5 Best Treadmills With 400 lb Weight Capacity Updated for 2025

It’s tough to find treadmills with 400 lb weight capacity when you’re on a budget. The truth is there really aren’t any heavy-duty treadmills for sale under $1500. I’ve been reviewing treadmills for many years and found that nearly all treadmills with 400lb weight capacities are semi-commercial or commercial-grade treadmills.

A 400 lb capacity treadmill needs a heavy-duty frame, solid running deck, and a powerful motor. Cheap treadmills just do not have the build quality or power to cope with heavy users on a regular basis.

Of course, the cheaper walking treadmills come with fewer features, and the build quality will never be as high as a semi-commercial or commercial treadmill. Still, they’re an excellent option for heavy people on a budget, and you can burn 300 calories an hour walking on a treadmill, making them a perfect choice for weight loss and increasing your overall cardio fitness.

Our Guide – Mix of Semi-Commercial & Affordable

In today’s guide, we’ll take a look at a mix of treadmills with 400 lb weight capacities, including the best commercial and semi commercials – durable, heavy-duty machines for walking, jogging, and running, and the more affordable 400 lb capacity treadmills for walking.

For those in a rush, below is our comparison table of the top 2 treadmills with 400lb weight capacities. If you have a few more minutes, please scroll past the comparison table and read the review summaries for each treadmill.

Best Treadmills With 400 lb Weight Capacity – Comparison Table

Reviews

1. Sole F85 Treadmill (Best Overall)

Sole Fitness are a company known for building high-quality fitness gear. These guys have been making high-end treadmills for years. They have a ton of experience, and if you want something heavy-duty, this is the company to check out first.

The Sole F85 treadmill has been designed for heavy users; it even won this year’s award for the best treadmill for heavy runners. And the build quality reflects this; weighing over 300lb, this is a heavy treadmill, and that extra weight is a telling sign this machine is made from quality materials, and it feels solid; the weight of the heavy-duty frame keeps it planted to the floor, which is exactly what you want.

Also, it comes equipped with a powerful 4HP motor. This motor is designed to cope with just about anything you can throw at it, allowing heavy users to walk, jog and run on the treadmill without worrying about motor burnout.

Still, what I like most about this treadmill is the size of its running belt. It measures 22″ x 60″. This is a commercial-size running belt. Belts really don’t come much larger than this for a home treadmill. A running belt this size will allow users up to 6’1″ to run on the treadmill and up to 6’4″ to jog on the treadmill, and it’s wide at 22″, which is important as you’ll never feel restricted when exercising.

A wide running belt gives you the confidence to run at pace without the worry of stepping off the side of the treadmill.

Updated for 22/23 New Large Color Screen

The Sole F85 was updated this year and now includes a larger 10.1″ monitor screen with seven built-in apps, including Netflix and YouTube. You can also view all your workout stats and the 15 built-in workout programs through this screen. There’s always something to keep you entertained during long cardio sessions, or try the workout programs to challenge you.

And for such a powerful treadmill, it’s surprisingly quiet. Many users have mentioned that you can barley hear the motor, which is great news. It means you won’t disturb others with the sound of your workouts.

Other features of this treadmill include a hydraulic folding system, which makes folding the treadmill effortless as the hydraulics do all the work for you. You also have wireless heart rate monitoring with HR chest strap, an excellent deck cushioning system to protect your joints, and handrail controls for speed and incline.

Lastly, I must mention the Sole F85 incline feature, as it is an impressive 15% 15-level power adjustable incline that you can adjust via the one-touch buttons on the monitor or the handrail buttons. Incline workouts burn three times more calories than walking/jogging on a flat surface, an essential feature for those who want to lose weight.

Our Full Review: Sole F85 Treadmill Review

2. ProGear 4000 HCXL High Capacity Treadmill (Best Affordable)

The ProGear is an entry-level high capacity treadmill. It shares very similar features to the Exepructic TF1000, which isn’t surprising considering both ProGear and Exerpeutic are owned by the same company – Paradigm Health & Wellness.

Still, the ProGear is slightly cheaper. The Progear 4000 is only one of two low-cost treadmills that include the impressive 400lb max capacity. It also boasts include long handlebars for extra support, a simple, easy-to-use monitor, a monitor that tracks all the useful data such as your speed, distance, calories, and pulse.

You also have an excellent wide running belt  20″, which gives you a ton of room to exercise comfortably, and thankfully ProGear included the important 2-level incline.

The Progear has a 1.5HP motor, so its suitable for walking and power walking, but as we mentioned, the running belt is slightly shorter than the Exerpeutic, so I’d only recommend this machine for walking and power walking.

And when you consider both the low cost machines only have a top speed of 4mph, there isn’t really an option for any fast-paced workouts.

The ProGear treadmill offers a lot of bang for your buck; this is, after all, a high-capacity treadmill, one with an incline and excellent safety features such as the long handlebars and a low step-on height, all of this for under $600.

If it weren’t for Progear or Exerpeutic, many people wouldn’t be able to afford a high-capacity treadmill; they would miss out on the huge health benefits of regular cardio sessions at home.

I think both companies deserve a big thumbs-up for producing a low-priced treadmill suitable for heavier users, as for years, there haven’t been any affordable options at all.

If you don’t mind a slightly shorter running deck, then the ProGear usually retails around 50 bucks less than the Exerpeutic’s TF1000, and is, in my opinion, excellent value for money.

3. Life Fitness T5 Treadmill 

Life Fitness has always been a company known for building high-quality fitness gear for commercial gyms, but what’s most impressive is that they have carried over all that experience and quality from their commercial products and put it into their home gym products.

And it’s that commercial feel you’ll love about their treadmills. If it’s quality and durability you are after, this is the company to go to.

So basically, what you get when you purchase a Life Fitness treadmill like the T5 is a commercial-grade treadmill for a home gym. And the T5 treadmill is my favorite.

This thing weighs nearly 350lb. It’s a heavy solid treadmill, and heavy is always best. That extra weight tells me it’s made from high-quality materials, and of course, that weight will help with stability which is exactly what you want.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses with the T5 treadmill. The monitor is slightly disappointing; it’s basic for the price point, with no HD touchscreen, etc., but thankfully it includes a few impressive features like quick touch buttons and wireless heart rate monitoring with chest strap.

The best thing about the monitor is that it’s very easy to use.

30-level Power Adjustable Incline

Apart from the build quality this treadmills best feature has to be the power adjustable incline’ you get a 30-level, 15% power adjustable incline perfect for working those hard to train muscles like your glutes and hamstrings.

And you burn a load more calories walking or jogging on an incline because the glutes and hamstrings are large muscles and have a much higher caloric output requirement than the smaller anterior muscles of the legs, like the quads. So if you want to lose weight, owning a treadmill with a decent incline feature is essential to get the most out of your workouts.

The T5 also includes an adjustable running belt cushioning system, a feature only seen on high-end treadmills, and a commercial-size running belt suitable for users right up to 6’4″

And lastly, this machine is powerful, the motor will deliver a continuous 3HP, and when you need more, it will peak at 6hp. More than enough for power for any fitness level.

Overall the T5 is unbeatable on the essentials it has the build quality, power, belt size, and incline. And with 7 years on parts, it also boasts the best parts warranty you’ll come across. Still, you get what you pay for; the T5 is expensive.

Our Full Review: Life Fitness T5

4. Exerpeutic TF1000 High Capacity Treadmill 

Exerpeutic are a company that has been around for a couple of decades. These guys specialize in building quality cardio equipment for people with health issues and seniors. They are one of only two companies that produce a decent high-capacity treadmill at an affordable price.

The Exerputic TF1000 is a walking treadmill it hasn’t been designed for serious runners; with a short running belt and low-powered motor, and top speed of just 4mph, this machine is best suited for walking.

And because it has been designed for walking, we will not see gym-sized belts or advanced features. Still, the TF1000 Treadmill does boast a wide belt at nearly 20.”

A nearly 20″ width running belt is great to see in this price bracket. The extra width will allow you to feel comfortable when walking and prevent any chance of stepping off the machine while exercising.

Another useful feature of the TF1000 is the extended handlebars, and at 18,” the handlebars are twice as long as the ones you would see on a regular treadmill. Extended handlebars are there to give you extra support while you exercise, and if this is your first treadmill, the extra length of the handles will give you an extra boost of confidence to get on the machine and start exercising.

Let’s talk a  little about height restrictions because, as I just mentioned, the TF1000 has a short belt. For walking or power walking, users up to 6’2″ should be fine.

Let’s not forget this is an entry machine, yet it still includes a 2-level manual incline. When your fitness levels improve, you will be able to challenge yourself further by including incline workouts into your cardio sessions.

The one major positive of owning a machine with a short running belt is that it makes the treadmill compact, which will allow many of you to keep the machine unfolded permanently in the corner of a room as the smaller footprint won’t take up much space.

Still, for those who lack the space to house a treadmill permanently, the TF1000 includes a folding feature, so it can easily be folded and stored.

Plus, it’s almost 3 times lighter than a heavy-duty treadmill like the Sole F85, making it much easier to move once folded; transport wheels are also provided.

And when it comes to assembly, the TF1000 is one of the easiest to assemble on the market; all you have to do is attach the monitor, as most of the treadmill comes preassembled. Many users have praised how easy the T1000 is to assemble, saying it took them less than 10 minutes!

The TF1000 boasts an easy-to-use monitor, an incline feature, a nice wide running belt, long handlebars for extra support, and is surprisingly easy to assemble.

If you’ve been after a high-capacity treadmill for light cardio workouts and don’t want to break the bank buying one. The Exerpeutic is one of the best affordable options on the market.

Our Full Review: Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill

5. Bowflex T10 Treadmill

Bowflex are another company that’s been around for a heck of a long time. These guys are best known for their multi gyms and dumbbells, but they also make some of the best heavy-duty treadmills on the market.

The T10 is my favorite of the Bowflex Treadmills because it gets all the essentials right, such as the 22″ x 60″ commercial belt, the heavy-duty frame this thing weighs 330lb, and it has the 4HP motor, so its an excellent choice for heavy users who want to do more with their treadmill than just walk.

Also, it’s packed full of the latest features, boasting a 10″ HD touchscreen with built-in apps like Disney, YouTube, and Netflix. You also have the 15% power incline, wireless heart rate monitoring, a ton of built-in workout programs, and, best all, the 15% power adjustable incline.

It really is a treadmill that has it all, the power, the build quality, and the tech,  and when its priced under just under $2000, its worth it. But lately, Bowflex keeps changing the price of the T10, some days when I check its $1800 other days its $2700 which is overpriced, so until Bowflex give us a solid price for this treadmill it has to stay down here in last place, which is a shame because this treadmill outshines almost everything else in its class.

Buyers Tips – Essential Features To Consider

Apart from the 400lb weight cpacity, there are no stand-out features someone who is on the heavier side should look out for. Like anyone else, you will need a treadmill for increasing cardiovascular health, lowing blood pressure, burning some unwanted calories, and strengthening lower body muscles.

So yes, if you are on the heavier side, it’s best to find a treadmill that can support your weight, but you also need to consider all the other features that make a treadmill the right choice for your cardio needs.

Do I need An Incline Feature?

While most budget treadmills do not include an incline feature, if you spend slightly more – $500+, we start to see treadmills with manual incline.

A manual incline does require you to get off the machine and adjust the incline level manually, but this small inconvenience is more than made up for by the health benefits of incline workouts.

Walking. Jogging or running on an incline will target different muscle groups compared to walking on flat surfaces. You’ll be able to strengthen and build your glutes, hamstrings, and calves, and walking at an incline will also burn twice as many calories.

If you have deep pockets, there are treadmills that include power-adjustable inclines.

Power adjustable inclines are the gold standard for a home treadmill. The great thing about them is you don’t have to interrupt your workout getting off the machine to change the inclination level; all you have to do is press a button on the monitor.

Power adjustable inclines are not an essential feature, so don’t worry if you havent got the cash to buy a treadmill that includes a power-adjustable incline. Manually adjusted inclines do the same job. The only downside is they take a couple of seconds to adjust manually.

Still, I would recommend you always choose a treadmill with an incline feature manual or power, especially if you want to get the most out of cardio sessions.

Running Belt

The length and width of the running belt are more important than most people think. The length of the running belt will determine whether you can walk, jog run on the machine.

Typically we see running belts with a length anywhere from 36″- 50″ on budget machines.

36″ – 43″ running belt is best-suited for walking or power walking – shorter users may be able to jog on a belt this length. However, it will still depend on the motor; if the motor is under 600W, it may not be powerful enough to keep up with a jogging pace.

43″ – 50″ running belt is usually ok for both walking and jogging. If you’re over 6ft, I’d recommend paying more and finding a machine with at least a 55″ – 65″ running belt, especially if you want to run on the machine

Fold For Storage

Most treadmills are foldable. This is a good thing as a treadmill has a large footprint, and finding one that folds to half its original length will save you a lot of space.

When it comes to the folding feature – Look for one that includes systems like the soft drop! Systems like this make unfolding the machine hassle-free. A few budget machines are a nightmare to fold and unfold, so look out for easy to use folding systems.

If you’re super tight on space, then a fold-flat is your best option. These machines will fold almost completely flat. They can be stored under beds or propped up against a wall.

Power

Unless you are buying a treadmill just for walking, you will need a motor of at least 2HP anything less will have trouble keeping up with your pace even when jogging.

A rough estimate to motor power is 500W – 1.5HP for walking, power walking | 2HP– 3HP jogging |  3HP – 5HP running – 

Anti-Shock – Belt Cushioning Protect Joints

Looking after our joints at any age is always a good idea. One of the main reasons people choose indoor running is the stress road running/walking puts on our joints; therefore, it’s a clever idea to look for a decent deck cushioning system on a treadmill.

The best cushioning systems are normally reserved for the high-end semi-commercial or commercial treadmills, but we can find some impressive anti-shock systems on lower priced treadmills.

Even the low priced treadmill cushioning systems will take up to 30% of the stress of each foot strike.

It’s important to note that not all treadmills will come fitted with anti-shock systems, so make sure you check first before buying if a cushioning system is an important feature for you.

Monitor/Control Console

The more features your treadmill monitor includes, the more expensive the treadmill is going to be. While I like the idea of HD screen and subscription fitness apps, they are definitely not essential for your cardio session, plus many of the advanced monitors are complicated to use. It can take an hour just to work out how to use the thing.

I find it a better idea to look for companies that spend most of their time and effort on the machine’s quality and durability and its essential features such as belt size, incline, deck cushioning, and ease of use.

Many treadmills out there with flashy advanced monitors do not deliver when it comes to the treadmill’s build quality. They cut on overall quality to give the user an advanced monitor.

If you want a high-end treadmill that delivers on build quality and durability but also comes with easy to use well-equipped monitors, look for Sole or Horizon treadmills, these guys have the best reputations when it comes to home fitness products.

However, if you are spending under $600 on a treadmill, you won’t find any advanced monitors anyway.

All monitors in the under $600 price bracket are basic and track all the essential workouts data such as time, distance pulse, and calories burned. Heck, nothing wrong with basic, they are easy to use, and you can usually jump on the machine straight away as they only take a minute or two to set up.

To Sum Up

If you are looking for something heavy duty the F85 is by far the best treadmill you will find with a 400lb weight capacity. This thing shines when it comes to durability and build quality, and the excellent warranty reflects the confidence this company has in its products.

The F85 might be overkill for your first treadmill, but if you’re after a machine that will take years of heavy use and not break down, the Sole F85 Treadmill is a safe bet.

The ProGear HCXL 4000 is an excellent choice if you are on a limited budget. It’s built by a reputable company that has years of experience in this space.

Yes, the HCXL 4000 monitor is basic, but the treadmill includes all the features you need for calorie-burning workouts at home, including a manual incline.

The ProGear HCXL 4000 makes for a great first treadmill and should last years if looked after. An excellent choice if you are after a high-capacity treadmill for light cardio workouts.

Best Treadmills With 400 lb Capacity FAQS

Can You Use a Treadmill if You Are Over The Weight Limit?

It’s never a good idea to go over the maximum weight capacity of a treadmill. The companies test their treadmills to specific weight limits. If you go over the weight limit, you could burn the motor out early and break the treadmill’s frame. If anything, it is always best to stay at least 50ln under the max capacity of a treadmill. That way, your treadmill motor will last longer.

Are Treadmills Bad For Your Knees?

Treadmills are a great alternative to running on hard-impact surfaces like roads, which can damage your joints. Many people choose to run indoors on treadmills because treadmills include deck cushioning systems. These systems can protect your joints from the impact of each foot strike by up to 40%

How Much Do Treadmills With High Weight Capacities Cost?

Most treadmills with high weight capacities will be expensive because they need heavy-duty frames, running decks, and powerful motors to cope with the extra weight of the user. Heavy-duty treadmills cost anywhere from $1500 to $5000. Still, you can find cheaper treadmills with high weight capacities, but these treadmills can only be used for walking, costing as little as $600

What Extra Features of a Treadmill Will Help Me Lose Weight?

If you want to burn extra calories on a treadmill, look for a treadmill with an incline feature. Walking or jogging on an incline will burn three times more calories than walking or jogging on a flat surface. Incline jogging is also great for building and strengthening your glutes, calves, and hamstrings.