Sole F80 Review

Sole Fitness has built a reputation on “hotel-quality” gear—machines that are simple, heavy, and hard to break. The F80 embodies this philosophy. While the 2024 “Z-frame” is actually steel (despite advertisements claiming aluminum), the result is a rock-solid platform that doesn't shudder, even when runners up to 350 lbs are pushing the pace. The 3.5 HP motor is smooth and strong, though the incline mechanism is noticeably slower to adjust than premium competitors.

The F80's best feature is what it doesn't have: a mandatory subscription. The 10.1-inch Android screen is unlocked, allowing you to mirror your phone to watch Netflix or stream a Peloton class through the built-in speakers. It lacks the immersive, guided software of a NordicTrack, but for runners who want to bring their own entertainment and avoid monthly fees, the F80 is the clear winner.

Exercise Quality

The F80 delivers a reassuringly stable run. Thanks to the heavy steel frame and extra-wide belt, you can lengthen your stride and zone out without constantly watching your footing. The deck cushioning is effective, and the redesigned console keeps your tablet at perfect eye level for a distraction-free experience.

However, the new layout has a major ergonomic flaw: the control buttons are mounted far forward on the hood. If you have a shorter reach, you may find yourself leaning precariously over the motor cover just to change speeds mid-run. It provides a solid, reliable workout, but lacks the premium “road feel” finesse of the top-tier competition.

With a massive 60" x 22" running surface, the F80 feels genuinely spacious. You never worry about kicking the side rails, even when fatigue sets in. The “Cushion Flex” deck is noticeably bouncy—perhaps a bit too much at first—but it saves your legs during long endurance sessions. A heavy flywheel aids the motor, creating a fluid momentum that keeps the belt moving smoothly underfoot.

However, that soft deck has a specific quirk: at full sprints (up to 12 mph), the bounce can feel unstable unless you add a slight incline to firm up the ride. Because of the expansive deck size and the reach required for the console, this machine is a dream for tall runners but can feel a bit overwhelming for shorter users.

When it comes to holding a steady pace, the F80 is unmatched. In our calibration tests, it was nearly dead-on, missing perfect accuracy by just a single foot over a timed distance. You can absolutely trust the numbers on the screen.

Is it good for HIIT? Unfortunately, no. While the drive motor is strong, the incline mechanism is agonizingly slow. It takes a full 39 seconds to sweep from flat to steep—twice as long as the Echelon Stride 6. By the time the deck finally reaches the target height, your interval might be half over, making this a poor choice for rapid hill repeats.

The F80 shines as a truly standalone machine—no subscription required. It comes pre-loaded with all the classic workout profiles you need, from Hill and Fat Burn to HIIT and 5K training. While launching a quick manual run requires a few more taps than on previous models, it's a minor annoyance for a system that otherwise frees you from the “app trap.”

Companion App/Connectivity

The F80 covers the connectivity basics nicely, using Bluetooth to sync with your phone or heart rate strap. Sole offers a confusing mix of apps—a free “SOLE+” app for data tracking and a paid “STUDIO” subscription ($39/mo) for guided classes—but frankly, you can ignore them.

The real strength here is the open ecosystem. Unlike locked-down competitors, the console comes pre-loaded with entertainment apps like Netflix and YouTube. You aren't forced into Sole's paid world; you can simply stream your own shows or run alongside your favorite third-party fitness app without jumping through hoops.

User Interface/Ease of Use

The F80 keeps things refreshingly simple. While it lacks the futuristic polish of the NordicTrack X16, it avoids the “walled garden” trap. Most competitors force their specific app on you; Sole lets you choose. Using a third-party app requires a few extra taps at startup, but you can do it while the belt is moving, making it a small price to pay for true software freedom.

The console is functional but busy, covered in large buttons that feel a bit redundant over time. We appreciated the rocker switches on the crossbar for micro-adjustments, though the contact heart rate sensors are virtually useless—placed too low to reach without stooping, especially since the bar doesn't rise with the incline.

A central wireless charger keeps your phone topped up in landscape mode. The preset buttons are slightly odd—jumping irregularly from 5 to 7 to 9—but they get the job done. Ultimately, the F80's “low-tech” vibe is its best feature: it's a powerful tool that never asks for a monthly subscription.

Features

The F80 prioritizes useful tech over gimmicks. The crisp 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive, but the real highlight is screen mirroring—you can cast your own movies directly to the display or just prop your iPad in the perfectly positioned holder.

Physical features are a mix of hits and misses. We loved the wireless charging pad and the robust safety lanyard, but the built-in fans are a letdown, barely moving enough air to cool you down. The speakers get the job done, but for serious sessions, you'll likely prefer your own headphones.

Don't confuse “Level 15” with a 15% grade. We measured the F80's max incline at a true 12% slope. It's a common marketing quirk, but the result is still steep enough for most training. Underfoot, the “Cushion Flex Whisper Deck” uses six elastomers to dampen impact. It isn't quite as plush as the NordicTrack X16, but it offers a forgiving ride that will definitely save your knees on long days.

Ease of Assembly

We use this metric to assess the difficulty of setting up these machines ourselves, and this treadmill was relatively challenging to assemble. The F80 requires some assembly and a bit of heavy lifting. The massive 285-pound box arrives by freight, and unless you've opted for the $199 room-of-choice delivery or the $350 delivery and setup option, you'll want to call a friend or two. Having a utility knife and diagonal cutters is very helpful.

The treadmill deck is assembled and locked together with a pin that prevents it from rising during shipping. Wires need to be routed through the vertical risers to plug into the console, which isn't hard but does create several potential pinch points. After finalizing the assembly, plugging the machine in, and powering it up, it prompts you to lubricate the belt before use. Lubricating the belt with the included silicone lube isn't complicated, but it does take a few minutes, and it's important to get the belt perfectly aligned afterward. Assembly was difficult enough that the delivery and setup options started to look really attractive.

Storability

The F80 scores poorly in this metric despite its folding deck. While it's still fairly wide and quite tall, it's significantly shorter with the deck folded up. Unlike many other treadmills, the Sole can be rolled easily on hard, level floors. This is a full-sized treadmill; it's unlikely to be hidden anywhere, but reducing its 3053 square inch footprint can make room for other activities. If you don't have a dedicated long-term place for a treadmill, the Sole may not be the machine for you.

To fold the unit up, you simply lift the rear of the deck into a locked position. To unfold, simply depress the lever, and the hydraulic damper gently lowers the running surface. When folded, the machine is still 70 inches high and 37 inches wide, with slightly more than half its unfolded footprint, so it's important to note that you won't be hiding this thing in the corner of a room.

Noise Level

As part of our metrics, we have tested the noise levels produced by different treadmills. To measure the decibel output of each treadmill, we used a professional sound level meter from a fixed distance at various speeds. We perform these tests multiple times with and without a user on the belt.

The F80 produces 50 dB without a user on its track and 54.1 dB with a walker at a speed of 1 mph. At four mph, the treadmill generates 58 and 64 dB with a jogger on the belt. When the speed increases to 7.5 mph, the machine makes 64.1 dB, and with a runner on the belt, it registers 69 dB. These values are louder than those of many other machines we've tested, resulting in a lower score for the F80.

Should You Buy the Sole F80?

The F80 is a workhorse, not a show pony. Its superpower is freedom—specifically, freedom from the mandatory monthly fees that plague the industry. We love that you can stream Netflix or just run without a login. However, don't buy this for HIIT. The speed and incline adjustments are sluggish, making rapid intervals frustrating. It also has a specific ergonomic quirk: the console sits far forward on the deck. While this is fine for tall runners, shorter users will find themselves straining to reach the controls mid-stride.

What Other Treadmills Should You Consider?

If you appreciate the full-sized tread surface and the ability to use your preferred app, check out the Horizon 7.4 AT. With an almost identical deck size and greater incline range of .7 to +14.7, the Horizon impressed us with its comfort and interface. This model's speed and incline adjuster wheels are perfectly positioned and easy to use. If you'd like a model that is easy to store, consider a folding model like the Echelon Stride 6. Its running surface is even larger, it has a 12.4 mph top speed, and it can raise to a 10.5% incline.