DeerRun Walking Pad Review | Step Toward Your Goals
Reviewed by TreadmillReviews.com
Work and work out—eliminate the obstacles standing in the way of your fit future.
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The best treadmill reviews you can trust
Work and work out—eliminate the obstacles standing in the way of your fit future.
I love multi-tasking, and the DeerRun Walking Pad lets me do two things I love: walk and annoy my coworkers by showing off how much healthier I’m being. The DeerRun beeps to let everyone in the office know exactly what I’m doing, and then I can work on my fitness in silence because it is actually pretty quiet after the initial setup.
Look, I’m super close to trading in my desk chair for a yoga ball to assert my health and wellness superiority completely. I’ve already got the office doing squats every hour to combat “office chair butt.” That’s all to say: getting fit while getting your work done is possible, and a walking pad might be one of the least obnoxious ways I’ve done it.
So read on to find out if the DeerRun is the right walking pad for you. And remember: even if you can’t sashay in the corporate office and instead are one of the lucky ones still working a remote job, I see you, and I appreciate the hustle.
The DeerRun Walking Pad is one impressive treadmill deal. It costs $300 or less—we’ve seen it on sale for far less! For its price range, it’s one of the best. We’ve tested a lot of cheap under-desk treadmills and walking pads, and this one rose to the top. Yet, there are limitations in this price range. I cover it all below.
The DeerRun Walking Pad, also known as the DeerRun Q1, comes in two styles: the Urban Plus and the Classic Pro. They are very similar, but you should know that the model we are specifically referring to is the Q1 Classic Pro because it is the one we received for testing.
DeerRun also offers both treadmill varieties in different colors. At the time I’m writing this, our gray and white treadmill is no longer available on DeerRun’s website, but the available colors change frequently. They even offered a special holiday one for the Christmas season.
As for the quality of the frame, it does have steel and plastic components. It received a 300-lb weight capacity rating, which is impressive for a treadmill at this size and price point. Still, I think this treadmill is best for more petite users, all things considered.
A brushless motor, like that of the DeerRun Walking Pad, is typically quieter and lasts longer than a brushed motor. Still, most walking pads in this price range are designed for shorter-term use than their more expensive counterparts, and I generally recommend an hour or two of walking or less per day for a product like this.
I always ask my coworkers for feedback on the noisiness of the walking pads I am testing, and the DeerRun was the one they liked the most (AKA the quietest/least annoying frequency).
Though DeerRun states that the treadmill is only 45 dB, I measured it at 55 dB at its maximum speed. Admittedly, I think the motor has gotten a bit noisier since we have had it and been using it for over 6 months.
At 15.4” x 39.4”, the belt is definitely on the smaller side. For comparison, the average fitness treadmill is about 20” x 60”. Of course, the DeerRun Walking Pad doesn’t need to accommodate running, but it still feels quite compact. If you have a long stride, I’m sorry to say: this treadmill may not be for you.
That said, most walking pads in this price range have walking surfaces that are about the same side. We just haven’t seen many budget walking pads with full-sized treadmill decks, even though it is probably one of the most requested items we get comments about.
This walking pad is suitable for anyone with a narrow and short stride or, at least, someone who is being mindful of their foot placement. Since it doesn’t have uprights and handles, I recommend that most users use it with a standing desk.
The DeerRun Walking Pad is easy to store. It’s less than 5” tall, so you can easily store it under a bed or other furniture. You can also store it upright. It only weighs 43 lbs, so it’s not too hard to pick it up. The size does make it a little awkward to carry around if you are short like me, though.
This treadmill does not have a decline or incline option.
As a budget walking pad, the DeerRun Q1 is pretty simplistic when it comes to features and accessories. Sometimes, the differences between the features on one of these walking pads versus another are so subtle that it’s hard to put into words. So, I’ll stand by the fact that I’ve tested several, and the DeerRun stood out.
I didn’t expect a flashy console from a walking pad, so I was quite content with the bright digital display the DeerRun has on its motor hood. The only thing I felt was missing was a step counter. Then again, I typically use my phone pedometer or my watch to track my steps instead of relying on the treadmill—that way, I can keep track of my progress day after day.
There are a couple of ways to control the treadmill. First, you can use the included remote control. It can start, stop, and change the treadmill speed.
You can also connect the treadmill via Bluetooth to the PitPat app (I get into this more below). The app works as a remote, too. It’s great for if (and when) you lose the remote control.
We have a lot of walking pads to choose from when we want to walk at our desks or get a lighter workout done, and this DeerRun treadmill is one I like to keep readily available. To write this review, I spent quite a lot of time on the Q1, but I also tried a few other top contenders. I was pleased with how the DeerRun compared to the others. It’s quiet and smooth, which are must-haves.
I really like how easy it is to step on and off this treadmill. The footrails are a little wider than what most other treadmills in this category offer, so many of you should be able to step onto the footrails when you need a break. The floor is also only a few inches away (about 4.5”), so it’s very easy to step up and down from the deck.
Because walking pads do not have uprights and handles, I really want to emphasize that using a standing desk is the best way to use a treadmill like this. Using the treadmill in the middle of the floor without vertical support requires balance and practice, and it could trip you up. Be careful!
You can optionally pair the DeerRun Walking Pad with the PitPat app for more training options. It is totally usable without the app or a subscription or anything like that. However, it doesn’t have training programs without it. I don’t think you need structured workouts for a treadmill like this—I didn’t miss them.
Some of the features are locked without a subscription, but you can use the app as a remote without paying for it.
As for content, there are video workouts, events, and races. PitPat allows users to pay to participate in events (about $1 to $5) for the chance to win the pot. I find the gamified, virtual training that doesn’t require payment to enter more fun, but some of you may really appreciate this structure.
My only complaint with the PitPat app is that it requires so many permissions to use the features. Maybe I’m overly cautious, but I’m picky about what I give apps access to on my phone. Hopefully, DeerRun will reconsider, but I’ve been told this is to keep bots off the platform, which is important since there is money on the line in the competitions.
Overall, PitPat adds to the experience on the DeerRun Walking Pad. It may be worth it for someone who is using this treadmill to work out, but if you are using it as an under-desk treadmill, it isn’t necessary. So don’t feel pressured one way or another.
The DeerRun Walking Pad is a great budget under-desk treadmill. It is ideal for anyone who wants to train between 30 minutes to 2 hours per day, but it’s not the best for all-day walking. I like using this treadmill to take breaks from sitting or standing at my desk, so I move more throughout the day, and it works very well for that.
With the PitPat, you can partake in gamified workouts with the DeerRun Walking Pad. It connects to the app via Bluetooth and offers both free and paid training programs. You don’t have to use the PitPat app, but I like that DeerRun includes the option.
If you need an affordable treadmill to kickstart your fitness journey and fit into a small space, there are few better than the DeerRun at its price point.
