Sole F80 Treadmill 2023 Review Performance Meets Durability

Discover the Sole F80 Treadmill, a powerful, well-built home gym treadmill you can jump on and go without a subscription or even a Wi-Fi connection — your choice. In this review we discuss key features, from its strong motor and comfortable running deck to its user-friendly interface — see why it made our Best Treadmill List.

Sole F80 Best Treadmill without a Subscription

OUR TAKE 

The Sole F80 treadmill is a standout in the mid-priced treadmill space. Designed for those looking for durability, several advanced tech features, and support for daily use with multiple users, the F80 delivers a good balance between functionality and value for price.

A suitable treadmill choice for casual Joggers to serious runners, with a strong-quiet motor, spacious running deck, and 15 incline levels, the Sole F80 treadmill is hard-wearing and well-built, supporting higher-than-average weight limits up to 350 lbs, which bodes well for its construction.

The latest model has an updated modern Z-shape frame design, a serious upgrade to the overall look of a Sole F80 profile, and functionally — a much-improved console layout and touchscreen make it easier to use over previous versions.

SUBSCRIPTION INDEPENDENCE

Finally, a treadmill out-of-the-box you can work out on and watch the news, a movie, or training content you prefer to work out with. As we previously reported, in response to its user requests, Peloton has just begun to test a few non-peloton Apps while Nordictrack treadmills, powered by iFit, which offers some of the best treadmill connected-fitness workouts, leave little flexibility for viewing other content on its touchscreens (although, it can be done).

We constantly field reader questions about various treadmill brands’ ability to allow the streaming of external content on their screens. (CNN, Disney, Prime Video, etc.) This F80 treadmill is Subscription-Independent and does not even require an internet connection to use it. That said, you can connect and choose whatever content you want to watch while working out, whether entertainment-based or trainer-led sessions.

The F80 console has a 10-inch Android-powered touchscreen that comes loaded with Ten core pre-set workouts, plus entertainment apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and CNN to name some, a wireless phone charging pad and USB charging port — you get plenty of options to use with the F80, including pairing with most tablets and smart devices, pulse grips, a roomy running deck that can fold up to save floor space when not in use, and dual cooling fans, though we found them to be kinda weak. If built-in cooling fans are important, we suggest you check out Nordictrack treadmills.

QUICK KEY FEATURES:

• Powerful Motor: 3.5 HP supporting daily longer runs with multiple users.

• Running Surface: Spacious 22 x 60-inch running deck to suit most strides.

• Folding Treadmill: The running deck can fold up to save floor space.

• Firm Feel: Firm running deck cushioning will suit road runners more.

• Incline: 0-15% levels for varied workout intensities.

• Display: 10-inch touchscreen providing clear feedback on workout metrics
  - speed, incline, time, distance traveled, heart rate, calorie, pulse, pace.

• Programs: 10 preset onboard workouts for a range of fitness goals.

• Speed: from as slow as 0.5 up to 12 mph.

• Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity: Pairs with most fitness apps and Devices.

• Lifetime Warranty on the Motor and Frame.

Trust Our Reviews of Fitness Equipment

When testing and evaluating the Sole F80 treadmill, we compared it to equivalent models like the Proform Pro 9000, NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and 2450, Peloton Tread, and other treadmill brands.

Our team knows what makes good fitness equipment – including indoor bikes, rowers, strength equipment, and treadmills. If it’s good, it’s good — if it’s bad, then it’s bad — we will tell you. We have tested and published exercise equipment reviews over ten years.

We get hands-on with gear to discuss overall design, tech, and function, including the feel, price, drilling down components such as the motor, running deck, screen display (if applicable), ease of use, subscription content, adjustment features, noise levels, warranty, and durability.

Based on extensive use and testing, we discuss, summarize, and compare equipment to help you determine if it’s the right one.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE F80 TREADMILL

The Sole F80 is a great mid-level running treadmill pick for those who do not wish to have additional subscription-based training like Peloton Digital or NordicTrack iFit – you choose the entertainment or workout content options you want. This treadmill does not even require an internet connection. However, there is a device holder for a tablet or smartphone to make watching easier. You can also mirror your smartphone/tablet to the touchscreen display if you choose to. Besides mirroring, one of our favorite extra features is a built-in wireless charging pad compatible with most smartphones, or use the USB port to connect. Finally, the F80 is a durable, well-made treadmill backed by a generous warranty.

THE PROS:

• Straight-forward to Use: Hop on and get moving with manual mode.

• Durability: High-quality materials/components for longevity.

• Quiet smooth Operation: ideal for home use.

• Technology: The F80 has a 10.1 Android touchscreen with built-in apps. 

•  - has a wireless charging pad /USB port for smartphones and a

•  - device holder adjustable for a tablet or phone and supports mirroring app to the touchscreen.

• Ease of Assembly: Straightforward assembly process.

• Warranty: Impressive lifetime warranty on frame and motor.

• User Weight: Supports Individuals up to 350lbs.

THE CONS:

• Price: Slightly higher priced than some competitors in its category.

• Touchscreen not adjustable: Does not rotate pivot, or tilt.

• The motor is on the slower side responding to speed adjustments.

• Poor Cooling Fans are not optimal and perform a little weak.

•  Running Deck Cushioning feels Firm under the foot with some shock absorption — not the best for those with knee, hip, or joint issues.

• Does not connect to the Apple Watch at the time of writing.

• Does not support a decline elevation like the NordicTrack Commercial Series or Proform Pro 9000 treadmill.

Why we like this Treadmill and Sole F80 Compared to other Brands.

The Sole F80 is a solid competitive choice with its reliability, durability, and user-friendly interface with easy-to-reach quick-touch buttons. Compared to treadmill competitors, the Sole F80 is highly rated when considering the features-to-price ratio.

Another big reason why many like this treadmill is you can Jump Right on the F80 deck and go — using the manual mode or selecting from preset workouts for HIIT, Fat Burning, Incline running, or Cardio to name some options. And it’s not tied to a specific subscription service for workout or training content.

However, if you are looking for supportive instruction or need encouragement to stay motivated to keep on track with your wellness goals, whether for fitness or weight loss, we recommend considering other treadmill models. Brands like NordicTrack or Peloton can offer supportive sessions and a more effective workout experience as they take the guesswork out of what to do next. Additionally, many of their connected features are designed to work closely with the treadmill’s training content, such as live-trainer control for speed and intensity with deck elevation changes.

Nordictrack and Peloton treadmills are priced higher but offer more connected interactive training options that tend to be better integrated with the treadmill’s hardware capabilities.

The Sole F80 console has an integrated tablet holder and is loaded with tech that provides the flexibility to use a smart device to watch news, stream a movie, or follow independent workout routines like Apple Fitness and mirror them to your treadmill console screen. But unlike NordicTrack and Peloton which offer treadmill models with wider HD touchscreens and have a wider range of training options, the Sole F80 is not as integrated. The Nordictrack and Peloton treadmills are priced at a higher point but can offer more —

Who Should Buy and Why:

The Sole F80 is perfect for:

• Home Gym use: Quiet operation and foldability make it ideal for home use.

• Serious Runners: Powerful motor and wide deck, durable for long runs.

• Tech-Savvy Users: connectivity for synchronization with various fitness apps.

SOLE F80 TREADMILL HIGHLIGHTS

■ 3.5 HP Motor:

A quiet yet powerful, and durable motor ensures consistent performance across various speeds and elevation intensities, making it suitable for both walking and fast running. This solid motor keeps the Double woven 2-ply belt moving smoothly with a well-sized roller (2.6 diameter) providing good belt contact, preventing it from slipping and reducing overall wear and tear for the life of the treadmill.

■ Big 22 x 60-inch Running Surface:

A good-sized running deck (60” x 22”) offers a decent surface for comfort, catering to most peoples’ stride length and ensuring a natural gait when walking fast or running. The Sole F80 deck is about two inches wider than many competitors and when taking the updated frame design into account, we found it provided a comfortable, spacious feel and felt non-constricting for arm movement. The longer deck is also advantageous, especially for taller users over 6’2”. See how the overall treadmill footprint compares to a Nordictrack 2450 or Peloton Tread.

2023 Sole F80 treadmill is: 82.5 L x 38.0 W x 66 H inches.
2023 NordicTrack 2450 is: 78.5 L x 35.6 W x 65 H inches.
2020 Peloton Tread treadmill: 68 L x 33 W x 62 H inches.

■ 0-15% Incline:

We consider this a positive (3% more than many competing treadmills) providing a higher incline and adding resistance for your workouts can help burn a lot more calories. Up to a 15-level range introduces a variety of workout challenges to allow uphill training, increasing calorie burn, building stamina and strength and most definitely getting your heart pumping, which we find great for improving cardio.

■ 10.1" Touchscreen Console:

A clear and bright touchscreen easy to read provides real-time feedback on various metrics from speed, incline, time, distance traveled, heart rate, calorie, pulse, and pace. This is an OK feature on Sole F80

Besides using the touchscreen, there are quick ways to make speed and incline adjustments while in motion, via easy-to-reach Quick-Touch Buttons positioned on the left and right-hand side of the console, speaking of making adjustments, another very useful option, is located on each side of the crossbar below the console, where there are two large Jump buttons for changes to incline or speed. Similar in concept to the Peloton Tread, which adopted a knob approach — the idea being to enable making constant quick adjustments while in motion easier.

■ 10 Core Pre-Set Workouts:

These varied programs cater to multiple fitness goals, from weight loss to cardiovascular endurance. The options include military tests and other workouts from beginner to advanced. These 10 pre-loaded options can be particularly effective if your treadmill is in an environment without internet access or for Individuals, who do not want their treadmill linked to any subscription service but want workouts they can set and forget. Preloaded workout types that come with the Sole F80 are: (can modify and save them) 

• Manual Mode — push the start button and move for as long as you want.

• Incline Training: (Hills upward slopes)

• Fat Burning:

• Cardiovascular: (Cardio)

• Strength: — Glutes, Quads and Hamstrings

• Interval (HIIT): Keeps your body and heart guessing.

• Two custom user profiles,

• Two heart rate-based profiles

■ Speed up to 12 mph:

Enables a wide range of exercise intensities, from a slow leisurely .05 walk, to more intense walking, running, and sprints. This is a premium feature that allows a full range of training.

■ Cushion Deck:  Sole states its running decks reduce joint impact by up to 40% compared to outdoor running, making workouts gentler on the knees and ankles. While we found Sole treadmills use shock absorbers to reduce impact. The F80 seemed to have a firmer feel and did not feel as cushioned as with the Nordictrack 2540 or 1750 treadmill models.

■ Bluetooth Connectivity: allows use of your favorite wireless Apple AirPods or most other wireless headphones. If you prefer to go loud, then again, another useful option is you can play your favorite playlist through the built-in speakers. Bluetooth connectivity also provides seamless integration with fitness apps and heart rate monitors that support 5 khz to track and analyze performance.

■ Lifetime Warranty on Frame and Motor: The treadmill is durable.

PRICE OPTIONS & DELIVERY

How much does a Sole F80 Treadmill Cost?

Sole F80 Treadmill MSRP $3,599.98 $1,999 (2023 model)
Financing as low as $108.00/month through Affirm.

DELIVERY AND ASSEMBLY

Shipping is FREE to your door (threshold delivery)

We recommend purchasing the white-glove setup service. Plan where you want this machine placed and have your treadmill mat ready. You can have the Sole F80 treadmill set up in the room of your choice for $350 and assembly included. We recommended this option to ease delivery and setup as treadmills tend to be heavy, over 300 lbs. for the F80 model with its shipping box sized at approx. 7’x 3’ x 2’. For some cases, it may be easier to bring in the pieces separately, stair size depending, but the running deck is always the heaviest piece.

They also test your equipment, and take away all packaging, which can be substantial, as exercise equipment tends to be exceptionally well-packed for shipping. Extended warranty OPTIONS listed below are available in the cart to add.

Delivery Options at Checkout:

• Curbside Delivery - Free

  Free curbside delivery is the standard shipping and delivery option. The shipper will unload the equipment from the truck as close to your home as possible. This could be the end of your driveway or in an apartment/condo situation, it may be a parking lot near the entrance door. An appointment will be first made to ensure you are available to receive your treadmill.

Room of Choice Delivery ($199)

• Your order will be transferred to a local Final Mile Carrier that will deliver it to your room of choice. The local Carrier will coordinate the date and time with you directly.

Room of Choice and Assembly ($350)

• At the appointed delivery time, a Final Mile Carrier will bring the machine to your room of choice, assemble, set up, test, and all packaging removed.

STANDARD WARRANTY:

The Sole F80 Treadmill Warranty is a generous one compared to competitive treadmills in this price range.

- Frame:  Life
- Screen:  Life
- Parts:    3 years
- Labor:   1 year

5-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY:

Extended Warranty for longer coverage is available to add in the cart on purchase for an additional $139.

- Frame: Life
- Screen: Life
- Parts: 5 years
- Labor: 5 years

IN THE END ─ Final Thoughts

OUR BIG TAKE

The Sole F80 Treadmill is an excellent choice for those who want a comfortable and enjoyable running experience but can be used for walking and hiking. It boasts a strong and sturdy motor, a spacious running deck, and cushioning, making it a great option to consider. In addition to its functionality, the Sole F80 is visually attractive with its Z-designed frame, giving it a modern and contemporary look that contributes to a light and spacious feel while running on it.

The Sole F80 is a mid-level treadmill with high quality and durability. The cushioned deck, intuitive controls, and smooth motor operation make it great for daily longer use, whether walking, running, or hiking. With its 3.5 HP motor, it is strong enough for serious runners. The price is competitive compared to the Nordictrack 1750, Nordictrack EXP 14i, and Proform Pro 9000, but you do not get the option to use an integrated personal training program like iFit.

If you are not a fan of subscription workouts/training sessions, this treadmill is for you, but besides the 10-pre-set programs, you are mostly left on your own programming workouts. The console screen mirroring feature is nice and lets a smartphone or tablet display entertainment or workout options on the console touchscreen, or you can use the pre-loaded apps to watch shows and news.

The F80 is a dependable Sole model with a well-sized 22x60-inch running deck to suit most individual strides. It offers consistent performance, and although it lacks integrated connected fitness programs, it does not require a subscription to use it and gives flexibility for workout options to choose or from entertainment content you prefer to view.