SOLE ST90 vs Peloton Tread+ Treadmill: Differences, Specs & Price

Award-Winning Commercial-Grade Treadmills for Your Home Choose from 3 Proven Series:  F6X like F63 and F65 for affordable durability F8X like F85 and F89 for premium features  Non-Folding like TT8 and ST90 for serious athlete performance Why Choose SOLE: ✓ Commercial-grade steel frames with up to 4.0 HP motors ✓ Cushion Flex technology reduces joint impact by 40% ✓ Industry-leading lifetime warranty on frame & motor ✓ Weight capacity up to 400 lbs with whisper-quiet operation ✓ FREE curbside shipping + workout classes via SOLE+ app 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Love it or return it, no questions asked. Shop SOLE Treadmills Now →

Design and Build Quality: Slat Belt Construction

Both treadmills stand apart from conventional treadmills thanks to their slat belt designs, which feature individual slats. (Image courtesy of Peloton IQ)

Unlike traditional treadmills that use a continuous belt over a flat deck with cushioning underneath, the SOLE ST90 and Peloton Tread+ premium models feature individual slats connected to form the running surface.

This construction mimics the feel of high-end commercial treadmills found in elite training facilities and provides several advantages for serious runners.

Slat Belt Advantages:

• Reduces impact force on joints significantly compared to traditional belts
• Individual slats distribute weight more evenly across the running surface
• Superior durability compared to traditional belts that can wear unevenly
• More natural running feel that mimics road running biomechanics
• Better heat dissipation during long training sessions prevents overheating

The premium construction of both machines is immediately apparent through their substantial footprints and sturdy frames. Both treadmills feature heavy-duty steel frames designed to eliminate wobbling even during intense sprints. 

The non-folding designs prioritize stability and durability over space-saving features, making a statement that these are serious fitness investments rather than occasional-use equipment.

SOLE ST90 Construction: Slat Belt Design and Benefits

The SOLE ST90 features a rugged slat belt running surface composed of individual rubber slats that rotate smoothly as you run. Each slat is designed to absorb impact independently, creating a responsive surface that adapts to your stride. 

The rubberized slats provide excellent traction while minimizing the harsh impact typical of traditional treadmill belts. At 20" wide and 60" long, the running surface offers ample space for most users while the deck sits at a comfortable 11.5" height from the floor.

One notable difference in SOLE's approach: the ST90 offers both motorized and manual training modes, giving users more versatility in workout styles. 

This dual functionality sets it apart from most slat belt treadmills, including the Peloton Tread+, which operates solely as a motorized unit. In manual mode, the belt responds purely to your own power and momentum, creating an intense self-powered workout.

Peloton Tread+ Construction: Premium Slatted Running Surface

The Peloton Tread+ comes with a slat belt design with 59 individual aluminum slats covered with a rubber coating. These slats create Peloton's signature shock-absorbing running platform that many users describe as feeling "springy" yet stable. 

The Tread+ running surface measures 20" wide by 67" long, offering more length than the SOLE ST90 but the same width. This extra length particularly benefits taller runners with longer strides who need additional space, especially when sprinting.

The Tread+ can operate in "Free Mode" where the belt moves manually by the force of your feet, similar to SOLE's manual mode option. However, accessing this feature and most other advanced capabilities requires the $44/month All-Access Membership subscription.

Weight Capacity and Durability Differences

The SOLE ST90 boasts an impressive 400-pound weight capacity, reflecting its robust construction and commercial-grade components. This generous limit accommodates a wide range of users and provides ample margin for high-intensity workouts. 

The heavy-duty frame construction inspires confidence even during all-out sprint sessions, with the substantial 375-pound machine weight contributing to stability.

Peloton's Tread+ offers a 300-pound weight capacity (105–300 lb user range). While this comfortably accommodates most users, the 100-pound difference may be noteworthy for larger individuals looking for maximum support. 

The Tread+ weighs approximately 460 pounds, making it even heavier than the ST90 and requiring significant structural support.

Tech Features: Screens, Connectivity, and Subscription Costs

The technological experience represents one of the most significant differentiating factors, with fundamentally different approaches to content delivery and ongoing costs.

SOLE ST90 Tech: 15.6" Touchscreen with Free Content

The SOLE ST90 features a 15.6" touchscreen display that, while smaller than the Peloton's massive screen, offers excellent functionality, including workout metrics, entertainment options, and workout programs without requiring any subscription. 

The Android-based interface allows users to access popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and various social media platforms directly from the console.

Most importantly, the ST90 includes access to the free SOLE+ App with hundreds of guided workouts, scenic runs, and instructor-led classes—no subscription required. 

This represents thousands of dollars in savings over the treadmill's lifespan compared to competitors that require ongoing monthly fees. The 10 pre-programmed workouts plus 12 user-defined programs provide substantial training variety without additional costs.

Peloton Tread+ Display: 23.8" HD Touchscreen with Subscription Requirements

The Peloton Tread+ stands out with its massive 23.8" Full HD swivel screen that creates an immersive experience for instructor-led workouts. 

This cinema-like display represents one of the largest in the home fitness equipment market, with Sonos-tuned speakers delivering clearer sound and deeper bass for a studio-like experience.

However, accessing Peloton's interactive content requires an ongoing All-Access Membership at $44/month. 

Without this subscription, the Tread+ offers only limited "Just Run" functionality, essentially turning the $6,695 premium machine into a basic treadmill. The subscription provides access to Peloton's extensive library of instructor-led classes, live workouts, and performance tracking.

Connectivity and Smart Features

Both treadmills offer robust connectivity options. The SOLE ST90 provides Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitors and wireless headphones, WiFi for system updates and internet-based content, wireless charging for devices, and USB ports for charging. 

The open-platform approach allows syncing with popular fitness apps without being locked into a proprietary ecosystem.

The Peloton Tread+ features Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-A charging port, and seamless integration with Peloton's ecosystem of heart rate monitors and accessories. 

The movement-tracking camera counts reps and provides form feedback, while hands-free voice control adjusts volume and pauses classes, all requiring the $44/month subscription.

Price Breakdown and Total Cost of Ownership

Initial Purchase Costs and Fees

The SOLE ST90 is currently priced at $3,699.99, positioning it as an accessible entry point into premium slat belt technology. 

The Peloton Tread+ costs $6,695 plus a required $299 expert assembly fee (non-optional), bringing the initial investment to $6,994 before any workouts begin. This represents a $3,295 higher initial cost compared to SOLE, even before considering subscriptions.

The Subscription Cost Reality

The most significant long-term cost difference lies in subscription requirements:

SOLE ST90:

• Free SOLE+ App forever with hundreds of guided workouts
• No monthly fees required for any functionality
• All features accessible without ongoing payments

Peloton Tread+:

• Requires $44/month All-Access Membership for full functionality
• Without subscription, machine operates in limited "Just Run" mode only
• Subscription adds $528 annually to ownership cost

Warranty Coverage Comparison

SOLE backs the ST90 with comprehensive warranty coverage:

• 5 years on frame and motor
• 3 years on deck and parts
• 1 year on labor and wear items

Peloton offers more limited coverage:

• 12-month limited warranty covering touchscreen, frame, drive motor, walking belt, and most components
• Significantly shorter protection period requires out-of-pocket repairs sooner

The dramatically shorter Peloton warranty period means potential repair costs emerge much earlier in the ownership lifecycle, adding to the already higher total cost of ownership.

SOLE ST90 vs Peloton Tread+ Comparison Table

Experience Commercial-Grade Slat Belt Technology Without Subscription Costs

The SOLE ST90 delivers premium slat belt performance with FREE lifetime content access.

The SOLE ST90 Treadmill delivers commercial-grade slat belt technology with the FREE SOLE+ App that eliminates the recurring costs competitors charge.

The ST90 features slat belt design with individual rubber slats that provide superior shock absorption and durability compared to traditional treadmill belts. This commercial-gym technology reduces joint impact significantly while creating a more natural running feel that mimics road running biomechanics. 

The unique dual-mode functionality offers both motorized operation (0.5–12 MPH powered by a 2.0 HP AC motor) and manual self-powered mode, where the belt responds to your own force, building explosive leg strength unavailable on subscription-dependent competitors.

The 20" x 60" running surface with 15 levels of incline (0%–15%) provides comprehensive terrain simulation for race training and varied workouts. The impressive 400-pound weight capacity exceeds Peloton's 300-pound limit by 100 pounds, accommodating a wider range of users with greater safety margins.

Check out the SOLE ST90 treadmill today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do the SOLE ST90 and Peloton Tread+ treadmills cost?

The SOLE ST90 is currently priced at $3,699.99 with optional delivery upgrades available. The Peloton Tread+ costs $6,695 plus a required $299 expert assembly fee, totaling $6,994 initial investment. However, the true cost difference is dramatically greater when considering Peloton's required $44/month All-Access Membership, which adds $528 annually to the ownership cost.

Can I use the SOLE ST90 and Peloton Tread+ without a subscription?

The SOLE ST90 provides full functionality without any subscription, offering the free SOLE+ App with hundreds of guided workouts. All features, including manual and motorized modes, entertainment apps, metrics tracking, and workout programs work without ongoing payments.

The Peloton Tread+ requires a $44/month subscription to utilize most features. Without this subscription, the Tread+ operates only in the basic "Just Run" mode, which lacks the guided workouts, auto-incline adjustments, Free Mode access, metrics tracking, and leaderboards that form the core of the Peloton experience. 

Which treadmill is better for HIIT workouts?

Both treadmills excel at high-intensity interval training (HIIT) but with different strengths. The SOLE ST90's dual motorized/manual functionality offers exceptional versatility for interval training, with manual mode creating particularly challenging sprint intervals that respond directly to your effort rather than preset speeds. The 2.0 HP AC motor handles rapid transitions between walking and sprinting effectively, while the slat belt design provides superior impact absorption during high-intensity efforts.

Are the SOLE ST90 and Peloton Tread+ suitable for heavy users?

The SOLE ST90 has a significantly higher weight capacity of 400 pounds, making it suitable for a wider range of body types than the Peloton Tread+, which has a 300-pound weight limit (105–300 lb user range specified). For heavier users, this 100-pound difference represents a critical deciding factor, as exceeding weight recommendations can affect both performance and warranty coverage. 

What other SOLE equipment creates a complete home gym without subscription costs?

SOLE has a range of equipment so you can create  a complete home gym ecosystem without any recurring subscription fees. The Equipment Mat is essential for the ST90, protecting floors while reducing vibration and keeping the premium slat belt system clean. The 36.5" x 78" mat accommodates the ST90 perfectly while providing cushioning for floor-based exercises.

For strength training that complements slat belt running, the SW180 Adjustable Dumbbells provide 16 weight options from 5–80 pounds for building the leg strength that enhances running power. The SW116 Weight Bench enables proper form for chest presses, shoulder work, and core exercises that develop the upper body strength supporting proper running posture. The SW111 Olympic Barbell provides the foundation for squats, deadlifts, and other powerlifting movements that build explosive running strength.

 

Note: Pricing mentioned in this post is subject to change over time and may vary depending on the provider. Always refer to the provider’s website for the most up-to-date pricing.