Sole TT8 Treadmill Review 2023

In-depth Review of Sole TT8 Treadmill

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 10 onboard workout programs to choose from. These include manual mode, hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, 5k, 10, HIIT, and heart rate. There is also a custom mode to create your own workouts. You can create several and save them in the “Templates” tab in the “All Programs” tab on the screen. Of course, if you just want to hop on and go, you can do that on the TT8, too with the manual mode.

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

What we really like about Sole Treadmills is that they don’t require a subscription to access the content and features. 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. This is not only a large amount of apps, but all you have to do is log into your respective account for each and start streaming while you workout.

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. This app is helpful for setting up a profile on the TT8 since it allows multiple people to set up profiles. The TT8 should include a QR code to download the app on your phone and another for syncing your profile on the app to the treadmill. I think this is the easiest way to set up a profile. And trust me, you’ll want to set up a profile so you stay logged into the streaming apps, otherwise, if you just use the guest profile you will have to re-login every time you use the TT8.

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 and down or pivot. Because it doesn’t tilt up and down, it might be a little hard to reach for some people.

I’ve found on the Sole F80 and F85 that the screen and adjustment buttons on either side of the screen 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 that the adjustment buttons are on either side of the screen. These are numbered so you can quickly adjust the speed (right) and incline (left). The only thing with these buttons is that they skip some increments so adjusting the 8 mph and level 3 incline isn’t very streamlined and seamless to do. 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 2 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.

Construction

The Sole TT8 Treadmill has been updated for this year and it shares a similar design 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, heavy flywheel 10lb 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 use up to 5 hours per day and is rated for residential and light-commercial use.

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 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.

Deck

Sole’s cushion flex deck 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.

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 to make for a smooth, static-free motion that should stand the test of time.

Functionality

Performance

The Sole TT8 treadmill is excellent for heavy training and 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 levels of 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 levels of incline offer lots of uphill work, too.

Incline / Decline range

The Sole TT8 adds 6 levels of decline to the 15 levels of incline. Incline training helps strengthen the 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 adding 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.

Noise Level

Sole excels with noise control on their treadmills. Featuring a smooth motor, soft belt, and sleek engineering, the TT8 should run as smoothly as any treadmill we’ve used. Additionally, the fact that it sits closer to the ground 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 that caters to those with a committed space for the treadmill.