The best treadmills offer a convenient, customizable way to work on your cardiovascular fitness right at home. One manufacturer that consistently crafts high-quality cardio equipment is Sole Fitness, with several of their treadmills earning strong praise (and high scores) from the GGR squad.
In this Sole F85 review, I’ll peel back the curtain on one of our favorite folding treadmills that checks just about every box we look for in a top-performing model. From its excellent tech capabilities to its supportive CushionFlex 3.0 running surface, you’ll get an inside look at each component of this well-built, well-priced machine.
So, if you’re looking for a tool that’ll help take your cardio training to the next level, the feature-packed F85 might just be the ideal fit.
Our Sole F85 Treadmill Review, Summarized
Earning a strong overall score of 4.2 out of 5, the Sole F85 is a heavy-duty folding treadmill that offers an inclusive weight capacity of 350 pounds, a robust incline range of 15%, and a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It’s also outfitted with a 15.6” HD touchscreen display that allows you to stream classes and track metrics right at your fingertips. Best of all, this sturdy, stable treadmill is backed by a lifetime frame and motor warranty, adding even more value to your purchase.
How We Tested
We favor folding treadmills like the Sole F85 because you can significantly reduce their footprint when you’re not training. To earn a 3 in the footprint and portability category, one or two people can easily move the treadmill around using features like built-in transport wheels. Larger, heavier machines that are difficult to move lose points for being less portable.
To earn a 3 in this category, a treadmill must offer an incline range of at least 10% and a max speed of at least 10 miles per hour. Models that offer speedier or steeper settings (the F85 does both) receive higher marks. Although it’s less common, treadmills with decline capabilities give you even more room for customization.
Does the treadmill have built-in programs that provide enough training variety? Models that are compatible with platforms like iFIT offer a pathway for structured workouts and instructor-led classes. Treadmills score a 3 for dynamic programming if they have at least a few built-in workouts, with higher scores going to models that have more robust training options.
Our team has developed a comprehensive treadmill testing methodology that uses a 1-5 scoring scale to rate categories such as dynamic programming, conveniences, customizations, and more. Our testers put each machine through a series of treadmill walking workouts, as well as higher-paced sessions, to evaluate how it performs at various speeds and intensities.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, marathoners, and recreational runners who understand how each design element can impact your experience. After testing more than 50 treadmills—including several Sole models—we’re confident we can help you find the right machine to help crush your cardio training.
With a 3.5 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.
Before You Buy
- While the more expensive Sole F89 has a 4.0 HP motor, the F85 has a 3.5 HP motor that still provides plenty of power for running workouts and interval training.
- Unlike some manufacturers that require a paid subscription to unlock more programming options, the Sole Fitness app (called SOLE+) allows you to stream thousands of on-demand classes and sync your health data totally free.
- This product is HSA/FSA eligible, meaning you can use pre-tax dollars to fund your purchase. Sole also offers financing through Shop Pay that allows you to spread the total cost out over manageable installments.
- Sole deserves a tip of the cap for providing a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. This should provide peace of mind about investing $2,000+ on a piece of cardio equipment.
Sole F80 Vs F85 Video Review
Is the Sole F85 Worth It?
At $2,200, the Sole F85 certainly isn’t in the running for the best budget treadmill (that honor belongs to its little sibling, the F63). However, while it requires a substantial investment, we believe it’s well worth the cost based on the build quality, tech capabilities, and the fact it’s covered by a lifetime frame and motor warranty.
With 20 built-in programs, you have plenty of training options literally at your fingertips. Utilizing the free SOLE+ app opens the door to even more possibilities, especially if you take advantage of the swiveling touchscreen for off-treadmill workouts. So, we give the F85 our stamp of approval, with the only caveat being that it’s not a great choice for small spaces given its sizable dimensions.
Before we go over its performance, let’s take a quick look at the key specs and metrics for the Sole F85 treadmill.
Sole F85 Treadmill: Key Features & Specs
| MSRP | $2,199.99 |
| Dimensions | 78″ L x 38″ W x 60″ H |
| Running Belt | 60” L x 22” W |
| Foldable? | Yes |
| Step-Up Height | 8” |
| Product Weight | 243 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Speed Range | 0.5-12 mph |
| Incline Range | 15% |
| Motor | 3.5 HP motor |
| Display & Programming | 15.6” touchscreen display; programming available on the free SOLE+ App |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on frame and motor; 3 years on parts; deck, and electronics; 1 year for labor; 90 days on cosmetic items |
Experience Using the Sole F85
Former GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, put several Sole treadmills through our in-depth testing process to determine their individual strengths and weaknesses. This allowed her to get a better understanding of what separates each model in the brand’s “F” series, which includes the budget-friendly F63 all the way to the premium F89.
Of course, the F85 falls in between, providing many high-end features at a more affordable price point than the F89. While it earned high marks across most categories, Lindsay still had some minor callouts that you should keep in mind before you pull the trigger on this treadmill.
So, let’s take a category-by-category look at the F85 so you can determine if it’s the right machine for your cardio needs.
If you have the space and you’re concerned about quality—and maybe more importantly, value—the Sole F85 would be a great pick for your home gym. This tread should last you for a long time.
GGR Senior Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Sole F85 Rating
Footprint and Portability
Out of all the categories we tested, this is the only one in which the F85 failed to earn a 4 or higher. That stems from its sizable dimensions—it measures 78 inches long by 38 inches wide by 60 inches high—as well as its hefty weight of 243 pounds. However, even though the F85 takes up a lot of space when fully set up, it has a redeeming quality that helped it earn an above-average footprint and portability rating.
The reason we still awarded a 3.75 out of 5 here is that you can fold the running deck up to create more floor space when you’re done breaking a sweat. Sole designed this to be ultra user-friendly, as the hydraulic-assist lever helps lift and lock the deck into place with minimal effort. There are also two transport wheels to help you move the treadmill around a room.
“Raising and lowering the belt deck is incredibly easy since it comes with a gas shock on the lowering mechanism,” Lindsay explains. “As you lower the belt deck, it’s not going to slam into the ground.”
So, even though you’ll need to make sure you have sufficient room to use the F85, the fact you can significantly reduce its footprint means it’s more space-efficient than you might expect.
Delivery and Setup
Treadmills typically aren’t as difficult to assemble as something like a functional trainer, which contains many components and moving parts. Based on our previous experience assembling the slightly lighter Sole F63, you’ll need to grab an extra set of hands to help you unbox and put together the F85.
That said, you don’t necessarily have to put this machine together yourself. We awarded a 4 out of 5 here because Sole offers several delivery and assembly options, including:
- Standard curbside ($99.99): Delivered to your curb within 10-14 business days
- Room of choice ($200): Brought to any room in your home
- Room of choice + assembly ($350): Brought in and assembled by a team of professionals
As mentioned above, this machine weighs 243 pounds, so if you don’t feel comfortable moving or assembling it, I’d recommend splurging (if possible) for the professional assembly.
Durability
We rate a treadmill’s durability based on its motor and weight capacity. The Sole F85 earned a rock-solid 4 out of 5 in this key category.
“For avid runners or anyone who does a lot of high-volume training, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of the treadmill’s components burning out,” Lindsay explains.
The F85 should remain fairly quiet thanks to its 3.5 HP brushless motor. These types of motors provide consistent, responsive performance and typically produce less noise than brushed versions.
“DC tends to be a little quieter and is better for home versus commercial gym use,” Lindsay explains. “The brushless motor essentially means that it’s not going to take away speed and is a little more efficient in its design.”
Meanwhile, the F85 offers an inclusive weight capacity of 350 pounds. That’s about 30 pounds more than the average treadmill we test, making it well-suited for various body types. However, if you need a bit more headroom, the F89 has a slightly higher weight capacity of 375 pounds.
RELATED: Best Treadmills for Heavy People
Customizations
To earn a 3 on our scale, a treadmill must offer a top speed of at least 10 miles per hour and an incline range of at least a 10%. The F85 surpasses both of those benchmarks, resulting in a 4-star rating for customizations.
First, we love that you can set the incline up to 15%. That flexibility makes the F85 an ideal choice for incline treadmill workouts. If you’re used to walking or running on a flat surface, ramping up the incline will pave the way for more challenging (and rewarding) training sessions.
Just how effective is this training method? According to a 2021 study1, walking at a 10% incline increased total energy expenditure by a whopping 23%. So, if you’re looking to crush your body recomposition goal, the F85 can be a valuable tool to have at your disposal.
Furthermore, this treadmill is well-suited for runners thanks to its top speed of 12 miles per hour. That’s not the fastest we’ve seen, but it’s certainly sufficient for the majority of users.
Lindsay does have one minor callout about the customizations, though.
“Because the F85 has a bigger motor and costs a little more than the F80, I do wish they would included a decline option,” she explains. “Compared to other treadmills at this price point, that seems to be where everybody is headed.”
Adjustability and Ergonomics
Let’s face it: Nobody wants to use a treadmill that isn’t comfortable.
Luckily, the F85 shines in this area thanks to its spacious, well-cushioned running deck. Measuring 22 inches wide by 60 inches long, you get a bit more width than your typical treadmill belt. This extra side-to-side room can help prevent any accidental missteps at higher speeds, while also allowing a more natural arm and leg swing without having to worry about hitting the plastic side rails.
According to Sole’s website, their CushionFlex 3.0 technology helps reduce joint impact by 40%. While it’s impossible for us to validate that claim, we can confirm it’s a fairly forgiving surface that should help deliver a smooth, stable experience.
However, while you get solid shock absorption via the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, Lindsay prefers the cushioning on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750—one of our favorite overall treadmills.
“I do think that it’s decent when you compare it to cheaper models,” she says. “You can obviously tell it’s more cushioned, however I do think there are some better treadmills out there in terms of belt deck cushioning.”
RELATED: Best Cushioned Treadmills
Tech Capabilities
Today’s treadmills are far more technologically advanced than their predecessors, paving the way for more interactive, engaging, and informative workouts. This is another area where the F85 stands out, as we awarded a near-perfect score of 4.5 out of 5.
Here’s a high-level overview of some of the top tech features:
- 15.6” HD touchscreen
- Dynamic LED lights
- Bluetooth speakers
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- USB-C charging port
When comparing the F80 to the F85, Lindsay pointed out the major advantage of investing in the latter.
“I do think this makes a huge difference, as the F80 only has a 9-inch touchscreen,” she says. “You’re able to see the graphics much clearer on the bigger screen.”
Lindsay was impressed by not only the screen but also the built-in speakers. This is particularly important if you want to stream classes and follow along seamlessly.
“There was no muffling coming through the speakers,” she says. “It was really easy to follow along with the instructors.”
Although there are no built-in pulse grips, the F85 is compatible with chest strap or armband heart rate monitoring devices.
RELATED: Best Heart Rate Monitors
Conveniences
Anything that makes your experience more convenient deserves mention. With the F85, you get a bevy of user-friendly features that you’ll appreciate no matter how fast or slow you plan to go.
Here’s what Sole included to make your workouts more streamlined:
- Built-in cooling fans
- Two water bottle holders
- Safety stop key
- Wireless charging pad
“They’re not going to like blow the socks off you or anything, but they do give you a slight breeze,” Lindsay says about the cooling fans.
Her favorite feature is one that should become one of yours, too: the wireless charging pad.
“I find this to be actually really thoughtful because if you are using the screen mirror function, you’re going to run down your phone battery pretty quickly, so the fact that you have a wireless charging station right there as you use your phone is really convenient,” Lindsay explains.
Throw in the fact that the touchscreen display swivels and tilts, and you have all the makings of convenient, connected sessions.
Dynamic Programming
While some brands require a paid subscription to access on-demand classes and other programming options, that’s not the case with Sole.
Right off the bat, we appreciate that the F85 includes 20 built-in programs ranging from hill training to interval training to fat-burning. However, you can expand your options further by downloading the free Sole+ app.
This fitness tracking platform syncs via Bluetooth, allowing you to automatically record and save your workout history, view detailed performance metrics, and track milestone achievements. Plus, you can connect your favorite fitness tracker so all your data is synced.
RELATED: Best Fitness Trackers
Value
Based on its $2,200 MSRP, the Sole F85 is priced fairly given its reliable performance and array of user-friendly features. It may not make the cut for the best budget home gym equipment, but it’s also nowhere near the top of the market, either. In fact, it’s only about $300 more expensive than the average treadmill we’ve tested.
You also get rock-solid value because of Sole’s excellent warranty coverage (more on that next), and the fact the Sole+ app is totally free. So, you get excellent bang for your buck—especially if you’re able to find the F85 on sale for even less than its list price.
RELATED: Sole Fitness Coupons
Customer Experience
Sole earns a near-perfect score here for providing some terrific customer-oriented policies.
First, you can’t beat the lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor. That’s far better than the industry standard and a big reason why you should feel comfortable about investing in the F85. Furthermore, you get three years of coverage for the deck, parts, and electronics.
Second, Sole provides a free 30-day trial to make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase. If you decide to return the F85, you don’t have to pay for shipping or a restocking fee. Again, this is a big-time benefit that other treadmill brands don’t typically offer.
Finally, we also appreciate that Sole provides financing options through Shop Pay. Between that and the fact you can use HSA/FSA funds to purchase the F85, you have all the makings of an excellent customer experience.
Customer Reviews
The F85 has earned an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on five reviews on the Sole Fitness website. Customers appreciated its user-friendly console, quiet motor, and stable performance.
Here’s some direct feedback from folks who invested in this sturdy folding treadmill.
Sole F85 Vs
If you’re on the hunt for a home gym upgrade, the F85 is far from the only viable option in this price range. In fact, there are a few comparable treadmills worth considering.
First up is one of our favorites at GGR: the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Like the F85, this top-rated model has a folding feature that allows you to reduce its footprint when not in use. The Commercial 1750 boasts similar specs, including a 60” x 22” running deck and a top speed of 12 miles per hour. And like all of the best NordicTrack treadmills, the Commercial 1750 is compatible with iFIT—an engaging programming platform that’s earned rave reviews from the GGR team.
If you want to stay within the Sole family, you can go in two different directions. On one hand, you can keep more money in your pocket by going with the Sole F80, which costs about $600 less than the F85. That price difference comes at the expense of a smaller screen (10.1”), slightly less powerful motor (3.25 HP), and narrower running deck (20 inches).
RELATED: Sole F80 Review
However, if you want to splurge on an upgraded version of the F85, you could go with the brand’s premium model: the F89. Although it has an MSRP of $3,099.99, you should be able to find it on sale for closer to the $2,600 mark. That increased cost gets you a massive 21.5” touchscreen, best-in-class 4.0 HP motor, and decline training down to -6%.
Check out our full Sole F89 review for more details on our team’s experience with this beast of a treadmill.
|  |  |  | |
| Sole F85 Treadmill | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | Sole F80 Treadmill | Sole F89 Treadmill | |
Rating | ||||
| Speed Range | 0.5 to 12 mph | 0 – 12 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0.5-12 mph |
| Incline Range | 0% to 15% | -3% – 12% | 15 levels | 15 incline levels, 6 decline levels |
| Deck Size | ||||
| Foldable? | ||||
| Programs | SOLE+ app; streaming apps available | iFIT | 10 preset workouts, 12 user-defined options | Sole+ |
| Display | 15.6″ touchscreen | Pivoting 16″ touchscreen | 10.1″ touchscreen | 21.5″ touchscreen |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame warranty | Lifetime treadmill motor warranty | Lifetime frame and motor | Lifetime frame warranty |
Final Verdict of Our Sole F85 Review
The Sole F85 has an excellent warranty, powerful motor, high weight capacity, and all the tech capabilities we look for in a top-rated treadmill. It may not feature the most cushioned running deck, the largest screen, or the most robust programming options, but its high scores across every category (other than footprint and portability) cement its status as one of the better overall treadmills we’ve tested.
- If the F85 is a bit too pricey for your liking, the F63 is a budget-friendly alternative that can still get the job done.
- The swiveling, tilting touchscreen is particularly useful for off-treadmill workouts.
- Sole has a 30-day return policy, so you do have some time to test this treadmill out before you decide if it deserves a permanent spot in your setup.
Sole F85 Review: FAQs
How fast can the Sole F85 treadmill go?
The F85 has a top speed of 12 miles per hour.
Is a folding treadmill worth it?
Yes, a folding treadmill is a great space-saving option if you have limited room in your home gym. Just be mindful that you have sufficient room to use the treadmill when it’s fully set up.
What are the pros and cons of the Sole F85 treadmill?
The Sole F85 offers above-average speed and incline ranges, a quiet brushless motor, a large touchscreen display that swivels and tilts, and an unbeatable lifetime frame and motor warranty. Some drawbacks about this treadmill include its overall size and portability, along with its solid-but-unspectacular deck cushioning.
References
- Kim, J., Lee, H. J., Lee, S. H., Lee, J., Chang, W. H., Ryu, G. H., & Kim, Y. H. (2021). Correlation between cardiopulmonary metabolic energy cost and lower-limb muscle activity during inclined treadmill gait in older adults. BMC geriatrics, 21(1), 469. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02401-9
