Name: Sole F80
Brand: Sole

Quick Summary

Interactive treadmills are all the rage and we’re big fans of Sole. The new Sole ST90 treadmill enters the top of the brand’s lineup of new slat belt, light commercial machines. Priced more than double it’s lighter sibling, the F80, it does bring some newer add-ons in terms of design.

Slat belt treadmills utilize rubber slats within the frame and have fewer springs. The rubber slats form a thicker landing pad which is easier on the joints. The rubber belts also tend to last longer than traditional belts. These are found on newer models these days and tend to be pricier. On the upside, since there’s no deck per se, running on these feels like running outside on a hard surface, yet it remains easier on the joints.

Other key features include Bluetooth compatibility for heart rate monitoring and entertainment, 15 levels of incline, a 10.1″ Touchscreen display, as well as an integrated tablet holder. The ST90 also comes loaded with built-in programming which means you aren’t locked into an app subscription like its rivals from ProForm or NordicTrack. For a quick look at the Sole Treadmill lineup, check out our review here. Otherwise, read below to see our analysis of the ST90.

Specifications

Model	Sole ST90
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the treadmill's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	90%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$3,599.99
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.
Speed Treadmill Speed is measured in Miles Per Hour (mph). Average running speed is 5-9 mph.	0.5 - 12.5 mph
Incline Treadmill Incline measures the angle of the deck, and how steep it is relative to the floor (0% is flat, and 15% is like a steep hill).	0 - 15%
Motor The Treadmill Motor is what turns the belt as you run. We recommend at least 2 HP (Horsepower) motors, 2.5+ HP for jogging, and 3.0+ HP for running.	2.0 AC
Deck Treadmill Deck dimensions are measured in inches: Width x Length. The wider and longer the deck, the safer it is (55-60 inches long recommended for running).	20" x 60"
Belt The Treadmill Belt is the surface you run on. The thicker the belt, the less impact on your joints. At least 2-ply (1 inch) recommended.	Slat Belt
Folding? Some treadmills are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Programs Treadmill Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	29
Max. Weight Treadmill Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	330 lbs
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Pulse Grips, Telemetry, Bluetooth
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	70" x 33.5" x 65" Weight: 376 lbs Rollers: 2.5"
Display Treadmill Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	10.1"
Cooling Fans Treadmill Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.
Accessory Tray Some treadmills include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Treadmills that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (no headphones).
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	Frame: 5 years Motor: 5 years Deck: 3 years Electronics: 3 Years Parts/Labor: 1 Year (In-Home)

Our Rating

90/100.

I’ve grown to appreciate the treadmill as a fat-cutting tool while competing as a bodybuilder within the NPC. Maintaining lean muscle while blasting fat is so much easier when hiking 4mph up a 15% incline. The Sole ST90 does indeed bring that capacity to the table. But frankly I was a little disappointed to read through the specs after seeing the price. Its sibling units like the F80 and F85 were a little closer to what I’d been expecting. Priced at $3,599.99 it would match up against the NordicTrack Commercial X32i which frankly brings a lot more features and better warranty.

What’s really cool about the ST90 is the big solid frame and stability of the slat belt design. Unlike its spring-loaded cousins, the rubber slats do provide more stability and a more road-like surface. There’ll be no wobble about here. That does come at a cost in terms of unit weight as this treadmill comes in at 376 pounds. No, it’s not foldable. Once you put this 70″ x 33.5″ x 65″ machine into your home you won’t be wanting to move it around very often.

The ST90 has a 20″ x 60″ running surface and a 2HP AC (Alternating Current) motor, as opposed to a DC (Direct Motor) motor. Don’t get confused when looking at other lighter units which probably feature a higher number but in DC. The AC motor is pricier than a DC, but it can handle longer bouts of use over time, hence its application in commercial treadmills. And yes, that’s one of the reasons this treadmill is pricey.

Performance-wise, the ST90 has a 15% incline and can reach speeds of 12.5mph. Bluetooth compatible for both speakers and heart rate, the unit features a USB charging port and bottle holder. The touchscreen is 10.1″ and it does have an integrated tablet holder. Where the ST90 really outshines some of its cross-brand rivals is in programming. Whereas other brands have begun shying away from built-in programs in favor of their own costly apps, this treadmill has 10 standard, 12 custom, and seven heart rate programs already built into it. Pulse sensors are built into the handlebars for interactive heart rate, and the Bluetooth is always an option for a chest or arm strap sold separately.

Purchase comes with a trial membership to the Sole Studio app, which we’ve reviewed here. With a growing library of more than 3,000 routines, the Studio app offers real-time data from most pieces of Sole equipment as well as community-driven leaderboards and heart rate monitoring. With classes led by a diverse cast of professional trainers to curated playlists, the Studio community has social media style connectivity as well as competitions for Fitcoin. Purchase includes a free 30-day trial, after which membership runs $19.99 per month. But the fact you have an integrated tablet-holder means that any app is just a click away, and the 29 total built-in programs are sufficient for many users.

Sole offers a five-year warranty on the frame and motor, three years for the deck and electronics, and one year for parts and labor. This is shorter than other Sole treadmills and frankly the industry standard which is 10 years to lifetime on the frame. The three-year warranty on the deck is also a concern as its big selling point is the fact that its a slat belt design as opposed to traditional deck.

Pros:

Innovative slat belt design
Powerful and quiet 2.0 AC motor
Spacious 20-inch x 60-inch running surface
29 workout programs including user-designed routines
Bluetooth-enabled
Handlebar sensors and telemetry for heart rate monitoring
10.1-inch touchscreen
Integrated tablet holder
15% incline capability for strength building
Weight max of 330 pounds
USB charging port and ample storage

Cons:

Short warranty for the price
No decline option

Introduction

The Sole ST90 comes atop the brand’s lineup of light commercial treadmills, along with the TT8, and S77. Part of an award-winning brand, this new model comes in at $3,599.99. Built with a slat belt design, the treadmill offers a sturdier, road-like surface upon which to run or walk. With a 10.1″ touchscreen and integrated tablet holder, the treadmill is Bluetooth-enabled, and has heart rate sensors in its handlebars. In addition to a trial membership to the Sole Studio app, users have 29 different workouts already built into the model for dynamic exercise.

Workout Programs

The Sole ST90 comes with 10 standard, 12 custom, and seven heart rate programs. These interact with the 10.1″ touchscreen as well as the built-in heart rate sensors within the handlebars. All workouts are coordinated via the touchscreen and quick buttons on the console for ease of use.

Workout Apps

Sole’s ST90 is geared toward people expecting heavy usage. The brand’s Studio app certainly brings as much if not more in terms of interactive workouts as any other. But what’s great about the ST90 is it does have an integrated tablet holder instead of a giant screen which only uses one program. Both Peloton and iFit apps also instructor training options available, with the latter providing the added perk of the instructors running through beautiful real-world settings from around the globe. All of these options have a monthly subscription cost associated with them, ranging from around $15 to $39 monthly.

Sole ST90 Features

While most Sole home treadmills have easy-to-fold frames, the ST90 is a light commercial unit. Measuring 70″ x 33.5″ 65″ and weighing 376 pounds, the treadmill can support up to 330 pounds in user weight.

Equipped with a 2.0 horsepower AC motor, the machine can reach top speeds of 12.5mph and a 15% incline. Workout progress is monitored on a 10.1″ Touchscreen, or by way of an integrated tablet holder. The treadmill’s handlebars have pulse sensors embedded for heart rate monitoring, and the entire unit is Bluetooth-enabled.

The ST90 has a 20″ x 60″ running surface atop a slat belt. The treadmill comes with 29 built-in workout programs: 10 standard, 12 custom, and seven heart rate. Purchase also comes with a trial membership to Sole’s Studio workout app.

Other creature comforts include a water bottle holder and an accessory tray.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Sole F80 treadmill warranty package is excellent, and includes:

– Frame: 5 years

– Motor: 5 years

– Deck: 3 years

– Electronics: 3 years

– Parts/Labor: 1 year

Customers that buy directly from Sole also get a 30-day trial period in which they can return the ST90 if unsatisfied.

Conclusion

Sole is a great brand for sure. The Sole ST90 inherits that reputation and I’m sure it’s a solid machine. But at $3,599.99, it’s in a price range alongside some pretty stiff competition. The slat belt design does bring a more durable unit, and at 376 pounds, with an AC motor, I know this machine will last a long time. This makes me wonder why the warranty is so short relative to its peers. On the upside, the machine comes with scores of built-in programs so you’re not hooked into using any one particular app.

But for that price I’d recommend a comparison shopping tour before making a final decision.

Check Price

Recent Updates

October 7, 2022: Updated specifications and price to most current model, included additional FAQs.

FAQs

How long should I expect the Sole ST90 treadmill to last?

How long a treadmill lasts hinges largely upon usage. That said, a slat belt model with an AC motor like the Sole ST90 should do a little better than 10 years if properly maintained.

Is the Sole ST90 treadmill easy to assemble?

The assembly itself isn’t complicated but at 376 pounds, you’ll definitely need help.

Is the Sole ST90 treadmill a folding treadmill?

No, this is not a folding treadmill.

Does the Sole ST90 treadmill have heart rate monitoring?

Yes, the treadmill has built-in handlebar sensors and is Bluetooth-enabled.

What is the maximum weight capacity of the Sole ST90?

The max user weight capacity is 330 lbs.