WalkingPad X25 Treadmill Review | The Most Compact Running Treadmill?
Reviewed by TreadmillReviews.com
Low on space? The WalkingPad X25 is a double-fold treadmill for walkers and runners.
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Low on space? The WalkingPad X25 is a double-fold treadmill for walkers and runners.
Updated: October 31, 2024
For most of my running career, I ran on the treadmill rarely. If it was too hot, cold, unsafe, or late, I would hop on the treadmill. I ran outside as often as possible. If this sounds like you, you might not want a home treadmill taking up a lot of room. The WalkingPad X25 is ideal for runners who need an occasional indoor run.
The WalkingPad X25 is not the first running treadmill from the brand we have tried. However, its more spacious running surface comes closer to replicating the experience of running on a full-sized treadmill. While the WalkingPad X25 still has limitations, it gives me a lot of hope for the compact running treadmills of the future.
Find out below what I thought of the WalkingPad X25 as a runner.
The WalkingPad X25 is priced comparably to many full-sized running treadmills. While the performance specifications are not quite as impressive as those similarly priced treadmills, you are paying for the X25's compact design. It's a unique and useful construction that is worth it for walkers and runners who want a very compact treadmill.
We have tested many of WalkingPad's treadmills, from under-desk treadmills to the R2 and X21 running treadmills. So far, we have been very impressed with WalkingPad's build quality and durability.
The frame is an aluminum alloy. The footrails are spacious and supportive, but the uprights are not as sturdy as those on other treadmills. I do not recommend putting your total weight on these uprights or the console crossbar.
I'm impressed by the weight capacity of the X25. It is 300 lbs, the industry standard for home treadmills. The X25 feels more durable than other WalkingPad treadmills.
WalkingPad lists the X25's power rating as 1125W. For easy comparison, we converted this number to 1.5 horsepower (HP). This rating is well under our standard for running treadmills of 3.0 HP. The motor is brushless and quiet but may not be suitable for daily endurance runs.
While I've done 7+ mile runs on treadmills like the X25, it's not something I would recommend regularly. It could burn the motor out prematurely.
The X25's speed range is 0 to 10 miles per hour. It's not best for HIIT workouts because large speed jumps take a while. While the top speed is fast (6:00/mile), it is lower than most home treadmills (5:00/mile or 12 mph). The lower speed limit is more suitable for the motor strength and the running surface's dimensions.
The measurements for the X25 listed on WalkingPad's website are almost identical to those of the X21. Because I have both treadmills, it was easy for me to tell they were not the same size. So, I took out my handy measuring tape and measured the X25 myself. The belt measures 19.5" x 52".
Our standard for motorized running treadmills is 20" x 60". While I was okay with the slightly narrower width, the X25's shorter length is noticeable. You have to run with a shorter stride on the X25 than you might outdoors or on a full-sized treadmill.
Shortening your running stride can be beneficial. It reduces the force on your joints with each step and encourages you to land with your foot under your center of mass rather than overstriding. Still, running on the X25 may feel unnatural and uncomfortable for some. I recommend staying under 7 to 8 mph, depending on your stride.
The deck folds in half, so there is a seam underfoot in the middle of the deck. I noticed it less on the X25 than on the WalkingPad R2 or X21. It didn't bother me as I trained, and I suspect many exercisers with more cushioned shoes won't notice it at all.
The WalkingPad X25's most notable feature is its folding ability. The deck folds in half, and then the whole deck folds up under the console and uprights. The X25's unfolded dimensions are 60.8" x 30.4" x 40.3", and it folds to 10.1" x 30.4" x 40.3". While the X25 is significantly larger than WalkingPad's other treadmills and may not fit as nicely into a closet, it is smaller than most.
With the X25 folded, you can use the console as a handle to wheel the treadmill around. The transport wheels are small and do not engage as easily as I would like. Rolling the X25 over carpets is difficult but easy over hard flooring.
The WalkingPad X25 does not incline or decline. None of the WalkingPad's treadmills incline, and we don't expect them to without a serious deviation from their current folding design.
The WalkingPad X25's features and accessories are simple because there isn't room for much. Still, I like what it has to offer. Its minimalism is a plus because it keeps everything streamlined and compact.
The X25's console is on the crossbar connected the two uprights. It has a dial with a center button to control the treadmill. You spin the dial to increase or decrease the speed. If you spin the dial quickly, the speed jumps to 3.0 mph, 6.0 mph, or 9.0 mph. The center button starts and stops the treadmill. The dial is easy and convenient to use.
The screen is OLED and built into the crossbar. It is bright and easy to see. The metrics shown are time, speed, distance, calories, and steps.
The X25 is Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to the KS Fit app. When paired with a WalkingPad treadmill, the app functions as a remote, allowing you to change speeds and start/stop the treadmill
A phone rack is attached to the console if you want to use the app or view other content. It is best for phones or small tablets. A large device may not be adequately supported while you are running. I have never had my phone fall off of a WalkingPad device holder, but I'm too nervous to use my tablet.
The device holder is removable if you don't want it.
The safety key is standard with most treadmills, and it is nice that a small treadmill like the X25 does not neglect this feature. You can tether the safety key to you with the lanyard and attached clip.
The WalkingPad X25 is an innovative running treadmill. It is the top-performance treadmill from WalkingPad, even though it isn't quite up to the standards of traditional home folding treadmills in its price range. It has a weaker motor and a smaller running surface. Still, it managed to impress us despite these limitations.
I recommend the WalkingPad X25 for new runners and runners who don't have the space for anything else. It's not as powerful as the competition, but it is much easier to store.
It's hard for me to give a concrete recommendation for what level of use the X25 can handle because so many variables go into that equation. You have to consider weight differences, speed adjustments, time between uses, and even running form.
If I had to make a recommendation, I would suggest most runners limit their training on the X25 treadmill to 20 miles per week. If you run a lot more, consider getting a more powerful treadmill. Your experience on the X25 could vary from mine due to the variables I mentioned above.
The WalkingPad X25 does not have any onboard training apps; you can only train manually. If you connect the app, there are guided workouts, but they do not automatically adjust your speed. You can manually follow the graph shown on the screen.
The KS Fit app records your workouts. It also displays your live metrics as you train if you want an alternative to looking at the OLED console. You can join programs and climb the KS leaderboard.
Overall, it is a simple, free app, but I think it adds to your treadmill experience and could be worth downloading to test out.
The WalkingPad X25 is a double-fold treadmill with an ultra-compact folded footprint but a spacious deck when unfolded. It won't compete with traditional home treadmills in its price range, but it is a much-need solution for runners short on space.
It has a quiet motor and sturdy deck. The 300-lb weight capacity impressed me, but the 1-year warranty is lacking. The build quality is sufficient for intermittent running but not a go-to for marathoners. I think it is best for outdoor runners who run indoors occasionally.
The WalkingPad X25 Treadmill's strengths are its compact folding and ease of transport. Walkers may be better off with some of WalkingPad's more affordable models—this one is for runners.
