Sole Fitness is a brand known for its reasonably priced yet durable cardio equipment. One popular example of the brand’s dedication to such aspects is the Sole F80 Treadmill. Boasting a powerful motor, integrated touchscreen, and plenty of stability, it’s become one of our favorites for at-home training.
We’ve thoroughly tested this machine across a variety of workouts, and in this Sole F80 Treadmill review, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Our team has extensive experience testing the best treadmills on the market, and in this review, we’ll share the pros, and cons of this particular profile to help you decide if the F80 is worthy of a place in your home gym.
Our Sole F80 Treadmill Review, Summarized
The Sole F80 has a powerful motor with more incline options than the average treadmill, and its durable construction is backed by a lifetime motor and frame warranty. It’s not the most cushioned treadmill we’ve ever used, and the built-in display is fairly basic. However, we still feel it’s worth the cost given its performance, durability, and generous warranty coverage.
How We Test Treadmills
This category is based on our estimation of the longevity of a treadmill, as well as how sturdy it feels in use. We carefully look for any shaking or wobbling at a variety of speeds, as well as any components that feel like they may be susceptible to wear and tear (think cheap plastic).
To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we should see a weight capacity of 275 pounds, a 2.5-HP motor, and little to no shaking during trials. Higher scores are awarded to machines with better-than-average capabilities and more robust build qualities.
Treadmills can be quite bulky and difficult to move once installed, so this category helps determine how much space you’ll need to plan for pre-purchase, as well as how maneuverable your treadmill is when necessary.
An average 3-out-of-5 rating is given to treadmills that are close to the average size, which we’ve found to be approximately 6 feet long and 3 feet wide. We also think that one or two people should be able to move the treadmill without (too much) strain.
These days, most treadmills include some form of built-in workouts, whether in the form of preset workout plans or streamable classes made viewable with integrated touchscreens or separate media devices.
To earn a 3-out-of-5-star rating, we want to see at least a handful of built-in workouts, even if they’re basic programs on a simple display. To earn higher scores, treadmills should be compatible with interactive programming and streamable media, offering up more variety and training versatility.
Before writing each review, we spend plenty of time testing every aspect of a treadmill. We score these tested profiles based on our treadmill testing methodology, which helps us provide an unbiased opinion with digestible ratings for the most important categories, such as ergonomics, adjustability, tech capabilities, customizations, and more.
Here at Garage Gym Reviews, our testers have spent years examining and reviewing a variety of fitness equipment. Our testers include certified personal trainers, strength coaches, running enthusiasts, CrossFit athletes, gym owners, and more.
At the time of writing, we’ve personally tested over 50 of the most popular treadmills, including models from leading brands like NordicTrack, Peloton, ProForm, and more.
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.
What our tester says:
“Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another motorized treadmill that has a weight capacity of 375 pounds. This is really unique and allows a lot of people to use it.”
What to Know Before You Buy
- The F80’s strongest points are its construction and powerful motor, but it doesn’t have the same dynamic programming we see on other high-end machines.
- The treadmill weighs 278 pounds, which isn’t unreasonable for a treadmill, but it can be a bit bulky to move around.
- Sole utilizes the brand’s CushionFlex deck system for improved underfoot cushioning, which can be ideal for taking some strain off your joints during workouts.
Sole F80 Treadmill Video Review
Is the Sole F80 Treadmill Worth It?
For a mid-range treadmill, there’s a lot to like about the Sole F80. It’s one of the most durable treadmills we’ve tested at this price point, and includes a generous lifetime frame and motor warranty. 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 may be best served with a different home treadmill.
If you’re still interested in the Sole F80, let’s take a closer look at the features of the machine, as well as our overall testing experience.
Sole F80 Treadmill: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $1,899.99 |
| Dimensions | 82” L x 37” W x 66” H |
| Running Belt | 60″ L x 22” W |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Step-Up Height | 8” |
| Product Weight | 278 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 375 lbs |
| Speed Range | 0.5-12 MPH |
| Incline/Decline Range | 0-15% |
| Motor | 3.5 HP, DC Type |
| Display & Programming | 10″ Android-powered touchscreen |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, deck, and motor; 5 years for parts and electronics; 2 years for labor |
Workout Experience with the Sole F80 Treadmill
I had a chance to analyze the Sole F80 before our tester Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC got her hands (err, feet) on this folding treadmill. Both she and I agree that the Sole F80’s generously sized deck and increased weight capacity make this a worthwhile cardio option for people who are taller, heavier, or those that prefer to run frequently.
The treadmill deck size definitely sells me on this machine. With a 22-inch-by-60-inch running surface—2 inches wider than the ever-popular Sole F63—people of various sizes will be able to comfortably achieve their natural stride without worrying about falling off (which is a real concern, I can assure you).
“I don’t know how much those extra inches matter unless you’re running side-to-side like a crazy person,” Lindsay adds, “But it’s nice to have.”
The weight capacity for the Sole F80 is also well above the average 320-pound limit we’ve seen in other popular treads. Anyone up to 375 pounds can comfortably use this machine, making it an inclusive treadmill for heavier people.
While the treadmill comes with built-in cushioning, Lindsay notes that it’s good, but not the best she’s ever used. “It didn’t feel really jarring while running on it, but also I didn’t notice a huge difference,” she told me. “I’d say it’s somewhere in the middle between a really-cushioned treadmill and a non-cushioned treadmill.”
“The Sole F80 can be a great choice for home gym owners, as it’s one of most durable treadmills we’ve tested and the residential warranty coverage is fantastic. You can store it in your garage without voiding the warranty, too, which isn’t the case with all manufacturers. This is an important detail for any garage gym owner in search of a high-quality cardio machine.”
Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
Sole F80 Treadmill Rating
Footprint and Portability
One of the differences between the F80 and the F63 is the integrated transport wheels. On the F80, there are four wheels (versus the two on the F63) to make the moving process easier. That said, Sole Fitness probably realized this was necessary because of the increased weight of the F80 profile.
Lindsay states, “It’s a large machine, but there are folding components and the four transport wheels make moving this piece of equipment easier than some lighter treadmills that only have two transport wheels.”
Still, at 278 pounds, the F80 is somewhat of a behemoth, and pretty much any review I read says something similar. As such, we score the Sole F80 at 3.75 out of 5 for footprint and portability. If you plan to move this treadmill up or down a staircase, either hire professional movers or get two additional people to help you.
Delivery and Setup
For the delivery and setup process, we give the F80 treadmill 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most treadmills of this size can be difficult to build, so you’ll likely need an extra hand, especially given the overall weight of the unit itself.
If you run into any assembly issues after reading the instructions, Sole Fitness has video tutorials you can watch, with convenient, full breakdowns for each step. You can also add professional delivery and assembly services to your order for an additional fee. Actual costs of these add-ons can vary by location, so be sure to crunch the numbers before finalizing your online cart.
Durability
The Sole F80 is easily one of the most well-constructed treadmills we’ve ever used, and Lindsay gave it 5 out of 5 stars for durability. The generous warranty coverage offered by Sole should speak to the build quality of the machine, and Lindsay was extremely impressed with the construction.
“Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another motorized treadmill that has a weight capacity of 375 pounds,” she told me. “This is really unique, and it’s plenty accommodating for a range of different body types.”
Customizations
For customizations, Lindsay gave the F80 a 3.5-out-of-5 rating. The speed ranges from 0.5 to 12 MPH, and incline settings range from 0-15%.
The treadmill features more speed and incline settings than the average treadmill, but we’ve tested other incline treadmills offering a more robust range of pitches (and more powerful motors to support fast-paced intervals). Overall, the F80 offers plenty of customizations for most users, but if you’re looking for decline settings or higher speeds, you may need to choose a different option.
Ergonomics
The F80 earns 4 out of 5 stars from Lindsay for ergonomics, which is above-average but not quite a perfect score. It features a CushionFlex Whisper Deck, which is meant to reduce joint impact by up to 40% compared to running on asphalt (per Sole).
However, Lindsay noted that while she certainly felt the cushioning, it’s not as comfy as other models we’ve used, and she said it’s pretty average when compared to other models out there.
If you have achy knees, hips, or ankles, you may want to choose something that features better underfoot cushioning. However, if you don’t have any issues walking or running outdoors on hard surfaces, this treadmill should have plenty of built-in comfort for your indoor training needs.
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Bad Knees
Tech Capabilities
For tech capabilities, we give this treadmill 4 out of 5 stars. It has all the essentials, including heart rate monitoring via hand pulse grips in the handrails, Bluetooth integration, and a display that shows your important workout metrics.
“The Sole F80 comes with a 10-inch Android touchscreen and a handy USB port to plug in your device while working out,” says Lindsay. “I personally love this feature, because I always find that streaming music or interactive programming can quickly drain your battery.”
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, as well, which can be beneficial when partaking in HIIT treadmill workouts.
While the built-in screen isn’t the biggest we’ve seen in testing, it does offer screen mirroring if you pair it with your phone or tablet, giving you a bigger console for streaming media like your go-to online workout program. The screen also features built-in entertainment apps; you can conveniently tune into your favorite programs across Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other platforms.
Finally, the Sole F80 offers up a convenient media shelf that can be great for creating a secure DIY setup, rather than having to prop your iPhone or tablet up haphazardly across the console.
Conveniences
For conveniences, we feel the F80 offers plenty that can appease most users, and Lindsay gave it a 4-out-of-5-star rating during trials.
The F80 comes with a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth speakers, a tablet holder, cupholders, and storage bins to keep your accessories nearby. We have no complaints here, and feel this provides a great workout experience with just the right assortment of creature comforts.
Dynamic Programming
For dynamic programming, we give this treadmill 4 out of 5 stars. The free Sole+ fitness app offers over 3,000 workout classes, and while it doesn’t compete with services like iFIT or Peloton (in our opinion), we love that there’s no required monthly subscription to get the most out of your treadmill.
I particularly 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. You can browse through the service’s range of workout disciplines with modules labeled fat burn, hill, HIIT, fitness tests, and more. For competitive folks, you’ll likely enjoy the leaderboard feature that pits you against fellow exercisers, too.
These classes offer a great means to help you stay consistent with your training, and regular exercise has been shown1 to help improve cardiovascular health, improve insulin sensitivity, and improve cholesterol levels.
Value
For the value, Lindsay gives this F80 profile a strong 4 out of 5, saying that it has, “Very good performance for a sub-$2,000 treadmill.”
Admittedly, it’s not impossible to find a comparable or even budget treadmill offering boosted features or capabilities not present across this Sole cardio machine. However, we feel that the F80 is built like a tank, offers worthwhile programming, and your investment is even protected by a lifetime frame-and-motor warranty. As such, it’s likely to be the last treadmill you should ever need to buy, justifying our above-average rating for the category.
Customer Experience
The customer experience earns a strong 5-out-of-5 rating. As mentioned above, the lifetime frame warranty is rare in the world of treadmills, and something that home gym owners should really love; treadmills are not, after all, immune to wear and tear (though regular treadmill maintenance can keep your machine in top shape for longer stretches).
In terms of customer service, I think Sole could use a bit of a facelift. They currently do not have a live chat feature on the brand’s retail site. Rather, you must email them at info@soletreadmills.com or call 866-780-7653 if you have any questions or need to speak to customer support. This is a slower process than if Sole had live chat, but we don’t think that it’s a deal-breaker.
Customer Reviews
Most reviewers seem to indicate positive experiences with the F80, and at the time of writing, this Sole treadmill has an average customer review score of 4.3 out of 5. People mention the impressive durability and easy assembly, though some reviewers note that it can be hard to get in contact with customer service.
Sole F80 Treadmill Vs
We’ve tested over 50 treadmill models and are continually trying as many as we can get our hands on. All that to say, we know that the Sole F80 is not your only option for at-home cardio training.
One logical alternative you’re probably considering is the more affordable Sole F63, which is one of our most-recommended treadmills given its exceptional value and durability.
The F63 is also covered by Sole’s lifetime frame-and-motor warranty; a major perk for a sub-$1,300 machine. That said, it also has a slightly smaller running deck (20” W x 60” L), a lower weight rating (325 lbs), and no built-in touchscreen. Still, if you’re looking to save money, the F63 can be a worthwhile selection.
To learn more, read our full Sole F63 Treadmill review.
If you’re looking for even more bells and whistles and don’t mind a slight price hike, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750—one of our top picks for home treadmills.
You’ll pay more for the 1750 to tune of $2,499.99, but the higher price tag comes with available decline settings down to -3%, a 16-inch smart HD touchscreen, a 400-pound weight capacity, and iFIT compatibility. Recent software updates have also brought entertainment services like Netflix and Prime Video to iFIT, so you don’t even have to miss out on your favorite programming during your workouts.
You can read more in our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill review.
To round out these comparisons, we think the Sole F80 is the best value pick for tall or heavy users, while the F63 can be ideal for those on a tighter budget. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 may be a worthy contender for those who want all the latest tech features and more streaming workout options.
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| Sole F80 | Sole F63 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | |
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Rating
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| Speed Range | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0 – 12 mph |
| Incline Range | 15 levels | 15 levels | -3% – 12% |
| Deck Size | 60″ L x 22″ W | 60″ L x 20″ W | 60″ L x 22″ W |
| Foldable? | |||
| Display | 10.1″ touchscreen | 6.5″ backlit LCD | Pivoting 16″ touchscreen |
Final Verdict of Our Sole F80 Treadmill Review
Overall, the Sole F80 is one of the best treadmills on the market, especially for larger-than-average individuals.
It offers a spacious deck along with a strong motor, high weight capacity, and lifetime frame warranty, making it a fantastic investment for home gym owners. It’s not the flashiest machine on the market, but if you’re looking for a workhorse treadmill that’s built to last, this can be an excellent choice.
- The F80 is an upgraded version of the popular Sole F63, offering a wider deck, an upgraded touchscreen display, and a higher weight capacity of 375 pounds.
- There are no decline settings, though the incline ranges from 0 to 15%, which is more than what the average treadmill provides.
- The Sole+ app is completely free and offers over 3,000 workout classes, but it’s no match for some of the more popular paid streaming workout services we’ve researched and tested.
Sole F80 Treadmill Review: FAQs
Does the Sole F80 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Sole F80 treadmill is equipped with Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to listen to your favorite media or pair your data-tracking wearable to the machine for more accurate workout logging.
How long do Sole F80 treadmills last?
The Sole F80 treadmill has a warranty of five years on electronics and components, as well as two years on labor. The frame and motor are covered by lifetime warranties. While the lifespan of a treadmill can be subject to how well you maintain it over time, we feel confident that the F80 should be durable enough to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
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 incline settings and training programs that may benefit runners of various fitness levels. Most versions also feature foldable running decks, making them excellent choices for those with less available space. That said, some profiles can be on the heavier side, so it may be beneficial to ask for assistance during setup or transport.
References
- Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
