Sole TT8 Treadmill Review – 2023

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Last Updated: January 3, 2023

The Sole TT8 treadmill is an impressive treadmill for running. It has a solid, commercial-grade non-folding frame. This is a high-end treadmill designed for serious runners and those who want to maximize their training on a quality machine. The Sole TT8 has a full 60” long by 22” wide running belt that should provide plenty of running space. The powerful 4.0 HP motor is designed to support extended running and high intensity training. This hearty treadmill is rated to support up to 400lbs, which is 100lbs more than comparable treadmills. We expect the Sole TT8 to be an excellent training tool for larger users or those who plan to do extended training. Sole covers the TT8 treadmill with a full lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and deck, which indicates excellent build quality and durability. The TT8 requires a dedicated space since it doesn’t fold up, so this commercial-grade treadmill is best suited for those who have a home gym or workout area.

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Why Trust Our Review Of The Sole TT8 Treadmill

Our team has been testing and reviewing treadmills for years. So, we know what to expect when we see a list of specs and features. It’s also really helpful if we have used treadmills from the brand. With treadmills from Sole, we expect them to be hearty and solid machines with firm cushioning and easy to use displays. We love that Sole doesn’t require a subscription to use their treadmills and that they’re well-built and come with lifetime warranties. The Sole TT8 definitely checks all of these boxes. In this spec review, of the Sole TT8 we will guide you through what to expect when you use this treadmill, based on our extensive experience reviewing treadmills.

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In-depth Review of Sole TT8 Treadmill

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Construction

Frame

Sole machines are among the most durable on the market and the TT8 should be no exception. This non-folding treadmill is rated for light commercial use so it should work well for high-volume training or multi-user households. The steel frame is reinforced with steel side and cross beams, powder coated uprights, steel handrails with a spongy overlay, and extra support under the deck. The TT8 features Sole’s Flex Whisper deck, which allows for extra travel underfoot as you run. The cushioning is said to reduce impact shock by 40% so you can run harder for longer without impact injury or fatigue. The Sole TT8 should work well for walking or running and supports larger users up to 400lbs. The precision welded frame enhances durability and the TT8 chassis and motor are both commercial grade. The industrial quality frame uses an all-steel zinc coated flywheel. The flywheel is designed to aid the motor so it does not overheat and requires less amp draw from your wall outlet. It can also help extend the life of the motor.

Deck

• Cushioning/Feel
  • Sole’s proprietary Cushion Flex Whisper Deck system allows for extra travel under the deck to absorb impact. Sole claims this reduces foot impact by 40% when compared to outdoor surfaces. While the TT8 does provide some shock absorption, we don’t expect it to be as soft as other treadmills we’ve tested. This machine will most likely closely resemble overground running with reduced shock impact, while remaining stiff underfoot. For some users, this added stiffness can enhance the training value of the TT8, but for those looking for extensive cushioning, it may not be as soft as expected. Sole machines are built to be durable, high-quality training tools and the reinforced steel deck may limit some of the flex found on comparable treadmills.
• Length/Width
  • The 60” long by 22” wide running belt should provide plenty of space. However, one consistent complaint we have with the Sole machines is the larger motor hood at the front end of the deck. The motor hood protects the motor, but the high-profile plastic cover on the TT8 sits high up off the belt. If you run too close to the console, you might hit your foot on the motor housing. Standing back away from the can console help, but a slightly lower profile cover would help reduce foot impact while running.
• Belt and Rollers
  • The 2-ply belt has a gently textured surface and feels supportive underfoot. There is no slapping sound underfoot and the belt nestles against the side rails as it moves along. The belt is wax-lubricated for reduced maintenance.
  • 3” Rollers are larger than industry standard. The increased surface area reduces friction on the belt and lengthens the life of both the belt and motor since there is less heat and lower torque. The rollers have a sealed bearing design and copper ground wires reduce static which makes for smooth, static free motion that will stand the test of time.

Motor

The hearty 4.0 horsepower motor is among the strongest on the market and is intended to support heavy training, interval work, and intense conditioning. The 4.0hp motor is industrial grade with a large, heavy flywheel that helps reduce torque on the motor. The TT8 is designed for use up to 5 hours per day, and is rated light-commercial. If you are a marathon runner, triathlete or weekend warrior training for your next big event, the TT8 should be an excellent home-use treadmill. It also is expected to work well in homes where you have multiple users at different conditioning levels. The gentle decline and low step up height makes it ideal for anyone with limited mobility or joint issues and the hearty motor should provide training for your college track star. The motor is intended to drive the overall performance of the treadmill by facilitating incline and decline as well as maintaining and adjusting speed. You should feel very stable and don’t have to grab the handrails for support during speed or incline changes thanks to the powerful motor.

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Console

Layout

Sole consistently builds solid treadmills, but their console layout can be a bit confusing. The TT8 console was upgraded recently which helped a bit, but there are still a few issues with functionality.

• What we like:
  • The touch screen should make for intuitive navigation of the workout programs. There are also Incline Up and Down buttons (with an arrow) and Speed Up and Down buttons, so you can modify your pace or incline quickly on the console.
  • The programs are straightforward and included without a monthly subscription fee.
  • There are buttons on the handrails for speed (right) and incline (left). Sole is the only company to include buttons on the handrails. These are very handy when you want to change your pace or incline without lifting your hands off the handrails — so it is safer as well. In our experience with other Sole treadmills, sometimes you can accidentally hit these when getting on or off the machine, so it’s best to be careful when you step on the side rails to not accidentally touch the buttons.

• What we don’t like:
  • The TT8 appears to not have a different button for each speed or incline — instead there is a range for incline that begins at -4, then -2, but does not have a button for a 0% flat grade, instead it jumps to 2%, 4%, 6%, 9% and 12%. We would like to see a button for a flat grade at 0% incline as well as one for the max 15% incline. Some users may hit the 12% incline button not knowing they have three more levels above that.
  • Similarly, the speed buttons are 2mph, 3mph, 4mph, 5mph, 7mph, 9mph and 12mph. Rather than skip by twos or even threes, the speed buttons are rather random. These are probably the most common speeds used, but you will probably have to look to make sure you hit the one you want since they jump a bit. Thankfully, the tactile buttons on the handrails should allow users to increase their speed and incline by smaller measurements.

Screen

The 10.1” touch screen is centered on the console. It reminds us of the touch screen on the Sole F85. Even though it has a touch screen, the Sole TT8 is simple and designed for those who like to just hop on and go. One reason Sole continues to be able to keep up with more tech-heavy machines is not every user wants all the bells and whistles, as well as required subscription content. The touch screen is where you’ll access all the included on-board workout programs. You don’t need WiFi or an internet connection to use the Sole TT8. All programs are preloaded.

Fans/Other Accessories

• Two Fans sit just above the screen, but they don’t provide much air flow. While it’s nice to at least have some option here, the fans are relatively underpowered and don’t provide much of a breeze.
• There is a headphone jack in the console
• Bluetooth connection allows you to sync your phone with the TT8 and play your music through the speakers.
• A tablet holder is included on the TT8 just above the console. This is a great addition since the console doesn’t offer WiFi or subscription options. The tablet holder makes it easy to run a cardio program on the treadmill while watching something on your tablet or phone. The adjustable clip should hold most devices securely.

Storage

There is good storage on the TT8. In addition to two large pockets on either side of the console, an additional storage tray spans the width of the deck under the console. This has another three large pockets for additional storage.

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Functionality

Performance

The Sole TT8 treadmill is excellent for heavy training, intense conditioning and should support use up to 5 hours per day. The deck cushioning we anticipate will certainly be softer than running outdoors, but probably not as cushioned as comparative treadmills in the same price range. The added -6% decline is also a useful feature on the TT8. Downhill training adds important variables and is helpful for those who need active recovery or gentle anterior conditioning. The 15% incline offers lots of uphill work.

Incline / Decline range

The Sole TT8 adds a -6% decline to the 15% incline. Incline training helps strengthen glutes and hamstrings to offset quad dominance and facilitate muscular balance in the lower body. Decline training is good for active recovery, strengthening the knees and quads, gentle conditioning of the anterior muscle chain, and adds variables to your up and downhill training. Also, adding incline variability to a training regimen helps prevent overuse injuries and ensure muscular balance. At a 0% grade, the TT8 has an 8” deck height, which should make it easy to step on and off.

Pre-programmed workouts

The Sole TT8 has six workout programs for: Manual, Hill, Fatburn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. One custom program and two heart rate training programs are also available. These can be accessed on the touch screen.

Subscription Options: Studio App

The Studio app comes free for the first 90 days with a purchase of the Sole TT8. Studio offers trainer-led classes filmed in an indoor studio. New classes are added everyday and they’re available to take on the treadmill. There are also strength classes that can be taken in the app. On the TT8, you will need to use your device to display Studio’s classes. The Studio app is completely optional and not required to access the on-board workout programs.

Noise Level

Sole excels with noise control on their treadmills. Featuring a smooth motor, soft belt, and sleek engineering, the TT8 should run as smooth as any treadmill we’ve used. Additionally, the fact that it sits closer to the ground seems can help with noise absorption.

Storage / Folding

The Sole TT8 does not fold. This is a light commercial, heavy residential treadmill that sits firmly on the ground and is not designed to fold or move regularly. There are wheels under the frame so you should be able to roll it if needed, but ideally this machine should be placed where you plan to use it. The TT8 is a hearty, well-built treadmill with excellent frame support and caters to those with a committed space for the treadmill.