Maybe you’re a seasoned runner looking for a way to train indoors during crappy weather. Maybe you’re just starting out and don’t quite feel OK hitting the pavement in full view of — *gasp* — other people. Or maybe you want to make your regular walks less boring by infusing some Netflix into the mix (hey, we’ve all been there 🤷 ).
To accomplish anything on that list, you’ll need a treadmill. There are A LOT of options out there, so finding the perfect one can be a little tricky. Sole is one of the top contenders in the space, known for high quality treadmills that are often found in hotel fitness centers. But are they worth your lifelong love and devotion?
To help you shop, we’ve put together this Sole treadmill guide with all the deets on your next potential Sole mate.
Pros and cons of Sole treadmills
Here’s a quick TL;DR list of Sole treadmill pros and cons.
Pros
- Commercial quality. The super sturdy build of these treadmills makes them a fave of hotel fitness centers. A Sole is an investment that will last years.
- A+ company policies. Sole offers top-notch warranties on most of their fitness equipment, including the treadmills.
- Compact options. Several Sole models are foldable, so they’re perfect for tight spaces.
- Integrated device charging. That feeling when you’re about to hit play on Spotify and start your workout and you notice that your phone’s battery is almost at zero? THE. WORST. With a Sole treadmill that features on-the-run integrated charging, you’ll never experience this again. 🔋🔋🔋
Cons
- CAUTION: HEAVY! You can’t move this heavy-duty monster alone. You’ll need to enlist some help. (Pro tip: Ply them with pizza. 🍕 )
- Limited preset workouts. Most of the Sole treadmills come with only a few (at most 10) preset workouts. If you’re looking for a workout bank to keep you entertained, this ain’t it.
- Expensive. Sole treadmills are not a good choice if you’re strapped for cash.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $2,000
- $$ = $2,000–$4,000
- $$$ = over $4,000
Get tready: Sole Treadmill 101
Best entry-level treadmill
F63
- Price: $
- Dimensions: running surface 20 inches (in.) x 60 in., overall dimensions 82 in. L x 35 in. W x 66 in. H
- Speed options: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour (mph)
- Incline options: 0 to 15 levels
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds (lbs.)
- Special features: Bluetooth-enabled, foldable
The F63 treadmill is Sole’s cheapest model. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s budget-friendly — it still costs well over $1,000. 🤦♀️ But if you’re looking for a beginner treadmill with a solid frame, this is an excellent pick.
It has a 3.0 horsepower (hp) motor — so it’s suitable for walking and running — and a built-in display that shows you your stats, including speed, incline, distance, and pace. Both the frame and the motor come with a lifetime warranty.
What do people who actually own the treadmill have to say? They’re super impressed with the quality and say it’s a great foldable treadmill that outshines competitor models. But some people complain that the treadmill is tough to put together.
Best treadmill upgrade
F65
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: running surface 22 in. x 60 in., overall dimensions 82 in. L x 37 in. W x 66 in. H
- Speed options: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline options: 0 to 15 levels
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Special features: Bluetooth-enabled, foldable
The F65 is a step up from the lowest-priced F63 treadmill. It has a slightly wider running surface and more powerful motor (3.25 hp). It also has a bigger backlit display. Though there isn’t a huge difference between the two models, a more powerful motor means a higher weight capacity, and a wider running surface means more room for people in larger bodies.
Reviewers like that the treadmill is well built and quiet. But a few people say they had issues with the assembly, and some encountered problems with faulty parts that had to be replaced.
Most popular treadmill
F80
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: running surface 22 in. x 60 in., overall dimensions 82 in. L x 37 in. W x 66 in. H
- Speed options: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline options: 0 to 15 levels
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Special features: Bluetooth-enabled, foldable
Another step up from the F63 and F65, the F80 has a slightly more powerful motor (3.5 hp), so it has a higher weight capacity. It also has the same wider running surface as the F65. This feature combo makes the F80 one of Sole’s most popular models.
Customer reviews for the F80 are pretty positive overall. Reviewers say the treadmill is sturdy and quiet and definitely meets commercial-quality expectations. One reviewer says the heart rate monitor isn’t accurate — that’s a bummer but pretty standard for this type of fitness equipment. TBH, if you want accurate heart rate readings, you’re better off with an HR strap.
Best display
F85
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: running surface 22 in. x 60 in., overall dimensions 82 in. L x 37 in. W x 66 in. H
- Speed options: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline options: 0 to 15 levels
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Special features: Bluetooth-enabled, foldable, touch-screen display
This model has an even stronger motor (4.0 hp) than the F63, F65, and F80 treadmills. In addition to the integrated tablet holder found on other Sole models, it’s got a touch display with built-in apps like YouTube and Netflix. You can also mirror your tablet or phone screen onto the display via Wi-Fi, so you have easy front-row access to all your fave workout apps.
Customers agree the treadmill is high quality and durable, but many have issues with the speakers and complain about glitches in the unit’s software.
Best for heart rate training
S77
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: running surface 22 in. x 60 in., overall dimensions 82 in. L x 36 in. W x 58 in. H
- Speed options: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline options: 0 to 15 levels
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Special features: Bluetooth-enabled, 10.1-in. display, automatic incline adjustment in heart-training mode
Like the F85, this non-folding treadmill has the most powerful motor Sole offers (4.0 hp). The biggest feature that sets this treadmill apart is that it automatically adjusts your incline to keep your heart rate in your target zone when in heart-training mode. To do this, it comes with a chest strap — a method of HR measurement known for being a lot more accurate than pulse grips.
Reviewers say the treadmill is long lasting and stable. Just keep in mind that this one doesn’t fold, so you’ll need to carve out a permanent space for it.
Best for incline training
TT8
- Price: $$$
- Dimensions: running surface 22 in. x 60 in., overall dimensions 82 in. L x 36 in. W x 58 in. H
- Speed options: 0.5 to 15 mph
- Incline options: -6 to 15 levels
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Special features: decline options, Bluetooth-enabled
If you’re looking for some serious hill training 🗻 , the TT8 is a top contender thanks to the addition of decline options. Until recently, it was difficult to train for going downhill — it seems easy, but running downhill gives your lower body a real pounding. Newer treadmills, like the TT8, offer athletes the ability to go up and down. This treadmill is primed to take a beating with a build that’s fit for light commercial settings.
Reviewers say the machine is sturdily built but warn that the added durability makes it ultra-heavy. And some customers report receiving damaged units. Overall, though, people seem pretty happy with their new workout machines.
Sole treadmill shipping, returns, and warranty
So, now that you’ve got a handle on the treadmills, how do Sole’s company policies stack up?
Shipping
Curbside delivery is free (in the continental United States) for all Sole treadmills purchased on the Sole Fitness website. According to Sole, items ship out within 2 to 4 business days. You can upgrade your shipping option for an additional fee. Here are some of the options:
- Delivery inside your garage: $59
- Delivery to a room of your choice: $119
- Assembly services: $239
Free curbside delivery is common in the fitness equipment world, but it’s definitely a plus that Sole offers incremental options for getting the treadmill closer to where you’ll actually be using it.
Note that some services aren’t currently available because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, people who have made recent purchases complain about extremely slow shipping and difficulties checking order statuses.
Returns and warranty
Sole product warranties vary depending on the product, but all Sole treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame.
Some customers have complained about issues related to the warranty on the Sole Fitness Better Business Bureau page, but the company has resolved most of the complaints. Right now, it can take time to get replacement parts shipped — many seem to be on back order.
The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its products. To start a return, fill out the form on this page.
Is a Sole treadmill right for you?
Should you buy a Sole treadmill — and which one should you get?
Motor
If you’re planning on using this thing solely for walking, you don’t have to worry too much about how powerful the motor is. But if you’re planning to put some serious running miles in, you’ll want a more powerful motor.
All Sole treadmills are equipped with at least a 3.0 hp motor, which should be plenty for most runners. If you have a higher body weight or are training for marathons indoors, you’ll want to spring for a more powerful model — like one with a 4.0 hp motor.
Belt
For a comfy workout, you’ll want a treadmill with a belt at least 18 in. wide. All Sole’s treadmill’s meet this minimum, with belts between 20 and 22 in. wide.
As for length, a belt should be at least 48 in. — and longer if you’re tall or have a long stride. Sole’s treadmills all have a belt length of 80 in., which is plenty to keep you from flying off the back of your machine.
Incline options
What are you training for? A hilly half marathon? A multiweek hike of the Appalachian Trail a la Bill Bryson? Or are you a speed demon trying to beat your last 5K time?
Hill training is a fab way to increase strength and endurance. Many people, including those who live in flat locales, can benefit from incorporating indoor incline training into their workouts. Sole’s treadmills all have incline settings, up to 15 levels.
One unit, the TT8, also features the ability to train downhill. Ultramarathoners might consider this a must-have feature.
Folding design
Most of Sole’s treadmills have a foldable design, allowing you to free up space when not using the treadmill. If you live in a small space, this is a key feature.
But some runners prefer a non-folding design because non-folding treadmills have a more stable feel. Some non-folding treadmills also have extra features not available in folding models — like the automatic incline adjustment in the S77.
Budget
Treadmills are available at many price points. If you’re looking to make a serious investment, a Sole treadmill offers plenty of bang for your buck. Prefer to buy something under $1,000? Expect models at that price point to be less sturdy and durable.
Extra features
You can also spend wayyyy more than $1,000 on a treadmill. The main draw of Sole treadmills is that they’re commercial quality at a reasonable price. But they’re not necessarily the most feature-packed machines. They have a limited number of preset workouts and lack the big, shiny screens of models like the NordicTrack S22i.
If you’re set on finding a treadmill with a built-in Netflix screen, the F85 is your only option — though all the treadmills have a tablet holder.
Sole vs. other popular treadmills
Curious how Sole stacks up against the competition? In the table below, we compare Sole’s popular F80 with other popular treadmills on the market.
| Sole F80 | NordicTrack 1750 | ProForm Pro 9000 | Nautilus T618 | |
| Price | $2,799.99 | $1,799 | $1,799 | $1,499 |
| Foldable? | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Weight limit | 375 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 350 lbs. |
| Notable features | heavy-duty bulletproof steel frame, Bluetooth-enabled speakers, integrated device charging | 10-in. HD smart touch screen, iFit-enabled | built-in HD touch screen, iFit-enabled | Bluetooth-enabled, works with Explore the World app |
| Incline | 0–15 levels | -3–15 levels | -3–12 levels | 0.5–15 levels |
| Motor | 3.5 hp | 3.75 hp | 3.6 hp | 3.5 hp |
| Warranty | lifetime on frame, motor, and deck; 5-year electronics and parts; 2-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 15-year frame and motor, 5-year parts and electronics, 2-year labor |
Want more treadmill options?
Check out some of our other treadmill roundups and reviews:
The bottom line
Before you spend big money on a treadmill, come up with a list of must-have features. If you’re looking for a no-frills, ultra-sturdy treadmill, Sole has you covered with its multiple steel-frame models. BUT expect to pay a chunk of change, and don’t expect a ton of techy features.
These treadmills don’t have the popular smart features of NordicTrack or ProForm models. But what they lack in bells and whistles, they make up for in high quality feel and solid warranties — which can really pay off in the long run.
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