Sole F80 Treadmill Review
The Sole F80 is a versatile trainer that does a little of everything.
Equipped with a powerful 3.5 CHP motor, Custom-Flex Shock Absorption, 22″ x 60″ running surface and 6 standard programs — the Sole F80 is user-friendly as well as produce with commercial-grade quality.
The Sole F80 also features 7.5″ LCD display with an iPod dock and integrated speakers so you can connect with your favorite tunes while exercising.
Learn more by reading our full Sole F80 treadmill review below…
Wondering if the Sole F80 is your best bet? Compare it to similar treadmills at the pages below:
- Compare the best Sole Treadmills side-by-side
- Compare the top 5 folding treadmills
- Compare by price: $1,000 – $1,500 treadmills
Here are some other great treadmills you might be interested in:
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 – Rating: 96.3% – Price: $1,499
- Yowza Fitness Keewadin – Rating: 86.4% – Price: $1,495
- Sole F85 - Rating: 90.2% – Price: $1,999
- Smooth 9.65LC – Rating: 94.9% – Price: $2,175
Properties
| Model | Sole F80 |
| Rating | 
Rating: 94.1%
|
| List Price | $2,499.99 |
| Best Price | $1,499.99 |
| Speed | 0.5 - 12 mph |
| Incline | 0 - 15% |
| Visit Site |  |
| Motor | 3.5 CHP |
| Deck | 22" x 60" |
| Belt | Cushion Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck (2-Ply 1") |
| Folding? |  |
| Programs | 10 |
| Max. Weight | 375 lbs |
| Heart Rate | Pulse Grips & Wireless Chest Strap (2 Programs) |
| Dimensions | 80" x 33" x 58" Folded: 68" x 43" Weight: 250 lbs Rollers: 2.75" |
| Display | Backlit Blue LCD |
| Easy Fold Up | |
| Pulse Grips | |
| Cooling Fans | |
| Accessory Tray | |
| Music Ready | |
| Sound System | |
| Quick Controls | |
| iFit |  |
| Built-in TV | |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Deck: Lifetime Electronics: 5 Years Labor: 2 Years (In-Home) |
| Best Deal |  |
Full Review
Quick Summary
Rating: 94.1/100. Cardiovascular activities made simple with standard line of specs. The trainer could use more pre-defined workout options, but the Easy-Assist folding design helps make the unit slightly more compact and space saving compared to other models in this price range.
Pros:
- Powerful and quiet 3.5 CHP motor
- Spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface
- Music friendly (iPod dock, speakers)
- Custom Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck
- Easy-Assist folding system for extra storage
- Lifetime coverage on motor, frame and deck
Cons:
- Folding, but not very portable at 265 lbs.
- Average number of pre-defined workouts (6)
- Not compatible with iFit Live
Introduction
The Sole F80 is one of the best treadmills currently on the market when you combine the price, quality and features.
For $1,499 you are getting an industry standard 3.5 CHP motor, spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface, durable frame (supports users up to 375 lbs.) and custom shock absorption on the deck.
Which is a nice package in itself before factoring in the iPod/mp3 compatibility, built-in speakers, cooling fan, LCD display and pulse grips heart rate monitor.
Workout Programs
The Sole F80 treadmill is equipped with six standard workout programs.
Since we have reviewed other treadmills with at least 10-15 pre-set programs it does feel like this is one of the few things you can complain about the F80 although the two heart-rate controlled programs (with wireless chest strap included) is a really nice addition.
The wireless chest strap touts a 99.9 percent accuracy rating so your HR workout should be extremely personalized and guaranteed to max out your workout every single time.
The F80 also features two customizable programs for further personalization.
The trainer is NOT compatible with iFit Live, one of the more recent workout additions to a number of a treadmills on the market.
Treadmill Features
Truthfully, the biggest selling-point for the Sole F80 is that the trainer just runs efficiently.
All of the specs are industry standard (or better) and Sole improved the F80 just that much more in 2011 by upgrading the size of the running surface (from 55″ to 60″), incorporating a better display and new look to make the treadmill even more sought after while not upping the price a single cent.
Consumers will also appreciate the easy-assist folding technology that allows you to release the deck, step back and watch as the machine practically unfolds itself. The safety lock feature prevents it from dropping when not in use.
The Sole F80 is transportable with 3/4″ rollers though the trainer weighs a rather heavy 265 lbs.
Listening to your favorite tunes is made easy on the Sole F80 with mp3 compatibility, including integrated stereo speakers.
Stay cool and comfortable with a built-in cooling fan, and get all the motivation you need by monitoring crucial exercise data on the 7.5″ LCD display.
Sole’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, shown in a study to reduce impact up to 40 percent as compared to running on asphalt, is a great addition and covered by a lifetime warranty.
Quick heart rate readouts are available via the built-in pulse grips or wireless chest strap included with purchase.
Warranty & Guarantee
The Sole Fitness F80 treadmill warranty and guarantee includes:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Motor: Lifetime
- Deck: Lifetime
- Parts & Electronics: 5 Years
- Labor: 2 Years (in-home)
Return Policy: 30 day trail-period guaranteed, contact Sole Fitness at 1-866-780-7653 for more information.
Sole F80 Review – Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best folding treadmill below $1,500 the Sole F80 is one of your top options at $1,424.99.
Still not sold? Find out how the Sole F80 compares to other treadmills in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range.
Note: After researching all of the available retailers selling this treadmill, we recommend buying direct from SoleTreadmills.com.
Hi! I'm 
22 Comments
We are looking to spend no more than $1500 for a folding treadmill. We were looking at this, the Nordic track 1750 and some of the higher end ProForms (2000). Not sure about the Nordic Track with the Android issues. What are your thoughts? We want to go through Sears for their customer service is possible.
Hi Laura,
That’s a great price range to be in, especially right now because of the new 2013 models that were just released (and the sales going on).
The highest-rated folding treadmill under $1,500 is the Sole F80, so it’s probably your best bet.
You should be able to get the new model through Sears, though depending on your area it might be more expensive and/or take longer to be delivered.
They do offer good service from what I’ve heard, though it’s important to note that the customer support we have received from Sole has been excellent, and the delivery process went smoothly.
Either way, this is a fantastic choice, so enjoy it!
Kyle
Thanks! So the extended warranty through Sears is not necessary?
No problem! That’s always a tough call, honestly.
They do offer “free product replacement if we can’t fix it” though, which is really nice.
It’s still a gamble choosing the length of the warranty, but I’d say their warranty is a better choice than most.
Have a good day Laura!
Kyle
Declining treadmills a feature to look at? I’m 61 years old, owned a Schwinn treadmill went dead in the storm. I did walk on it at least 5 days a week and backwards as well
Hi Ron,
Sorry about your Schwinn!
To me, decline is nowhere near as important as incline, though it can help to mix up workout styles a bit (especially with iFit).
A 10-12% incline can definitely do the trick though.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a good day Ron,
Kyle
I just bought and 2013 Sole F80 treadmill and I am expecting delivery this Friday. There are so many belt lubricants and some are quite expensive. What are your recommendations? On my old treadmill ( Golds Gym 600 crosstrainer which has served me over 6 years now and is still running good), I used NAPA Silicone 8300 and it worked quite well and was reasonably priced.What are your recommendations?
Hi Ron,
That’s a great question. Honestly, I still have the free bottle Sole gave me with my F85.
I did a bit of research for you to give a better answer than that though!
One of the top rated bottles on Amazon is made by LifeSpan Fitness if you want to get another.
Hope that helps! Enjoy your F80,
Kyle
Kyle,
My recent move from Tampa, Fl to interior Alaska forced me to purchase a treadmill. I bought the NordicTrack C1750 and I am happy with the comfort of the machine. I don’t like the fact that I cannot personalize my ht, wt, etc in the manual mode. I also don’t like the fact an ifit account is required for many of the available features. I am thinking of returning it, for the F80. Do you know if the F-80 allows the user to enter their ht, wt, etc? Can my wife and I save individual profiles to the machine? Would you say the comfort level is as good as the C1750?
Hi Benito,
Excellent points. Both of these treadmills are very durable and reliable.
If you’re looking at the Sole F80 as a replacement, you’ll be able to setup 2 user profiles for you and your wife, entering your, weight, age, etc. You can also enter your names so it will say “Welcome Benito!” to make sure you’re on the correct user.
You won’t need iFit either, though the cushioning isn’t quite as good as on the 1750. It’s one of those things that if you tested them both out right after one another, you could probably tell a difference. That said, the F80 has good cushioning that some manufacturers charge more for (and others charge less); it’s not the best out there, but it’s definitely good at this price range.
The only other thing to consider is that as a safety feature the Sole takes longer to change speeds, which is something to consider if you do HIIT.
Overall, considering the technology issues with the 1750, I would go with the F80 at this price point.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Kyle
I have had the Sole F80 for two years…purchased through SEARS….and I am getting rid of it and replacing with a Precor. Really disappointed with my experience. The treadmill takes a long time to adjust speeds, higher or lower and it really just failed to stay together very well. I would consider my wfe and I average users..usually using the treadmill for 8 miles a day on average 4-5 times per week…not going faster that probably 6.5mph. I weigh about 200lbs and my wife 110 lbs…works fine for her but belt slips alot and jerks around alot with me. We’ve had it maintained perfectly and beginign last summer began having problems..SEARS replaced motherboard, electronics, and other parts all under wareanty but each of the three issues began about 18 monhts afte rowning it and each time the machine was out of service for at least two to three weeks during the reapirs. Most recent issues were the last straw for us and I am just getting rid of it since it is out of warranty..SOLE customer service has been nice but so frustrating that it just keeps going down on us. I woudl reall discourage folks form this treadmill…go WAY cheaper or go way more expensive..the features that make this more expensive arent; worth it.
Thanks for the feedback Rick!
It’s uncommon to have those issues, so I’m really sorry to hear that, though I would say 8 miles per day is above average.
Congrats on running so much, that’s awesome! I hope you and your wife enjoy the new treadmill.
Have a good day,
Kyle
Also, if you’re considering the F80 and are concerned about the warranty, Sole’s current warranty coverage is lifetime on the frame, lifetime on the motor, lifetime on the deck, 5 years on electronics, and 2 years of in-home service. Check out the details here.
Thanks..wish that was the warranty we had with our F80, we only got 18 months on labor and since we had repeated issues we just decided to look for better quality once that was up and we continued tohave issues, here’s hoping…looking forward to delivery on a precor 9.35 on Monday…hope it holds up better.
Thanks for the great reviews and website as a resource.
I believe that people have to understand when using a treadmill heavily that normal maintenance becomes more than just lubricating the walking belt. They may very well have to open the motor cover and clean, replace and/or adjust the motor drive belt and even eventually replace the walking belt and maybe even a roller ot two. Also, the electronics are sensitive and have to be protected from power surges especially during lightning storms. From my experience, a treadmill that is used frequently, is not set it and forget it type deal. With so many moving parts, treadmill part replacements are to be expected and are the normal cost of maintenance. I must have spent over $300-$400 to maintain my old treadmill over the 9 years I owned it.
Great point, thanks Ron!
We are choosing between the Sole F63 and F80 and plan to add the 5-year Sears warranty in either case. (They all but rebuilt our recumbent bike under warranty.) My wife and I are both around 270-280, will use the treadmill mostly for walking, and don’t want something we will crush in less than a year. The F63 seems okay with the extended warranty, but at a 50% higher price ($1500 vs. $1000) the F80 should be higher quality all around, but might be overkill for our needs. Opinion?
Hi Andrew,
I would recommend ordering directly from Sole to save money on the warranty (both models come with 5-year warranties on the machine, 2 years on labor), unless labor is the key factor.
Since you’re well under the weight limit of both and you’re planning on walking for the most part, you could save even more with the F63, which is $100 cheaper on SoleTreadmills.com right now.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a great weekend!
Kyle
Kyle
I have found a SOLE F80 for sale that has only been used for 6 mos. The lady hasn’t used it much and seems to be in very good shape (I tested it out today). She wants $875 which is a great price. Unfortunately SOLE doesn’t transfer the warranty so that would be gone. So I am looking at the Proform Pro 2000 which supposedly another great machine that would be about $400 more, but with full warranty. Thoughts?
Travis
Hi Travis,
That is a great deal! You’re right about the warranty though…it all depends on how much you’ll use it.
If you feel like you will wear it out in a couple years, the warranty is crucial, and the extra $400 or so would likely be a good investment.
That said, the Sole is a much better treadmill, so I would even consider the Sole F63 (rated 87.2% for $999) in this case.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Have a great day,
Kyle
Hi Kyle,
I am looking at treadmills for my wife and myself. This will be our first home treadmill and we plan to use it 4-5 times a week and not more than a combined 6 miles a day. Wife is around 120 lbs and I am around 160 lbs.
I had nearly ordered the Nordic Track C 1750 from Sears but read the reviews about how the machine cannot run if the on board tech freezes and developed cold feet.
Does the Sole F80 have a similar problem? Also am not able to understand why the prices of the F80 and C1750 are same. The C1750 has many more features? Is it because the F80 is a better quality product and will last longer? We personally do not care too much about the bells and whistles but do care about reliability, longevity and good cushioning.
Your suggestions and advise would be most helpful
Hi Neeraj,
Good move! You hit the nail on the head.
I’ve talked with a lot of people that had major issues with the Android OS running on the 1750, and when that happens it can shut down the entire machine.
The F80 has a higher rating because it is more reliable, has much better reviews from customers and experts alike, and it still has all the most important features.
If you’re looking for quality and reliability rather than bells and whistles, I would recommend the F80 over the 1750.
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help!
Have a great day,
Kyle