Barefoot running is natural running without footwear. When the environment does not allow barefoot running outdoors, treadmills are definitely a substitute for daily runners.
Do you have the habit of running barefoot? Are you looking for a treadmill that can be used for barefoot running? To run safely on a treadmill barefoot, you need to make certain adjustments to the treadmill settings and running style.
But blisters and other problems are just around the corner. Don’t worry, and I got your back. I have acknowledged and reviewed the top 6 best treadmills for running barefoot below.
Can You Get Blisters from Running Barefoot on a Treadmill?
Running barefoot on a treadmill might result in blisters. The extremely abrasive surface was not intended to be stepped on with bare feet. Treadmills also produce a lot of heat due to the combination of the rotating component (the engine, suspension, and roller systems) under the belt and the motor.
Top 6 Best Treadmills for Running Barefoot
Xterra TR150 Treadmill
Although being a lightweight treadmill, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 has a steel tubing frame that is very robust. Having said that, the unit is capable of supporting users weighing up to 250 pounds (113.3 kg).
The frame’s steel components are all painted in a corrosion-resistant paint finish. Since black is the only color appropriate for this treadmill, it was selected. This XTERRA treadmill has a manual incline mechanism, meaning that you won’t be able to adjust the deck’s incline while you exercise.
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 treadmill has a 2.25 HP motor. Although it is not a highly powerful engine, it can tolerate lengthy stretches of jogging or running, even at maximum speed. It also has a small flywheel, which stabilizes the rotation motion and makes the belt movement much smoother.
The unit’s motor has a speed range of 0.5 to 10 miles per hour. On the console, there are fast speed change keys for 1 to 9 mph. The incremental speed change buttons, on the other hand, give 0.1 MPH intervals. This is a fantastic feature because it allows you to find the ideal speed for your exercise. Besides, the belt’s speed adjusts smoothly and without sudden adjustments, allowing you to adapt to the pace as desired.
Pros
- It’s a lightweight treadmill and can be transported easily.
- High durability running machine that can be used for a long period.
- It has an attractive design.
Cons
- No Bluetooth connection.
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT is designed specifically for serious runners. There aren’t many frills, but it has what you need: features to offer demanding exercises for people at all fitness levels and a system that can handle an athlete’s physical challenges testing their limits.
The treadmill has a steel frame, which provides a solid and robust base that can endure longer and more vigorous runs. It has a lifetime warranty and a 3.0 CHP motor that is very efficient, steady, and quiet. The 60-inch running deck is marginally larger than the regular 55-inch deck, making it suitable for bigger athletes and those with a longer stride.
The top speed is 12 miles per hour, and the highest incline is 15%. When both ranges are mixed, any athlete should anticipate demanding runs and vigorous interval training and conditioning. It’s more than enough for strong aerobic exercise and muscle toning in the lower body. When it comes to cardio, the grip pulse heart rate sensor is a fast way to check your vitals.
Pros
- It has a top speed of 12 mph
- It’s a heavy-duty treadmill
- It has a grip pulse heart rate sensor
- It is suitable for serious runners.
Cons
- The console is not a touchscreen
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 ranks first in treadmill consumer ratings around the world. It’s a strong and durable treadmill. It’s enjoyable to use with iFit Coach and reasonably priced. The recently updated model for 2021 features a few small improvements that can boost your overall running experience.
Its 10′′ HD monitor features upgraded graphics processing, dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, and the option to connect to Bluetooth headphones. A modern incline drive system claims to be much smoother than before, which is always positive, and automatic incline and speed monitoring for live workouts have also been improved.
NordicTrack 1750 also comes with a 1-year iFit membership, but beginning with the new ones, it’ll be a family membership rather than a regular one. A silent 3.75 CHP engine is powerful enough for sprinting. A 10-inch HD touch screen, iFit Coach drills, built-in fitness plans, and strong incline/decline settings help shape your lower body are all its features.
Pros
- 10-inch HD monitor.
- It has a Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi support.
- 1-year iFit membership.
- A powerful 3.75 CHP motor allows a top speed of 12 mph.
Cons
- The assembly process is complicated.
- The 2-year warranty on parts is shorter than other commercial models.
NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill
The frame of the 6.5 Si treadmill is made of steel sides and cross beams, durable while being light enough to fold and move easily. The handrails and consoles are supported by powder-coated chrome rails. To make the running platform robust and strong, the deck is made of a composite material.
The self-cooling 2.6 CHP motor offers a speed of 10 mph and 10% incline. Besides, it can keep the belt cool during moderate barefoot walking and jogging sessions. Although the 6.5 Si motor isn’t as good as others, you can switch between pace settings easily and used it for interval training.
The 1750’s console has been streamlined after it was updated in 2021. To reduce the unwanted congestion on the monitor, the button series was simplified. Icons for iFit navigation have now emerged on the touchscreen. Besides, the screen size was expanded from 7″ to 10″.
Pros
- Simplified button series
- Self-cooling 2.6 CHP motor, which is good for barefoot running
- Good motor controls
Cons
- The running belt is small (20” x 55”), which is not great for tall runners.
- The running speed has only 10 mph
Bowflex T Series Treadmill
The Bowflex T Series treadmill is a tempting treadmill that has been built to meet standards. This top-of-the-line machine is strong enough to impress even the most serious athlete while still being compact enough to fit the needs of those who live in apartments.
Bowflex Results treadmills come with a long list of high-end accessories, including maintenance-free fitness belts, variable cushioning, full-color workout displays, advanced calorie burns calculators, wireless heart rate control, Bluetooth networking, and more. This model has plenty of elbow space and can accommodate user weight up to 400 pounds.
The fact that this model has a foldable frame is a little shocking. Because in most cases, the home-friendly treadmill comes at the detriment of another attractive feature.
The Bowflex treadmill has a large running area (belt), which has a width of 22 inches, and a length of 60 inches. These Bowflex treadmills, unlike many other home treadmill types, have three-ply maintenance-free exercise belts, which removes the need to wax the belt and the need to re-calibrate it due to stretching.
The Burn Rate console’s Bluetooth compatibility makes it simple to upload your fitness data. The treadmill is compatible with its latest Bowflex app and other more-regularly-used fitness monitoring applications like MyFitnessPal and FitBit.
Pros
- The foldable frame makes it can be stored easily.
- High-end accessories are included.
- It has 11 built-in fitness programs that offer a variety of choices optimized for weight loss, speed performance, heart rate training, and so on.
- Bluetooth connectivity is available.
- 400 lbs maximum user weight capacity.
Cons
- It’s a new model in the market so there would be some unexpected problems occur.
SOLE F85 Barefoot Running Treadmill
The Sole F85 is a top-of-the-line residential treadmill for serious runners and power walkers. It’s foldable for quick packing at home, but it’s still capable of long-distance running and intensive interval training.
With a 4.0 CHP motor that supports a top speed of 12 mph, an extra-large track with a dimension of 22″ x 60″, and an automated power incline with 30 levels, this folding treadmill is a great option for home gym use. The latest F85 has a 10.1-inch screen that displays exercise progress and can connect to smart devices and wellness applications.
The F85 has a 10-item application menu, much like the other Sole treadmills. Manual mode, two heart rate-regulated exercises, two user-created routines, and five classic treadmill exercise programs: Cardio, Fat Burn, Hill, Interval, and Strength.
These fitness programs allow you to control the treadmill’s pace and incline and set various durations.
All Sole home treadmills are foldable, thanks to their hydraulic technology, which locks the frame tightly into each location to protect small children.
Pros
- Extra-large running area of 22″ x 60″.
- Automated incline with 30 levels.
- This treadmill is foldable and can be stored easily. Besides, it has children protection locks, so you don’t need to worry about safety.
- Lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck.
- It comes with 10 built-in workout programs.
Cons
- The side rails are short.
- It will still occupy a large space when folded.
How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Barefoot Running?
Treadmill Belt
The texture on the surface area of the treadmill belt would need special consideration because it was designed for running shoes. Your feet are will not used to walking on such a hard surface, so keep that in mind and limit your time on the treadmill accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that the trainers you were wearing on the treadmill might have been anywhere. They may have been in the mud, outside, or anywhere else you don’t know about. It’s also a smart idea to give the surface a fast wipe down before barefoot running on a treadmill.
Deck Length
When planning your barefoot workout, consider the length of the treadmill running deck; the longer, the better.
Treadmill decks usually measure 60 inches in length. When you get on the treadmill, you can keep your balance on the running deck, which is made of MDF (medium-density fibreboard). When you race, the running deck under the treadmill’s rotating belt protects and absorbs the force of your feet.
Deck Width
A treadmill’s total width is 20 inches in most cases; this is only for the running area. Depending on the model, the remaining dimensions can differ.
If you’re using a smaller treadmill with a small running area, you’ll almost definitely need to make some changes. The more running space you have, the better your running experience will be and the safer you will be.
Treadmill Shock Absorption
As I previously said, not all treadmills are made equal. The form and degree of refinement of the shock absorption are some of the most significant distinctions. Rubber cushioning or a swingarm device are the two most popular choices.
The better the treadmill’s shock absorption, the more support your body and joints get when running. This will help you to get more enjoyment out of your treadmill while reducing the long-term effects of weak shock absorption.
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