Living in an apartment, want to workout, but have no space for a clunky treadmill and certainly couldn’t get away with the noise? Testing the WalkingPad X21 has us thinking we may have a solution for you!
Listen, you know we’ve tested a lot of running treadmills. So we aren’t going to pretend like this is the same as a big sturdy NordicTrack 1750 with a big screen of workouts and a deck for pounding out long runs.
But this is absolutely an option when that’s not really what you even need!
Maybe you want to be able to take a quick walk between sessions of sitting at your desk, you want to walk and take phone calls, you want to walk at your stand up desk and occasionally you feel like a quick a little jog to spice up your life.
Then don’t spend bookoo bucks on a massive machine that you’ll barely use. Focus on what you need and maximize your time and space.
Who is it Good For?
Let’s find how just who is going to find a benefit here and who should look for a bigger treadmill:
- Casual Runners: If you like to run for a couple minutes here and there, this will get the job done.
- Distance Runners: Definitely not designed to be a machine you run on for hours, partially due to belt length and partially due to the motor.
- Heavier Runners: Weight limit is 240lbs and would definitely be comfortable for walking, would not use at higher speeds.
- Under Desk Walkers: 100% this is a fantastic choice if you want to walk daily
As a serious runner, I wouldn’t use it for running. But I have been using this for daily walks and feel pretty confident that due to the size and style, it’s going to be a great budget option. It’s going to be durable and stable for frequent usage in small spaces.
WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill Overview
Having seen the Walking Pad X21 all over social media, I was really curious to find out if it was actually as fabulous as it seemed or just a lot of hype.
My initial impression was that it’s heavier than I expected and then upon further inspection, it looks like they are actually using a much lower version Walking Pad which is about 40lbs lighter and not nearly as sturdy or with the option to go up to 7.5mph!
Admittedly, I will not be running 7.5mph on this ever, but happily would do an easy jog. Some of that could be due to my own comfort as a taller person on a short belt.
The X21 weighs about 90 lbs, but once it’s folded up, you can use the small wheels to easily maneuver it around the room when needed. I only used it on hardwood, so I’m not sure if it would roll as well on carpet.
LOVE the double fold feature. Not just a big foldable treadmill that still requires a lot of space, but it turns in to a slim little number that can be tucked away or placed flush against the wall.
Super easy to fold up and fold down. That made me feel really comfortable with knowing it would get used more frequently and I really adore that it doesn’t need to take up space. My husband has already claimed it for his office because of that.
When letting it down, I do recommend holding the back end so it doesn’t slam in to the floor, but it gives assistance most of the way. Then on folding it back up, don’t be afraid to give that little tug initially. You aren’t going to break it!
The controls are very easy and intuitive. You push the dial to start and then turn it to speed up or slow down. Tada, you have learned what you need to know!
I didn’t put it on because I tend to listen to audiobooks, but there is a phone (or small iPad holder) mount. So you could watch a show to pass the time! And if you’re looking to use it while working, you’ll just need to have a standing desk that’s taller than the hand rail.
My desk adjusts up and down, so it would easily pass that test.
Walking Pad Double Folding Treadmill Specs
- $1,199 — code RUNTOTHEFINISHX21 saves you $400 making it $799
- WalkingPad discount code RUNTOTHEFINISH will work for 20% off other products
- Free shipping and good return policy
- Digital read out along top handle bar with spin dial for speed
- Can control via an app
- 7.5 MPH (12KMH) max speed
- No incline or decline
- 240lb weight limit
- Optional phone holder
One thing I found really interesting was that I felt comfortable walking on this in my socks or barefoot. I have always felt my standard treadmill is too firm and really uncomfortable for that, so this was a nice little bonus.
Is WalkingPad Quiet?
I sent my husband around the house, both upstairs and down while I was walking to find out just how quiet it was. Good news, he didn’t notice it!
As someone who tried to sneak a full size treadmill in to an apartment previously I can tell you that people definitely hear it, ha. This means your downstairs neighbor shouldn’t have any complaints or at home you won’t be disturbing anyone else who might still be sleeping.
The mat could also help with some noise and if you’ll be using your treadmill for longer workouts could help with dust. I’ve noticed with most treadmill belts used heavily there can be a little bit of black that comes off.
Nothing that doesn’t easily vacuum up!
How Long Will It Last
Folding the belt up and down was another concern, but I’ve seen many folks using their machines daily for over 2 years. I also have seen that Walking Pad as a brand is very focused on quality.
Would I Run on a Walking Pad?
As noted, I could see doing some very light short runs, but honestly more than that I would not do. The split in the deck when running is noticeable to me and I just don’t feel that sturdy comfortablity of my standard treadmill.
But if I wanted to do a minute or two at 5.0 here and there, heck ya.
Potentially if I was much shorter the 7.5mph would be a thing, but I just very much doubt that most folks are aiming to do some decent 8:30 per mile workouts on this machine.
How does the X21 Compare to Other WalkingPad Treadmills?
I think this is such a smart question when you’re looking at budget and what do you really need. I love that this treadmill looks nice, feels really comfortable and takes up so little space. But maybe you need less or MORE.
- X25 is very similar, but with a 300lb weight limit AND a longer belt, so I would feel more comfortable with runs
- MC11 also double folds to be very slim, deck isn’t as cushioned, motor less powerful, would not run on it though it goes up to 7.5mph
- A1 Foldable has no handles, but a nice wide belt and is great for quite walks up to 3.75mph. Has built in technology to speed up or slow down based on stride, which could be nice while working.
Checkout all the styles available now and use the code for 20% off!
WalkingPad Discount Code: RUNTOTHEFINISH
Looking for more ideas?
- Best Treadmills Under $1000
- Best Under Desk Treadmills
- Easy was to get in 10,000 Steps a Day
- Best Running Shoes for Walking
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