Walk or run for miles in comfort.
We know certain outside terrains need the right shoes for grip, but what about inside, on the treadmill? This machine is known for its perfectly smooth belt and flat surface—it’s uniquely different from the ground outside. Because of that, the right shoes are key.
“On a treadmill, the foot moves through the stance phase of the gait cycle due to the straightforward motion of the belt. Because of that, strides can be shorter. In this repetitive motion, lack of proper support can result in heel, arch or knee pain,” says Hargun Oberai, DPM of Balance Health. “In outdoor walking and running, more push-off is required, and more side-to-side stability is needed, with a tougher outsole to account for the rougher terrain,” she says. Oberai adds that having a separate shoe for the treadmill isn’t just good for your feet, but also help protect your treadmill belt from dirt, pebbles or grit.
With these recommendations in mind, we consulted Oberai, Melanie Vaisberg, D.P.M., of Balance Health, and Rizwan Tai, D.P.M.of Vital Podiatry to learn about the most critical features to look for in treadmill shoes and how to select the best pair for you.
Best Shoes for Treadmill Running and Walking
- Hoka Clifton 10, $125 (was $155) at hoka.com
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, $135 (was $155) at amazon.com
- Hoka Mach 7, $116 (was $145) at hoka.com
- Brooks Ghost 17, $110 (was $150) at amazon.com
- Nike Pegasus 40, $98 at amazon.com
What to Look for in Treadmill Shoes
“When I’m recommending a shoe for treadmill walking, I look at a few main things: forefoot flexibility, torsional stability, a stable heel/crash pad and a breathable upper. Fit is obviously important too. Since a treadmill is a consistent, predictable and usually softer surface, you generally don’t need as much traction or rugged construction as you would in a shoe meant primarily for outdoor walking or running,” says Vaisberg.
Based on our experts’ guidelines, we found five supportive and comfortable shoes for both treadmill running and walking.
Clifton 10 disappointment
$155 $125 at Hoka.com
“Foot type and gait matter more than the type of activity. Foot types, such as neutral versus overpronator, matter more in shoe selection. A neutral walker would benefit from daily trainer shoes,” says Oberai. She recommends the Hoka Clifton 10 as a great neutral sneaker. These are padded with great arch support and a durable heel.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
$155 $135 at Amazon
“An individual who overpronates or has a lower arch would benefit from a stability shoe. My top pick is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. I actually own a pair,” says Oberai. Brooks added a guide rail system in this shoe, which refers to added structure throughout that ensures your gait stays in check, which is great for walking on the treadmill.
Hoka Mach 7
$145 $116 at Hoka.com
“The benefit I have found from the Hoka Mach 7 for a treadmill is that whether the session is a walk, a run or a mix in between, it is lighter and feels responsive on a continuous, consistent surface,” says Oberai. These shoes are known for their feather-light ride and super-breathable upper.
Brooks Ghost 17
$150 $110 at Amazon
Both Oberai and Tai recommend the Brooks Ghost line. The “midsole absorbs the impact created on our every stride smoothly,” says Tai. Oberai also prefers it for patients with a neutral stride. The Ghost 17 sneaker is known for its light, foamy cushion that’s relatively minimal while providing the comfort most people need. Not too much; not too little.
Nike Pegasus 40
$98 at Amazon
Tai recommends the Nike Pegasus 40 as another treadmill option. It has “reliable support” and cushioning that work well for the treadmill’s design. They have a responsive midsole that adds a pep to each step on the already-bouncy belt.
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