Sole F85 Treadmill Review

How long will the Sole F85 last?

The main good quality of the Sole F85 is that it will last. We have to look at the overall value when we rank treadmills and the lack of other features kept it F85 out of first place. But, if we were talking build and durability alone, the F85 would take the cake! So, we see the F85 lasting an average to moderate treadmill user who works out about two to four times a week a long while.

We do want to note, though, that we make these predictions with proper care in mind. Simply unplugging your treadmill after use can save from power surges and keep your console preserved. Also investing in a pair of treadmill-only running shoes can keep your belt clean from debris and your motor running dust-free.

Brief Overview

If you are an average to a heavy user then you will likely be able to see the value in the Sole F85. But if you have grown used to the many features and touchscreens that are nearly commonplace in treadmills these days, then you may have a hard time paying so much for this model. Taking all of this into consideration, we have awarded the Sole F85 our Third Place 2021 Best Buy Award for the $1,500 to $1,999 dollar range.

Overall Quality

We all know that the F150s and Sierras of these days are not as reliable as they used to be. Manufacturers have added bells and whistles and sacrificed quality where it counts. The Sole F85 resembles the old trucks in this case. Unlike the other manufacturers in the treadmill world, Sole has kept their focus on the build of their treadmills and the F85 is no exception. With the biggest motor capacity, weight capacity, and weight of our top four in this price range we can see just how much value Sole put into this model. You top all of that off with Sole’s lifetime motor and deck, five-year electronics, and two-year parts and labor warranty and you have a company that stands behind their well-built treadmill. We also like to see the better cushioning that Sole included on this deck as well. While this will not reduce noise, per se, your F85's cushioning will help soften the impact on both your joints and your deck's joints.

Sole also included features that are more standard for this price range but they should still be noted as they add value that shouldn't be overlooked. Among these features are a twenty-two inch by sixty-inch walking area, twelve-speed levels, fifteen incline levels, and foldability. For this price range, these features are usually standard but not always so they add value to the F85.

However, there is a catch. You get basically zero technology. You may have seen the many NordicTrack and Peloton commercials these days that show a console that is bigger than most computer monitors these days. You will not receive that technology with the F85. And to rub salt into the wound, the F85 is more expensive than other treadmills that offer this technology in the price bracket. Like $300 dollars more! So if you are interested in the Sole F85, be sure to evaluate you and your household’s needs to make sure a strong build is enough.

History

We have named the F85 one of the best folding treadmills with a solid design and good components. But we have noted that the design is quite dated compared with the competition. Sole has done a great job with the F85 over the years. The issue now is that many of its competitors are making units that are much more feature-rich and have superior quality.

Conclusion

Looking at the Sole F85 as a whole, it does not hold up all that well to its competitors in regards to features and technology. But as far as build goes, the F85 is one of the best in this price range. Accordingly, we have awarded the Sole F85 treadmill our Third Place 2021 Best Buy Award for the $1,500 to $1,999 price range.