If you’re looking for a treadmill that can handle a lot of miles, doesn’t require a subscription, and still lets you stream your favorite shows, the Sole F80 might be exactly what you’re after.
While some treadmills come packed with fancy tech, they often come with a much higher price tag. The Sole F80 typically falls in the under-$2,000 range and is frequently on sale, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to many high-end models.
Most importantly even at that price point it’s still got a commercial-grade, heavy-duty feel. And that’s exactly what we want when picking up the pace on a treadmill!
It’s even eligible to purchase using HSA funds.
We talked with a few runners about their experience with the Sole F80 and why it continues to get a thumbs up, which will tell you exactly why it continues to remain in our best at home treadmills list year after year.
Who Is It Good For?
- General Fitness: A solid treadmill that’s going to last for a very long time!
- Heavier Users: Yes, with a sturdy base and cushion flex whisper deck, it’s going to support a weight capacity of 350lbs
- Endurance: It’s going to be perfect for any kind of run, long runs, easy runs, intervals. And now with the streaming ability you can zone out to your favorite show as you run.
- Intervals: Between the buttons on the screen and the front bar knobs, you can quickly change the speed during workouts
Sole F80 Overview
The Sole F80 treadmill has been around for a long time. It’s recently undergone some changes that feel like a level up which we’re pretty excited to share.
For years, it came with a very basic screen that showed your metrics and a little dot moving around the track, nothing flashy compared to some of its competitors.
The newest version, however, is a bit more modern. It now includes an upgraded screen that allows you to stream your favorite shows, making it easier to hop on the treadmill, zone out, and get your miles in.
Even with those updates, the quality Sole is known for remains front and center. One thing that almost every runner mentions is durability. It’s a treadmill that people are keeping for years and years and years, while pilling on a lot of miles.
One of the key features for us in a treadmill is how well does it perform when we want to mimic a course or do a speed workout. The pick up with the motor and the available inclines allow for all of this to function extremely well.
The one drawback is not having a decline feature. That’s one reason we’ve rated the Nordictrack 1750 over it most years.
“I do a lot of incline runs/power hikes and intervals on my treadmill because I live in Kansas and frequently am training for mountainous races. It is super convenient to have the incline up to 15% for hill tempos and long slow hikes. I also love to do speed intervals on it because it helps me keep the right paces on my workouts. I regularly use it for walking as well throughout my work day or when weather conditions are poor.” – Sophia
F80 Specs
- Price: $1899
- Speed: 12 MPH max speed (5 minute mile)
- Range: 15% incline (no decline)
- Deck Size: 22″ x 60″
- Motor: 3.5 cHP
- Screen: 10.1 inch HD touchscreen
- User weight capacity: 350lb
- Deck is foldable for smaller spaces
- Built-in apps (Netflix, YouTube, Peloton, and Zwift)
- Lifetime warranty for frame and motor
Quick Take
- Built-in HD screen that can stream classes and popular streaming services
- Sturdy treadmill that will last many years of wear and tear
- Can handle faster paces and interval workouts
- No decline feature
- Can get squeaky and requires a little belt lubricant to fix
Deck
The deck often gets overlooked as just a big slab, while we’re staring at the screen. But the deck is where it’s at!! This is what helps you feel more comfortable during the run because it’s either really bouncy or really solid, it wobbles or it feels really steady.
The feedback about the deck is unanimous: it’s smooth, supportive, and quiet.
While it’s not going to feel like the dirt road of the $7000 Wahoo treadmill, it’s going to be more like a firm road, it’s still gotten good marks from runners for a decade.
The Sole F80 features a CushionFlex deck designed to help cut back on noise, especially if you’re running faster paces or doing interval workouts. If you’re an early morning runner, you likely won’t have to worry about waking up the rest of the house.
There are also large rollers under the deck that help reduce vibration, which adds to the overall smooth feel while running.
Charlotte B also noted that her partner has really long legs and always feels really comfortable on the F80. This isn’t a small thing! Other treadmill decks can feel too short for those of us with longer legs, so the 60″ length is another winning feature at this price point.
And if space is limited, the treadmill folds up easily and includes a soft-drop feature, so the deck lowers safely without slamming to the ground. But we’ll be honest, in all the treadmills we’ve tested there hasn’t been one that we’ve ever consistently seen a tester fold up. You can’t really use the space under it…so a sellable feature, but meh.
Console
There are plenty of buttons on the Sole F80’s console, giving you a lot of control over your workout. It’s a simple thing, but it makes a difference for you to not have to overly reach for anything and be able to run comfortably.
You can adjust the speed and incline in two different spots, either on the sides of the screen or on the middle bar.
That means you can quickly tap preset buttons or scroll through to dial in the exact MPH and incline that you want.
The console also includes Bluetooth speakers, built-in fans, and a phone charging spot, which are nice extras during longer runs. 
At the top of the screen, there’s a ledge where you can place an iPad or phone if you prefer to watch content that way rather than using the built-in apps.
You’ll also find two cup holders and small storage compartments, perfect for stashing fuel, Legos, or candy for interval counting, or anything else you might want within reach during your run.
And of course, like any classic treadmill, it still has the traditional start and stop buttons right on the console.
HD Screen
Drumroll, please, the Sole F80 now features an upgraded HD Screen that’s pretty comparable to a Peloton and even NordicTrack.
It’s a 10.1″ touchscreen that’s bright and full of color. That’s not nearly as big as many other brands right now, but it’s also part of what helps to keep the price point down and it makes it easy to keep the screen for data and watch a TV on the wall.
From the console you can watch your favorite show, try a program through one of the built-in apps, or simply walk using one of the Sole workouts.
As you’re moving, you’ll see the time, distance, pace, and incline displayed on the screen. Remember, always go by the data on the treadmill and not your watch! 
No Subscription
One of the biggest perks of the Sole F80 is that there’s no membership or subscription required!
It comes with several built-in apps, so you can follow training programs or simply hop on and run while watching something to pass the time.
Available apps include Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, the Peloton App, and Zwift, giving you plenty of options depending on how you like to train.
You can also connect and mirror your phone to the screen, which is helpful if you prefer using a different training platform or program. This process is pretty easy, but we have seen other past treadmills struggle with connection long term, so we will be waiting for some long term feedback on this piece.
Sole F80 vs Sole F89
No matter what Sole treadmill you’re looking at, you are guaranteed to be getting a workhorse of a machine.
When comparing the Sole F80 to the Sole F89 outside of the obvious price difference, the biggest things that stand out are:
- Sole F89 has the ability to decline to -6%
- Sole F80 has a 10″ touchscreen, Sole F89 has a 21.5″ touchscreen
- Neither need a subscription which is awesome
- Sole F89 has a slightly better motor
This image does a great job at putting all the features next to each other to help your decision!
Our Verdict
Between the touchscreen, access to built-in apps, the smooth deck, and the lower price tag, this is a great running treadmill. We didn’t give it 100% because it can’t decline, which is becoming more common on other treadmills today.
We hope that our review of the Sole F80 was helpful! If you’re looking to add a treadmill to your home gym, this may be the perfect fit.
Looking for what to read next?
- What to look for in buying a treadmill
- 9 Best Treadmill Running Shoes
- Treadmill Pace Conversion Chart and Tips
The post Sole F80 Treadmill Review: Quality Performance At a Great Price appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
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