Everything you need beyond the walking pad - from floor protection to ergonomic gear that prevents injury. Based on years of daily use.
Use the Walking Pads Comparison Tool to find the best walking pad based on your preferences and budget. It compares walking desk / treadmill desk brands like Urevo, DeerRun, SupeRun, WalkingPad, KingSmith, Xiaomi, TrailViber, Wellfit, and more.
See Recommended Walking PadsHapbear Mat. Protects your floor from rubber-stopper damage, absorbs treadmill noise, and adds shock absorption for your knees. On hard floors this is non-negotiable - the rubber feet will scuff or stain within weeks. On carpet, it prevents fibers from getting pulled into the hardware.
Walking 4-5 hours daily on a treadmill belt destroys shoes faster than road running - the belt is an active abrasive that generates heat and wears outsoles unevenly. You need shoes with durable outsoles, long-lasting cushioning, and a wide toe box. I reviewed the best options with durability data and Morton's neuroma considerations in my Walking Pad Shoe Guide.
You need a sit/stand desk that goes high enough - standing on a walking pad in shoes adds 8-10" to your height, and most budget desks top out too low. You also need a monitor arm (ideally a tall-pole mount) so your screen stays at eye level across the full sit-to-walk range. I cover desk height math, which desks actually reach 49"+, and monitor arm recommendations in my Standing Desk Guide.
Walking on a treadmill generates a lot of static electricity. Touch anything metal connected to your computer - a monitor, laptop, USB hub - and you'll release a discharge that can silently damage components over time. The fix: an ESD Wristband connected to something grounded. It keeps you continuously discharged while you walk. Also make sure your mouse and keyboard are plastic - never touch metal electronics while walking.
Walking amplifies RSI risk significantly - your arms move more than when seated, and the repetitive wrist motion compounds over months. Many walking-desk users I've talked to developed symptoms within the first year or two. The fix is a finger-ball trackball mouse and a split keyboard. See my reviews for recommendations across budgets. OSHA's workstation guide has positioning advice.