Sole F80 Treadmill Review: Is This Cardio Machine Right For You in 2024?

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Key features:

• Price: $1,899.99
• Dimensions: 66 inches x 82.5 inches x 38 inches
• Incline: 15 levels of incline
• Speed: up to 12 miles per hour
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds

Sole Fitness is known for its stationary bikes, ellipticals and treadmills that balance features and durability with price. The Sole F80 treadmill is designed to give you a commercial treadmill experience; however, unlike the cardio machines at your local gym, this compact option can be folded and stored making it an ideal treadmill for a home gym. Sole states that the frame design came from the demands of hotels for a stable and powerful treadmill that is “as mobile as a room service cart.”

While it is slightly more costly than the highly-rated Sole F63 treadmill, the upgraded features such as the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck and the 3.5 horsepower motor make the slight uptick and price worth it. One reviewer on the Sole Fitness website said, “I did not expect to receive such a high-quality unit that was priced so fairly. This is even nicer than most of the treadmills I have used in gyms and hotels before.”

Related Post: The Complete Sole F63 Treadmill Review 

If you’re considering this treadmill for your home gym but you’re not sure if it’s the best choice for you, this Sole F80 review will cover the pros and cons, features and everything else you need to know to decide whether this Sole treadmill aligns with your needs and goals.

What Is the Sole F80 Treadmill?

The Sole F80 treadmill has a powerful 3.5 horsepower motor that accelerates up to 12 miles per hour and can incline up to 15 levels. At 22 inches wide and 60 inches long, the running deck has enough space for taller users to take long strides comfortably. The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck is designed to reduce the impact of each stride by 40 percent in comparison to running on asphalt. Sole Fitness backs the frame, motor and deck with a lifetime warranty.

Other features include cooling fans and built-in speakers that are Bluetooth compatible so you’re able to stream your favorite playlist or follow along with a workout on a treadmill app using the tablet holder. On the armrests, you’ll find speed and incline controls and on the display, you can choose from one of Sole’s 11 programs or select the manual mode. While you exercise you can follow along as your speed, incline, distance traveled, calories, pulse and pace metrics are tracked.

Working Out on the Sole F80 Treadmill

The large running deck makes the Sole F80 an ideal choice for runners but it’s also great for walking and jogging. The wide range of speed gives plenty of options for interval training, and long or short-distance runs. It also has varying levels of incline, ranging from 1 to 15, and incline training can create higher muscular and cardiovascular fatigue. “Running at an incline will cause a greater increase in overall cardiovascular stress resulting in an increase in heart rate and metabolic demand,” says Carlos Gonzalez, D.P.T, C.S.C.S., a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at ATI Physical Therapy in Beaverton, Oregon.

If you want to take advantage of the built-in programming, there are 11 standard programs, including a heart program for you to choose from. If you choose the heart rate program, you’ll start by inputting your age to generate your maximum heart rate. From there, you can pick whether you want to work at 80 or 60 percent of your maximum capacity. There’s also the option to sign up for Sole’s Studio app, which features instructor-led workouts for on or off your treadmill. However, you’ll need to utilize your device to follow the workout on the app and the subscription is an additional cost.

What we like:

• The 3.5 horsepower DC-type motor is powerful, and reviewers say it’s quiet
• Cushioned, spacious deck is great for running
• EasyAssist folding helps make storage easy
• Display is clean and simple
• Incline and speed controls are easily accessible
• Steel frame feels sturdy
• Lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and deck

What we don't like:

• Built-in fans have only one speed
• Some reviewers mention it’s heavy and difficult to assemble
• Studio workouts cannot be streamed on the nine-inch display
• No option to save workout data from built-in workouts

Features

There is plenty of storage for your water bottle, towel or any other items you may need. But that's not the only feature the Sole F80 treadmill has in store.

Cooling fan

There are also dual cooling fans situated in the middle of the console to help keep you from overheating.

Wireless phone charging pad

No cord, no problem–if your phone has wireless charging capabilities, you can simply place it on the pad to get it charged up while you work out.

Tablet holder

Need somewhere secure to store your phone? The F80 treadmill's center console has a built-in device holder for your tablet, phone or smart device.

Android-powered screen

A tech-forward Android-powered screen isn't just useful for streaming classes and providing a bright interface to follow. You can also mirror your smart device to watch your shows, workouts and more on this treadmill with a TV.

Modes

There are 11 total built-in programs to choose from. If you want to do your own workout or follow one on a running app, the manual mode allows you to control the incline and speed settings as you see fit. If you’re using your device, there is a tablet holder where you can see it easily, and you can sync your device with the Bluetooth compatible speakers to make it easy to hear too. During your workout, you can track your heart rate with the included chest strap and sync the data with the machine. You can also track your heart rate using the EKG tracker on the handles.

When you need to adjust the speed there are buttons for some of the most common speeds including two, three, four, five, seven, nine and 12. There are also buttons for the most common incline levels including 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 15. If you need something outside of the seemingly random assortment of options, you can adjust it manually. One potential drawback is that these are adjusted in smaller increments, so you may find yourself pressing the button 10 or more times to reach your desired speed or incline.

Subscription

Committing to a Studio app subscription is not essential, but it might be something to consider if you enjoy a more interactive experience and the sense of community working out with others can bring. While you can’t access the app from the nine-inch display, you can follow along using your device. Each class is instructor-led and has a real-time community leaderboard so you can see how you did in comparison to others who did the same workout.

Speaking of workouts, there are options for every skill level and you’ll have access to classes you can do off the treadmill as well. This is an excellent opportunity for users who want to incorporate strength training or other types of workouts with running.

All of these perks do come at an additional cost of $19.99 per month or $199 annually. Whether or not you’re willing to commit to the subscription depends on your fitness goals and budget, however, it is nice that Sole Fitness offers a 30-day trial so you can try out the app before committing.

Training Programs

The Sole F80 comes with six standard programs, two custom programs and two heart programs built-in. The standard programs fit a number of different exercise preferences from Fat Burn to Cardio and more. The two custom programs allow you to establish a unique program for two different users and the two heart programs have you to work at either 60 or 80 percent of your target heart rate.

Price

Right now, the Sole F80 treadmill is priced at $1,699.99. Given that this treadmill is commercial quality and has a decent number of features, this mid-range price point is fitting. The lifetime frame, motor and deck warranty make it that much more appealing too since if you have any trouble Sole will troubleshoot and fix any issues.

Warranty and Return Policy

As we mentioned, there is a lifetime warranty on the frame, deck and motor. The brand also offers a five-year warranty for parts and electronics and a two-year warranty for labor. Overall, this is an excellent warranty. If you’re really prone to mishaps you can protect your purchase with Accident Coverage for up to five years, which protects against accidental damage. But of course, that peace of mind is at an additional cost of $139.

Sole’s return policy offers a satisfaction guarantee. Its website says to give it your all for 30 days and if you don’t like it, you can simply return it. The brand also won’t require you to box it up or pay return shipping costs. To top it all off, once you have the tracking number for your return, you won’t need to wait for it to arrive to get your money back. Sole will happily process your refund within 48 hours of being notified that the return is en route.

Who the Sole F80 Treadmill Is Best For

The Sole F80 treadmill is best for those who want the quality of a commercial treadmill, but not necessarily all the fancy and sometimes complicated features. One reviewer summed it up well, “This machine does what it needs to. It’s solid and has all of the programming features you really need in a treadmill.” In general, the Sole F80 is great for:

• Users who want a bright interface or the built-in programming
• Heavy or tall users
• Users who want to run or train at an incline
• Those who need to fold it for storage

Who the Sole F80 Treadmill Is Not Best For

While the F80 has some great features, it may not be suitable for those who:

• Prefer auto-adjust features
• Want a bigger variety of built-in workouts
• Need a light and compact treadmill

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Sole F80 Treadmill

While this cardio machine is at an excellent price given the quality and the features offered, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for everyone. Take the time to consider each aspect such as the deck size and display and how that fits into your workout style and goals to figure out if this is the right fit for you.

Construction 

Frame

The Sole F80’s frame and handrails are constructed using commercial-grade steel. Some of the pieces are welded together for reinforcement and to avoid the headache of screwing in and maintaining a bunch of bolts. As you run and adjust the incline, the side rails and cross beams that make up the steel base remain stable.

When considering the best folding treadmills, we like to keep the F80 in mind purely because of the EasyAssist folding feature. All you have to do is lift the steel beam at the end of the deck and the hydraulic assist will help you until it locks into place. From there, you can use the four wheels to move it out of the way if you need to.

Running deck

The running deck is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, which will give most runners enough room to run comfortably without feeling claustrophobic. This could be something to keep in mind if you only want to use this treadmill to walk, since such a large surface may not be necessary. Also, if you’re limited on space you might want to opt for a smaller belt size since typically that means the treadmill footprint will be smaller. While you run, the cushioned deck works to absorb the shock which can help make running easier on your joints. One reviewer on Amazon said, “My knees are very happy about the cushioned deck.” The running surface is eight inches from the ground, making this a great option for those who are looking for a shorter step-up distance.

Belt

To provide a secure foundation for the deck to run smoothly as you rack up mileage, the F80 treadmill's two-ply belt is designed to be long-lasting. A thicker makeup helps to ensure it doesn't wear out too soon as it moves over the treadmill rollers.

Display

There is a 10.1-inch Android-powered touch screen display that’s easy to see and using it is pretty straightforward to make your workout profile. To use the built-in programs or the manual mode, you don’t need internet access, which is a plus. You also won’t need to worry about the additional cost of a subscription if you want to follow the built-in programs or do your own thing. On the display you’ll see your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse and pace metrics tracked.

Size

Size can often be a limiting factor when choosing a treadmill for your home gym. The F80 treadmill is 82 inches long, 37 inches wide and 66 inches at its tallest point. The deck is eight inches from the ground. Sole offers several treadmills that are roughly the same size, but if you need something with a smaller footprint you might want to consider the more compact Sole TT8 or S77. If you have a smaller space to work with, it does help that you’re able to fold and move it if you need to. However, several reviews on Amazon mention that even with the wheels, this machine can be tough to move if you have a thicker carpet due to its weight.

Motor

The Sole F80 has a 3.5 horsepower motor, which makes it well suited for heavier users and people who like to do long runs. A stronger motor means it won’t need to work as hard to reach a higher speed for long or short durations like other treadmills, which average around 2.5 horsepower. That being said, this motor is probably a bit of an overkill if you mainly plan on walking.

This motor starts as slow as 0.5 miles per hour and can go as fast as 12 miles per hour—a five-minute mile pace—which is plenty fast enough for most users. The machine uses rollers that are 2.5 inches, which is bigger than many other treadmills. They’re designed to move the belt super smoothly, thanks to their larger surface area. The belt is two-ply which means that it’s thicker and will be more durable long term than a thinner belt.

Many reviews on the Sole Fitness website mention how quiet the motor is, which may be helpful to those who need to keep the noise level down. One reviewer described it as, “whisper quiet” and another said, “We bought this thinking that we needed something as quiet as can be, and this is even quieter than I expected!”

What Users Say About the Sole F80

On the Sole Fitness website, the Sole F80 treadmill is rated 4.5 out of five stars with over 300 reviews. Overall, they’re pretty positive and frequently mention the “great quality” and that it “exceeds expectations.” Another common theme found is how quiet the motor is and how it’s a fair price for the quality.

Even the five-star reviews mention that assembly can be difficult, and with no white glove delivery and assembly option this may be something to consider. Many users mention how heavy it is and hard to move to the desired location for setup. One reviewer mentioned that assembly took longer because, “The drill holes on one of the tubes did not line up well with holes at the base of the treadmill.” Many reviewers also felt frustrated by the lack of customer support from Sole, citing long hold times and having to send follow up emails several times before getting an issue resolved.

How the Sole F80 Treadmill Stacks Up Against Other Products

Sole F80 vs. Nordictrack EXP 14i

The NordicTrack EXP 14i is around the same price as the Sole F80, and they both have a 3.5 horsepower motor. Other similarities include:

• EasyLift Assist for folding
• Cushioned deck
• Bluetooth compatibility
• Device and water bottle storage
• Built-in fan
• Max speed of 12 miles per hour

The NordicTrack can only incline up to 12 percent, however, you’re able to decline to -3 percent which allows you to work different muscle groups and train downhill. It has a large 14-inch smart HD touchscreen that you can use to adjust settings or follow along with a class with an iFit subscription. If you don’t want to subscribe to iFit, there are 14 pre-programmed workouts to choose from. As you work out, your speed and incline will adjust automatically so you stay focused.

The running deck is 20 inches wide, which is two inches less than the Sole F80. The max weight capacity is also 75 pounds less at 300 pounds. It does have heart rate monitoring capabilities but there is no chest strap included. The warranty on the frame is 10 years, there is a two-year warranty for the parts and a one-year warranty for labor.

The NordicTrack EXP14i is a better option if you want a nice big touchscreen to use to change settings and follow along with your workouts. However, if you don’t plan on subscribing to an iFit membership it may not be worth giving up the solid warranty Sole Fitness offers.

Sole F80 vs. Echelon Stride

Priced slightly lower than the F80 treadmill, the Echelon Stride has a less powerful 1.75 continuous horsepower motor. However, the speed range of 0.5 miles per hour to 12 miles per hour is the same. Even though the Echelon Stride weighs 156 pounds, the max weight capacity is 300 pounds which is less than the Sole F80 but still impressive given the product weight.

Overall, both machines have simplistic displays and built-in tablet holders. There is also a built-in heart rate monitor on the handles, but unlike the F80 treadmill, a chest strap is not included. You can choose to follow workouts using Echelon’s streaming service if you’d like, or you can choose from one of eight workout programs.

If you’re limited on space, the Echelon Stride has a smaller footprint of 69 inches long 31 inches wide and 49 inches tall. That being said, the running deck is shorter and less wide making this an ideal choice for light jogs and walking. Runners or tall users with a big stride may feel a bit cramped.

Sole F80 vs. Horizon 7.0 AT

The Horizon 7.0 AT can operate in the same range of speed and incline as the F80 treadmill. It also has a hydraulic folding assist feature that allows for easier storage. Some other features they have in common are:

• Steel frame
• Bluetooth compatible speakers
• USB charging capabilities
• Built-in tablet holder
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty
• Cushioned deck

The display is pretty comparable to the Sole F80 as well, being that it is seven inches and does not have touchscreen capabilities. Unlike the Sole treadmill, you’re able to connect your device and stream a class from an app or your favorite show on the display. If you want to follow a built-in program, there are seven to choose from.

Even though the deck is slightly smaller than the F80, it’s built with shock-absorbing cushioning which gives you flex and support. The max weight capacity is 50 pounds less than the Sole F80 at 325 pounds.

The Horizon 7.0 AT is great for those who want to be able to adjust speed and incline without pressing buttons. It has a QuickDial control that you roll forward to increase your speed and backward to decrease it. It’s also a cheaper option than the Sole F80, but it has a less powerful 3.0 continuous horsepower motor. Depending on your needs, it might be worth it to pay more for the 3.5 horsepower motor the Sole F80 has.

Sole F80 FAQs

How heavy is the Sole F80 treadmill deck?

While the Sole Fitness website doesn’t mention the deck weight specifically, the overall treadmill weight is 278 pounds.

What year did the Sole F80 come out?

The most current model was released in 2021.

Is the Sole F80 treadmill loud?

Many reviews on the Sole Fitness website mention how quiet the motor is, making it a good option for your home gym.

Can you use the Sole F80 treadmill without a subscription?

Yes, you can follow the built-in programs or use the manual mode to follow your own workout.

Does the Sole F80 have Bluetooth?

Yes, the speakers on the Sole F80 are Bluetooth compatible.

Final Thoughts

The Sole F80 is a great treadmill at a competitive price given the commercial-grade design and materials. It has a large cushioned running deck, steel frame and powerful motor that can accommodate heavier users with ease. The deck is long and wide, making it an excellent choice for tall runners and those who have a longer stride. The ability to fold and move it using the four wheels makes storing it easy. This Sole F80 treadmill review affirms it’s a great option for anyone who wants a treadmill with a simplistic display that doesn’t require a subscription to use.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.