Walking pads (also known as under desk treadmills) slot under your desk, allowing you to rack up an impressive step count during your working day without cutting into leisure time.
With a slower speed range than a treadmill they’re designed for walking, not running, so you can maintain a gentle pace throughout the day without breaking a sweat (or your concentration).
They’re becoming increasingly popular for very good reason. Not only can they help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, but they also offer a practical way to build more movement into your daily routine without setting aside extra time.
As someone who’s keen on hitting 10,000 steps a day, I was curious to see how a walking pad could help me stay active on work from home days. I put the UREVO Spacewalk E4 to the test to see if under desk treadmills can help me increase my daily movement.
Urevo Spacewalk E4
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I tried the UREVO Spacewalk E4 and was pleasantly surprised by how sleek and slim it is straight out of the box. It’s far less bulky and intimidating than a traditional treadmill, and it slotted under my desk with no fuss. At 19.2kg, it’s not featherlight, but it’s lighter than many other walking pads on the market. The wheels at the front make it easy to move from under the desk to in front of the TV or into storage if you don’t have the space to leave it out all the time.
The Spacewalk E4 offers a speed range of 1 to 6 km/h, which makes it ideal for walking and light jogging. It does take a little getting used to, especially if you’re planning to work while using it. For context, 4 km/h feels surprisingly brisk in a living room setting. I’d recommend starting at a slower pace and gradually increasing the speed.
Walking on it feels smooth and comfortable thanks to the five-layer anti-slip belt, eight silicone shock absorbers and two soft rubber pads. These features help reduce joint impact, making it easy on the knees and comfortable for longer walks.
Setup is quick and simple. Just take it out of the box, plug it in and you’re good to go. It comes with a remote that lets you adjust the speed or pause your walk, and the built-in magnet means it sticks neatly to the side of the machine when not in use. The remote also has a mute button to silence any beeping, which is useful when you're working. The LED display is easy to read and shows time, calories, steps, speed and distance.
What I liked:
- Extremely user friendly
- Portable and sleek design
To consider:
- Not suitable for those seeking intense workouts
Specs:
- Speed Range: 1–6 km/h (0.6–4 mph)
- Product Dimensions: 121 x 48 x 11.3 cm (47.6 x 18.9 x 4.4 inches)
- Walking Surface: 102 x 38 cm (40.2 x 15 inches)
- Weight: 19.2 kg (42.3 lbs)
My verdict:
The UREVO Spacewalk E4 is a great option for anyone looking for a compact, quiet walking pad to keep moving throughout the day. While it’s not designed for intense workouts, its thoughtful features and portability make it a convenient choice for staying active at home.
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Best of the rest - top walking pads we've spotted online
King Smith Walkingpad P1
This walking pad folds down to just 82 x 55 x 13cm, so it's a neat option that's perfect for small spaces.
To change the speed, you can use an app on your phone or a remote control. The app also also lets you track distances covered, step count and timings so you can keep an eye on your progress across the week.
The addition of an automatic mode is particularly appealing. You can change the walking pad's speed by altering your position on the pad. Walk closer to the front of the pad if you want to speed up, and to slow down, drop back - a nifty feature that lets you find your ideal pace.
Offering a speed range of 0.5 to 6km/h, this model is suitable for walking and gentle jogging. There's no handle or bar option with this design so it's particularly slender and well-suited for under desk use.
Looking to create a more comfortable working environment? Browse the best desk chairs and the best desks.
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King Smith Walkingpad A1 Pro
Another walking pad from King Smith to consider, and this one displays your time, distance and speed on a snazzy LED display so you can track your progress in real time. A second difference is the quiet, brushless motor - a nice touch if you're looking for a walking pad you can use whilst watching TV.
We like the sleek, understated appearance and it folds down to a height of 13cm for easy storage.
Just like the model above, you can control the speed through an app or by remote control, and there's also the option to try out the automatic mode.
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Costway 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
If you're looking for a space-saving desk treadmill that can work for both your walking and running needs, this 2 in 1 model could do the trick. Fold the handrail down for a maximum speed of 4km/h, and enjoy a stroll whilst studying or working, or bring up the handrail for a more intense session. When the handrail is raised, you can run at speeds of up to 12km/h.
You can even hook up your phone and blast your favourite tunes as there's a Bluetooth speaker - perfect for when you're looking for a motivational banger to get you moving!
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THERUN Folding Treadmill
This is a very similar 2 in 1 design, but with a faster walking pace of up to 6km/h - an ideal pick if you prefer a brisker walk. The wheels on the bottom make for easy transportation, just fold down and roll under a sofa or bed whenever it's not in use. At just under five inches when folded down, this under desk treadmill is a slender pick.
We like the addition of the tablet holder. Join a work meeting, or watch a fitness video with ease.
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LifeSpan Treadmill Desk TR5000-DT7
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JTX MoveLight Walking Under Desk Treadmill
If you're not into the 2-in-1 designs, and know you're going to be using your desk treadmill for walking only, this design could be your winner. Featuring a maximum speed of 6km/h, and a large, easy-to-read display, this model offers an effortless way to increase your step count for the day.
This model doesn't fold away at all, but at roughly 143 x 55 x 13cm, it's slender enough to keep out of the way. You could even keep it under your desk and swivel it out when you start work.
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Health benefits of walking
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. It can:
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Boost energy and mood
- Reduce joint stiffness and lower back pain
- Help maintain a healthy weight
- Support better sleep and mental wellbeing
According to the NHS, even a brisk 10-minute walk can make a difference and the cumulative effect of walking throughout the day can be significant.
What to consider when choosing a walking pad
Not all walking pads are created equal. Here are a few key things to look out for:
- Size and storage: Some models are foldable or slim enough to store under furniture
- Noise level: Essential if you’re taking calls or working in shared spaces
- Speed range: Most max out at around 6km/h, which is fine for walking but not running
- Weight capacity: Check the maximum supported user weight
- Shock absorption: A cushioned deck reduces strain on your joints over time
- Controls and display: Some models have remotes, app support or built-in displays
Is sitting at a desk bad for you?
Most of us sit for far longer than we should, often eight hours or more a day. Over time, prolonged sitting can contribute to weight gain, poor circulation, back and neck pain, and even increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Even if you exercise regularly, long periods of sitting can still negatively impact your health. That’s why experts now recommend breaking up sedentary time with frequent movement throughout the day.
For more space-saving solutions, browse the best storage ideas for small spaces.
