Tracking your workout data can help you achieve your goal faster as it provides a clear sense of direction and shows you where you are and where you should make changes. But to do that, you will need the best foot pod for the treadmill.
Foot pod definition
A foot pod is a device stuck on the shoes to provide data such as pace and speed when connected to your smartphone. It has a small sensor that can be fitted on the shoelaces to measure how far you have traveled. The device is so lightweight that it doesn't affect your speed. It's, therefore, a great way of getting accurate data on your workout efforts.
Benefits of using the best foot pod for treadmill
Foot pods are a great choice for tracking your numbers during workout sessions. There are various benefits of a foot pod. These include:
- Provides precise results: Foot pods are made to provide workout results such as speed, interval, distance, and cadence.
- Tracking distance: You can use the foot pod to measure the running distance when running outdoors.
- Small and light: You can easily place it on your shoelaces so that it doesn't affect your workouts.
- Provides output: Most foot pods now provide the cadence details when working out on a treadmill.
Comparison Table
For the best results, you will need the best running foot pod. If you are wondering which one to go for, here are the best options.
Image | Product & Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Wahoo RPM Sensor
| |
  | Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod
| |
  | POLAR Stride Waterproof Running Sensor Bluetooth Smart
| |
  | POLAR S1 Foot Pod
| |
  | COROS POD - Performance Optimization Device
| |
  | Zwift RunPod
| |
  | Garmin Foot Pod
| |
  | Nike+ Stand Alone Sensor Kit
| |
  | Lumo Run - the Running Coach for Every Runner
|
Our Review of the Top 9 Best Foot Pod for Treadmill
We have researched the devices and now bring out the best options. Read this track pod review to make a wise buying decision.
1. Wahoo RPM Sensor
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If you are searching for a light foot pod that will accurately track your metrics, you may want to consider the Wahoo RPM Sensor. The foot pod tracks and records the running speed and cycling cadence in real time and is compactable with different training apps. You can record your exercise data using the Wahoo Fitness app.
It features a cadence sensor that can be easily fixed on your bike's footwear or crank arm. In addition, this foot pod for the treadmill is compactable with apps such as Zwift, Wahoo Fitness, Sufferfest, Trainerroad, Komoot, MapMyRide, RideWithGPS, Peloton, Cyclemeter, Fulgaz, Kinomap and more.
Pros
Cons
The Wahoo RPM Sensor is a sleek and lightweight blue tooth foot pod compactable with over 50 apps and will not interfere with your workouts when running on the treadmill.
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The Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod is a great choice for runners as it has been specifically made for runners. It tracks and records six running metrics, helping you stay in control of your workouts. You should pair it with the Garmin smartwatch as it doesn't work well as a stand-alone tracker. The fact that most treadmills are compatible with Garmin is a good reason you should acquire this foot pod.
It is a good replacement for the heart rate chest strap as it will track different metrics such as cadence (steps per minute), ground contact, stride length, vertical oscillation(bounce height), ground contact time, and ground contact time balance. The actual pod comes enclosed in housing where it can be removed for a change of battery.
Pros
Cons
The Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod is a portable, waterproof and sturdy foot pod treadmill that will track 6 of your metrics. In addition, the Garmin foot pod treadmill has a high accuracy level and a long battery life.
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The POLAR Stride Waterproof Running Sensor Bluetooth Smart will help improve your running technique by keeping track of your running distance and speed. It's a Bluetooth smart foot pod that is water-resistant, shock-resistant, and will work well in various conditions. You can save your data in the built-in app. After exercising, you can also connect it to Zwift to review your running speed, stride, and more.
This running watch is a great choice for exercising on a treadmill, track, or outside trail. The polar beat stride sensor is also topnotch, providing accurate results.
Pros
Cons
The POLAR Stride Waterproof Running Sensor Bluetooth Smart is a small and lightweight foot pod that is also water-resistant and shockproof, making it a great choice for attaching to the shoe. In addition, its inbuilt app makes it easier to save your workout data.
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The Polar S1 foot pod uses inertial technology and electronic signal handling to provide you with accurate pace, speed, and distance metrics. When properly calibrated, the foot pod will give you up to 99% accuracy.
The running cadence meter is sturdily-made as its water-proof and shock-resistant. It comes with an AAA battery that has a lifespan of 20 hours. The unit is compactable with the RS400 models, RS200, s725X, S625X, and more
Pros
Cons
The Polar S1 is among the best running foot pods as it is lightweight and has top-notch accuracy. In addition, it's water-resistant and shockproof, making it a suitable choice for wearing on your shoe.
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The Coros POD is so small and lightweight that you will hardly feel it on your waistband. It's sturdy and will remain well clipped when running on a treadmill. It uses 3D analysis to help you understand if your power is distributed vertically, horizontally, or laterally.
This is among the best running foot pods as it provides a wide range of running metrics such as ground time, form power, L/R Balance, stride ratio, stride height, stride cadence, and stride length. It is easy to use, but you can easily activate it by pairing it with the Coros app or watch. You can then clip it vertically on the waist at the centre of your back.
Pros
Cons
The Coros POD is a great little device that is easy to set up and offers advanced running metrics compared to the competitors. In addition, it's lightweight, sturdily built, and has a long-lasting battery.
6. Zwift RunPod
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The Zwift RunPod has been designed for goal-oriented athletes in different dimensions. It's easy to fit as all you need to do is unclip the top and fix the base on your running shoe's laces. You can then clip back the top and secure it in place. The device works well with Zwift, and it's easy to set up as all you need to do is download the Zwift app, create an account and pair it with the iPod.
The Zwift RunPod will provide you with very accurate results when properly calibrated. In addition, you can pair it with any sports watch that allows sensor pairing with third-party apps. So, if you have your phone placed on your treadmill reading racks, the foot pod will work well with it.
Pros
Cons
The Zwift RunPod will make your running productive, enjoyable, and social as it's lightweight, easy to fit, and compactable with Zwift and other third-party apps.
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The Garmin foot pod is good for measuring your distance and cadence. In addition, you can combine it with your Garmin wrist-worn device to accurately track your step count. The device is small enough to be easily attached to your shoelaces or fit in the mid-sole pocket.
The unit is powered by a small changeable battery that can last for more than 6 months, depending on your activity level. Unlike some simple pedometers, it uses MEMS inertial-sensor technology to analyze your movement and respond to changes in stride length with a speed and distance accuracy of 98%.
Pros
Cons
The Garmin foot pod is a small and lightweight foot pod with a long-lasting battery, making it a good choice for attaching to your shoelaces. In addition, it uses advanced technology that tracks your movement with an accuracy of 98%.
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If you need a small and lightweight foot pod that will be hardly noticeable, you should consider theNike+ Stand Alone Sensor Kit. The device is easy to sync with the Nike Plus Sport watch and does a good job of tracking your distance, pace, time elapsed, and the number of calories burned.
Syncing the device with Nike tracking devices such as the Nike + Sport Watch GPS or iPhone GPS is easy as all you need to do is to place it under your socks liners and start running.
Pros
Cons
The Nike+ Stand Alone Sensor Kit is so small and lightweight that you will hardly feel it on your shoelaces. It works flawlessly, is pretty accurate, and will provide your stats at the touch of a button.
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The Lumo Run, the Running Coach for Every Runner, is a small and light device that can easily be clipped to your running shorts' back. The app will provide you with a good analysis of your running form and recommend some personalized exercises. It works with free Android and iOS apps. In addition, it offers specific outputs such as distance, speed, and cadence.
The food pod comes with a pretty good app that is stable and snappier than other apps. In addition, it comes with coaching videos and tips. It will analyze your steps and suggest exercises that you can focus on to improve.
Pros
Cons
The Lumo Run - the Running Coach for Every Runner- is a small, lightweight, portable foot pod that will provide accurate statistics.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Foot Pod for Treadmill
If you are wondering how to choose the best running foot pods, here are the factors to consider:
⦿ Output data
All treadmills have output data such as cadence, speed, and distance. You can choose from these metrics to analyze your competition.
⦿ Sturdiness
Just like you need your treadmill repair parts to be solidly made, you will need to ensure that the foot pod is sturdily-made so that it doesn't break easily.
⦿ Accuracy
Choosing a foot pod with a high accuracy rate will provide you with more accurate figures.
⦿ Type of foot pod
Foot pods can be categorized into two; Bluetooth and ANT+. First, you will need to choose a foot pod that will work for your convenience and requirements.
⦿ Weight
You don't want a foot pod with a lot of weight that will hold you down when running. Instead, you should find a lightweight option.
⦿ Ease of installation
You will want a foot pod that is easy to install. It should attach easily to the shoe or arm of your bike without the need for a magnet.
⦿ Battery life
It's important to choose a foot pod with long battery life. With 1 to 2 hours in a day, a good foot pod should last for one to two years.
⦿ Price
Foot pods don't come cheap. However, with a bit of research, you can get a good device that will come at an affordable price.
FAQs
1. Is a foot pod good for monitoring heart rate?
The foot pod effectively records distance and pace but doesn't monitor the heart rate. If your goal is to monitor your heart rate, you can use a connected smartwatch.
2. How do you calibrate a Garmin foot pod for a treadmill?
Hold the menu button and choose sensors and accessories. You should then select a foot pod and then cal. Factor. Select "set value". You can then increase or decrease the calibration factor depending on the distance.
3. How do you connect foot pods on Zwift?
Start by login into your Zwift account. Next, you will see the paired devices screen. Use the search box to find your device, and then choose the foot pod you want to pair with your Zwift account. You should then click okay. Next, load the screen and click OK.
Conclusion
The best running foot pod is a great choice for getting accurate feedback on your workout. The devices feature a small sensor that can fit in your running shoes to measure the distance traveled, speed, and pace depending on your foot strikes. Therefore, the foot pod will encourage you to keep improving your workout on the treadmill.
You will need to choose the best foot pod for the treadmill for the best results. If you wonder which one to choose, you can go with one of the above options. We have also included a buying guide to help choose the right device.
Happy buying!