WalkingPad X21 Review
This product was in-house tested by Michael at The Jungle Gym Reviews.
The WalkingPad X21 is best at turning walking—and occasional jogging—into something you can do consistently without rearranging your house. The folding design and low profile make it easy to live with, and the 7.5 mph top speed is enough for light running. The tradeoff is durability and feel: it’s not cushioned like a full treadmill and isn’t meant for high-mileage runners. If you want a space-efficient way to walk daily and jog a couple times per week, it makes a lot of sense. If you’re a serious runner, this isn’t the right tool.
Quick Specs
Top Speed: 7.5 mph
Motor: ~1.0 HP
Max User Weight: ~240 lb
Weight: ~80 lb
Running Deck Size: 48” x 18”
Overall Width: ~28”
Height to Handrail: ~39.5”
Display: Integrated digital display + app control
Folding Design: Double-fold with transport wheels
Where to Buy the WalkingPad X21
Check current pricing and availability directly from the official product listing or authorized retailers.
My Real-World Experience
I primarily use the X21 as a walking treadmill under a standing desk, and that’s where it really shines. I average about four miles per day—roughly two miles in the morning and two in the afternoon—while working. It slides neatly under my desk, and once it’s positioned, using it is as simple as stepping on, hitting start, and letting it count down.
For running, I use it a couple times per week for short Zone 2 sessions around 6–7 mph. That’s about as fast and as long as I’d want to push something like this. It works, but it doesn’t feel like a dedicated running treadmill. The deck is low-profile and firm, and you can feel that you’re essentially running over a very thin platform close to the floor.
Folding and moving it is easy. Even at around 80 pounds, I can tilt it back onto the wheels and roll it around without much effort. The locking handle on the rear keeps it from tipping when stored upright, and the double-fold design is what makes it realistic for small spaces.
Training Use Cases
The X21 is ideal for:
Daily walking while working at a desk
Light jogging or short runs a few times per week
Zone 2 cardio without leaving the house
Shared spaces where equipment needs to be stored away
It’s less ideal for:
Long-distance running
High-speed interval training
Users who want cushioning similar to a commercial treadmill
App & Controls
The built-in display shows speed, time, distance, and calories, and the app adds a lot of convenience. The biggest benefit for me is preset speeds. Instead of scrolling up from 1.0 mph every time, I can jump straight to my normal walking or jogging pace. That sounds small, but when you’re using it every day, it matters.
The motor itself is quiet. The majority of noise comes from foot strike, not the machine. In a house, that’s fine. In an upstairs apartment, it’s something to think about.
Tradeoffs & Limitations
The folding design creates hinge points in the deck, and you can feel them slightly underfoot—especially when walking slowly. It’s not dangerous, but it’s noticeable.
The lack of cushioning is another big tradeoff. This feels closer to walking or running on concrete than on a gym treadmill. For walking, that’s fine. For frequent running, it’s not ideal.
The leveling feet are functional but fiddly. On hardwood floors, I have to re-adjust them almost every session to prevent rocking. They’re hard plastic, not rubber, and they don’t self-correct well once they shift.
There’s also no incline option. Given the folding design, that’s understandable, but it limits training variety.
Value & Alternatives
At around $900, the X21 sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s more expensive than basic walking-only treadmills, but much cheaper—and far smaller—than full-size running treadmills.
If you only plan to walk, WalkingPad’s lower-end models in the $300–$500 range make more sense. If you want to run regularly or log serious mileage, a larger, cushioned treadmill is a better long-term investment.
Who Should Buy This
Busy professionals who want to walk while working
People with limited space
Users who walk daily and jog occasionally
Anyone who values convenience over maximum performance
Who Should Skip It
Distance runners
Heavier runners pushing the top speed regularly
Anyone wanting incline training or heavy cushioning
Apartment dwellers concerned about upstairs noise
Final Verdict
The WalkingPad X21 isn’t trying to replace a commercial treadmill. It’s trying to make daily movement easier to stick with, and at that, it succeeds. If your goal is consistent walking with the option to jog, and you need something that folds away cleanly, it’s a solid fit.
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