#1 Sole F85 review

The Sole F85 is often described as the best folding treadmill on the market. It comes with superior cushioning, a powerful motor, and an automated incline. You can exercise on your own terms and see your progress in real-time with a clear LCD display.

Is the Sole F85 treadmill best for you?

The Sole F85 is a highly-advanced treadmill. In addition to the stellar performance offered by the 4.0CHP motor, this treadmill has some perks to make your workouts feel even better. The Bluetooth audio system allows you to effortlessly sync your phone with the machine to play music over the speakers.

The running surface is one of the best in the business with the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck. It offers better cushioning through the impact of running, and it's a lot quieter when you run. As a result, this is a home-friendly treadmill that doesn't disturb others when you feel like going for a run.

Consider Sole F85 if...

• You need a motor that doesn't quit. The Sole F85 comes with a 4.0CHP motor that provides you with a speed range of 0.5 to 12 miles per hour. This is much more powerful when compared to the competition. The motor also manages to keep the treadmill relatively quiet.

• You want variety. There are 6 preset programs to choose from. There are also 30 levels of incline to jog on. It tops out at an impressive 15 percent grade.

• You like easy listening. The F85 comes with built-in speakers. You can hook up any MP3 device, including an iPod, to blast your music over the machine itself.

Avoid Sole F85 if...

• You're limited on space. The Sole F85 can fold on itself to save space. However, when it's out, it's pretty bulky. You need to make sure you have plenty of room in your house to support such a device.

• You want more programming. 6 preset programs, plus a few bonuses, may be enough for some people. But considering some treadmills, such as the Nautilus T614, come with 22 programs, it seems light in comparison.

• You're on a budget. The F85 is an advanced piece of equipment. As such, it comes with a high price tag that may make it out of some people's price range.

Sole F85 pros & cons

Pros

• Large flywheel and rollers

• Cushion Flex Whisper Deck

• Steel frame construction

• Smooth transition between resistance levels

• Bluetooth audio speakers

Cons

• Large size

• Short handrails

Construction and design

• Motor: This treadmill comes with a 4.0CHP motor. It's a powerful device that supports speeds up to 12 mph and weights up to 400 pounds.

• Running Surface: The running track measures 22" x 60". This is the standard length of most treadmill surfaces.

• Touchscreen: The F85 comes with a vibrant LCD display with large, clear readouts. It provides you with useful information, including calories burned, heart rate, pace, and speed.

• Speakers: The treadmill comes with built-in speakers. You can hook any MP3 device into the machine itself to listen to your workout playlist.

• Built-in Programs: It comes with 6 preset programs. However, you also get 2 custom programs you can create on your own as well as 2 heart programs for those interested in greater heart health.

Key Sole F85 Specs

Reasons to buy Sole F85?

• You need reduced joint impact. The Sole F85 boasts the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck. It decreases the impact on your leg's joints by as much as 40 percent compared to running outside. It's the recommended way to run if you have a history of joint problems.

• You like Bluetooth capabilities. Many treadmills require you to plug your MP3 player in to listen to music through the machine's speakers. The F85 allows you to sync the treadmill with your device, including your smartphone, to play music over the speakers.

• You're heavier. The F85 supports weights of up to 400 pounds. This is in stark contrast to other treadmills that can only support up to 300 pounds.

Reasons to avoid Sole F85?

• You need stability. Some reviewers have noted how the handrails aren't as long as they like. As a result, it may not provide the stability you need, particularly on the higher settings.

• You have spotty WiFi. The Bluetooth features may not work as well if your home is susceptible to poor WiFi. You want to make sure you have a good provider if you plan on playing music through the treadmill often.

What real Sole F85 reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Sole F85 receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). Sole F85 scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

• "If you're a big person (400 lbs & 6'5") like I am, this is the treadmill for you."

• "Stronger more powerful motor than most treadmills, and the longest warranty in it's class, a ton of programmable features for tailoring your workouts."

• "The display panel has lots of information without being too crowded/distracting."

• "I use it for running and not walking so finding a treadmill with a solid deck and good motor was very important."

• "Solid treadmill, easy to set up (took about an hour while I was watching TV) and runs incredibly smooth."

What reviewers dislike

• "The speakers are average at best and the volume cannot be controlled from console."

• "My only gripe is that the platform is at a slight incline at its lowest position."

• "If you need it moved anywhere else inside your home to be assembled you will have to move the 300 lb. box yourself."

• "Only issue I have so far is the heart rate monitor on the handles seems to take quite a bit of time to read my heart rate."

• "It lacks a few features that the more expensive treadmills offer but for the money it is great."

Our verdict

The Sole F85 is a high-tech treadmill that has everything a modern exerciser wants. The Bluetooth speakers are a great bonus, especially considering how rare that is to find on a treadmill. You can get the exact customization you want by adjusting the speed and incline to your liking. Plus, you can create custom programs so that you just need to press a button to get the precise settings that work for you and your goals.

Ultimately, this treadmill is for people who want the best. It costs a lot more than other treadmills, but considering all its features, we think it's well worth the investment.

Where to buy Sole F85

We found the best price for the Sole F85 to be on Amazon. When you purchase on Amazon, this treadmill qualifies for fast, free shipping. You'll be able to workout in the comfort of your own home in no time!