Sole TT8 Treadmill Review – A Distance Runner’s Sole Mate

Dimensions/Storability

The Sole TT8 does not fold. It has dimensions of 66” high x 38” wide x 81” long and weighs 319 lbs. It has a step-up height of 8 inches, which means the minimum required ceiling height for a 6’ runner is about 8’. This estimate factors in the step-up height, running bounce, and maximum elevation of the TT8. Check out our blog on the ideal ceiling height for more information.

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

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Pre-programmed Workouts, Apps, and Features

The new design of the Sole TT8 includes a lot more tech and features in the console. We have spent an extensive amount of time using other new models from Sole, such as the F80, F85, and ST90, so we have a really great idea of how the console and features work on the TT8. The console and features are the same, so here is what you can expect.

On the touch screen, there are ten onboard workout programs. These include manual mode, hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, 5k, 10, HIIT, and heart rate. There is also a custom mode to create workouts. You can save several in the “Templates” tab in the “All Programs” tab on the screen. If you just want to hop on and go, you can do that on the TT8 in manual mode.

There are also 7 fitness tests like Marine and Coast Guard with preset times that you can take as well.

What we love about Sole Treadmills is that they don’t require a subscription. With this new update, the TT8 comes with 12 preloaded streaming apps that include Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, Spotify, CNN, ESPN, Audible, and Kinomap. All you have to do is log into your respective account for each and start streaming while you work out.

The Sole TT8 also offers screen mirroring, so you can mirror content from your phone to watch if the 12 included apps aren’t enough. We have noticed on the other Sole Treadmills that this feature seems to currently only be available for Apple phones and not Androids, so keep this in mind. It is easy to use with an iPhone.

The TT8 is also compatible to use with the Sole+ App. Some of the Sole+ workout videos have been added directly to the TT8’s console, but you can find even more in the app.

This app allows multiple people to set up profiles. The TT8 includes a QR code to download the app on your phone and another for syncing your profile on the app to the treadmill—an easy way to set up a profile. Trust me, you’ll want to set up a profile to stay logged into the streaming apps; otherwise, if you just use the guest profile, you will have to re-login every time.

Related: How Accurate Are Treadmill Calorie Counters?

Console

The console now includes a 15.6” touch screen that is centered on the console and well within your line of sight. It should be easy to see for people of most heights. The screen isn’t adjustable, so it doesn’t tilt up or down or pivot. Because it doesn’t tilt up and down, it might be a little hard to reach for some people.

The screen and adjustment buttons of the Sole F80 and F85 are a little hard to reach while running. There also isn’t a button to adjust the speaker volume below the screen on the console, so it is hard to adjust the volume while running because you have to use the small icon on the top right of the screen. The speakers should go plenty loud for the app streaming.

We like the numbered adjustment buttons on either side of the screen for adjusting the speed (right) and incline (left). The only problem with these buttons is that they skip some increments, so adjusting the 8 mph and level 3 incline isn’t very streamlined.

There are adjustment buttons just behind the front handle that adjust to specific increments. You can also hold them down to adjust a little more quickly, but there is a slight delay when you first press these buttons.

There are two fans on the console. If they’re the same as the other Sole treadmills, they will probably be a bit underpowered, but it’s impossible to know for sure until we have the Sole TT8 in our studio. The fan most likely has just one setting for the airflow.

A nice addition to the console is the wireless charging pad. You can place your compatible phone on it to charge. It also works to hold your phone nearby when you’re screen mirroring. There is also an adjustable device rack on top of the screen for your phone or larger tablet when you want to watch content from your own device.

There are also 4 pockets on the console for storage to hold your water bottle and other smaller items. There isn’t as much storage on the new TT8 as on the previous model, but there is enough for essential items.

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Build Quality

The Sole TT8 Treadmill has been updated for this year, and it shares a design similar to the new Sole F80 and F85. We like how streamlined it looks and assume it will function similarly to those treadmills.

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 steel uprights, and convenient side and front handles. In our experience with other Sole Treadmills, this new “Z-shaped” design is stable and sturdy, so we anticipate the TT8 to be just that.

The Sole TT8 should work well for walking or running and supports larger users up to 400 lbs. The precision welded frame enhances durability and the TT8 chassis and motor are both commercial grade.

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 4.0 HP motor is supported by a large 10-lb commercial-grade flywheel that helps reduce torque on the motor. 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. The TT8 is designed for up to 5 hours of daily use in residential and light-commercial settings.

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 is also expected to work well in homes where you have multiple users at different conditioning levels.

The gentle decline and low step-up height make 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.

Related: Is Running Barefoot on a Treadmill Safe?

Deck

Sole’s cushion flex deck moves up and down with every step. Sole claims this reduces foot impact by 40% 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 resemble road 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.

The 60” long by 22” wide running belt should provide plenty of space. The motor hood protects the motor at the top of the deck, 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 console can help with this, in our experience.

The 2-ply belt has a gently textured surface. The belt is lubricated for reduced maintenance.

The 3” Rollers are larger than the 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 to reduce static and make for a smooth, static-free motion that should stand the test of time.

Warranty

The Sole TT8 has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The deck, parts, and wear items are covered for 3 years. Labor is covered for 1 year. While the light commercial warranty is the same for the frame, motor, and labor, parts are reduced to a 2-year warranty.

Should You Buy the Sole TT8

Sole is focused on quality design with an emphasis on durable-made treadmills. The welded frame is designed to handle multiple users of various weights and sizes, so it is a good option for households (or light commercial centers) that have users at different conditioning levels.

The Sole TT8 uses a heavy-duty 4.0 horsepower motor. This quality motor has a large diameter and 10 lb balanced flywheel intended for a vibration-free running/walking surface. Large 3” rollers enable the 2-ply belt to slide smoothly over the deck.

Sole offers a full lifetime warranty on the frame and motor (for home and light residential use). The six levels of decline and 15 levels of incline are valuable training variables that should make for a versatile training experience. This probably isn’t the most cushioned treadmill, but it will most likely help mitigate impact for a safe and convenient way to run at home.

The console features a touch screen with onboard workouts and app streaming, so you can watch your favorite Netflix show while working out. The console could use a few more speed and incline preset buttons, but the handrail buttons are another added feature users may find helpful.

In general, we anticipate the Sole TT8 treadmill to be sturdy, quiet, and powerful, and it is a great way to stay fit and active in the safety and comfort of your own home. Sole has set the bar high with the TT8 treadmill.

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Sole TT8 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Is the Sole TT8 a good treadmill?

The Sole TT8 is a very durable treadmill with a spacious running deck, high weight capacity, and a powerful motor. The TT8 is great for runners who are training for marathons. It is also a great choice for a household with multiple users who want to use the treadmill daily.

The console has trainer-led content and entertainment at no additional cost, which makes the TT8 a great option for a variety of user training preferences without the commitment to a subscription. All in all, we consider the TT8 to be a good treadmill.

Is the Sole TT8 a commercial treadmill?

The TT8 is intended for residential and light commercial use. Light commercial use may include a private personal training studio, a small community center, or a team training facility. These facilities may see more use than a residential setting but are not as high-use as commercial gyms.

Does the Sole TT8 treadmill fold up?

No, the Sole TT8 does not fold. It is a non-folding treadmill. It is 66” high x 38” wide x 81” long. The Sole TT8 has two transport wheels and must be lifted by the end of its deck onto them to move it around. We recommend keeping the TT8 in a dedicated space if possible.

Can you watch Netflix on the Sole TT8?

Yes, the Sole TT8 has Netflix and other streaming apps. The other entertainment apps include YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, Spotify, CNN, ESPN, and Audible.

Is your Sole TT8 review a paid review?

No, our Sole TT8 treadmill review is not a paid review. The brands we work with, like Sole, NordicTrack, ProForm, and Horizon, usually send us their products for free to test and review. The brands’ interaction with our review process ends there.

We have our own methods and standards that we use to evaluate a machine. Because we work with so many different brands, we are impartial to which machine you ultimately choose. This keeps our reviews unbiased and as informative as possible.

However, we do make money by using affiliate links on our website. When you use one of these links to purchase a product, we earn a commission. This does not increase your treadmill cost. We hope you will consider using our links to purchase your home fitness equipment if you found our review helpful and informative. Thank you for being a part of our audience!

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Related Articles:

• The Sole F80 Treadmill: A Must-Read Review for Home Fitness Enthusiasts
• Sole ST90 Review: Is This High-Tech Treadmill Worth the Hype?
• Sole F85 Review: Can This Treadmill Elevate Your Home Gym Experience?