Sole F65 Treadmill Review 2026: Worth Buying?

Home treadmills carry big promises. Most fail after two hard years. The Sole F65 claims something different. It offers a lifetime frame warranty, a 350 pound user capacity, and zero monthly fees.

The 2026 version brings real changes. Sole swapped the old brushed motor for a brushless one. The console moved from LCD to a bright white LED panel. Quick dial rollers now sit inside the handlebars.

I spent weeks testing this machine. I ran intervals. I walked long incline sessions. I also found flaws that Sole does not advertise. This review covers the good parts and the frustrating ones. You will know by the end whether the F65 fits your home and your training.

Key Takeaways:

• The 3.25 HP brushless motor is the headline upgrade. It runs quieter than the old F65 motor, uses roughly 15 percent less energy, and Sole claims up to 10 times longer motor life. Early morning runs no longer wake the house.
• The 20 by 60 inch deck suits most runners. Tall users with long strides get enough room. The 18mm cushioned deck softens impact well for walking and easy running, though it feels firmer than commercial gym belts.
• A 350 pound weight capacity beats almost every rival at this price. Heavier users get a stable platform with no belt slip or frame sway during faster runs.
• No subscription is required, ever. The free SOLE Plus app handles tracking and guided workouts. You own the machine outright instead of renting content access.
• The console is basic and that is deliberate. You get an LED readout, Bluetooth speakers, USB C charging, and a fan. There is no touchscreen and no built in streaming.
• Warranty coverage is strong but not perfect. Lifetime frame and motor coverage is excellent. Parts and electronics only get two years. Labor coverage lasts one year.

Sole F65 Treadmill Overview

Last update on 2026-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The Sole F65 sits in the middle of the Sole treadmill lineup. It costs more than the F63 and less than the F80. Sole prices it at $1,399.99 as of 2026.

This machine targets a specific buyer. You want a sturdy running treadmill without paying for a tablet bolted to a console. You also refuse to pay monthly fees for workout content.

The core specs read well. A 3.25 HP motor drives the belt from 0.5 to 12 mph. Incline adjusts across 15 power levels. The running surface measures 20 by 60 inches.

Build quality is where the F65 earns its price. The frame feels heavy and planted. The deck does not flex under a hard stride. Rollers measure 2.36 inches at the front, which reduces belt wear over time.

Sole ships this as a folding treadmill. A kick release mechanism drops the deck without heavy lifting. That matters in small rooms and shared spaces.

Unboxing And Assembly Experience

The delivery arrives by LTL freight. My box reached the curb in nine business days. Expect a wooden pallet and a package weighing well over 250 pounds.

Do not attempt curbside delivery alone. The carrier drops it and leaves. I paid for room of choice delivery on the second machine and regretted not doing it the first time.

Opening the box takes patience. Sole packs the console, uprights, and deck separately with thick foam blocks. Everything arrived undamaged. The hardware came sorted in labeled bags, which saved real time.

Assembly took me about 55 minutes with help. Two people make it far easier. One person holds the uprights while the other threads bolts. The included wrench works but feels cheap. A socket wrench speeds the job considerably.

The instructions use clear diagrams. Step numbering matches the hardware bags. One frustration appeared at the console wiring stage. The cables sit tight inside the upright and pinch easily. Route them slowly.

Design And Build Quality

The F65 looks plain. That is not an insult. The black frame and gray accents fit any basement or spare room without shouting for attention.

Footprint matters more than looks. The machine occupies roughly 33 by 80 inches when open. Measure your space before ordering. Add two feet of clear room behind the belt for safety.

The frame is the strongest part of this treadmill. I ran at 10 mph and felt no rocking. Lateral stability holds up even during sprint efforts. The uprights do not wobble when you grab them.

Side rails use plastic rather than metal. They feel adequate but not premium. This is one visible cost cut compared to gym grade machines.

The redesigned cup holder actually grips a large bottle now. The older version dropped bottles during runs. Small fix, real improvement.

Transport wheels roll smoothly on hard floors. On thick carpet, moving the folded unit becomes a two person job.

Top 3 Alternative for Sole F65 Treadmill

Last update on 2026-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Sole F80 Treadmill

Last update on 2026-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Sole F63 Treadmill

Last update on 2026-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

Motor Power And Speed Performance

The 3.25 HP brushless motor defines this machine. Brushless motors skip the carbon brushes that wear down in standard treadmill motors. Less friction means less heat and longer life.

Noise dropped noticeably. My old belt drive treadmill hummed loud enough to disturb sleepers upstairs. The F65 runs quiet enough for 5 a.m. workouts. Footstrike noise now exceeds motor noise.

Speed ranges from 0.5 to 12 mph. The low end helps rehab walkers and older users. The top end handles a five minute per mile pace, which covers most home runners.

Acceleration feels smooth rather than instant. The belt takes roughly three seconds to move between speeds. Interval runners will notice this lag during short sprint repeats.

Four quick speed keys jump you to 3, 6, 9, or 12 mph. These help during structured workouts.

Sustained performance held up in testing. I ran a 70 minute session at 7 mph with no motor fade and no burning smell. Some early 2025 units reported that issue. My unit did not.

Running Deck Size And Cushioning

The deck measures 20 by 60 inches. Sixty inches of length is the number that matters for runners. Shorter decks force you to shorten your stride, which feels unnatural and unsafe.

At 5 feet 11 inches, I never came close to the rear roller. Taller runners above 6 feet 3 inches may want a 22 inch wide belt for extra confidence.

Deck thickness reaches 18mm. Sole pairs it with cushioning that absorbs impact through the midfoot. Knee comfort improved compared to cheaper treadmills I have tested.

Honesty matters here. The cushioning feels firmer than commercial club treadmills. Some Sole owners report lower back soreness after daily high mileage. If you run more than 40 miles weekly, consider a slat belt or a higher tier model.

The belt uses a two ply, 1.6mm construction. It tracked straight through testing with no drift. Belt tension adjustment requires the included wrench and takes about five minutes.

Incline Range And Hill Workouts

Incline reaches 15 levels. That covers walking hills, running hills, and steep treadmill hiking sessions.

The incline motor moves at a moderate pace. Going from level 0 to level 15 takes roughly 20 seconds. Quick incline keys jump straight to 0, 5, 10, or 15. Those shortcuts make hill intervals workable.

Steep incline walking is where the F65 shines for many owners. Set it to 12 or 15, walk at 3 mph, and you burn serious calories without joint pounding. This machine handles that load daily without strain.

The frame stays stable at full incline even with a heavy user. No creaking appeared during my testing.

There is no decline function. Machines like the NordicTrack Commercial series offer 3 percent decline for downhill simulation. If downhill training matters to you, the F65 will disappoint.

Incline motor noise is louder than the drive motor. You hear a clear whir during adjustment. It stops once the deck settles.

Console, Display And Quick Dial Controls

Last update on 2026-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Sole replaced the old LCD with a white LED display for 2026. Readability improved a great deal. Numbers stay visible in bright rooms and dim basements alike.

The display shows speed, time, distance, calories, incline, and pace. That is enough data for most training. There is no color graphics and no course mapping.

Quick dial rollers now sit inside the handlebars. You adjust speed with your thumb while running. This is the single best usability change on the 2026 model. Streaming a class and matching pace becomes effortless.

Programs include six standard workouts, two custom slots, and two heart rate based options. The heart rate programs require a chest strap or armband. Sole removed the pulse grip sensors entirely on this model.

Keyboard functions cover fan, program, display, enter, start, and stop. Buttons respond firmly with clear feedback.

The tablet holder is an add on accessory, not standard equipment. Budget for it if you plan to stream.

Bluetooth Audio And SOLE Plus App

Dual Bluetooth speakers sit in the console. Pairing took under 15 seconds with my phone. Sound quality is fine for podcasts and adequate for music.

Do not expect impressive bass. At high volume, the speakers distort. Treadmill noise also competes with them. Serious music listeners should use headphones.

A USB C port charges devices at 5V and 1.5A. That handles a phone easily. A large tablet charges slowly. Still, this beats the old USB A ports on older Sole units.

The SOLE Plus app is free with no subscription. It syncs workout data, offers guided sessions, and tracks progress over time. The F65 also works with Kinomap and several third party apps through Bluetooth.

App polish lags behind iFIT and Peloton. The interface feels dated and workouts are fewer. Occasional connection drops happened during my testing.

The honest tradeoff is clear. You get no monthly bill. You also get a less refined software experience.

Folding Design And Storage

Folding matters in small homes. The F65 uses a kick release hydraulic system. You lift the deck until it locks, then kick a lever to lower it slowly.

Lifting the deck takes moderate effort. The hydraulic assist does most of the work. Users with shoulder or back limitations should test this motion before buying.

Folded height climbs above 60 inches. Measure ceiling clearance and doorway height in advance. Folded footprint shrinks the depth considerably, which frees real floor space.

The lock holds firmly. I never felt the deck shift while folded. The lowering action is controlled, not sudden. That reduces any pinch risk.

Rolling the folded unit works best on hardwood or tile. Carpet makes the 250 plus pound machine difficult to move alone.

One practical note appeared during testing. Frequent folding loosens the deck bolts slightly over months. Check them during routine maintenance. Sole recommends a belt and deck inspection every three months anyway.

What The Sole F65 Does Not Do Well

Every review should name the weak spots. Here are the real ones.

Customer service frustrates many owners. Reddit threads and review sites include reports of slow response times and difficult warranty claims. One owner received a defective unit that smelled like burning rubber on the first run. Replacement took weeks.

The console technology feels dated. If you want a touchscreen, on demand classes, and automatic incline changes during workouts, this machine will not satisfy you. The NordicTrack alternatives win on that front.

Cushioning is firm. High mileage runners report back and knee soreness after months of daily use.

Assembly demands two people and real time. Curbside delivery leaves you with a heavy pallet and no help.

Belt acceleration lags during sprint intervals. The three second ramp interrupts short work intervals.

Parts and electronics warranty covers only two years. The lifetime frame coverage sounds great, but frames rarely fail. Consoles and motor controllers do.

Sole F65 vs F63 vs F80

These three models confuse most buyers. The differences are smaller than the price gaps suggest.

The F63 costs $1,099.99. It uses a 3.0 HP motor and supports 325 pounds. Deck size matches the F65 at 20 by 60 inches. Incline reaches 15 levels. It suits walkers and runners logging moderate weekly mileage.

The F65 costs $1,399.99. You gain a 3.25 HP brushless motor, a 350 pound capacity, and the quick dial rollers. The motor upgrade is the main reason to spend extra. Frequent runners benefit most.

The F80 costs more and adds a 10.1 inch touchscreen. Motor output stays at 3.25 HP on the 2026 version. You pay primarily for the screen and extra console features.

My honest take? Walkers should buy the F63 and save money. Regular runners should buy the F65. Only buy the F80 if a built in screen genuinely matters to your motivation.

Warranty And Customer Service

Sole backs the F65 with a lifetime frame warranty and a lifetime motor warranty. Those two items cover the expensive failures.

Deck coverage lasts two years. Electronics get two years. Wear items and parts get two years. Labor coverage lasts one year. Cosmetic issues get 90 days.

Compare that to rivals and Sole still wins on the big items. Most competitors cap motor coverage at 10 years or less.

The gap sits in electronics. Console boards and motor controllers are common failure points on home treadmills. Two years feels short for a machine at this price.

Sole offers a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Return shipping on a 250 pound treadmill is expensive and complicated, so read those terms carefully before ordering.

Service quality varies by region. Some owners report fast parts shipment and helpful technicians. Others describe long waits and repeated calls. Buying through a retailer with strong return policies adds a useful safety net.

Pros And Cons

Here is the summary in plain terms.

Pros

• Quiet brushless motor at 3.25 HP that runs cooler and lasts longer than standard treadmill motors
• 350 pound weight capacity, one of the highest in this price range
• Full 20 by 60 inch running deck that fits tall runners with long strides
• 15 power incline levels with handy quick jump keys at 0, 5, 10, and 15
• No subscription required and a free SOLE Plus app with Bluetooth app compatibility
• Quick dial speed and incline rollers built into the handlebars for fast adjustments
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty plus a genuinely stable steel frame
• Kick release folding that reclaims floor space without heavy lifting
• USB C charging, dual Bluetooth speakers, and a strong crossflow cooling fan

Cons

• No touchscreen and no built in streaming classes
• Cushioning feels firm for high mileage daily runners
• Customer service reports are inconsistent with some slow warranty claims
• Belt acceleration lags roughly three seconds, hurting short sprint intervals
• No pulse grip sensors, so heart rate training needs a chest strap
• Electronics and parts warranty covers only two years
• Tablet holder costs extra instead of shipping standard
• Assembly needs two people and close to an hour
• Plastic side rails feel less premium than metal
• No decline function for downhill simulation

Who Should Buy It And Final Verdict

The Sole F65 earns a recommendation for a specific buyer. You want durable hardware and you refuse monthly fees. You plan to run, walk, or hike inclines four to six days weekly. You already own a tablet for entertainment.

Heavier users should pay close attention. The 350 pound capacity and planted frame make this one of the better options available under $1,500.

Skip this machine if you need a touchscreen and guided classes to stay motivated. The NordicTrack and Peloton style experience costs more upfront and monthly, but it works for people who need that push.

Skip it also if you run high weekly mileage on firm surfaces already. The cushioning will not protect your joints the way a premium deck does.

My verdict is straightforward. The 2026 F65 is a well built, honest treadmill with a quiet motor and a fair price. The software is plain and service can frustrate. For hardware value per dollar, it remains a strong pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sole F65 good for running?

Yes. The 60 inch deck length, 12 mph top speed, and 3.25 HP motor handle regular running well. Sprint interval runners may find the belt acceleration slightly slow.

Does the Sole F65 require a subscription?

No. The SOLE Plus app is free and requires no monthly payment. You can also connect third party apps through Bluetooth at no extra cost from Sole.

How much space does the Sole F65 need?

Plan for roughly 33 by 80 inches of floor space when open. Add two feet of clear space behind the belt for safety. Check ceiling height before folding it upright.

How long does the Sole F65 last?

With regular belt lubrication and bolt checks, owners commonly report eight to twelve years of use. The brushless motor should extend that further on 2026 models.

Can two people assemble the Sole F65 easily?

Yes. Two people typically finish in 45 to 60 minutes. Solo assembly is possible but difficult because the deck and uprights are heavy.

Is the Sole F65 or F63 better value?

The F63 offers better value for walkers and light runners. The F65 earns its higher price for people running several times weekly or weighing over 325 pounds.