8 Best Incline Treadmills for Training Hills, According to Running Experts

Buying a treadmill is a big investment—maybe not as much as buying a puppy or a new SUV, but there’s still substantial commitment involved. Here are a few things to consider before bringing home your first (or next) incline treadmill:

Dimensions and deck size: Most home gym equipment takes up significant floor space. That’s doubly true for treadmills. Check the dimensions of any treadmill you're currently shopping and be sure to add at least 1-2 feet in every direction and three feet or more behind the treadmill (the area you step on to the machine from) for maximum safety.

You’ll also want at least 15” inches above your own height when standing on the treadmill. So, if you’re 5’10” (70 inches), make sure your ceiling height is enough to accommodate 85 inches, plus the height of the treadmill belt.

The industry standard for a walking treadmill deck is 55 inches by 20 inches and is at least 60 inches by 20 inches for running. You may be able to get away with running or walking on shorter decks, but this means altering your stride length, which means you’ll have to think about every step you take. Look for an XL deck if you're 6-foot or taller.

Stability: This might seem obvious, but double-check that all four corners of the treadmill are firmly in contact with the floor after setup. Many home floors aren’t 100% level (you'd be surprised). You want to make sure that your treadmill is well-planted to minimize the risk of slippage, shifting, or tilting.

Incline capabilities: If you're looking for a treadmill specifically for incline training, be sure it offers at least 15 adjustable levels. We're talking a minimum of 15 percent incline, and at least three percent decline. If you crave steeper hills, look for options with 20+ percent incline capability.

Siik strongly recommends prioritizing how the treadmill performs once it's set to a steep incline. "This aspect is crucial. While most treadmills can reach a 12% incline, what matters most is how stable they feel when you're actually at that steep angle," he says.

The primary concern is the treadmill's stability on steeper inclines. Does it exhibit any wobbling or side-to-side shaking? Incline training naturally exposes your body to more aggressive angles from head to toe, making essential to have a super stable platform beneath you.

Durability and power: Most brands are transparent about their treadmills' maximum weight capacity and motor horsepower, but some (cough, Bowflex) don’t disclose the full spec sheet. For reference, you should look for at least a 300-pound weight capacity and a 3.0 CHP motor if you plan to run or sprint regularly.

Additional features: Some treads add extra shock absorption and cushioning in the belt to minimize the impact on your knees, ankles, and joints. The best treadmills also offer touchscreen displays with web-connected features like interactive, trainer-led studio classes. Just know that, in most cases, these require an ongoing subscription that could add up over the years.

Piringers reminds that virtual running programs can make treadmill runs less "boring," allowing users to run all over the planet on pre-programmed training programs and routes that can be viewed on the display. "I think it’s super fun and visually stimulating. It can get pretty monotonous running on a treadmill without," he says.

Noise: Treadmills can—and often do—make a lot of noise, especially for your downstairs neighbors (if you live in an apartment) or housemates (if you live in a multistory house). If you think this might be an issue, consider a treadmill mat to help minimize the noise.

Transportation: Moving a treadmill into a confined space, like a small bedroom or basement, can be challenging. Often, it makes sense to hire experts to do it for you.

If you’re the handy type, you can opt to disassemble the treadmill. Start by moving, then reassembling the deck, then the uprights, then the console, in that order. Otherwise, most companies will move and assemble the machine for an additional fee.

Budget: There’s no getting around the fact that treadmills aren’t cheap. Some of the best incline treadmills can run north of $3,000, but you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent model. The best budget to mid-range models are priced between $1,000-$3,000. While that’s not chump change, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re planning to integrate jogging or running into your regular fitness routine.

Warranty: The industry standard for a treadmill frame warranty is 15 years to life. This is the standard for mid- to high-dollar treadmills, but if you’re buying some random machine off of Amazon for $200, don’t expect this type of guarantee.