Sole F65 Treadmill Review – Includes Comparison With F63

The Sole F65 Treadmill is one of my favorite treadmills from Sole Fitness. It offers a lot of bang for your buck. At over 260 lb, it’s a solid treadmill—a heavy beast considering the price point—and that weight really helps keep this machine planted to the floor.

There isn’t a ton of tech like you’d find on a NordicTrack Treadmill, but that’s a good thing, in my opinion. One, because it helps to keep the price down, and two, it’s much better when a company puts most of its efforts into the build of a treadmill rather than focusing on the tech.

The tech should always come second when building fitness products. The essentials are much more important than things like VR and large HD screens with subscription apps.

With Sole Fitness, the treadmills are always high-quality, sturdy machines.

Yes, the monitors may be basic, but what you get here with the Sole F65 treadmill is a high-end machine with a mid-level price tag. And this is why the F65 is one of the best treadmills in its class.

The F65 is certainly a treadmill worth taking seriously. Its build quality is high, and the essentials are all there. Today, I want to take a close look at everything this impressive machine from Sole has to offer, including any drawbacks.

At the end of the review, I want to compare the Sole F65 to its little brother, the F63, Sole’s flagship low-cost treadmill. The F63 Treadmill is priced a couple of hundred less than the F65 but almost just as impressive, so it will be interesting to see how they match up.

First a quick look at the Sole F65 product specs!

Why Do We Like The Sole F65 Treadmill?

What you have to like about this mid-level treadmill is how sturdy it is. Weighing over 260lb, the F65 doesn’t feel that far off commercial grade, which is rare in this price bracket.

It’s a treadmill that doesn’t move at all when you’re running on it. This is exactly what you want at this price point. If you’re paying over $1k for a treadmill, it should have a heavy-duty, sturdy build and not feel cheaply made.

It’s a Beast at 265lb

The weight is a telling sign that this machine is made from high-quality parts. When choosing a treadmill for home use, the heavier the treadmill, the better. If you can get a treadmill that weighs close to 300lb for under $1500, you’re doing very well.

Considering that Life Fitness semi-commercial treadmills with $5k price tags have heavy-duty builds of around 330lb, you are not that far off with the Sole F65, which has a much more affordable price tag.

2.65″ Rollers

I also love that this machine has large rollers—2.65″ is excellent for a mid-level machine. The belt feels so smooth in operation. A big thumbs up to Sole.

15%-15-Level Auto Adjustable Incline

Another important feature is the incline. To get the most out of any treadmill, I always recommend choosing one with an incline feature, as it adds so much to your workouts.

You’ll double your calorie burn while hill walking or running, strengthening and toning hard-to-train muscles like your glutes, calves, and hamstrings. It really is an essential feature.

The F65 boasts the best auto-adjustable incline in its class: 15 levels, 15%. Thanks to the handrail control, it’s easy to adjust even while running, saving you from reaching for the monitor in the middle of a workout. There’s also another set of monitor buttons for adjusting incline and speed. It’s always nice to have a choice.

So yes, Sole has got all the essentials right with this one.

Click here to check price of Sole F65 Treadmill on Solefitness.com

Can I Run on The F65 Treadmill?

Yes! Most people should be able to use this treadmill for running. It’s not a commercial-grade treadmill designed for marathon training, but it should be able to handle lighter 30-minute and 1-hour running sessions.

The features you need to consider when choosing a treadmill for running are, of course, the build and how sturdy the treadmill is. Can it handle a 180lb man running on it daily without the treadmill falling apart?

You also need a decent-sized running belt to accommodate the larger stride used when running and powerful motor.

So, with the Sole F65 treadmill, you have the build. This is a heavy, well-made treadmill. The all-steel frame and high-quality parts of the deck should easily cope with users up to around 250lb (realistic max capacity).

Also, you have a commercial-size running belt measuring 22″ x 60″. This will allow users with heights up to 6’3″ to run comfortably on this treadmill without feeling restricted.

Lastly, the motor: The Sole F65 boasts a 3HP high-torque motor, which is the minimum required for running; you don’t want anything less.

A 3HP high torque, high-quality motor like the Sole F65 can be used for running. Still, it’s not that powerful, so the weight capacity must be more realistic.

The stated weight capacity of this treadmill is 325lb, which is okay for walking and light cardio. However, a more realistic weight capacity is needed for running where the treadmill is under more stress. So, 250lb would be a more realistic for running to avoid early motor burnout.

Decent Monitor – Access To Sole+App

This isn’t a monitor to shout home about—it’s pretty basic—but I like it. It’s so easy to use, nothing is too complicated, and it includes everything you need.

The buttons are large and quick-access, so most features can be accessed with just a single click. This treadmill does not have a Colour HD screen; instead, it has a 9″ backlit screen that shows all your workout stats and can be easily viewed while you’re working out.

I mentioned that Sole put more money into the build than companies like Nordictrack, and the tech comes in second, so don’t expect too much from this monitor.

It has all the basics, is easy to use, and has the 1/4-mile track feature. If you’re in training, the 1/4-mile is an excellent feature and something we don’t see on many treadmills apart from high-end machines.

There are seven built-in workout programs, and you can access the Sole+ app, which features hundreds of workouts. Best of all, it’s free, and there are no costly subscriptions.

My favorite feature has to be handrail buttons, a feature I wish all treadmills had, as it saves you from having to reach forward to the monitor in the middle of a workout.

Overall, it’s a basic but decent monitor with Bluetooth and the new Sole app, Sole+. Everything you want is there; it’s not lacking in any way. There’s just no large screen or high-end features like VR, which are costly features nobody really uses anyway.

Soft Drop Folding System With Lever

Treadmill decks are heavy, so it’s essential to find a treadmill with a proper folding system—something that does all the heavy lifting for you.

The Sole F65 boasts a soft-drop folding system. I love this type of folding system because it uses hydraulics. The hydraulics do all the hard work for you. All you have to do is pull a yellow lever, and the running deck unfolds gently in front of you. Folding the deck is almost as easy; thanks to the hydraulics, it can be done with one hand.

It’s nice to find that this treadmill uses a leveler. Most soft drop systems require a little kick to lower the deck. It’s not much of a hassle, but I prefer the lever.

Deck Cushioning System- Reduces Impact by 30%

All of the Sole Treadmills use the same deck cushioning, which is placed between the running deck and the belt. It’s a good system, it’s not adjustable like you’ll find on some of the high-end machines, but it’s good enough and does the job well.

The cushioning system is a bit harder than some of the treadmills in this price bracket, but that can be a good thing. You don’t want it too soft, as that can be off-putting when running. For me, it’s the right amount of cushioning. 

Sole’s anti-shock system claims to reduce the impact of each foot strike by up to 30%, so it’s a lot better for your joints than running on hard-impact surfaces like roads.

Make Sure To Choose The Latest Version of The F65

This treadmill has undergone a few updates over the past decade or so. I first reviewed it many years ago. When the F65 was first released in 2014. It was an impressive machine, but the monitor had a few teething problems.

It’s a far superior treadmill now. The latest version, the one we’re reviewing today, is the best treadmill under $1500 by a mile. It’s come a long way.

I’m mentioning this because Amazon is still selling the 2014 model, which seems crazy selling an 11-year-old treadmill. So stay away from that version. If you want the latest version of any treadmill from Sole Fitness, just go to their website. It’s normally a little cheaper than Amazon, too.

Sole Fitness Treadmills

Do I need a Treadmill Mat?

You only really need a treadmill mat if you buy a lightweight treadmill, as it doesn’t have much weight to keep it firmly planted to the floor. The Sole F65 weighs 265lb, so you shouldn’t have any problems with unwanted movement.

Another reason you might want a treadmill mat is to protect your polished floors from scratches. Lastly, a treadmill mat is very useful if you live in an apartment and want to keep your neighbors happy, as it will help absorb the vibrations from your workouts.

1 Hour Assembly – 80% Assembled

All the complicated stuff has already been assembled, all you’ll need to do is attach the uprights and the monitor. It’s a heavy machine, so it’s best to have another person help you. You’ll need someone to help you get the treadmill in place and hold the uprights while you bolt them on.

Assembly shouldn’t take longer than an, but it’s best to take your time, don’t rush it.

Other things to remember: I like to lubricate the belt before first use. Even though they’re supposed to be lubricated at the factory, you never know if they missed it or forgot. It’s better to be on the safe side.

Also, if the treadmill belt is loose, you’ll need to tighten it with an Allen key and center it before first use.

Alternative

Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is Sole’s lowest-cost Treadmill, costing $200 less than the F65. It’s also one of their best sellers, and I’m not surprised, as it offers a lot for the money. For around $1k, you’re getting a mid-level treadmill.

The running belt measures 20″ x 60″, which is almost commercial size, just slightly smaller than the F65. It has an impressive 15% 15-level incline, which is excellent for this price bracket, and a sturdy build. The F63 weighs 224lb. It’s a solid machine for the price point.

The F63’s monitor and features are almost identical to those of the F65, except that the F65 has a 9″ backlit LCD compared to the 6.5″ of the F63.

The two treadmills are not so different. They share the same monitor features, both have Bluetooth, and both boast large running belts, excellent incline, and the same 3HP motor.

The F65 is slightly more heavy duty, weighing an extra 40lb, and there are no handrail controls for incline and speed with the F63, just the console control buttons, which is a shame.

Still, for $1k, the F63 easily outshines all other treadmills with the same price tag. It’s just not quite as impressive as its bigger brother, the F65.

Overall, it’s an excellent treadmill. It’s well built, has a great warranty, can be used for running, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s one of Sole’s most popular treadmills and a favorite of mine.

To Sum Up

Sole has done it again with the Sole F65 Treadmill. They’ve made another market-beater. I can’t think of another treadmill that can challenge the Sole F65 for under $1500. The Xterra TRX4500 comes pretty close, but the Sole F65 wins out on quality. The large rollers give the F65 a smooth experience, and the sturdy build adds to the machine’s almost gym-like feel. It’s impressive for a treadmill with a price tag of $1299.

If I were to fault anything about the Sole F65, it would be the monitor. I like its simplicity, but it might be too basic for some. Still, the recent addition of BlueTooth and free access to Sole Fitness’s Sole+ app and 100s of workouts certainly help take the monitor to another level.

Sole F65 Treadmill FAQs

How Much Does The Sole F65 Weigh?

The Sole F65 Treadmill Weighs 267lb (121kg) assembled, and the boxed weight is 293lb (133kg)

What is The Difference Between The F63 and F65 Treadmill?

The F65 Treadmill weighs 40lb more than the F63 treadmill, which gives it a more sturdy feel. The Sole F65’s running belt is 2″ wider. The Sole F63 does not include handrail incline and speed controls. The price difference between the two machines is around $200, with the F65 being the most expensive.

Can You Use a Sole Fitness Treadmill Without a Subscription?

When you purchase a Sole Treadmill, you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription. The Sole+ app is free to use and includes hundreds of workouts.

Does The Sole F65 Have Wheels?

The Sole F65 has four transport wheels to make moving the treadmill much easier.