WalkingPad X25 Review: A Foldable Treadmill Made for Walks, Jogs, or Runs

I’m a walker with runner aspirations, so I was excited to try out this WalkingPad X25 Double-Fold Running Treadmill, which has already won accolades for its design (the German Red Dot Award and the IF Design Award). I've read and spoken to colleagues who use walking pads to get their 10k steps and above because walking daily is good for our physical and mental health. I (try) to walk a few miles every morning before I start my day, and having a walking pad means no excuses when the weather is crummy.

WalkingPad X25 running treadmill

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Unboxing and first impressions

When it arrived on my steps, I had to get my kids to help me haul it onto our porch. I had to use a hand truck to move it around to our backyard studio, and it was not easy, given its weight. After I opened the box, things became slightly easier. It looked like an oversized suitcase with wheels (it’s called a double-fold treadmill, and the name is spot on). The directions are clear for opening it up, and I opted to put it in a corner nook near a window to enjoy the view while working out.

My first impression—other than it was really heavy even when you used the tiny wheels to move after it was out of the box—is how compact it was folded up and that it didn’t take up too much space when it was expanded.

It was very easy to put together as it basically unfolds. You plug it in (add the handy ready stand to the top), and it’s ready to go. I love that it has integrated uprights and a handrail you can grab onto. It isn’t as small as some mini walking pads, but it didn’t overtake the room like a bigger treadmill.

I love that it comes fully assembled, but without a dolly, hand truck, or someone very strong, I would have struggled a lot to get it into my house.

WalkingPad X25 pros and cons

WalkingPad X25 price

This is a relatively new WalkingPad addition. You can buy it directly from the company for $1,399 or at Dick’s Sporting Goods for the same price, unless it’s on sale. While it is on the pricier side, for example, the WalkingPad C2 Mini is only $599, most walking pads do not support 10 mph like the X25 does. There isn’t an incline, which you can find on most full-size treadmills, but it will take up much less space in your home or apartment. In addition, most full-sized treadmills for runners and walkers could cost upwards of $5,000. For a walking pad you can run on, this is a good deal.

WalkingPad X25 running treadmill

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WalkingPad X25 — Is it for you?

The WalkingPad 25X is made for walking, jogging, and running at up to 10 mph, which makes it perfect for individuals who want a heart-pumping workout from their walking pad.

Although I am a walker, the X25 is designed to accommodate a high-impact run. Its space-saving design makes it a good fit (literally) for smaller spaces. However, it is very heavy to move, weighing roughly 104 pounds, so you aren't likely to try it out room by room. It may have wheels, but it is still hard to haul around—especially up and down stairs.

Because of its design, you can't use it under a standing desk, but you can pop your Kindle, iPad, or book up on its stand and read or watch while you walk or run. I tend to listen to podcasts or radio news channels when I work out, so this was perfect for me, and I could set my phone on the stand. The WalkingPad X25 folds up and can be stored, which I haven't done other than to test it out.

I appreciate that if I needed to, I could easily stash it away. I use it now every day for up to 60 minutes at a time, and I appreciate that when I'm done, my feet don't hurt due to the softness of the walking belt. If you’re okay with not having an incline, this is an easy tool to get in your steps or start a running program from the comfort of your home. With searing temperatures this summer, I appreciated exercising indoors without heading to a gym. Other lighter and less expensive folding treadmills are available, but this one is special in that it’s designed for higher speeds and running versus simply walking.

Is the WalkingPad X25 worth it?

I live in a beautiful area, and I tend to walk daily outdoors in most weather conditions for my health and mood. However, given the extreme weather my part of the country has faced, I love that I can use the WalkingPad X25 when high temperatures or torrential rains keep me indoors. While I wish it could be used under a desk like some other walking pads, my family has embraced this piece of equipment, and we’re all enjoying walks, jogs, and runs on it, thanks to its higher speed levels.

The price of this equipment isn't cheap at $1,399. Full disclosure: I didn't purchase this pad myself (it was sent to me to try out), and I'm not sure my budget would allow it. But it's still more affordable than a high-powered (and oversized) treadmill and allows you to run safely and smoothly on it. It has a foldable upright frame and guardrail (which I appreciate and use), so it can't be used at a table or desk, but because it folds up, I could see using this in an apartment or a small room.

This is definitely something to invest in if you’re serious about walking and running but want to avoid going to a gym or out into inclement weather. My entire family uses this WalkingPad X25, and I look forward to the cold (and icy) winter days when I don't have to worry about slipping and sliding on the sidewalk while exercising. Now that I know what I know, I would definitely invest in this equipment, especially since it’s not just for walking.

WalkingPad X25 performance

Dimensions and storability

I live in a small home but am lucky enough to have a home office in the backyard. The WalkingPad X25 unfolds to be 60.8 inches tall and 30.4 inches wide, and roughly half that size when you fold it up, although it gains a few inches in height. I couldn't slide this under my bed or couch, but I could store it in a closet or behind a couch if needed. The design makes it easy to fold up the WalkingPad X25, and the wheels mean you can move it (carefully) without a dolly. Because I have space, I'll likely leave it up year-round unless I'm hosting a crowd in the studio.

If you live in a smaller space and need a walking pad that slides easily under a piece of furniture, this isn't the best choice. Its weight would be a deterrent if I needed to put it away and take it out daily due to space. Nothing comes apart with this pad except for the stand, so at least you don’t need to store multiple pieces of equipment.

Ease of use/user friendliness

I found this equipment easy to use; you unfold the pad, plug it along with the safety key in, and you’re good to go. There is a control dial for upping the speed as you are walking. I liked being able to track my time, distance, speed, calories, and steps easily (they appear on the upright panel that works as a guardrail—at least for me), and I can put my hands on the panel without disrupting the data when I need a little rest. I tried upping my miles per hour gradually and tested the safety pull key, which stopped the machine but not so abruptly that I tripped.

I downloaded the WalkingPad app but didn’t use it. Other users report enjoying the programs available with the app, although this product is relatively new so reviews were limited. You can control the pad with the app connected to the walking pad via Bluetooth and using the QR code given in the instructions. Personally, I want fewer apps in my life, so I’m not planning on using it for now, but I am glad it’s available to others in my family if they want to use it.

Speed and incline

This walking pad does not have an incline because of its foldable design. Most walking pads don’t have an incline feature like those on larger treadmills. I wish it had an incline because I enjoy walking hills to get my heart rate up, but the speed of 10 mph on this piece of equipment is a stand-out feature. In fact, the WalkingPad X25 is really considered a “running pad” due to its design and speed.

Cushioned deck

This pad has a wider and longer belt than its predecessors and a four-layer shock-absorbing system to keep you from hurting yourself while running on the pad. I tried this out (after learning about a colleague who tried the same on her WalkingPad) with bare feet, and while I would not walk barefoot on a regular basis, it didn’t hurt my feet. I struggle with lower back pain from time to time and have not had a twinge after using this, which I believe has to do with the comfort of the cushioned deck.

My kids walked on it in sock feet and in running shoes, and while wearing the latter is certainly better for your health, they were comfortable on the machine. It’s designed for runners, so it makes sense that the pad is engineered for safety and comfort, especially at higher speeds and longer miles. The treadmill deck is designed to feel like a real running track. I can’t tell if it feels similar to our local track, but it is unbelievably comfortable to walk and run on.

Also, the motor is really whisper quiet, as advertised, which I appreciated when I wanted to walk without the distraction of machine noise.

Programs

You can sync the app and use it to design programs (and control your WalkingPad), but I prefer to set my walks and runs manually and at my own pace. I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks, but this has worked for me so far. I use the manual control, which is simple to use. There is a speed dial that works with a simple twist to increase your speed; you can watch it go up on the dashboard, and then, if you want to stop, simply tap the middle button. It took me about 10 minutes to get comfortable playing with the speeds, although full disclosure: 5 mph is about as fast as I am comfortable going right now. The X25 revs up without any jerks or hiccups, so the transition (for me, anyway) is smooth as it rises and lowers the speed.

Accessories

The company sells accessories to use with a variety of WalkingPads and a few general ones. Not all the accessories fit each individual machine. If you own a WalkingPad X25, you can use the company’s nonslip Non-slip WalkingPad Fitness Equipment Treadmill Floor Mat. I didn’t find that I needed it, although I tried it out, because the treadmill itself was great at keeping me upright and comfortable. For those who want a little more cushion or need extra stabilization when walking or running, the mat would be useful. Some of the general accessories that can also be purchased separately are not specific to the X25 and some of them like the wobble board are expressly their own product and not designed to be used with or on your WalkingPad.

How to use the WalkingPad X25

To start using the WalkingPad X25, you just need to turn it on and start walking or running. Use the dial button on the dashboard to speed up or slow down. The display shows your calories, distance, speed, and time. You can adjust the speed by moving the dial as you walk, and I found holding onto the front bar was useful if I needed to adjust my speed higher.

The display will show your new speed and update distance, calories, and time as you go. You can also see the information in the app if you choose to use it. WalkingPad recommends not starting at your highest speed, and I found that to be true for me. Gradually moving up the speed dial as you go is helpful for warming up and cooling down periods—especially if you are using it to run.

WalkingPad X25 quality

Frame

I love that this walking pad has an upright handrail frame, so you can hold on if you need to adjust your speed. The frame feels extremely sturdy and is more typical of a gym-like treadmill than a walking pad. I wasn't worried about the frame moving around during my walks and runs; if kids bump into it, they won't disturb its placement. It’s heavy to move, even with its wheels, so I chose a location and have yet, after a month, to move it. I like the matte look of the pad itself against the shiner frame.

Deck

I like how solid the deck felt. It folds in half for storage but still maintains a sturdy area for working out. This pad is designed for running up to 10 mph, so it can hold up and remain stable, no matter how heavy the movement. This feels like an extremely high-quality, durable design. I felt very secure using it.

Belt

The belt on the WalkingPad X25 feels good under your feet (bare, sock, or with the proper running shoes). It wasn't jerky and moved very smoothly even when changing speeds, and I felt secure walking and running on it. There weren't any hiccups, like a shift or snag when it transitioned into a higher or lower speed.

Motor

I haven’t owned the WalkingPad long enough to know if the motor has issues in the long term, but for now, it is barely audible, even when I listen to a podcast without using my earbuds. The company calls it a brushless treadmill motor, and it’s quiet when you’re working out. I don’t notice it, except when it first starts up.

WalkingPad X25 running treadmill

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WalkingPad X25 warranty

All WalkingPad products include a one-year customer warranty and cover all aspects of the X25. You can purchase additional protection (two-, three-, and four-year warranties) via the WalkingPad's e-commerce website (powered by SureBright), plus you can return your WalkingPad within 30 days for a refund.

WalkingPad X25 returns

You can return the WalkingPad X25 for a refund within the 30-day window.

WalkingPad X25 customer service

WalkingPad’s customer service team is available by phone or email. According to its website, emails are responded to within 24 to 48 business hours. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Alternatives to the WalkingPad X25

WalkingPad X25 frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is using a walking pad a good idea for fitness?

An active lifestyle is important for cardiovascular health and maintaining a healthy body weight, and walking and running are two easy ways to get your heart pumping. Movement is also attributed to improving mental health. While 10,000 steps a day is a benchmark, many health experts recommend that any amount of steps is better than none. Using a walking pad at home is a convenient way to improve your fitness and allows you to walk no matter the weather.

I work at a desk. Should I buy a walking pad?

If you work at a desk, a walking pad offers easy access to exercise and helps keep physical discomfort at bay. "Prolonged sitting can result in tight hip flexors, setting off a chain reaction of issues like low back pain and a less active lifestyle," shares Erin Beck, CPT, CNC and the director of training and experience at STRIDE Fitness. "This sedentary pattern affects both the body and takes a toll on mental health, increasing the likelihood of depression, stress, and anxiety. Regular walking helps keep hip flexors limber, reduces the risk of various health conditions, and uplifts mood."

How fast should I walk on a walking pad?

Your speed is not as important as simply starting to walk at regular intervals during the day. From there, you can build on the exercise. “The speed of your walk will ultimately impact your cardiovascular health. Choosing your speed should align with your individual goals and comfort level,” says Beck. “It's essential to prioritize safety over competition. Typically, a 2 to 4 mph speed is regarded as a normal walking pace on a treadmill. Begin at a leisurely pace and gradually adjust as you grow more accustomed. Eventually, you'll discover the ideal range that suits your cardio exercise needs.”

Can I run on a walking pad?

It depends on the walking pad. For example, the WalkingPad X25 is designed for running or walking, while many other pads are meant for walks. When shopping for a walking pad that can support running, look at pads that go up to 5 mph or higher and are designed to support jogging and running rather than just walking.

WalkingPad X25 running treadmill

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