Features

8/10

Tech Specs

8/10

Build Quailty

9/10

Treadmill Review

Last Updated: 1-10-2022

Sole treadmills are known for their durability, and the F85 is no different. This machine is built for runners of all levels that are looking for a high-quality and powerful machine that will be used regularly. Whether you enjoy jumping on your treadmill for a quick run or plan to get lots of miles in, this treadmill is built to last. We love the updates that Sole has made, such as the 10-in touchscreen that supports third-party apps such as Netflix. Read our full review of the Sole F85 treadmill to see why we recommend the F85 as a great option for a home treadmill.

Who the Sole F85 Treadmill is Built for

Runners

The F85 can cater to a range of users. With a 4.0 motor and the ability to reach up to 12 MPH, which is a highly challenging speed for runners to keep up with for more than a short period of time. It also has the ability to reach 15% incline to allow users to keep their bodies engaged in their workouts.

Those Who Value Durability

Like many Sole treadmills, the F85 is a heavy-duty treadmill. With a strong and heavy metal frame, the F85 has a high weight capacity of an impressive 400 lbs and can hold up under heavy usage.

Those Who Like to Watch TV While Running

One of the new and unique features of the latest model is that it supports third-party apps such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu. Many newer treadmills with touchscreens do not offer this capability, and we love the idea of turning on a favorite show and listening through the speakers or headphones to make the time fly by.

Sole F85 Treadmill

What We Love About the F85

Upgraded 10-inch Touchscreen

Nowadays, touchscreens are everywhere and have become the most intuitive way to navigate the latest products. Therefore, we are pleased that the Sole added a 10-inch touchscreen that makes viewing and navigating your workouts easier than ever. The interface has a simple workout display to track time, distance, and pace. It also has several basic military fitness tests and includes apps such as Youtube and Netflix to view as you run.

Cushion Flex Whisper Deck

While mimicking the firmness of asphalt, the F85 has SOLE’s Whisper Flex Cushioning. It creates a cushioned surface for runners while not sacrificing overall firmness. It reduces joint shock and impact by 40% and for how powerful the motor is, it is very quiet.

Foldability

A commercial, durable build with folding ability is rare to find, and makes this a great at-home option because it can save space without sacrificing quality. This is one of the major pros of this machine.

Sole F85 Treadmill Folded

Motor Size

A huge 4.0 CHP motor is powerful enough to run at high speeds and long durations. We are impressed with not only the motor size, but for how quiet it actually is while in use.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity on this treadmill is 400 lbs, which is higher than most treadmills we have seen, including those listed above $2500. We appreciate this so that runners of all sizes and abilities can comfortably run on this treadmill.

Things to Consider and Limitations of the F85 Treadmill

There are pros and cons to every purchase, but that doesn’t mean they are deal-breakers. It is really a matter of personal preference. In this section, we will go over some things to consider to make sure the F85 is the right purchase for your needs.

Weight of Machine

The F85 itself weighs 308 lbs, which could make it difficult to lift inside or put in spaces in a home such as up or downstairs.

Limited Workout Options

Unlike other newer treadmills on the market, the Sole F85 does not offer instructor-led classes or scenic runs. Instead, its interface is simple and caters more towards those who want to just get on and run. This could be a turn-off for some users who like the extra motivation of having their workout laid out for them or following along with an instructor. But, if you like to just put some headphones in and run, this won’t be an issue for you.



Model Overview of the F85

Main Specs:

  • Motor Size: 4.0 CHP
  • Running Area: 22” x 60”
  • Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
  • Folding: Yes
  • Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 37” x 80.5” x 56”
  • Incline Range: 0% - 15%
  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Electrical Requirements: 120V
  • Warranties- Lifetime frame, motor, and deck, 5 years parts and electronics, 2 years labor.
  • Belt- 2-ply
  • Roller Size- 2.75” front and back
  • Cushioning- Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
  • Customer Support- Phone support is limited to Monday-Friday, no weekends. Email sales support is 24/7.
  • Return Policy- Sole Fitness offers a 30-day trial with a money back guarantee. The customer will have to pay an 8% stocking fee.

Motor Size - The motor in this treadmill is a 4.0 CHP. It is a strong motor which is light commercial quality. With a light commercial quality motor, it is up to daily use by multiple users, which is perfect for a family and/or serious runners.

Running Area - The running surface is 22” by 60”. With the 2 extra inches of width, treadmill users can swing their arms freely while utilizing the machine. The F85 is equal in running area with the NordicTrack X22i. However, our measurements show that the width of the F85 is a bit shy of 22”. Sole F85 Treadmill 22 inch running belt

Weight Capacity - The F85 has a weight capacity of 400 lbs, which is really impressive compared to other treadmill brands in the same price range. The NordicTrack 1750, for example, can only hold up to 300lbs. We love that Sole treadmills generally can hold more weight than other treadmills in their price ranges.The high weight capacity of the F85 is due to the heavy-duty construction and weight of the machine.

Folding  - With how impressively durable this machine is, we love that it still has the ability to fold up. It doesn't fold as compactly as other treadmills, but most commercial-grade treadmills do not have a folding option like the F85 does. We like this feature.

Space / Footprint - The F85 measures 37” in width, 83” in length, and 57” in height. It may not be the right treadmill for a small apartment or workout space since it is on the larger side. It is also a very heavy treadmill, weighing just over 300 lbs. We recommend users have a dedicated space for the F85 and only move it with the help of two people.

Max Speed - The treadmills max speed is 12 MPH which is the industry standard for treadmills in this price range.

Incline - This treadmill has an incline range of 0% to 15%, which is a decent range and comparable to other treadmills in this price range.

Features and Accessories on the F85 Treadmill

Sole F85 Treadmill Console and Accessories

    • Display: 10.1” inch touchscreen
    • Built-in Workouts: Yes
    • Speakers: 2
    • Fans: Yes
    • Heart Rate Monitoring: EKG handlebar grips, wireless chest strap
    • USB port: Yes
    • Audio Jack: Yes
    • Water bottle cubbies: Yes
    • Device/tablet holder: Yes
    • 3rd party app compatible: Yes
    • Bluetooth: Yes
    • Live/on-demand workouts: No



    Display - 10.1’’ TFT touchscreen provides user-friendly information including distance, heart rate, calories burned, pace, time, and more. Built-In Workouts - While the F85 does not have live/on-demand workouts like other brands and treadmills are beginning to integrate, it is equipped with pre-set workouts that can challenge different fitness levels. It also has basic military fitness tests, such as Army, Navy, etc that you can participate in. This treadmill is built for people who are looking to walk or run at their own pace without instructor-led classes.

    Speakers - The speakers of the F85 are located above the water bottle holders on either side of the treadmill console. The sound quality is fairly crisp until the volume is turned up to beyond the midway point. The sound deteriorates slightly but not too noticeably.

    Fans -There is a single fan located at the top of the F85 treadmill console. The fan only has one speed, which can make it less effective at cooling users. It is able to be angled up or down depending on the needs of the user.

    Heart Rate Monitoring - The F85 doesn’t rely exclusively on its EKG handlebar grips. It also comes with a wireless Polar heart rate monitoring chest strap. We recommend users use the chest strap if they want to monitor their heart rate as it is much more accurate than the handlebars.

    Device/tablet holder:This treadmill has a tablet holder located at the top of the console that allows users to use their own tablet or device to watch TV and connect speakers via Bluetooth.

    Other Tech Features
    • SOLE Fitness App - With the Sole Fitness app, users can control their Bluetooth-enabled SOLE equipment like the F85. Our testers have found when using the app it is easier to create and control the custom programs available on the F85.
    • Speed/Incline arm buttons - For quick, easy speed and incline adjustments, there are buttons located on the console arms of the treadmill.

    Price of the Sole F85

    The price of this treadmill is $1999, which includes free curbside delivery. If you want the treadmill delivered to your garage, it is an additional $59, which may be worth it, considering the weight of the machine.

    Bottom Line Review Of The SOLE F85

    Sole F85 Treadmill Side Profile The F85 is an extremely durable and sturdy machine which means it is built to last. It is great for runners and walkers of all abilities and sizes that plan to use their treadmill consistently at home. Heavier users can use the F85 in comfort as it has a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs. We love the motor size, weight capacity, and new touchscreen. While the simple interface can be a positive for some users that want to jump on and go, it could be considered a downside that SOLE treadmills don't have live or on-demand workouts to follow along with. However, based on the build quality and Netflix and 3rd party app capabilities, we think this treadmill is worth the price!

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