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They say that sitting is the new smoking, a scary thought for those of us chained to our work desks all day. However, I’ve found the perfect antidote: the walking pad. These compact, under-desk treadmills make staying active feel effortless and fun.
Sleek, slim, and easily stashed away after use, walking pads are popping up in offices, home gyms, and living rooms. They facilitate walking while you focus on other tasks, helping you sneak in extra steps while answering emails, taking calls, or watching TV.
Daniel Khoury, fitness category specialist at Decathlon Australia, explains why walking pads are trending: “We’re seeing a real shift in how people approach movement; they want fitness that fits seamlessly into their everyday life. Walking pads tick all those boxes: they’re compact, easy to use, and compatible with hybrid work routines.”
When shopping for the best walking pad for your lifestyle, Khoury advises considering your space and daily routine: “If it’s going under a desk, prioritise a slim, foldable design and quiet operation. If you’re using it for light workouts, a sturdier frame and better cushioning might be worth the investment.”
So, if you’re ready to build movement into your daily routine, check out our edit of the best walking pads in New Zealand, alongside commonly asked questions about this popular piece of fitness equipment. My advice? If you plan to use your walking pad on carpet, don’t forget to invest in a rubber mat for added safety and protection.
2026’s best walking pads in NZ
Electric Walking Pad
$543 (usually $578.63) at Mighty Ape
Best for: A foldable treadmill for watching TV while you walk
If the promise of a new episode of Mormon Wives is what gets you moving, all power to you. This foldable treadmill includes a stand to hold your phone or tablet, so you can binge while you stride.
The sleek grey walking pad features built-in sensors to track speed, time, distance, and calories, plus hands-free control via remote or Bluetooth app. Lightweight yet sturdy, this walking pad makes distraction a feature, not a bug.
Speed range: 1Km/H – 10Km/H
Weight limit: 110kg
Dimensions: 38cm x 100cm
Key features:
- Powerful, energy-efficient motor
- 1–10 km/h speed range
- Remote control + Bluetooth app
- Shock-absorbing running belt
DynaSpace L1 Under-Desk Treadmill & Portable Walking Pad
$339 (usually $439, save 23%) at Space General
Best for: An under-desk treadmill for squeezing exercise into your workday
Convinced your boss to let you use a walking pad at work? Firstly, tell us how. Secondly, the DynaSpace L1 is made for office life. With built-in wheels for portability, it glides under a standing desk to create an instant active workspace.
Speed range: 1-6km/hour
Weight limit: 100kg
Dimensions: 121cm × 50.8cm × 11.5 cm
Key features:
- Fitness metrics display
- Speed control function
- Silicone shock absorber
- Automatic belt adjustment
- Non-slip running belt
Best for: A walking pad that allows for a little more ease on the knees and joints
If pounding the pavement is beginning to take its toll on the joints, the Lifespan Fitness M2 WalkingPad Treadmill delivers a gentler walking experience by using an EVA-cushioned deck and a cushioned running surface that softens each step and reduces stress on knees and ankles.
With a smoother, more forgiving walking surface than hard floors or pavements, this walking pad supports longer, comfortable walking sessions.
Speed range: 0 – 6km/h
Weight limit: 105kg
Dimensions: 12.5cm x 51.8cm x 144.5cm
Key features:
FX1000 Foldable 2-in-1 Walking & Jogging Treadmill
$552 (usually $829, save 33%) at Mighty Ape
Best for: A foldable treadmill for walkers who also enjoy the occasional jog
Rainy day? No problem. The FX1000 doubles as both a walking and jogging treadmill, with a maximum walking speed of 6 km/h and jogging speed of 8.8 km/h. Ultra-slim and portable, it features a handrail for added stability and a quiet motor.
Speed range: 0.8–6.0/8.8KM/H (walking/jogging)
Weight limit: 100kg
Dimensions: 143×69×12.5/102cm
Key features:
- Max user weight: 100kg
- Multi-functional LED display (time, speed, distance, calories)
- Ultra-thin aluminium frame
- Non-slip, shock-absorbing surface
DynaSpace L3 Incline Under-Desk Walking Pad
$399 (usually $469, save 15%) at Space General
Best for: An under-desk walking pad for adding an uphill challenge
Live somewhere flat? (Looking at you, Christchurch.) The DynaSpace L3 under-desk walking pad adds a manual incline for a hill-climb challenge.
The clear LED display keeps you motivated by showing real-time data like calories burned, distance travelled, and more. At just 11.6cm tall, it slides neatly under a desk, while staying whisper quiet.
Speed range: 0.5 – 6km/hour
Weight limit: 100kg
Dimensions: 116cm x 50cm x 11.6cm
Key features:
- Bluetooth app compatibility (Zwift, Spax, Kinomap)
- LED display screen
- Remote control
- 4 rubber cushion shock absorbers
- Fitness metrics display
- Automatic belt adjustment
Ape Style FX3200 Foldable 2-in-1 Walking & Running Compact Treadmill
$499 at Mighty Ape
Best for: Brisk walking and light jogging
Wanting to pick up the pace a little, without feeling like you’re being watched? With a speed range of 1-12 kms per hour, the Ape Style FX3200 Foldable 2-in-1 walking & running treadmill is designed to help step up a gear or two.
4 incline levels help to vary your workout, and the clear LED screen will track your workout time, distance travelled, speed and calories burned.
Speed range: 1-12 km/hour
Weight limit: 110g
Dimensions: 1160 × 675 × 1145mm
Key features:
- LED display screen
- Fitness metrics display
- Foldable design for easy and compact storage
ProRunner X1 Walk Treadmill
$489.30 (usually $699, save 30%) from Torpedo 7
Best for: A quiet and subtle walking pad without the bells and whistles
Sleek and streamlined, this walking pad is lightweight while still sturdy enough to use on the daily. With an LED console displaying time, speed, distance, calories and steps, it has all you need to get those extra steps in while working or watching television.
Speed range: 0.8-6km/h
Max weight: 100kg
Dimensions: 126 x 55 x16.5 cm
Key features:
- Warranty: 10 years on frame, 5 years on motor, 1 year on parts and labour
- LED console display
- Console function: time, speed, distance, calories, steps
- Handheld remote control
- Home-friendly footprint
- Low power / simple motor for quieter operation and lower energy use
Commonly asked questions about walking pads
1. Are walking pads really worth it?
You could be a young professional setting up a home office, a parent wanting to keep active on work-from-home days, or an elderly person seeking low-impact ways to move indoors. According to Daniel Khoury, fitness category specialist at Decathlon Australia, “The appeal really cuts across demographics, it’s about convenience and consistency more than athletic performance.”
2. Which features should I consider when buying a walking pad?
Khoury says that “Storage and noise levels come up the most. People want something that folds away easily and runs quietly enough for calls or small spaces. Smart connectivity is another growing factor; features like step tracking and app integration are influencing buying decisions more than ever. And of course, price remains key; shoppers are doing their research to find reliable, well-built models that don’t cost as much as a treadmill.”
3. Will a walking pad improve my health?
A moderate activity like walking can bolster your wellbeing if you work a sedentary job or regular movement is challenging to incorporate into your day. A 2023 European Journal of Preventive Cardiology study found that getting at least 4,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of dying from any cause, including cardiovascular mortality.
According to a 2023 study published in Occupational Health Science, subjects working from home who used treadmill desks reported a range of physical, mental and social benefits, including feeling healthier, better mood, improved focus and better work satisfaction.
Further, in a July 2024 episode of Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials podcast series, titled “Are Walking Pads Worth It?”, exercise physiologist Chris Dempers stated that even walking slowly is better than sitting still.
“Even at a slower pace, you’re still going to be burning calories. Now, typically, average walking speed is about 3 miles an hour. So with an average walking speed of about 3 miles an hour, you’re burning typically anywhere from 4 to 5 calories per minute. Essentially, in a half-hour timeframe of walking 30 minutes, you’re going to be burning anywhere from, based on body weight, too, that’ll play a factor in it, 100 to 160 calories… In the world that we live in, a lot of times, we’re stuck sitting. I get fidgety enough behind the desk. So if I could be up moving around, that’d be great”, Dempers explains.
4. Do I need an expensive walking pad?
Khoury comments that many shoppers “start with an entry-level walking pad to see how often they’ll use it, then upgrade to a model with higher speed ranges or digital features once they realise it’s become part of their daily routine. The good news is that quality walking pads are becoming more affordable as demand grows.”
5. What’s the difference between a walking pad and a treadmill?
A walking pad is smaller and more compact than a treadmill, making it ideal for home use or sliding under a standing desk. Some models are foldable, allowing you to stash them away after use easily. Designed for low-impact movement, walking pads are perfect for multitasking – whether answering emails, taking calls, or catching up on your favourite TV show. They are also a more affordable alternative to treadmills, offering an accessible way to incorporate movement into your day.
Treadmills, on the other hand, are larger and better suited for high-impact workouts, such as training for a race or alternating between walking, jogging, and running. They have advanced features like adjustable incline, workout programs, and heart rate monitoring. However, their size and weight require a dedicated space in your home or garage.
6. Can I run on a walking pad?
You won’t be sprint training, but some walking pads do allow you to build up to a brisk jogging pace. This foldable treadmill reaches a maximum speed of 8.8 km/h on its jog setting, while this electric walking pad reaches a fairly decent speed of 10 km/h.
Do I need an expensive walking pad?
Khoury comments that many shoppers “start with an entry-level walking pad to see how often they’ll use it, then upgrade to a model with higher speed ranges or digital features once they realise it’s become part of their daily routine. The good news is that quality walking pads are becoming more affordable as demand grows.”
7. Can I use my walking pad on carpet?
It’s best to check your walking pad’s manual for specific guidance – generally, they perform best on hard, flat surfaces.
If the area where you plan to use your walking pad is carpeted, using a rubber equipment mat is recommended to protect your flooring and provide a safe, stable surface. Placing a walking pad directly on carpet can affect stability and cause the belt to rub against the carpet fibres. Over time, this friction can fray your carpet, damage the belt, and even pose a fire hazard.
Shop the edit: Rubber equipment mats
This black floor mat is made of high-density PVC to stay firmly in place under heavy equipment, ensuring a safer and quieter workout. Its shock-absorbing design also reduces vibration and noise.
Thickness: 7.6mm
Size: 182.88 x 76.2 cm
This foldable mat easily slides into closets and cupboards, making it perfect for small spaces. Honeycomb shock absorption cuts down on workout noise, while the waterproof surface repels sweat and liquids, making it easy to clean.
Thickness: 6mm
Dimensions: 130D x 55W x 12H cm
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