iPad for work. The Bluetooth setting allows you to connect your phone directly to play music.
Like most treadmills on this list, this treadmill has a 2.25 HP motor. It also features 12 preset programs and three count-down modes. It can reach a speed of up to 7.5 mph. This is a bit lower than other options on the market. Usually, these treadmills can reach up to 8 mph.
The running belt is quite large. It is 40” by 16.5”. For the most part, this treadmill is big enough to be used by tall people. However, it isn’t the biggest treadmill out there, so it really depends on your overall height.
The design is foldable, and you can easily transport it using wheels. Therefore, you can easily put it away as necessary when you’re done working out.
7. Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill – Best for Explore the World
No products found.
Out of all the treadmills on this list, the Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill is one of the more expensive options. However, it is a professional-level treadmill with many features that other treadmills simply don’t have.
For instance, it auto-adjusts to match real-world running paths. You do need an Explore the World subscription to run these paths, though. However, if you’re looking for variety, this subscription is a small price to pay.
The LCD screen features 16 workout programs and two user profiles.
You can run at a 10% motorized incline. The running path is pretty big at 20” by 55”, allowing you to use it even if you have longer strides. The cushioning system provides a smooth run and is very gentle on your joints, including your knees. Therefore, if you have joint issues, this treadmill may be a solid option.
This treadmill can go up to 10 mph. This speed is quite high compared to other treadmills that usually don’t go faster than 8 mph.
However, this treadmill is exceedingly expensive compared to other options. You’re going to be paying a lot for these extra features. Plus, it also requires a subscription to an app to utilize some of the included features.
8. SereneLife SLFTRD18 – Best Compact
No products found.
The SereneLife SLFTRD18 is designed to work with the FitShow sports app, which is available for download across most platforms and connects to the treadmill through Bluetooth. This app includes preset programs to help you start exercising right away. You can also customize your own workouts using this app, allowing you to create your own preset options.
This treadmill is designed to fold conveniently and easily. It is completely portable and can be stored away whenever you are done with your workout. If you have a smaller space, this may be a perfect option for you.
However, this treadmill is billed as a “compact” option. Therefore, it is a bit smaller than most. While this is useful when you’re worried about storage, it also means that the treadmill itself is smaller and, therefore, often unable to support longer strides.
This treadmill does incorporate a safety key and emergency shut-off. It allows you to cut down on power instantly if you fall or otherwise have an emergency.
9. Merax Folding Treadmill – Best Shock Absorption
No products found.
As the name suggests, the Merax Folding Treadmill can fold up for easy storage after your workout. This is its primary selling point. Therefore, we only recommend it for those that actually need a folding treadmill.
This treadmill is designed to support up to 240 pounds, which is about average for this price range. It has a rigid structure that allows it to remain durable after years of use.
Like many treadmills, this one comes with 12 preset programs. It can reach a speed of 7.5 mph, which is also pretty average. Most beginners should be perfectly fine with this maximum speed, though you may need to consider a different treadmill if you’ve been running for years.
The belt is multiple layers to provide some shock-absorbing qualities, which can save your knees and other joints. For those who already have joint problems, this feature is extra important.
The LED display provides information on all sorts of different metrics. For instance, it provides information on time, distance, and calories. Plus, it also includes two water bottle holders to keep liquid within safe reach. A smart device holder also allows you to watch your phone or another smart device.
10. OMA 1012EB Folding Treadmill – Best for Preset Programs
No products found.
While this treadmill will work great for some taller users, it did land at #10 on our list for a few different reasons.
Firstly, this treadmill has poor instructions. They are obviously translated from a different language, which can be a problem when it comes time to assemble it. Secondly, this treadmill does not store easily. It is advertised as a “folding” treadmill, though this is misleading. You have to disassemble the handlebars to fold it, which can be time-consuming.
It is not meant for quick storage.
This treadmill still has a lot of positive features, though. For instance, it has a 300-pound capacity, which is higher than many other treadmills out there. It also features a large running area, though it isn’t quite as large as other options out there. It also includes 36 preset programs, so you have plenty of variety to choose from.
Buyer’s Guide (How To Choose Best Treadmills for Tall People)
Treadmills are not a cheap purchase. If you’re in the market for a treadmill, there are quite a few features you should keep in mind. Below, we’ll take a look at all of these different features.
Read our complete guide below to ensure that you purchase the correct treadmill for you. There is not a one-size-fits-all treadmill out there, so considering which features you really need is essential.
Weight Capacity
If you don’t know how much you currently weigh, you may want to consider finding out before purchasing a treadmill. Different treadmills have different maximum weights. Obviously, you want one that can hold you with ease.
Therefore, be sure to compare your weight to the weight capacity of the treadmill. This step is rather easy and straightforward, but it is easy to forget.
If you purchase a treadmill that isn’t designed to hold you, it may end up breaking or wearing down before it is meant to. Therefore, you’ll end up wasting money on a treadmill that will break in only a few uses.
To get your money’s worth, be sure you purchase a treadmill that can support you.
Running Space
As someone that is taller, you probably have a longer stride than the average person. When running on a treadmill, this can be a problem. Technically, you could adjust your stride to match whatever the length of the running space is. However, this will be quite uncomfortable and may increase your chance of falling.
Therefore, you should plan on getting a treadmill with a larger running area. This larger area will ensure that the treadmill can support your stride so you can run comfortably.
As you might imagine, these treadmills are a bit larger in general. Therefore, they will take up more room in your home. However, there really aren’t many ways you can get around this. The treadmill has to be larger to support your stride. A compact treadmill simply won’t work for many taller people.
Storability
Many tall people need to store away their treadmills simply because they are larger than other treadmills out there. Therefore, it is essential that you choose one that is at least somewhat storable.
Of course, you should consider your own space when choosing a treadmill. Maybe you have plenty of space that you can dedicate to your treadmill and don’t need to store it at all. Maybe you have a corner you could dedicate to your treadmill, or maybe it has to fit underneath your bed.
No matter your storing requirements, you can typically find something for just about every storing solution out there.
Therefore, you should take your time to find a treadmill that isn’t going to be in your way all the time. Even if you live in a larger space, you may want to consider a treadmill that you can easily put away as necessary.
Price
We would all like a treadmill that we don’t need to dedicate much money to. However, if you want a quality treadmill, you will need to pay quite a bit for it. Treadmills can easily cost over $1,000. However, most on our list are under $1,000. In fact, there are some around $300.
With that said, you do get what you pay for. You are not going to get a quality commercial-style treadmill for $300. Instead, these treadmills are going to be bare-bones. They will likely have a few pre-set workouts and maybe some inclines.
Of course, the only person who knows your budget is you. If you can only afford a $400 treadmill, then you should only purchase a $400 treadmill. However, you should have realistic expectations for what that will get you.
With that said, you should also keep in mind any subscriptions you might need for the treadmill to work properly. These subscriptions can easily cost a few hundred a year, and they aren’t always blatantly advertised by the treadmill company. Therefore, you should do your research to ensure that you don’t accidentally purchase a treadmill that costs extra money each month.
Connection Features
Bluetooth is rather common for treadmills and typically allows you to play music through the treadmill’s speakers. For some people, this ability is very important. For others, it might not matter.
If you’re incessant about listening to music over your treadmill’s speakers, you should choose a treadmill that has Bluetooth (preferably) or at least one that features USB ports to plug into your phone.
Speed Options
The treadmills on our list generally have a top speed of 8 to 10 mph. You can find treadmills with a top speed of 12 mph. However, these are often top-of-the-line and cost a lot of money.
Luckily, this speed is plenty for most users. Unless you have been running for years, you’ll likely get along just fine with eight mph, which is a jog or slower run. If you need a faster treadmill, though, be sure that you purchase one. You don’t want to end up with a treadmill that doesn’t go fast enough to meet your needs.
If you are running, you will need a longer treadmill, as your stride will be longer. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing a treadmill. Walkers can often choose a shorter treadmill, even if you’re a taller person.
Incline
Many treadmills have incline options. These inclines allow you to burn more calories without actually running faster. Plus, if you’re already running pretty fast, then inclining the treadmill is often the only way to burn more calories.
Plus, walking on a treadmill is often quieter than running on one. If you’re trying to lose a lot of weight and be quieter, then you may want a treadmill with more incline options instead of more speed options.
Ease of Installation
Most treadmills require some level of installation when they arrive at your house. However, some require more installation than others.
Some treadmills are simply two pieces that you then have to screw together. Other treadmills are completely taken apart and require quite a bit of installation before you can use them. Sometimes, you may want to consider paying a professional installer to put the treadmill together.
The quality of directions plays a huge role in the ease of installation. If the instructions are hard to read or not very clear, then it may be very hard to put the treadmill together. Sometimes, the instructions are obviously translated from another language, which makes them very difficult to read.
Weight
Treadmills are quite heavy. In many cases, this won’t matter. However, if you can’t lift very much or live in an apartment, then it very well could matter a lot.
We didn’t talk very much about weight in our reviews, simply because it often isn’t a huge deal. However, if it is to you, then be sure to check before you make your purchase.
Warranty
Many treadmills have warranties, especially if they are on the more expensive side. If you’re paying a lot for the treadmill, you should probably ensure that it has a decent warranty. The last thing you want to do is pay $1,000 for a treadmill only for it to break down in a few months.
We’d hope you’d have a warranty to back up any premature failures.
FAQs Of Best Treadmills for Tall People
How Long Should a Treadmill be for a Tall Person?
It depends on what you plan on using it for. If you only want to walk, then you can get away with a shorter treadmill. When you walk, your stride will be shorter than when you run. If you walk, you can likely get away with a treadmill length of closer to 55” or 60”, depending on your exact height.
A running treadmill is very difficult to find as a taller person. You’ll need a treadmill that is at least 62” long. These are hard to find, but if you’re over 6’, then a treadmill that is long is absolutely necessary.
Is a 55” Treadmill Long Enough?
Fifty-five inches is considered the minimum length for average-height runners. Of course, if you’re reading this article, you probably aren’t of average height. Therefore, we recommend this length only if you expect to do most of your time walking.
For those that actually want to run, you should plan on buying a longer treadmill. Generally, we recommend at least 62” for runners that are also taller. These can be difficult to find, but you will be potentially slipping off the back otherwise.
Of course, never forget to consider how much space you have at home. If you have a smaller home, then you should be cautious when it comes to buying a bigger treadmill. Or, you may need to carefully consider storage options.
Which Treadmill is Best for Me?
While a one-size-fits-all option would make everything much easier, this isn’t possible. To choose the perfect treadmill for you, you’ll need to consider many different factors. We discussed this in-depth above, but here is a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to consider.
The size of the treadmill is essential, especially if you are taller. The average treadmill may not work for you, after all. Always check the length of the treadmill before you buy it to ensure that you’ll fit and that it will fit in your house.
You’ll also need to consider the price of the treadmill. While some treadmills cost thousands of dollars, others are only a few hundred. Of course, the features and quality of these treadmills vary a lot. Therefore, you’ll want to consider what features you actually need and purchase an appropriate treadmill.
Speaking of other features, they are going to be your main selling point. Do you need a treadmill with lots of preset programs because you are a new runner? Or, is one that features streaming for online classes more important? Do you need Bluetooth or not? What about storage options? Can you leave your treadmill out all the time, or do you need one that folds into the corner?
With so many different things to keep in mind, choosing the right treadmill for you should be a careful process of elimination. We recommend picking out a few treadmills that fit the size and cost requirements you need and then eliminating them based on their other features.
Keep in mind; you likely won’t find the perfect treadmill. Shopping for a treadmill is a lot like purchasing a house. You should have a few absolute must-haves and then a few extras you would like. You should select one with all the options you have to have, but you may not get all the extras that you need.
What Size Treadmill Belt Do I Need?
The belt size you need depends on a variety of different factors. Firstly, you should consider what you plan to do with the treadmill. If you plan to walk on it, a shorter treadmill may suffice, especially if you’re trying to save some room or live in a smaller space.
However, if you’re going to run, then you’ll need a longer belt. When you run, your stride increases. Therefore, you’ll need to consider what you plan to do with the treadmill before you can figure out the minimum size you need.
Secondly, your height also matters. Those who are taller have a longer stride. Therefore, you’ll need a long treadmill. Most treadmills are built for people around 5’9”. If you are taller than this, then you’ll have to purchase a longer-than-average treadmill.
Of course, these treadmills are designed for 5’9” runners. So, if you only plan on walking, then a normal length treadmill may be fine if you aren’t planning on running. If you’re planning on running, a longer treadmill will absolutely be necessary, though.
Is a Cheap Treadmill Worth It?
When you purchase a cheaper treadmill, you must expect to get what you pay for. A cheaper treadmill is not going to be nearly as good as a high-quality treadmill. That just isn’t possible. Cheaper treadmills are going to be lower-quality and often have fewer features.
However, it mostly depends on if this is okay for you or not.
If you’re just looking for a basic treadmill and don’t want any extra features, then a cheaper treadmill may absolutely be worth it. Some people want to stream online classes, run quickly, or have a steep incline. If you don’t fall into any of these categories, then you may be fine with a less expensive treadmill.
Of course, it all depends on what you plan on doing with the treadmill.
These cheaper treadmills can be worth it in some situations. If you won’t use any of the advanced features, then you shouldn’t pay extra for them, after all. For those that just want a simple machine to work out on, you may want to save money by purchasing a cheaper one.
Is a Treadmill a Good Investment?
A treadmill can be a great investment – as long as you use it. Typically, a good treadmill can last for as many as ten years without needing anything done with it. If you actually plan on using the treadmill regularly, then you can easily get a lot of use out of their lifespan. However, you do need to use them regularly.
Similar to cars, simply leaving a treadmill alone will make it wear down faster. The lubricant won’t be spread around quite as much as it should without regular use, so it won’t be lubricated the next time you use it. Furthermore, you’ll need to consider the other parts of the treadmill as well. The motor may not work quite well next time if you aren’t using it regularly.
Even after ten years, you may be able to change some of the treadmill’s less durable parts to extend their lifespan. For instance, you can change the belt once it gets worn out, which should allow it to keep running for quite a while.
However, cheaper treadmills often don’t last as long. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase a new treadmill sooner than with a more expensive option. Therefore, these are less of a good investment. You may end up spending more money over the years with these cheaper treadmills than you would with a larger one.
Therefore, your best bet may be to purchase a more expensive treadmill right off the bat, as this will save you more money in the long run.
Is a 2.5 CHP Treadmill Good?
For most people, 2.5 CHP is the best option for most people. The CHP refers to “continuous” HP. While treadmills may top off at a higher HP, continuous horsepower is the level that the treadmill can usually run at.
A 2.5 CHP motor is a good option for joggers or walkers. In many cases, this power is plenty for most users. However, runners may require 3 CHP, though. 2.5 CHP might not be quite enough for them.
Of course, the more powerful the motor, the more expensive the treadmill will be. Therefore, you may want to choose one that has just enough power for you. In this way, you help ensure that you don’t pay for more than you need.
Conclusion
When you’re a taller person, you’ll likely need a larger treadmill. After all, your stride will be longer than the average person. Therefore, you’ll need a treadmill that can deal with your longer stride.
However, it also depends on what you plan on doing with the treadmill. Most treadmills are designed to support the running of the average person. However, if you only plan on walking, then you may be able to deal with an average treadmill.
But if you plan on running, then you will need to purchase a longer treadmill. This will be more expensive, of course. However, if you plan on running, then a longer treadmill is a must.
There are a lot of options out there for treadmills for taller people. For instance, we loved the OMA Treadmills for Home 5108EB. It features 36 different preset workouts and can go up to 8.1 mph.
