Walkolution Walkolution 2

Note! Prices move around a lot, and the store now prices in USD directly (it used to convert from EUR). Click through for the live number — and check stock, since it's currently sold out.

The walking pad has three surface options. Base config (Standard Slats, no side panels, no stool) starts at $2,942.86; a Black or Wood frame adds roughly $100-$380, and the stool attachment runs $380 on top. The TheraFloor surfaces are the big jump: TheraFloor 2D at ~$5,762 and TrueTerrain (3D) at ~$5,990. A lifetime warranty upgrade is a separate $760.95. Factor in shipping too. I recommend a TheraFloor option personally, but do your research — there's plenty of discussion on Reddit.

There's no ratings anywhere. It's not on Amazon, and their company page lacks reviews. But I've seen enough via Reddit to know this is a lifetime buy with few flaws. The Walkolution 2 is new. But users of the prior versions tend to be all-day walkers, and I haven't seen a single mentioned hiccup.

This is a manual device, powered by your walking alone (not a motor). The speed limit is a bit unknown, I've seen people running on it. A note on running.

It's unknown the angle of the incline (rather a slope), but there is one - required for the gravity-based manual walking. In terms of knee-health, even if it's not 3%, there's enough shock absorption in the TheraFloor ® to more than compensate.

It has 3 options: Standard Slats, TheraFloor ® Standard Slats, TheraFloor ® TrueTerrain. The latter two provide so much cushion, most peopl use this device barefoot or with socks. Maybe the best shock-absorption technology out there.

Due to no motor, it's whisper quiet. In fact, some have challenged the dB ratings on other mills (like CyberPad), contesting they couldn't be that quiet with a motor.

Downside of Walkolution. It's too difficult to swap in-and-out for a chair, so it's a permanent fixture.

No need to lube! There's no motor to protect. And the rotating slats work different than a belt on deck besides.

This is the true winner of winners, the last boss, buy it for life. The downside of course is cost - untenable for most people, including myself. But assuming you can afford it...

Manually powered

There's no motor. You walk up a slope and gravity does the job. This saves on electricity, and makes setting your speed second nature rather than set.

Last a Lifetime

Because there's no motor, there's little that can go wrong. It's the motor that dies first in treadmills - rarely something else (like deck cracks, etc). Additionally, this is built in Germany by real geeks who care. This isn't an alphabet-soup-named cash-grab on Amazon. They got the tech right.

Ergonomics

The slight slope offers that needed angle. The TheraFloor ® Standard Slats or TheraFloor ® TrueTerrain offer significant cushioning - like you're walking on foam or forrest moss. Most walk barefoot or with socks (ergonomically bad with other mills). The TheraFloor ® TrueTerrain is good for your feet (applying uneven pressure as you go); though it does add a slight instability, so if you're worried get the TheraFloor ® Standard Slats. Also, research that TheraFloor ® tech. It won't get gross nor flattened with time, which foam would. It's really cool tech

Whisper quiet

35dB. Most sound comes for motors, so there you go.

Global shipping

The only treadmill I've found that ships everywhere, rather than the usual suspects. Do note though, it's pricey shipping, and takes 6-8 weeks.

Cons

• Price, obviously.
• Height. It's so tall you'll need a specialized desk; or at least peripherals, like monitor arms and a keyboard raiser.
• Heavy. It's too difficult to swap in-and-out for a chair, so it's a permanent fixture.

And then there's one thing I can't know until I test it. Having used a Xiser Pro Trainer stepper, I found that steppers distracted me due to the manual engagement. The fixed speed of a treadmill forces one into cadence, where the Xiser took brain-power. I'm told it's not the same with manual mills. I'll update here when I find out more.

If you're hoping for something cheaper, keep an eye on Johannes - he's trying to make manual mills more accessible. Manuals are currently such a limited space.