The Sole F80 is a solid and durable treadmill designed for walking, jogging, and light running workouts. It is also known as the Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill.
This model is incredibly robust and able to withstand regular, extended sessions.
You can expect years of service, even if you regularly use it for extended sessions. If you eventually notice signs of wear, you can flip the deck and use the other side.
The treadmill’s user weight limit is more generous than most home fitness aids.
It offers a roomy, cushioned deck that minimizes joint impact, adjustable incline, and a range of built-in programs.
Adding to its appeal is a range of programs that will enable you to diversify your workouts and address various aspects of fitness, HR monitoring, and Bluetooth compatibility.
Keep reading this Sole F80 Treadmill review to learn more, including its specs, an overview of its features, its pros, cons, and more.
I’ve been regularly using an older version of this model for over 7 years without a problem.
Table of Contents
Whom does it suit?
This model should suit people of most fitness levels looking for a robust model with a high user weight limit.
The treadmill’s cushioned deck reduces joint impact by as much as 40%, so it would be a great buy for anyone with joint issues that have prevented them from exercising on a hard surface.
Its incline and speed variables make this an ideal treadmill for doing Tabata, Interval training, Sprint drills, and the like.
Sole F80 Treadmill Specs
Overall dimensions – The Sole F80 Treadmill measures 35″ (W) x 58″ (L) x 80″ (H)
Folded dimensions – With the deck folded, its floor space requirement decreases by approximately 2/3
Step up height – When flat, the deck is 8″ above floor height
Clearance – For safe use without restriction, allow a free space of at least 2′ clearance on each side of the treadmill and 3′ to the rear
Ceiling height – Your ceiling should be at least 20″ higher than the tallest user
Deck dimensions – The deck measures 35″ (W) x 80″ (L)
Running surface – The running surface of the Sole F80 is 22″ (W) x 60″ (L)
Weight – This model weighs 265 lbs
User weight – The treadmill has a user weight limit of 375 pounds
Motor – The Sole Treadmill F80 has a 3.5 CHP motor
Overview
Drive –
The power and efficiency behind the Sole F80 Folding Treadmill come from its high torque 3.5 CHP DC type 
motor.
No matter how hard you push yourself, the treadmill will handle it without missing a step.
The power cord attaches to the treadmill’s front base. It is approximately 6′ long.
Build & Finish –
A solid steel construction and rust, scratch, and chip-resistant baked-on epoxy coated finish provide solidity and durability.
A double woven 2-ply belt provides longevity.
The jarring impact of running on a hard surface can negatively affect the hips, knees, and ankles. To help prevent this, Sole Fitness created the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck.
This advanced technology incorporates a cushioning system that absorbs the impact of each step by up to 40%, reducing user fatigue for better performance and safer and more comfortable workouts.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise level –
A folding treadmill has an advantage over a non-folding one because it is easier to move and store. A disadvantage is that it may lack stability.
The latter is not an issue with the Sole Fitness F80, which is exceptionally stable due to its weight and unique horseshoe design.
The machine’s 2.75″ rollers have sealed bearings and copper ground wires that generate less static, providing a smooth, consistent and quiet motion, making for easy workouts.
The treadmill’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck provides quiet and comfortable workouts with impact reduced by as much as 40%.
Speed –
With a speed range of between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH, the Sole F80 suits everyone from the casual exerciser to the serious runner.
Adjustments are in 0.1 MPH increments that you can implement by toggling the Up or Down Speed button on the console.
Alternatively, you can use a Quick Key on the right handrail to immediately implement a speed of 2, 3,4, 5, 7, 9, or 12 MPH.
Incline levels –
The incline options range from zero to 15%. You can change the incline by pressing the Up or Down Incline button on the console.
Alternatively, you can immediately set the incline level at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, or 15 by pressing the relevant button on the left side handrail.
As with your workout speed, you can increase the deck’s incline over time as your stamina increases or vary it throughout your sessions.
Programs –
Varying your training will bring you the best result.
Repeatedly doing the same routine will result in your body and muscles getting used to it, and, over time, your workouts will cease to be as effective.
Coming with 10 workout programs, this won’t be an issue with the Sole F80. Along with keeping yourself challenged, alternating programs will enable you to add variety to your workouts and potentially reach your target goals faster.
The programs include 6 Profile Courses, 2 Custom Programs that allow you to design your own workouts, and 2 Heart Rate Programs.
The Profile Courses are Manual, Hill, Fat Burning, Cardio, Strength, and Interval.
The Custom Programs allow you to create your own programs for two users, saving them to do again later.
The two additional programs are Heart Rate 1 and Heart Rate 2. Heart Rate 1 works on 60% of the users’ maximum heart rate, and Heart Rate 2, 80%. You can override these settings if desired.
Monitor –
A 9″ white backlit LCD screen relays performance stats during workouts and displays overall results at the end of your session. The metrics are shown in easy-to-read bright blue text.
The console is fairly basic and user-friendly.
An integrated message board acts as your personal trainer, scrolling messages to guide you through your workouts. When you finish your session, the treadmill’s computer will send a review to the message board.
The message board also relays information on operating the machine and navigating its functions.
This feature enables you to start working out without spending a long time reading the user manual first.
Heart rate monitor –
This model has dual heart rate monitoring capability.
You can use the touch pulse monitors in the handlebars or the included chest strap.
The latter connects to the display wirelessly. It is more accurate and has an added advantage in that it will show your reading on the monitor’s screen.
Folding and Unfolding –
Being designed for home use, the Sole F80 comes with a feature that many purchasers will find extremely handy, that being a deck that you can quickly and unfold and effortlessly fold courtesy of the treadmill’s built-in hydraulic system.
Before folding the deck, first, check that it is at zero incline.
Grasp and lift the bar near the base to lock the frame in an upright position where it will stay until you unlock it.
To lower the deck, gently push up and forward on the deck with one hand, and with the other hand, pull on the yellow lever on the right side of the deck.
Guide the deck down for a couple of feet, and it will slowly lower to the floor unassisted.
Transport wheels –
Four wheels – two in the base and two beneath the front legs – facilitate moving the treading after folding it, if needed.
Accessories –
The Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill console has a built-in sound system, which allows you to plug in your iPod or MP3 player and listen to music.
Bluetooth connectivity enables you to sync with Fitbit, Record, Mapmytun, Apple Health, etc., to track your workouts or share data. Sole provides a free app for this that is compatible with most IOS and Android devices.
The Sole Fitness F80 has two cooling fans built into the top of the console. While not powerful enough to fully cool you down, they do a better job than the fans on most other treadmills I’ve used.
There’s also a USB charging port, a cup/water bottle holder, and numerous pockets that are handy for storing small items you may want to access during workouts.
Above the console, you will find an accessory ledge with an adjustable safety clip that can accommodate a magazine, iPod, or similar device.
There are also two large pockets on either side of the console and a wide tray with three large pockets beneath the console.
Assembly –
The Sole F80 Treadmill comes partially assembled. Completing the job is straightforward, taking most people about an hour.
Basically, you will need to insert the upright tubes into the base, connect the console and some wires, attach the handgrips, handrails, and water bottle holder.
You will find instructions for this and the tools needed in the box.
The treadmill is heavy, so having a second person help will make the job a lot easier.
Warranty –
This model comes with a lifetime warranty against material and workmanship defects on its frame, motor, and deck. It also covers 5-years for parts and electronic components and 2 years for labor.
The next section of this Sole F80 Treadmill review looks at its pros, followed by its cons.
Sole Fitness F80 Infomercial
Pros
- The Sole F80 Folding Treadmill is incredibly robust and durable
- It is suitable for walking, jogging, and running
- The treadmill accommodates people of most fitness levels
- People of most weights and heights can use it
- Its preset programs cater to various fitness aspects
- It comes with pulse grip and chest strap heart rate monitoring options
- With a top speed of 12 MPH, this pace should suit all but individuals who want to run flat out
- The adjustable incline feature allows you to increase the intensity of your sessions as you become fitter
- Four transportation wheels make it easier to move what is a very hefty machine
- It has an excellent warranty
Cons
- The treadmill is heavy, so a bit cumbersome to move.
- The side rails of the Sole F80 could be a little longer.
What Customers are Saying about the Sole F80
The Sole F80 has consistently positive feedback from purchasers.
The treadmill’s strength and stability have been praised by many, as has its ample deck, which allows even the tallest exerciser to run at full stride. Long-time users of the Sole F80 have commented on its durability.
The vast majority of purchasers consider it great value for money, with a number saying its quality is on par with that of far more expensive treadmills.
Favorable comments have been left regarding how easy the desk is to fold.
Many people commented on the straightforward assembly process.
My Thoughts on the Sole F80
The first thing I noticed about the Sole F80 was how solid it looked. Having used it regularly for extended periods for over 7 years now, I can’t fault its performance.
It remains stable, no matter how hard or fast I run. Workouts are smooth and comfortable, and the motor is quieter than that of my old treadmill. The fan is stronger, too.
Two female friends helped me with the setup, which took approximately two hours. This is longer than typical, but none of us had any prior experience assembling machinery. The most challenging aspect of the process was handling the parts, as some were heavy.
I would have appreciated a few extra programs, but it’s provided ample speed and incline levels to grow my fitness.
Is the Sole F80 Treadmill Right for you?
One of the premium home treadmill models on the market right now, if you choose to buy the Sole Fitness F80, you will be getting an extremely well-made machine with a lot of desirable features.
With the variety of workout options the machine offers, you should never become bored or outgrow this model.
Its framework is extremely solid, so you can expect trouble-free workouts for many years. Workouts are stable, smooth, and quiet.
Ideal for the casual and dedicated exerciser alike, the treadmill’s generously sized running deck is comfortable to use and it allows taller individuals to feel confident about stretching out, even when running at top speed. It will be a long time before the deck wears, but when it does, you can reverse it.
One of the top three treadmills offered by respected manufacturer Sole Fitness, the Sole Treadmill F80 would be an excellent option if you want to experience the benefits of treadmill exercise on a robust, powerful, and extremely reliable treadmill that isn’t exorbitantly priced.
Click this link to check out the Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon
