NordicTrack T 8.5 S Review – Pros & Cons (2024)

The NordicTrack T 8.5 S is among our favorites in the T Series, primarily available on Amazon.com. But don’t think it’s placement in that retailer limits its appeal relative to the rest of its brand-mates. Each season we get to see new upgrades, and we’re excited for the 2024 model we describe here below. Definitely a little smaller than years prior, the good news is the performance you’ve come to expect from the T Series is still here. A solid mid-priced option, I’d see this as a go-to for someone wanting high-quality at the $1,600-and-under level.

Frankly this model reminds me a lot of the NordicTrack 1250, and if you’re shopping between those two models, give this a solid read. I’ve been competing as a bodybuilder and powerlifter for years and am well accustomed to machines like this. These types of treadmills are for the average user that isn’t planning to run a marathon but still wants solid workout options between hiking, jogging, and hard walking.

Read below to see the complete machine walkthrough and be sure to check out the links to important articles concerning decks, motors, rollers, and belts, if you have any questions about the mechanics. Rest assured, there’s a reason the NordicTrack T 8.8 S continues to dominate the markets.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The NordicTrack T 8.5 S

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the NordicTrack T 8.5 S.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

Editors Brian and Jessica visit the iFit showroom and corporate headquarters in Logan, Utah for training with their lineup. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

In Brief

The 2024 NordicTrack T 8.5 S is a solid, mid-priced treadmill at the $1,599 level. Along with the T 6.5 S and T 7.5 S, it’s available on Amazon.com and the first difference you’ll notice is the screen size ranging from 5” to 7” to the T 8.5S with a 10” screen. These treadmills are designed for those users who don’t want to pay for a big splashy high-definition touchscreen which tilts and swivels, rather they want a NordicTrack treadmill which other specs equal. One change made this year is the belt size is now 20” x 55” instead of 60” which makes it a stronger candidate for the walking and jogging crew as opposed to long distance runners. As with all iFit products, including ProForm and Freemotion, the NordicTrack treadmills are built to work with that program and feature Bluetooth-enabling, automatic trainer control, and both live and on-demand programming for any type of workout you can image. Purchase comes with a free 30-day trial to the program, after which it’s $15 per month for an individual or $39 per month for the family.

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NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill – Pros & Cons (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack T 8.5 S

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack T 8.5 S is a midsized unit without the bells and whistles, priced at the under-$1,600 range. The refreshed model coming for 2024 features a few changes but nothing particularly striking. Measuring 78.9″ x 35.5″ x 59.4″ it sports up to 300 pounds in user weight and comes with 30 days of the iFit app included. The unit is built with a 10″ interactive display and a 3.0 CHP, SMART-Response motor. This model comes with a 20″ x 55″ tread belt as opposed to the 20″ x 60″ model from years past, true but unless you’re a long-distance runner, this might work out well for you.

It Comes With A Solid 10″ Console

If you’re not into the big rotating screens, this 10″ model will most likely strike you as a perfect size. When I’m on a treadmill myself I’m only a foot or so away from the screen, so even 10″ is more than enough to interact with the programming. In addition to the screen, the treadmill comes with an AutoBreeze fan and two 2″ speakers compatible for Bluetooth headphones. The included 30-day iFit plan gives you a taste of the program. A couple downsides to point out up front, since these are top questions about any NordicTrack or ProForm machine. Yes, you can use the treadmill without continuing the $39 per month iFit package, but, but, but, the screen is then only good for the manual workouts. Without iFit, you’ll lose the automatic trainer control and access to live and on-demand workouts. And no, unfortunately this screen is not compatible with Hulu, just that iFit program.

Take A Look At What iFit Can Do on the NordicTrack T 8.5 S

Video Courtesy of iFit

Heart Rate Training Options

Unlike pricier models, the T 8.5 S does not have built-in handlebar sensors like other units, but it is Bluetooth-enabled and the iFit package is designed to sync with ActivePulse and the SmartBeat armband. I admit I love this system irrespective of the treadmill on which I use it. It works the same with all iFit-enabled treadmills. What I dig about ActivePulse technology is the ability of the program to not just monitor your heart rate, but to adjust, and even override, the automatic trainer control’s resistance. So if I’m on an iFit run and the program has me moving up to an incline of 5% and speed of 5mph, but my heartrate is going too high, the little ActivePulse icon on the screen will alert me and communicate the new plan, which can be adjusted again if my heartrate goes down. Frankly, I’m amazed that two completely separate programs can interact that dynamically and still be right as rain about my pulse. ActivePulse technology comes with the machine and the iFit package, but the SmartBeat armband is sold separately by NordicTrack, or often give for free as a promotion.

The NordicTrack T 8.5S syncs with iFit’s SmartBeat armband monitor for heartrate monitoring.

The NordicTrack treadmills sync with iFit’s SmartBeat armband monitor for heartrate monitoring.

Good Incline Features

The 2024 NordicTrack T 8.5 S has a 12% incline, which in my experience is sufficient for most users. I’ve never had a problem burning my quads with inclines even up to 6% frankly and I very rarely go over 12% in my own training. If you’re looking for a real mountain to climb, read our review of the NordicTrack X22i and X32i, which both sport 40% inclines. The big downside to those models is they cost more than double this unit. Whether using one of iFit’s travel workouts or the iFit’s Google Maps, these incline/decline settings really do mimic the hills and hollers of tracks in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, or even Antarctica.

Easily Folded Up and Stored Away

I love folding treadmills and have written extensively about them here. Don’t think folding means flimsy. Quite the opposite. With the patented EasyLift Assist button, you can simply lift up the rear of the unit and watch it slide up into place. It’s also incredibly simple to unfold thanks to the hydraulics, and you can read my step-by-step here with pictures. The whole process times out at about 8 seconds up, and 12 seconds down, per my own stopwatch, on nearly every NordicTrack treadmill I’ve seen. Folding treadmills roll easily about a floor on two front-mounted wheels. But they’re also easier to keep clean, repair, and lubricate the belts. If you do want to roll the unit to the side of the room when not in use, you’ll find the process easier than moving a bookshelf.

What We Like:

·         The Motor

The T 8.5 S offers a 3.0 CHP motor and reaches speeds of up to 12 mph without making a ruckus. This makes it ideal for interval training as well as mountain hiking.

·         10″ Touchscreen

These days, it’s a must that fitness equipment comes with a touchscreen panel. With this model comes a 10″ touchscreen which allows you to flip between workout programs, check calories and miles, and use iFit so you can take advantage of on-the-go fitness guidance. You’ll also be able to run through real streets by checking out Google Street Views or using HD video feature that offers exercise paths around the world.

·         iFit Treadmill Workouts

This treadmill’s 12% decline/incline feature syncs with the elevations and dips of the landscape you choose to explore through iFit’s Google Maps feature, ensuring that it really does feel like you’re running outside on that terrain. This feature is ideal for those who struggle to stay motivated to keep exercising as it allows you to explore new locations. The incline is fast and quiet, going up and down at a rate of about 1 second each degree.

·        iFit Data Tracking

iFit keeps tabs on fitness stats with every session. Whenever a workout is completed, the data is logged into the treadmill and then paired with any other device on iFit. This makes getting exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations easier.

·       Bluetooth Audio

Bluetooth audio capabilities allow you to listen to your favorite workout playlists through Premium Audio Speakers wirelessly, as well as sync with any number of other devices. The ability to connect instructor-led training to your Bluetooth headphones is a nice plus. I’ve never had a problem syncing with my unit and I even have satellite Internet. It usually takes about 5 seconds to connect.

·         Cushioning Preferences

Prepping for a road on a cushy deck makes things too easy. This treadmill offers the ability to turn the cushioning on or off according to your preferences so you can save your joints and use the cushioning only when you need it. Keep in mind that by having it off, you’re adding 30% more impact to your joints, so you shouldn’t train this way in the long term.

·         Cooling Options

If you want to stay cool while you run or walk, the T 8.5 S’s dual AutoBreeze workout fans will do the trick. While this may seem like a treadmill luxury rather than a necessity, it’s definitely nice to have while you work out.

·         Weight Capacity

This is a pretty heavy-duty treadmill and can support users of up to 300 pounds.

What We Don’t Like:

·         iFit-Dependent

Yes, the machine will work without the $39 per month iFit program, but you’ll lose all the features which make the treadmill a great buy. The treadmill effectively goes into a manual-only mode as there are no built-in programs.

·         Hard to Assemble

NordicTrack is like most treadmill manufacturers these days and they’ll offer you in-home assembly. My advice is to take it. I outline the steps of treadmill right here but go ahead and figure on needing at least three friends and an hour. There’s really no way for you to do this alone. It’s no more complicated than building with Legos, if the Legos are 340 pounds. The deck is just too big at 80″ in length and 38″ in width. I’ve assembled Echelon, NordicTrack, and ProForm units myself and come to the conclusion you’re just better off having it done by the moving team. You can see how to install and assemble this treadmill by following the NordicTrack installation video:

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• A mid-priced treadmill without the bells and whistles
• 12% Incline
• A quiet treadmill motor that can accommodate long-distance running, interval training, and speeds up to 12 mph
• Interactive programming and Bluetooth heartrate monitoring

Our Verdict:

The NordicTrack T 8.5 S is a go-to for those online shoppers who prefer Amazon.com and aren’t interested in big fancy screens. Even if you’re not into iFit, this is a mobile little unit that can folded and rolled over to the television screen for entertainment during runs. At $1,600 it’s a mid-price unit from a top name in fitness and certainly worth a look. Other comparable units I’d recommend would be the NordicTrack EXP 7i and 1250.

Recent Updates

• July 13, 2021: Added some FAQs to the page.
• October 30, 2023: Updated specs and facts