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Sole F80 Treadmill Review

Overview

The Sole F80 has long been the flagship treadmill in the company’s folding lineup, offering a nice balance between the entry-level models and the more premium F85 and F89. It’s designed for walkers and runners who want a durable, comfortable treadmill that’s built to last, but don’t necessarily need every high-end feature or the highest horsepower motor available.

The F80 has also been one of Sole’s best-selling treadmills for years and has consistently been one of our top recommendations here at Run Reviews. We’ve watched it evolve through several redesigns since we first started reviewing Sole treadmills, with each generation making meaningful improvements rather than simply adding flashy features.

What has always impressed us most about the F80 is that Sole hasn’t strayed from what made it successful in the first place. It continues to offer a spacious running surface, excellent cushioning, a strong warranty and solid overall construction, while gradually modernizing the console and user experience with each update.

If you’re looking for a treadmill that’s comfortable enough for regular walking, jogging or running, but don’t want to be tied to an expensive monthly subscription like some of its competitors, the Sole F80 is a very solid choice.

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Specifications

Specification Value
Speed 0.5-12 mph
Motor 3.25 HP Continuous Duty
Incline up to 15%
Decline none
Console 10.1" swivel/tilt touchscreen
Mobile App Sole+ with no subscription necessary
Belt 20" x 60"
Workout Tracking Via Bluetooth and Studio App
Cushion System reduces impact up to 40%
Maximum User Weight 350 lbs.
Warranty Lifetime for frame, 3 years motor/deck, parts and wear items, 1 year labor

Sole F80 Treadmill - Best Features

Perfect Balance of Features

The Sole F80 sits right in the middle of the Sole treadmill lineup, so it gives you the ideal set of features without having to step up to the more expensive F85 or F89 models.

You get the large 20″x60″ deck, the 10.1″ touch screen console, speeds up to 12 mph, incline up to 15% and a number of built in workouts to choose from.

The only thing you’re missing, which is not a game charger for most people, is decline capability. That’s only available on the F85 and F89. But otherwise, it has everything you need to get a great workout.

Great Cushioning For Walking/Running

One of the hallmarks of Sole treadmills is the CushionFlex deck, which has been a feature of the F80 and the rest of the lineup since we started reviewing treadmills many years ago.

This advanced cushioning reduces impact on your knees and joints up to 40% so you can work out more comfortably with less pain.

So even though it is somewhat firmer than other brands and feels more like you’re running outside, we still are able to do long runs without pain or fatigue.

Free Workout App, Built in Programs & No Subscription Required

The Sole F80 and the rest of the treadmill lineup come with a diverse amount of built in workouts, with additional programs available through the free SOLE+ app.

It’s certainly not as expansive as NordicTrack’s iFIT, but it gives you enough as far as workout diversity, especially for a free app.

iFIT, which is found on NordicTrack, ProForm and more recently Matrix treadmills, requires a monthly or yearly subscription, which many people don’t want to be locked into. Peloton and BowFlex have similar programs.

So for those who just want to get on and go, the Sole F80 is a very good choice.

Strong Warranty Speaks to its Durability

The Sole F80 comes with a lifetime frame warranty, as well as three years on the motor, deck, electronics & wear items/parts.

Although you can find stronger coverage out there, it’s typically on more expensive treadmills.

However, it’s interesting to note that the Sole F80 used to have a lifetime motor warranty as well, but that seems to have changed in recent years.

Still, with lifetime frame and a 350 lb. max weight capacity, the F80 is a durable machine that should last you for quite some time.

Is the Sole F80 Right For You?

Who Should Buy It

The Sole F80 is a great fit for walkers, joggers and runners who want a treadmill that’s built to last without spending more than they need to. It has long been one of Sole’s most popular models because it offers an excellent balance of performance, comfort and price.

It’s a great choice for people who plan to use their treadmill several times a week and want something that feels solid and stable. The roomy 22″ x 60″ running surface, powerful motor and comfortable CushionFlex deck make it equally well suited for walking, jogging and longer runs.

I also think it’s a great option for households with multiple users. Whether one person is just getting started while another is training for a race, the F80 has enough performance and durability to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels.

Finally, if you’re someone who doesn’t necessarily want a paid membership on top of the cost of the machine, the F80 is worth a look. You still get a good selection of built-in workouts and entertainment features, but you don’t have to subscribe to a service just to use the treadmill’s core functionality.

Who Shouldn't Buy It

The Sole F80 probably isn’t the best choice if you’re shopping on a tight budget or only plan to use your treadmill occasionally. Sole’s lower-priced models like the F63 offer many of the same core features and may provide better value if you’re only walking a few times a week.

Likewise, if you’re looking for a treadmill that’s built around a larger touchscreen and interactive trainer-led workouts, you may be happier with a NordicTrack. Sole has always taken a different approach by focusing on build quality, comfort and long-term reliability rather than creating an immersive fitness platform.

Finally, if you’re someone who wants every premium feature Sole has to offer, it may be worth stepping up to the F85 or F89. Those models include a few additional upgrades, like decline training capability, but for many home users, the F80 provides everything they’ll need without the added cost.

Our Take on the Sole F80

The Sole F80 has been one of our favorite treadmills for a long time, and that’s because Sole has never tried to turn it into something it’s not. Over the years they’ve made a number of improvements, but they’ve kept the things that made the F80 such a solid choice in the first place.

What I like most about the F80 is that it doesn’t try to wow you with flashy features or gimmicks. Instead, Sole has focused on building a treadmill that’s dependable, comfortable to use and designed to last. Sometimes that’s easy to overlook when other brands are advertising giant touchscreens and endless workout classes, but for a lot of people, those things aren’t what matter most.

Another thing I’ve always appreciated is that Sole hasn’t chased every trend in the fitness industry. The company has continued to focus on building quality treadmills first, while adding technology where it actually makes sense rather than making it the centerpiece of the machine.

Overall, I think the F80 has earned its reputation over the years. It isn’t the fanciest treadmill on the market, but it continues to be one of the easiest models to recommend because it delivers a well-rounded experience that should satisfy the vast majority of home users.

2 Reader Comments on “Sole F80 Treadmill Review”

  1. Bob

    I bought this treadmill for my wife in June. She is still very happy with her gift.

  2. Erin

    So just following up with you on the treadmill I purchased. I bought it from Dicks but they no longer carry that line there which makes me a little nervous as to why. But…

    I decided to spend the little extra on the SOLE F80. We tried out numerous ones at the stores and when it came to bang for the buck this was the winner. With being more solid, better set up, more powerful engine, wider belt, better warranty, it was worth the additional cash for us.

    I REALLY like my treadmill. I used one at the gym all the time so I knew what I wanted to have. It does pretty much everything… Has great sound (although the cord that came with it distorted it, we just spent a few bucks and bought a better audio cord. It’s got great sound now). It is very solid yet has some give when you run on it. We have run and walked and both been satisfied. The main differences between this treadmill and the more expensive ones at the gym is the rate at which you can change the speed. The Sole is a bit slower. And the noise. This treadmill is just a little bit louder. But at the cost difference those are VERY minimal.

    I also like that you can preset a workout and then do it again the next day. There are drink holders on the top console. Some people said they were too low. There are ones below but there are also two additional that water bottles fit into on the top.

    It is a very big and sturdy machine but it can also fold up with EXTREME ease. I do miss the camaraderie of working out in a gym, but overall I am EXTREMELY happy with my purchase and thank you for all of your great reviews.

    If you have any more questions just let me know.

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