Sole Fitness is a brand known for its reasonably priced, yet durable, cardio equipment. I’m a big fan of the Sole F63, which is just above $1,000. I was excited to learn more about the Sole F80, the F63’s older brother.
In this Sole F80 treadmill review, we’ll hear from cardio machine expert Lindsay Scheele and provide input from our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and triathletes who have tested dozens of the best treadmills and researched many more.
Sole Fitness Sole F80 Treadmill
Sole F80 Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Foldable design
- 3.5 HP motor
- 12 mph max speed
- Incline training up to 15%
- 60″ L x 22″ W running deck
- 350 lb weight capacity
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3.5 HP motor supports heavy running
- Extended running surface measuring 60 inches by 22 inches
- Incline ranging 0% to 15%
- Weight capacity of 350 lbs
- 4 transport wheels (most folding treadmills have 2)
- Integrated Bluetooth speakers
- USB port
- Tablet holder
- Armrest controls
- Lifetime warranty on frame and motor
- Low step-up height
Cons
- Users report cushioning not as shock absorbing as others
- Small and basic display
Bottom Line
What the Sole F80 lacks in technology, it more than makes up for in durability and performance. With a 3.5 horsepower motor and a 60 inch long running deck, the Sole F80 is a great option for dedicated endurance athletes.
A Quick Look at the Sole F80 Treadmill
Currently, Sole Fitness has seven treadmill models: the F63, F65, F80, F85, ST90, TT8, and S77. The brand also offers a variety of other cardio equipment, such as ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowers, and climbers.
The F80 is a mid-range treadmill, priced just under $2,000.
The Sole F80 doesn’t require a subscription for workouts—many modern-day cardio machines require an app for you to take full advantage of their features—and comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
Sole F80 Treadmill Video Review
My Tips:
- Check out Studio, Sole Fitness’ interactive programming app, for a variety of workout classes!
- Want to listen to your music while you workout? With the Sole F80, you can hook up your iPhone or iPad to the Bluetooth speakers to jam out and have your very own main character moment.
Is the Sole F80 Treadmill Worth It?
For a mid-range treadmill, the Sole F80 has a lot to like. However, this isn’t the best choice for everyone on the hunt for a new cardio machine. Check out who we think should take a closer look at the F80, and who should get something else.
Great for:
- Runners and walkers alike
- Tall people who need a sizable deck
- People who need a foldable option
- People with sensitive joints who need a shock-absorbent treadmill deck
- Runners who want an incline option to mimic outdoor running
Not recommended for:
- Individuals who want a super budget treadmill
- Those who want a lightweight treadmill
- Anyone who needs longer side rails (such as senior citizens)
- People who need a large screen on their cardio machines
- Anyone who needs a decline function
Sole F80 Treadmill Specs
| Footprint | 82” L x 37” W x 66” H |
| Weight | 278 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 375 lbs. |
| Motor | 3.5 horsepower, DC Type |
| Bluetooth compatible | Yes |
| Display | 10″ Android-powered touchscreen |
| Tablet holder | Yes; integrated |
| Speed | .5-12 MPH |
| Sound system | Yes |
| Incline | 0-15% |
| Heart rate monitoring | Chest strap and pulse grips |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, deck, and motor; 5 years for parts and electronics; 2 years for labor |
| Deck size | 22″ W X 60″ L |
| Preset programs | 10 |
| Foldable | Yes |
Using the Sole F80 Treadmill
I had a chance to analyze the Sole F80 before Lindsay got her hands…I mean feet on the treadmill. Both her and I agree the Sole F80 is good for people who are taller, heavier, or like to run frequently due to the generously sized deck and increased weight capacity.
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Tall Runners
The treadmill deck size definitely sells me on this machine. With a 22-inch-by-60-inch running surface, people of various sizes will be able to use their natural stride and not worry about falling off (which is a real concern, I can assure you).
Related: Treadmill vs. Outside Running: Which is More Effective?
“I don’t know how much those two inches matter unless you’re running side-to-side like a crazy person,” Lindsay points out, “but it’s nice to have.”
The weight capacity for the Sole F80 is also well above the industry standard of 300 pounds. Anyone up to 375 pounds can comfortably use this machine, making it an inclusive piece of fitness equipment for heavier people. While I was reading the reviews on Amazon, I noticed a 6-foot 3-inch 350-pound individual was raving about the machine’s ability to stay stable while in use.
“Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another motorized treadmill that has a weight capacity of 375 pounds,” Lindsay adds. “This is really unique and allows a lot of people to use it.”
Speed
Another reason we both recommend this for runners is that it goes up 12 miles per hour, which should be plenty fast enough for even the most experienced treadmill runners.
Cushioned Deck
Sole Fitness claims that its cushioned deck reduces impact up to 40%, though we’re not sure how they’re measuring that. Cushioned decks are a good feature to have on treadmills because they can reduce impact to your joints, more specifically your knees. Lindsay says she didn’t feel a drastic difference on the Sole F80’s cushioned deck compared to other treadmills she’s tried.
“It didn’t feel really jarring while running on it, but also I didn’t notice a huge difference,” she says. “I’d say it’s somewhere in the middle between a really-cushioned treadmill and a non-cushioned treadmill.”
Preset Programs
The Sole F80 originally didn’t have a touchscreen but in recent years has received an upgrade in the form of a 10-inch Android-powered touchscreen with mirroring capabilities (meaning you can play an app from your phone on the screen).
There are also a few preset program options if you’re interested in just setting it and forgetting it (fellow Millennials, please tell me you know this infomercial reference). Check them out:
- Fat Burn
- Hills
- Cardiovascular Function
- Strength
- Interval
- Manual mode
- Two custom user profiles
- Two heart rate-based profiles
Console
The Sole F80 comes with a 10-inch Android touchscreen and a handy USB port to plug in your device while working out. I personally love this feature, because I always find streaming music or interactive programming can quickly drain your battery. There’s also a cooling fan attached to the console.
On the display, you’ll be able to see workout stats like calories burned, incline, speed, and time elapsed. You can adjust your speed or incline with jump buttons located on either side of the screen for quick access.
Accessories
Sole Fitness sells a number of replacement parts and accessories on its website, such as treadmill mats if you’re looking for a way to reduce noise.
RELATED: Best Treadmill Workout
Studio Programming
Sole Fitness now has their very own interactive programming fitness app called Studio. It is worth noting that you’ll need your own iOS compatible device to stream this app.
Interestingly, there is a price discrepancy between the Studio website itself and the link on the Sole F80’s page. If you look at the Sole Fitness website, the cost per month of Studio is listed at $39 per month or $399 per year. The listed cost on the Studio website is just $16.66, or $199.99 per year.
There are a variety of workout programs available including:
- Cycling
- Strength training
- Treadmill runs and walks
- Yoga
- Rowing
- Boxing
- Elliptical
I like that there is a wide variety of class types and lengths. If you only have 10 minutes, there are options for that in addition to more traditional 60-minute classes. For those who are competitive, you’ll likely enjoy the leaderboard feature to compete against fellow exercisers.
In my opinion, Studio is a good programming option for a beginner. There are some cool challenges that make working out more fun and achievement-based, like a multi-week “Couch to 5K.”
Plus, new classes are added each day with over 3,000 currently available. Although I’m not sure anything will ever top Peloton’s programming for me, I’m impressed with Studio and think it could be a good option for a lot of people.
Construction
The Sole F80 is a well-built piece of equipment. Here’s an in-depth look at this treadmill’s construction.
Frame
The Sole F80’s frame weighs 278 pounds and has a 375-pound weight capacity. Lindsay, however, notes that the four transport wheels make moving this piece of equipment easier than some lighter treadmills that only have two transport wheels.
Deck
The running deck is 22 inches wide and 60 inches long, which is the standard running deck for home gym treadmills. It’s great for people with long and short strides.
Belt
The Sole F80’s belt is comfortable and durable.
Motor
The treadmill is powered by a 3.5-horsepower motor—the standard for most treadmills. “It can withstand a lot of volume running at intense speeds,” Lindsay says.
Durability
The Sole F80 is made with quality materials, and customer reviewers agree that its durability is hard to match.
Footprint and Portability
One of the differences between the F80 and the F63 is the transport wheels. On the F80, there are four wheels (versus the two on the F63) to make the moving process easier. However, Sole Fitness probably realized this was necessary because of the increased weight of the machine.
At 278 pounds, the F80 is something of a behemoth, and pretty much any review I read said something similar. If you plan to move this treadmill up or down a staircase, either hire professional movers or get two additional people to help you.
How to Fold the Sole F80
I love that the Sole F80 is a folding treadmill! Here’s how you can get ‘er done:
- Make sure the treadmill is at the lowest incline before powering off.
- Unplug the treadmill.
- Lift the deck with your legs (not your back people!)
- The tube at the back of the base should lock the deck in securely once pushed all the way up.
When you’re ready to unfold the machine, I was thrilled to note that there is a gas shock in place for safety purposes. A gas shock can help lower the deck softly and automatically to prevent fingers and toes from getting smashed.
Comparison to Sole F85 and the Sole F63
The Sole F80 is a mid-range treadmill model from Sole Fitness. Previously, I’ve tested and reviewed the Sole F63, which costs just around $1,000. I was curious to compare these two with one of the higher-end models Sole offers, the Sole F85. Check out this chart to see the main differences (and similarities) between the three:
| Treadmill | Sole F85 | Sole F63 | Sole F80 |
| Price | $2,299.99 | $1,099.99 | $1,899.99 |
| HP Motor | 4.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 3.5 CHP |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs | 325 lbs | 375 lbs |
| Deck | 22″ W X 60″ L | 20″ W X 60″ L | 22″ W X 60″ L |
| Incline | 0-15 Levels | 0-15 Levels | 0-15 Levels |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on frame, motor, and deck; 5 years on electronics and parts; 2 years labor | Lifetime warranty on frame and motor; 3 years on deck, electronics, and parts; 1 year labor | Lifetime warranty on frame, motor, and deck; 5 years on electronics, and parts; 2 years labor |
| Speed | .5-12 MPH | .5-12 MPH | .5-12 MPH |
| Machine weight | 308 lbs | 254 lbs | 278 lbs |
| Display | 10.1″ TFT Touch Panel +Android System | 6.5″ LCD White Back-lit | 9.0″ LCD White Back-lit |
Want to know all the details about the F63? Check out my full Sole F63 treadmill review.
Sole F85 Treadmill
Sole F85 Treadmill
Product Highlights
- 4.0 HP motor
- Large running surface at 22” W x 60” L
- 400-pound user weight capacity
- Lifetime frame and motor deck warranty
- 15 levels of incline
- Well-cushioned
- Folding deck
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 375 lb weight capacity
- 4 transport wheels for portability (most treadmills only offer 2)
- Cushioned deck
- Incline range of 0% to 15%
- Powerful 4.0 HP motor
- Folding deck design, console fans, and tablet holder
- Integrated Bluetooth speakers
- 10 preset programs
- WiFi capabilities
- Compatible with Fitbit, Record, Mapmyrun and Apple Health
- Pre-loaded apps: Netflix, YouTube, ESPN, CBC News, NBC News, and CNN News
Cons
- Several reviewers report the cushioning is not as soft as comparable machines
- Difficult assembly
- Large footprint, even when folded
Bottom Line
With a 4.0 HP motor, the F85 is one of the most durable foldable treadmills on the market. With a large cushioned running surface, interactive display, WiFi capabilities and a fancy console with fans and speakers, the F85 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their cardio workouts.
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F80 Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Foldable design
- 3.5 HP motor
- 12 mph max speed
- Incline training up to 15%
- 60″ L x 22″ W running deck
- 350 lb weight capacity
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3.5 HP motor supports heavy running
- Extended running surface measuring 60 inches by 22 inches
- Incline ranging 0% to 15%
- Weight capacity of 350 lbs
- 4 transport wheels (most folding treadmills have 2)
- Integrated Bluetooth speakers
- USB port
- Tablet holder
- Armrest controls
- Lifetime warranty on frame and motor
- Low step-up height
Cons
- Users report cushioning not as shock absorbing as others
- Small and basic display
Bottom Line
What the Sole F80 lacks in technology, it more than makes up for in durability and performance. With a 3.5 horsepower motor and a 60 inch long running deck, the Sole F80 is a great option for dedicated endurance athletes.
Warranty
The warranty is one of the most impressive features of the Sole F80. If you purchase this treadmill, you’ll get a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck. Although I’ve heard of getting a lifetime warranty on both treadmill frames and motors before, getting the same treatment on the deck is special.
Interested in cashing in on your Sole F80 warranty? Register your machine here to get the process started.
Returns
If you don’t absolutely love your new Sole F80, you can return your machine up to 30 days after purchase, even if you’ve used the machine. I’m impressed by the comprehensive return policy Sole Fitness offers: the company will come and pick the machine up from your house at no additional charge. Plus, you aren’t responsible for paying a restocking fee, which many treadmill companies make you do after returning a machine.
Customer Service
In terms of customer service, I think Sole could use a bit of a facelift. They currently do not have a chat button on the website. Instead, you have to email them at info@soletreadmills.com or call 866-780-7653. This is a slower process than if Sole had live chat.
Ordering and Assembling the Sole F80 Treadmill
The ordering process for the Sole F80 is really simple. Just add the treadmill to your cart, check our Sole Fitness coupon page for any extra money off, and get excited for your new treadmill to arrive! Shipping costs aren’t included with your purchase, but only expect to pay around $99.99.
Assembly shouldn’t be a complicated process, as the Sole F63 only took me an hour to build. I would recommend grabbing a second person to help with unboxing due to the weight of the machine. Lindsay also points out that our assembly team had trouble lining up certain parts when it came time to drill.
If you’re still not sure how to assemble your treadmill after reading the instructions, Sole Fitness has video tutorials you can watch with a full breakdown on each step.
Similarly to companies like NordicTrack and ProForm, Sole Fitness offers financing on their treadmills. I like this option because spending a lot of money at once on fitness equipment isn’t always obtainable for everyone, and financing makes these machines more accessible.
Customer Reviews
On Amazon, the Sole Fitness F80 treadmill has close to 200 reviews with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars. Here is what I gathered from reading the reviews: The people that enjoy this treadmill love it, and the people who don’t like it really hate it.
Satisfied customers raved about the durability and foldability. Other customers complained of the machine squeaking loudly while in use, while others didn’t like the heaviness of the F80.
Final Verdict of Our Sole F80 Treadmill Review
Overall, the Sole F80 isn’t much different than the Sole F63 that I know and love. If you don’t mind paying a little more for a slightly wider deck and increased warranty, you’ll probably appreciate this solid mid-range treadmill.
Sole F80 Treadmill Rating
Sole Fitness F80 Treadmill
Looking for an inclusive cardio machine? Check out our Sole F80 treadmill review to see why this could be a great option if you’re heavy or tall.
Product Brand: Sole Fitness
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 1599.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Sole F80 Treadmill FAQs
Does the Sole F80 have Bluetooth
Yes, the Sole F80 treadmill is equipped with Bluetooth capabilities.
How long do Sole F80 treadmills last?
The Sole F80 treadmill has a warranty of 5 years on electronics and components and 2 years on labor, as well as a lifetime on frame, engine, and deck.
Is Sole better than NordicTrack?
The answer to this question is a matter of preference, as we explained in our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 vs Sole F80 comparison piece.
Are Sole treadmills worth the money?
Sole treadmills are high-quality, long-lasting, easy to use, and efficient. They have speeds of up to 12 MPH, as well as a variety of inclination levels and training programs that may benefit runners of various fitness levels. Most versions are also collapsible, making them excellent choices for those with little room.
