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Running on a treadmill resembles road running more than trail running because there are no twists, turns, puddles, or obstacles. Ideal for speed runs! But, the surface is softer than roads.
That’s why nearly all road running shoes (which is â of the market) can be used for running on a treadmill. We have selected various categories depending on what you may consider a priority. Is it the shoe’s versatility? Cushioning? Support? Ability to go fast? Price? We’ve got the top pick across many categories, all thanks to our field tests and lab tests.
In this guide, you will also find our very own expert advice on how to choose the best treadmill running shoes.
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With nearly 500 shoes for treadmill running, zapatillas de running mujer ultra trail talla 35.
We spend hours scrutinising every single release through our independent shoe testing lab:
- Chicago 1s Lost and Found Sneaker Match Shirt Sail Jason.
- We then slice the shoes up into pieces and measure over 30 different parameters to translate "performance" into comparable data.
- B999 Nero 07i Running Sneakers.
The best shoes for running on the treadmill end up on this list.
Best treadmill running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
After lab and run trials, we found Deviate Nitro 2 to be the best treadmill running shoe overall. It handled all kinds of runs we did — recovery sessions, speed workouts and LSDs — with finesse, ease and power.
Our treadmill runs felt easy on the legs as the midsole cushion gave a buttery and smooth ride. Our durometer showed that this pair is 33% softer than average. Even after placing the Nitro 2 in the freezer for 20 minutes (to simulate cold weather), it remained 13% softer than other running shoes at room temperature. The shoe is soft, no matter the temperature!
Teaming up with comfort is a midsole that fuelled and electrified our speed intervals too! It brought so much vibrance to our indoor run and turned it into a sprightly ride. What also helped is the stiffness. The Deviate Nitro 2 is 90% stiffer than the average at room temperature!
In the lab, we measured the thickness of the outsole and it turned out to be 9% thicker than average, cementing its position as a durable shoe that can handle miles and miles of treadmill running.
We do not recommend the Deviate Nitro 2 to runners looking for a roomy toebox since the shoe’s measurement of 96.3 mm is right below the average of 97.9 mm.
Pros
- Great all-rounder
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- Plush cushioning
- Comfy upper
- Grippy outsole
- Above average durability
- Fairly priced
Cons
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- Not many colours Stretch
Best speed trainers for running on a treadmill
What makes it the best?
We thoroughly enjoyed our test runs with the Endorphin Speed 4. It oozes comfort and instils a sense of security with each stride, delivering a powerful yet subtle stream of energy that helps us run faster and farther. Standing out in the all-rounder game, our lab results agree with what our feet enjoyed—this Saucony is our best speed trainer for treadmill running.
The main source of power lies in the midsole. Our cut-in-half shoe reveals a nylon plate with a distinguished natural feel, making it comfortable for easy runs to race pace. True enough, our flex test reveals it takes the same force (29.4N) as the average running shoe to bend to 90 degrees.
Supporting our feet is the PWRRUN PB foam that keeps its stack high for comfort and its composition balanced for stability. Our durometer confirms its 22.3 HA firmness is around the average. Other than the steadiness, it feels bouncy, explaining why our legs feel great even after hours of running.
Another element that keeps us chasing the miles is its light 8.4 oz (237g) build, 10.9% below average. Topping it off is an incredibly breathable upper that ensures free-flowing winds beneath our toes. Our lab tests confirm this with a 5/5 rating.
Unfortunately, the 2.0 mm tongue lacks cushioning when tying the laces too tight. We recommend managing this before starting with the run.
Pros
- Remains lightweight
- Excels at all paces
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- More spacious fit
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- Suits daily training
- Exceptional value
Cons
- Slightly heavier than predecessor
- Could be a bit firm for some
Best lightweight running shoes for treadmill
What makes it the best?
Hoka Mach 6 brought our treadmill experience to life with its refreshing ride and featherweight feel. This versatile trainer responds to interval training, provides comfort for LSDs, and offers flexibility for easygoing days. It's a vibrant companion, packed with features that elevate our indoor runs, earning the best lightweight treadmill running shoe title, as confirmed by our lab tests.
Weighing a mere 8.2 oz (232g), it’s 12.5% lighter than the average road running shoe. Mens Dingo High Country Western Boots with ease. Our bend test confirms that Mach 6 is 36.4% more flexible than average, bringing unparalleled agility to our strides.
We’re in awe of how airy the shoe feels despite its generous cushioning. Each landing impact feels protected with the 36.0/26.4 mm stack that is composed of a light and balanced 20.4 HA foam.
Wrapping up the breezy experience is an ultra-breathable knit upper, making heated indoor sessions more bearable. As we pumped smoke into the shoe, it escaped seamlessly, earning an impressive 5/5 breathability score.
However, its toebox tapers significantly in the big toe area. Those with square-shaped feet should find more comfort in other trainers.
Pros
- Really lightweight
- Fantastic outsole
- Exciting ride
- Highly cushioned
- Great for heel strikers
- Handles faster paces
- Superb lockdown
- Excellent value at £150
Cons
- Men's ASICS Aggressor 5 Shoes
- Somewhat narrow fit
- Thin tongue
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What makes it the best?
Saucony’s Kinvara 14 is our best low-drop treadmill trainer and our lab confirms what we experienced: it’s a no-fuss shoe that feels easy on the foot, regardless of distance or pace. Its balanced and bouncy cushion, loose build, and airy nature keep us agile and fatigue-free in our runs.
The ride has a hint of stability due to the shoe’s low configuration. With our calliper, we measured a heel-to-toe drop of 4.1 mm, 53.4% less inclined than average. This fosters a natural running sensation akin to barefoot strides, notably with its featherweight 6.8 oz (194g) design, shedding 27.1% off the average running shoe's weight. The midsole boasts a light yet responsive PWRRUN foam that adds life to our treadmill training. We found it easy to pick up the pace during speed training. We also felt like we were the main driver of our runs as the shoe freely adapted to our movements. Our bend test confirms its out-of-this-world flexibility to be 47.8% above average. To maintain comfort during indoor runs, Kinvara 14 has excellent ventilation, and our breathability tests agree with a flawless 5/5 rating.
Regrettably, durability is compromised by the exposed foam and thin rubber areas measuring only 2.4 mm. If longevity is a priority, it's advisable to explore alternative options.
Pros
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- Responsive foam
- They are very comfortable shoes and are very durab
- Offers some mild guidance
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- Pleasantly airy
- Works for fast and slow paces
- Can go the distance
- Also a worthy racing shoe
- Fairly priced
Cons
- A bit on the firm side
- Less outsole rubber means less mileage
- Lockdown is so-so
Best stability running shoes for treadmill
What makes it the best?
We never felt this level of security and comfort until we wore the ASICS Gel Kayano 30. Our lab findings show its substantial FF Blast+ cushioning delivers a luxurious feel, while the 4D Guidance System and expansive platform offer unwavering support. With these, it ranks as our top stability shoe for treadmill runs.
Its 4D Guidance System cleverly gives custom-made support as the soft foam under our arch adapts to our foot shape with further use. This ensures protection from any unsteadiness. Further securing safe landings is the wider-than-average midsole, with an extra allowance of 10.9/15.1 mm in the forefoot and heel to help us find our footing.
Since the stability features are so effective, GK30 has the advantage of offering plush cushioning. Our calliper reveals a whopping 39.7/27.7 mm stack that’s 29.9% softer than average per our durometer. This supportive shoe spoiled us with ASICS’ softest foam, giving us a smooth and forgiving ride.
Another surprising element is its unresisting midsole which freely flows with our natural strides. Our bend test confirmed our sensations as GK30 emerged 14.4% more flexible than the average road running shoe.
Unfortunately, GK30 stays true to the stability shoe’s branding in terms of weight. At a heavy 10.7 oz (303g), it burdened us during faster efforts.
Pros
- Exceptionally cushioned
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- Lighter than it seems
- Top-notch breathability
- Effective maximalist design
- Superior durability and comfort
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- Amazing build quality
Cons
- Zapatillas de Running Hoka One One Clifton Edge
- Midsole might require a break-in period
Best cushioned running shoes for treadmill
What makes it the best?
Our search for the best cushioned treadmill-running shoe ended when we found the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26, which fully embodies maximalism. This shoe envelopes our feet with luxurious padding, offering cloud-like plushness from all angles, as proven by our lab. It elevates comfort to new heights as it delivers surefootedness—a crucial feature often overlooked in maximalist shoes.
Upon dissecting the shoe, Gel Nimbus 26 cements its status as our calliper reveals a mega 40.4/32.0 mm stack, boldly exceeding the 33.6/24.8 mm average. It erases landing impact and ground feel almost entirely, with our durometer showing a 20.9% plusher-than-average foam. Further providing gentler landings is the PureGEL technology in the heel.
The padded upper features a stretchy knit with a premium touch. Despite its plushness, we had no encounters with hotspots and blisters in our indoor runs, courtesy of the well-ventilated upper. And breathable it is as our lab reveals an above-average 4/5 rating.
Surprisingly, the ride feels stable despite its height, ensuring proper form even as our feet get tired. The unexpected support comes from the broad base that highly resists twists. Our calliper reveals a generous landing space of 118.4/101.7 mm in the forefoot and heel, more than enough width to find our footing securely.
All the extra comfort comes with additional baggage. At 10.7 oz (303g), Gel Nimbus 26 feels too heavy for faster efforts.
Pros
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- Enhanced toebox design
- Exceptional durability
- Best-in-series outsole
- Ideal for long distances
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- Surprisingly stable
- A dream for heel strikers
Cons
- Increased weight
- Limited energy return
- Tongue lacks padding
Best budget running shoes for treadmill
What makes it the best?
We searched far and wide for the best budget treadmill shoe and our lab results and actual runs led us to Saucony Axon 3. At only £110, it’s a reliable companion for burning mileage with its comfy cushioning, light build, and durable outsole. The value it delivers can match or even outperform other treadmill running shoes that average £150.
A bang for the buck and a treat for our feet, Axon 3 weighs an airy 8.6 oz (244g), 8.3% lighter than the average road running shoe. Adding to its lightness is the breathable upper that scored a high 4/5 in our lab tests.
The PWRRUN foam has a gentle feel underfoot, boosting comfort during our indoor runs. We counterchecked using our durometer and it revealed a soft 18.3 HA measurement, confirming our experience. Despite being lightweight, its 33.6/27.9 mm stack surprisingly stands above average.
The Carbon Rubber outsole is a winner—ensuring grip while keeping the material sturdy. We largely saw any signs of wear even after running on the treadmill for countless hours. Our measurements confirm the rubber is harder and thicker than the average, promising a long lifespan.
Given its low 5.7 mm drop, we don't recommend this pair to extreme heel strikers or runners who aren’t used to a low configuration.
Pros
- Sneaker World at Galeria Kaufhof
- Significant weight reduction from version 2
- Impressively cushioned with PWRRUN foam
- Fantastic durability
- Suitable for quicker paces
- Excellent as a daily workhorse
- Lovely upper
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Cons
- Probably too stiff for very relaxed runs
- Slightly narrower forefoot than before
ADIDAS PRIMEKNIT CONSORTIUM ULTRABOOST 19 SNEAKERS GREEN BNIB RRP £190.00 | 4 things to look for in treadmill running shoes
Many runners think that you can run on the treadmill in just about any running shoe. Maybe not ANY running shoe, but sure, most of the road shoes are good for the treadmill.
Here are a few things to pay attention to that can make your treadmill runs better:
- Breathability. Best to find a breathable shoe because treadmills are always inside and it can get very hot in a gym. After all, it’s not as easy for us to get the treadmill to the top of the mountain as it is for some. In our reviews, you can ADIDAS PRIMEKNIT CONSORTIUM ULTRABOOST 19 SNEAKERS GREEN BNIB RRP £190.00.
- Cushioning and stability if needed. This is very important because running on the treadmills means no change in terrain, no turns, it’s just very repetitive motion over and over again. To avoid unwanted strain on your legs, get enough cushioning for impact protection and stability if you’re overpronating or enjoying stability elements on the longer runs.
- Regular grip because the treadmill is flat, there are no sharp turns, or obstacles, and there’s no rain, snow, mud. Very grippy outsoles can be overkill on a treadmill and make the runs weird.
- Treadmills are softer than pavement so you might look for lighter running shoes side logo-plaque detail sneakers Nero.
The rest depends on what you plan to do on the treadmill. Many will go for speed or race shoes when doing tempo runs, and many runners would go for a softer, recovery daily trainer, if they are resting from the hard sessions.
ADIDAS PRIMEKNIT CONSORTIUM ULTRABOOST 19 SNEAKERS GREEN BNIB RRP £190.00 | Breathability of treadmill running shoes
As mentioned above, best to look for very breathable running shoes. In our lab, we test breathability by pumping the smoke into the shoe and looking at where the smoke comes out and how fast. Based on that, we give the breathability rating on a 1-5 scale where 5 is the most breathable.
Clearly noticeable differences in less breathable and very breathable uppers
We also examine the upper of running shoes under the microscope to better understand the smoke test results. Breathable running shoes often have 1-layer uppers that are thin and have ventilation holes.
Under the microscope: very breathable upper with large ventilation holes (left) vs. a non-breathable multi-layered upper (right)
Non-breathable running shoes have tightly woven uppers that often have overlays as well. We’re able to see these overlays when we put the upper against the flashlight.
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Cushioned, stable, what else?
If you log long runs on the treadmill, you might enjoy high-stacked running shoes, as a higher midsole provides more impact protection for repetitive movement.
After cutting shoes in half, we measure the heel and forefoot stack height in our lab.
Measuring the heel stack height (left) and forefoot stack height (right) in Stefoy-les-lyonShops lab
Here, however, it’s not just about the stack height, but the pace. Best to go with very responsive shoes if you plan to do tempo sessions; choose cushioned daily trainers if you plan to do slower, recovery jogs.
In the table below, you can see treadmill shoes that can be used for speed work and race pace. When putting shoes in these categories, we made sure they are responsive enough to be on the list. And if you want to learn more about responsiveness and how different foams behave, read our Ultimate guide on running shoe foams.
Another important thing to consider is stability. If you’re an overpronator and need a stability shoe, definitely look for one when it comes to running on a treadmill.
Different stability elements present in shoes for overpronators
Even neutral runners, especially the heel-striking ones, enjoy some stability when the miles start piling up because there’s no diversity there, just the same motion on the same surface at the usually same inclination.
Very stable landing in high-stacked Brooks Ghost Max
High-stacked Pismo Sneaker High not stable at the heel
When it comes to neutral running shoes, a wide base helps with the stability a lot. Because of this, we measure the width of the base at the forefoot and at the heel.
Measuring the width of the base (midsole) at the heel (up) and forefoot (down)
Based on this, you can choose shoes with wider midsoles if you want a more stable ride.
Grip for treadmill: don’t overdo it
When analysing the grip in running shoes, we focus on:
- Lugs, if there are any
- Hardness of the rubber
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- Rubber coverage of the outsole
- Thickness of the rubber
However, when it comes to running on the treadmill, given that it is softer than concrete, we can advise:
- No lugs! So, don’t go for hybrid shoes (road-to-trail shoes) and definitely don’t go for trail shoes
- The rubber that is not too grippy; if it bites into the treadmill like claws, it can feel obtrusive
- No need to look for the very thick outsoles that we usually want for harsh hard surfaces
In the lab, we measure the hardness of the rubber with a durometer. The higher the number on the durometer, the harder the rubber.
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Softer rubber is usually stickier and harder rubber is more protective and durable.
We also measure the durability of the outsole by destroying it with the Dremel. The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole is.
Using a Dremel to perform the durability test on the outsole
Outsoles with great durability (rated 5/5, left) vs. bad durability (rated 1/5, right)
For context, here’s how soft and how durable the outsoles are in best-rated treadmill running shoes:
What you should pay attention to, though, when it comes to the rubber is where it is placed on the outsole. This Rosewater which foot strike the shoe is made for.
Running shoes that favour forefoot strike have rubber coverage focused on the forefoot
When heel strikers run in these shoes, they tend to wear them out sooner because there’s no rubber at the heel and the exposed foam is MUCH LESS durable.
Performing a durability test on the exposed midsole (no rubber at the heel) results in a very big damage (right) vs when performed on the rubber (left)
Outsoles with rubber coverage at the heel, not just at the forefoot
Weight: lab data for treadmill running shoes
We measure the weight of every shoe that comes into our lab.
Measuring the weight of the shoe in Stefoy-les-lyonShops lab
When it comes to treadmill running shoes, we think lighter is better as long as you get the prioritised features (breathability, cushioning, stability). But, many shoes are great for treadmills and their weight varies. Have a look at the table below.
Nike Air Max 95 Womens White Court Purple-Emerald Green-Wolf Grey Running Shoes 307960-101
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Examples of different combinations of stack heights and heel drops in running shoes
Sudden changes in heel drop are never advised and one should transition to a new drop gradually. Best party shoes.
If you’re new to this topic, we recommend this reading material: Heel to toe drop: The ultimate guide.
This happens because different heel drops utilise different muscle groups. Zero drop is the drop that activates your foot muscles the most. Lower drops (lower than 6mm) activate muscles below the knees - calves and Achilles. And high drop will go for the thighs and hip muscles. A sudden change in heel drop is considered anything from 4 mm and above.
Where heel stack height will be measured: according to WorldAthletics guidelines
Beginners are usually advised to go for a ~10mm drop. If you already have a pair of running shoes and are considering a new pair, make sure the drop is in the ok range or plan the adaptation period carefully.
It’s VERY important to know that brands угги жіночі ugg mini bailey bow ii boot pink бант наложка bs. In the lab, we measure stack heights according to the guidelines from WorldAthletics so our measurements are accurate.
When your toes need more room
Many runners don’t use the treadmill just for the warmup but to actually log miles, especially LSDs. Long runs mean a lot of sweat and swelling, and if your toes need more room to splay because they don’t want to feel cramped and don’t like the idea of blisters and bloody nails, look for shoes with a wider toebox.
Left: foot-shaped toebox, right: very tapered, pointy toebox
For this purpose, we Mocha 1s shirts Sneaker Match Sail Crying Heart: where it’s widest and at the big toe. This allows us to understand how wide and how pointy the toeboxes are.
Toebox width measurements: where it's widest and at the big toe
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And if the shoes feel narrow overall, it’s best to look for a wide option.
|
Men |
Women |
|
|
Narrow |
B |
2A |
|
Medium/Standard |
D |
B |
|
Successful |
2E |
D |
|
Extra wide |
4E |
2E |
Sneakers and shoes New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro
You can find these labels on the shoes and shoe boxes. If shopping online, the width is usually very clearly shown.
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