Sole F80 Review
A large folding treadmill aimed at regular home runners who want plenty of room to train without being tied to one connected platform.
Summary and Chapter Links
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Sole F80 Treadmill final verdict
The Sole F80 is aimed at regular runners who have room for a large, heavy-duty treadmill. The 3.5 CHP motor, 152.5 x 56 cm (60 x 22 in) running area and 20 km/h (12.4 mph) top speed give it the space and power I would want for regular home running.
Size is the main compromise. At 209.5 x 96 cm (82.5 x 37.8 in) and 124.5 kg (274 lb), it needs a dedicated training space, although the four transport wheels make it easier to move when folded. I also like that you are not tied to a single training app.
Sole F80 key specifications
| Motor power | 3.5 CHP |
| Maximum speed | 20 km/h (12.4 mph) |
| Incline | 15 levels |
| Running area | 152 x 54 cm (59.8 x 21.3 in) |
| Maximum user weight | 150 kg (23 st 9 lb) |
| Frame type | Fold-Up Deck |
| Compatible apps | SOLE+, Zwift, Kinomap, Fitbit, Strava, Google Fit, Apple Health, MapMyFitness |
| Assembled dimensions (L x W x H) | 209.5 x 96.2 x 167.5 cm (82.5 x 37.9 x 65.9 in) |
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I judge the F80 in the context of the job it is designed to do – regular home running. I focused on how the main features affect real buying decisions rather than treating every figure as equally important.
- Running suitability – belt size, speed, incline and how the overall specification fits steady runs, tempo sessions and intervals.
- Build and practicality – machine weight, user capacity, folding, dimensions and how realistic it is to place and move at home.
- Technology and ownership – console, app choice, entertainment, warranty and recurring themes in F80-specific customer feedback.
For this review I focused on motor power, running area, cushioning, incline, size, app choice and warranty. I use the current UK specification as the starting point and focus on how the main features affect real buying decisions. I do not assume an overseas version is identical to the model sold here.
Is this treadmill right for me?
Enter a few details and I will check them against the product information for this treadmill. Treat the result as a buying aid rather than a manufacturer guarantee.
Who is the Sole F80 best for?
The F80 is a good fit if you run regularly, want plenty of belt space and have room for a large treadmill.
If your training is mainly walking or occasional jogging, I would look at something smaller and cheaper. I would also look at other models if you prefer softer cushioning.
What Stands Out
Spacious running belt – The 152.5 x 56 cm (60 x 22 in) running area gives taller runners and longer strides plenty of room.
Strong running specification – The 3.5 CHP motor and 20 km/h (12.4 mph) top speed are a good match for regular home running.
Flexible app choice – SOLE+, Zwift and Kinomap give you more choice than a treadmill tied to one training subscription.
Strong home warranty – The frame is covered for life, the motor for 10 years, parts for five years and labour for three years.
Four transport wheels – They make the 124.5 kg (274 lb) treadmill easier to glide along the floor when it is folded.
Things to consider
It’s big! – The 209.5 x 96 cm (82.5 x 37.8 in) footprint and 124.5 kg (274 lb) machine weight need a dedicated training space.
Firmer cushioning – The F80 has a firmer feel than some treadmills, so I would consider alternatives if softer cushioning is important to you.
20 km/h (12.4 mph) top speed – That is enough for most runners, but not if you regularly need more pace for sprint work.
150 kg (23 st 9 lb) user limit – If you are close to the maximum user weight, I would look at a higher-capacity treadmill.
Getting it into position – At 124.5 kg (274 lb), delivery and assembly need planning even though the four transport wheels help once it is set up.
A CLOSER LOOK
How the Sole F80 performs in key areas
RUNNING COMFORT
Running belt and cushioning
The 152.5 x 56 cm (60 x 22 in) running area gives you plenty of room and should work well if you are tall or have a long stride.
Owner feedback often describes the cushioning as firm. That may suit you if you prefer a more road-like feel, but I would look at softer treadmills if cushioning is a priority.
BUILD & CAPACITY
Build and user weight
At 124.5 kg (19 st 8 lb), the F80 is a heavy treadmill, which fits its heavy-duty running brief. The maximum user weight is 150 kg (23 st 9 lb).
If you are close to that 150 kg (331 lb) limit, I would look at a treadmill rated to 160 kg (353 lb) or more.
PERFORMANCE
Motor and speed
The 3.5 CHP motor and 20 km/h (12.4 mph) top speed are a good match for regular home running.
If you are especially heavy or expect very high weekly mileage, I would still look at more powerful heavy-duty models.
HILL CLIMB TRAINING
Incline
The F80 has 15 incline levels, so you can make walking and running harder without simply adding more speed. Here, levels means 15 adjustment increments, not 15%.
Sole does not state a maximum gradient percentage for this model, so I would not convert the 15 levels into a percentage.
SPACE & STORAGE
Folding and storage
The running platform folds upwards, cutting the length from 209.5 cm (82.5 in) to 112 cm (44.1 in). It still stays around 96 cm (37.8 in) wide and reaches 181.5 cm (71.5 in) high when folded, so it needs a decent storage space.
The four transport wheels are a real advantage on a treadmill this heavy because you can move it without having to tip the whole machine back. My folding treadmill guide explains the main folding designs.
CONNECTED TRAINING
Touchscreen, apps and subscriptions
The 10-inch touchscreen covers entertainment, while Bluetooth FTMS opens up connected training. You can use SOLE+ for free as well as apps such as Zwift and Kinomap.
If you already have a preferred app, check exactly what it can read or control. My smart treadmill guide explains the different levels of treadmill integration.
SOLE+ is Sole's own training app. It can also sync workout data with Fitbit, Strava, Google Fit, Apple Health and MapMyFitness, while Zwift and Kinomap are separate training apps.
EVERYDAY USE
Console, workouts and heart rate
The console shows the main running stats and includes preset and heart-rate programmes.
I would not buy the F80 for the number of programmes alone. Clear stats and easy-to-reach controls matter more to me.
SOLE+ is Sole's own training app. It can also sync workout data with Fitbit, Strava, Google Fit, Apple Health and MapMyFitness, while Zwift and Kinomap are separate training apps.
PEACE OF MIND
Warranty and after-sales cover
The home warranty covers the frame for life, the motor for 10 years, parts for five years and labour for three years.
That is strong cover for a treadmill designed for regular home running, especially the parts and labour terms.
SPACE CHECK
Sole F80 dimensions and space required
The F80 is a large treadmill. Folding reduces the floor length it occupies between workouts, but this is an upright fold-up design rather than the sort of low-profile machine I would describe as suitable for under-furniture storage.
| Dimensions in use | 209.5 x 96.2 x 167.5 cm (82.5 x 37.9 x 65.9 in) |
| Folded dimensions | 112 x 96 x 181.5 cm (44.1 x 37.8 x 71.5 in) |
| Running belt | 152 x 54 cm (59.8 x 21.3 in) |
| Machine weight | 124.5 kg (274 lb) |
The F80 has four built-in transport wheels, so once it is folded it can be moved without having to tip the treadmill back onto a pair of wheels.
The machine weight also makes access worth thinking about before delivery. I would measure doorways, turns and stairs and check the seller’s delivery terms for the room you plan to use.
Because the treadmill’s boxed weight will be over 80 kg, couriers will not take it up any stairs during delivery.
TREADMILL COMPARISON
Compare the Sole F80 with other treadmills
Use the selectors below to compare the Sole F80 with up to three treadmills I have reviewed. The first column stays fixed to this model.
Choose at least one treadmill above to show the comparison table.
| Feature | Sole F80 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor power | 3.5 CHP | |||
| Maximum speed | 20 km/h (12.4 mph) | |||
| Incline | 15 levels | |||
| Running belt | 152 x 54 cm (59.8 x 21.3 in) | |||
| Maximum user weight | 150 kg (23 st 9 lb) | |||
| Frame type | Fold-Up Deck | |||
| Compatible apps | SOLE+, Zwift, Kinomap, Fitbit, Strava, Google Fit, Apple Health, MapMyFitness | |||
| Assembled dimensions | 209.5 x 96.2 x 167.5 cm (82.5 x 37.9 x 65.9 in) |
The table is there to make the differences easier to scan. I would still judge each treadmill in the context of the training it is designed for rather than treating one higher figure as automatically better.
I would pay closest attention to motor power, running area, cushioning, app choice, warranty and how practical the folded treadmill is to move rather than simply choosing the treadmill with the biggest numbers.
Sole F80 verdict
The Sole F80 is a strong option if you run regularly and have room for a large treadmill. The 3.5 CHP motor and 152.5 x 56 cm (60 x 22 in) running area give you a good setup for steady runs, tempo work and intervals.
The firmer cushioning will suit some runners more than others, while the large footprint means I would plan to leave the treadmill in one part of the room rather than move it regularly.
The home warranty is a real strength, and I like that SOLE+, Zwift and Kinomap give you more choice over connected training.
If space is not a problem and you prefer a firmer running feel, the F80 has a lot going for it. If you mainly walk or jog occasionally, I would spend less on a smaller treadmill.
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FAQ
Is the Sole F80 good for regular running?
Yes. The Sole F80 has a 152.5 x 56 cm (60 x 22 in) running belt, 3.5 HP motor, 20 km/h (12.4 mph) top speed and 15 incline levels. That is a good specification for regular home running, including steady runs, tempo sessions, hills and intervals.
Is the Sole F80 suitable for taller runners?
The 152.5 cm (60 in) long and 56 cm (22 in) wide running belt is generous for a home treadmill and should suit many taller runners and longer strides. Personal stride length still varies, so very tall users should look at their own needs with the belt dimensions.
Does the Sole F80 fold?
Yes. The running platform folds upwards using a release lever. The treadmill measures 209.5 x 96 x 167.5 cm (82.5 x 37.8 x 65.9 in) in use and 112 x 96 x 181.5 cm (44.1 x 37.8 x 71.5 in) when folded, so folding saves floor length but the machine remains large.
Does the Sole F80 work with Zwift?
Yes. Sole Fitness UK supports Zwift, Kinomap and SOLE+ for the current F80. If a particular app feature such as automatic speed or incline control matters to you, confirm that exact function before buying.
Does the Sole F80 have Netflix?
Yes. Netflix is currently available among the entertainment apps on the 10.1-inch Android touchscreen, alongside YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Spotify and Google Chrome. Third-party services may require their own accounts or subscriptions and app availability can change.
Do you need a subscription to use the Sole F80?
No paid training subscription is required for normal treadmill use, and Sole currently offers the SOLE+ app free. Zwift, Kinomap and entertainment services may have their own subscription or account requirements if you choose to use them.
What is the Sole F80 maximum user weight?
The stated maximum user weight is 150 kg (23 st 9 lb). If you are very close to that figure, I would look at higher-capacity treadmills so there is more distance from the stated limit.
What is SOLE+?
SOLE+ is Sole’s own training app for compatible equipment. It provides connected workouts and workout tracking, while third-party apps such as Zwift and Kinomap give you other training options on the F80.
Author: Ian Smith For the past five years I’ve worked in marketing for one of the UK’s leading fitness equipment brands. During this time I’ve learnt a thing or two about fitness equipment: what’s out there and commonly asked customer questions. I also regularly used the equipment myself and would help test out new products. LinkedIn profile
