A floor protection mat is the accessory I recommend with every walking pad, no matter which model. It protects parquet and laminate from pressure marks and silicone oil, it keeps the device in place, and it dampens the footfall that is the real problem in rented apartments. What it can and cannot do I checked with the WalkingPad mat over several weeks and with noise measurements.
In short
A 3 to 6 mm mat made of TPE or rubber protects the floor, prevents slipping and noticeably absorbs vibrations when walking up to 6 km/h. When jogging, the footfall remains audible despite the mat. A mat is mandatory on carpet, because otherwise the walking pad pulls in fibres and its ventilation gets blocked.
What a mat under the walking pad does
- Floor protection: The feet press into soft parquet or vinyl under the weight of device and user. Silicone oil that drips out during oiling leaves stains on wood. The mat catches both.
- Anti-slip: On smooth laminate, light models like the Z1 or the Sperax wander when you step on them. With a non-slip underside the pad stayed in place in my test even with fast steps.
- Footfall: The mat absorbs part of the vibration that goes into the floor when your feet land. For you in the room little changes, for the neighbour below it is noticeable.
- Carpet: On deep-pile carpet the belt pulls in fibres and the ventilation slots on the underside get blocked. A firm mat creates an even, smooth base.
How much quieter does it get with a mat?
My noise measurements are taken with a rubber mat under the device. On the WalkingPad R2 the values were 49.9 dB at 2 km/h, 53.1 dB at 4 km/h and 56.6 dB at 6 km/h, and 70.2 dB when jogging at 12 km/h. The motor does not get quieter through the mat, the dull footfall does. For walking up to 6 km/h the WalkingPad mat is sufficient, at higher speeds the footfall remains clearly audible despite the mat because the impact energy when running is many times higher.
If you want to jog above neighbours in an old building, do not expect miracles: only a thicker, heavier rubber mat helps against footfall when running, and even then late training remains a matter of consideration.
The WalkingPad floor protection mat in the test
The Kingsmith mat measures 155 × 65 cm (61 × 25.6 in) at 3 mm thick, weighs 2.6 kg and is made of thermoplastic elastomer. In the test it lay non-slip, could be wiped damp and rolled up for storage. At first the ends were wavy, which settled after a few days. It fits under compact models such as the Z1, P1 and A1 Pro and under other fitness equipment; for the wider X, MC and Z3 models it is narrower than the device. The price is high compared to simple mats, but the material is right.
What to look for in a mat
| Criterion | Recommendation | Why |
| Material | TPE or rubber | non-slip, oil-resistant, low odour; PVC mats often smell and harden |
| Thickness | 3 mm for walking, 5 to 6 mm for jogging | more mass dampens more footfall |
| Size | at least 10 cm longer and wider than the pad | for foldable models take the unfolded size, e.g. 143 × 55 cm for the A1 Pro |
| Underside | textured, non-slip | also on tiles and laminate |
| Surface | smooth and wipeable | silicone oil and dust are easy to remove |
| Rollable | yes | for storing together with the folded pad |
Mat and folding mechanism
Vertically folding models like the X214, X21 and X218 stand on small transport wheels. On a soft mat they are hard to roll, in the test that was the most noticeable point of criticism on the X214. To put the pad away I therefore first slide it off the mat and then roll it. Models with large wheels like the Z3 Hybrid+, MC11 or A1 Pro manage the mat too.
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My verdict
A mat gives you floor protection, slip resistance and less trouble with the neighbours. When walking at the desk it is the most effective measure against footfall, when jogging it has its limits. My noise values for all models are in the guide walking pad noise and in my walking pad reviews.
Frequently asked questions about walking pad floor mats
Do you need a mat under a walking pad?
On parquet, laminate and vinyl yes, because of pressure marks, oil and slipping. On carpet it is mandatory, because otherwise the pad pulls in fibres and the ventilation gets blocked.
Does a mat make the walking pad quieter?
It noticeably dampens footfall when walking up to 6 km/h, the motor stays just as loud. When jogging, the footfall remains audible despite the mat.
How thick should the mat be?
3 mm is enough for walking at the desk, 5 to 6 mm is better for jogging and buildings with thin floors.
What size does the mat need to be?
At least 10 cm longer and wider than the unfolded walking pad. The WalkingPad mat measures 155 × 65 cm and so suits compact models such as the Z1, P1 and A1 Pro.
More walking pad guides
- 10,000 Steps at Your Desk: How to Get Them on the Side with a Walking Pad
- Walking Pad Without Electricity: Does It Exist? Manual Treadmills, Running Costs and Alternatives
- Walking Pad and Desk Height: How High Does the Desk Need to Go? Deck Heights of All Models
- Walking Pad Power Consumption: What Does an Hour of Walking Really Cost? Measured Values
- How to Oil, Centre and Maintain a Walking Pad: The Guide from Eleven Tests
- Walking Pad Speed: 6, 12 or 18 km/h? Which Pace You Really Need
- Foldable Walking Pads: Which Design Fits Your Home? All Folded Dimensions from My Tests
- WalkingPad Z1 vs. P1 vs. A1 Pro: Which Compact Walking Pad Is Right for You?
- Walking Pad Weight Limit: Which Models Carry 120, 135 or 136 kg (300 lb)?
- Walking Pad Noise: How Loud Are Under-Desk Treadmills Really? Measurements from My Tests
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