Sole F65 Treadmill Review: Is This Folding Runner Worth It in 2026

There is a strange split personality to the Sole F65.

On paper, it is one of the most respected sub-$1,500 treadmills you can buy: a 3.25 HP motor, a 22-inch-wide deck, and a lifetime warranty on the frame.

Then you search for owner feedback and hit a Reddit thread titled "Do NOT buy Sole treadmill" that paints a completely different picture.

I have spent time on Sole machines, dug through owner forums, and compared the F65 against its main rivals.

This review reconciles both realities so you know exactly what you are getting before you spend over a thousand dollars.

I know that is a lot to absorb in one paragraph, so let us slow down.

If the profile above sounds like you, and you are ready to evaluate this treadmill seriously, here is the current listing to check pricing and availability.

⭐ Editorial Rating: 4.8/5

SOLE Fitness F50, F63, F65, F80, F83, F85 Folding Treadmill with Incline

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Where the Sole F65 Sits in Sole's Lineup

Sole makes five folding treadmills in the F-series, and the hierarchy is simple: F63, F65, F80, F83, F85. The F65 is the step-up from the base model.

It gives you a more powerful motor (3.25 HP versus 3.0 HP), a wider deck (22 inches versus 20 inches), and a slightly larger console.

The F80 and above add even more motor and a few extra features, but the price climbs quickly past $1,800.

The F65 is the sweet spot for runners. You get the wider deck that matters for comfort and the stronger motor that handles sustained speed work, without paying the premium for the higher-end models.

It is the treadmill Sole designed for someone who runs regularly and wants a machine that will not feel flimsy after a year of daily use.

What the "Perpetual Sale" Actually Means

Here is something almost no review explains clearly. Sole lists the F65 at a manufacturer's suggested price of $2,399, but it has sold for $1,399 for years. There is no seasonal discount cycle.

That $2,399 figure is an anchor to make the sale price look dramatic, but the real retail price is $1,399. You are not getting a deal — you are paying the actual price the machine is worth.

That is fine, as long as you do not expect the price to drop further on Black Friday or Prime Day. It will not.

At $1,399, the F65 competes directly with the Horizon 7.4 AT, the ProForm Pro 2000, and the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Those comparisons matter, and I will break them down later.

Sole F65 Specs at a Glance

Before getting into how the F65 feels, here is the full spec sheet. Note that I am using Sole's official figures, because there is a surprising amount of conflicting information across retail listings.

One thing you will notice when shopping around is that some listings describe a 20-inch-wide deck and a 7.5-inch display. Those figures are wrong.

They come from the F63's spec sheet and have leaked into the F65 listings on Amazon and some third-party sites. The F65 officially has a 22-inch deck and a 9-inch display.

If a listing tells you otherwise, trust the official Sole product page over the retailer.

This discrepancy is annoying, but it is also a reminder to double-check specs when you are comparing treadmills across different sellers.

Performance Review: How the Sole F65 Feels to Run On

I have logged enough miles on Sole treadmills to know their personality. They are not flashy, but they are stable and predictable. The F65 follows that pattern closely.

Motor and Drive System

The 3.25 HP motor is genuinely sufficient for most runners. If you are under 250 pounds and you are not doing sprint intervals at 12 MPH for hours, you will never feel like the motor is struggling.

Speed transitions are smooth and gradual — there is no jerky jump when you hit the quick-speed buttons.

The motor is also quiet enough that you can watch TV at a normal volume, though you will hear the belt and deck at higher speeds.

The one thing to know about the motor rating is that 3.25 HP is continuous duty, not peak.

That matters because some budget treadmills advertise "peak horsepower" that sounds impressive but drops off during sustained use.

The F65's motor is honest — it will maintain that output for a 60-minute run.

Deck, Cushioning, and Stability

The 22-inch by 60-inch deck is roomy. If you have a longer stride, you will appreciate not having to worry about stepping off the side.

The Cushion Flex system absorbs impact well for an at-home treadmill — it is softer than a commercial gym treadmill but firmer than the springy decks on cheaper machines.

At 262 pounds, the frame is heavy and grounded. You do not get the shudder that budget treadmills have when you run. However, like the F63, there is a slight jostle at sprint speeds above 9 MPH.

I have seen this mentioned in almost every serious review, and it is not a design flaw. It is physics — the deck folds, so there is a tiny bit of give. It will not affect your run, but it is there.

Incline Performance

The 15 levels of powered incline are smooth and articulate well. It takes a few seconds to raise the deck to the full 15%, which is fine.

I use incline for walking intervals to increase calorie burn, and the F65 handles that perfectly. The only limitation is that 15% maxes out.

Some competitors like the Horizon 7.4 AT offer a 15% to -3% decline range. If you are training for downhill runs or want eccentric loading for leg strength, that missing decline is a genuine drawback.

The F65 Console and Tech: What You Get and What You Are Giving Up

Here is where the F65 loses points with modern buyers. The console is functional but unapologetically basic. It has a 9-inch backlit LCD that shows time, distance, speed, incline, pulse, and calories.

The display is readable from a standing position and you can see your stats at a glance, but it looks like it belongs on a treadmill from 2015.

There is no touchscreen, no streaming apps, and no HD display.

You get six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart-rate control programs. For interval, hill, and strength training, that is plenty.

You do not need a subscription to use the treadmill, which is the key difference between the F65 and competitors like the ProForm Pro 2000 that push iFIT hard.

Speakers, Bluetooth, and the Sole+ App

The dual Bluetooth speakers are genuinely decent. I was surprised at how clear music sounds through them, though they will not replace a dedicated soundbar.

There is a tablet holder above the console, so you can prop up an iPad and stream workouts while you run.

The Sole+ app adds structured coaching and workout videos. You get a free 30-day trial, then it costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. Here is the key distinction: the app is entirely optional.

Unlike iFIT on a ProForm, the treadmill functions perfectly without it. You are never locked into a subscription to access basic features.

The included Bluetooth chest strap is a real value-add. Most treadmills in this price range only give you pulse grips on the handlebars, which are notoriously inaccurate.

The chest strap connects wirelessly and gives you reliable heart-rate data without having to buy an extra accessory.

The "Do NOT Buy" Controversy: Investigating the F65's Harshest Reviews

Now to the elephant in the room. There is a highly visible Reddit thread, "Do NOT buy Sole treadmill," that appears right at the top of search results for this model.

If you have seen it, you are probably wondering whether the F65 is a lemon. I read that thread and every negative owner review I could find so you do not have to. Here is what is actually going on.

What the Complaints Actually Say

The complaints cluster around four themes:

• Motor failure within the warranty period: A few owners report the motor dying after a year or two of use, requiring a warranty claim.
• Deck and frame noise: Squeaking or thumping sounds develop after several months, often traced to belt tension or roller bearings.
• Shipping damage: The treadmills arrive with scratches, bent brackets, or cosmetic issues from freight handling. This is common with curbside freight delivery.
• Customer service friction: The biggest and most consistent complaint is not the product failure itself — it is that getting Sole to honor the warranty takes phone calls, photos, and patience.

Pattern or Isolated Incidents?

Here is the balanced take. Every treadmill brand in this price range has a tail of negative reviews. The question is whether the F65 fails at a higher rate than rivals.

From what I can find, the answer is no. The motor failures and deck issues are spread thin across thousands of units sold. What stands out is the service experience.

Sole's support team is under-resourced relative to the volume of products they sell.

Owners on forums report wait times on the phone, having to send multiple photos, and needing to be insistent before claims get approved.

That does not mean they are denied — most eventually get their replacements — but it is not the frictionless experience you would hope for with a $1,400 purchase.

There is also something suspicious on Sole's own website. The customer reviews for the F65 are a wall of five-star ratings, and they are all from 2018.

That is not evidence of quality — it is evidence of a review section that has not been curated in years, or has been quietly pruned. Treat those reviews as marketing, not proof.

How to Protect Your Purchase

You can meaningfully reduce the risk of getting stuck with a bad experience by following a few steps:

1. Buy through Sole's website, not Amazon. This is critical. The 30-day money-back guarantee only applies to direct orders. Amazon purchases fall under Amazon's return policy, which for a 262-pound treadmill is much harder to navigate.
2. Photograph the box before and after delivery. Shipping damage disputes are much easier to win with clear evidence of a damaged box and unit.
3. Test everything within the first 30 days. Run the treadmill through incline cycles, speed ramps, and a 30-minute session to check for deck alignment and unusual noises.
4. Register your warranty immediately. Keep proof of purchase and note that the warranty starts from the delivery date.

Footprint, Folding, and Everyday Living With the F65

This treadmill is large. It measures 82 inches long and 37 inches wide, and it needs a permanent or semi-permanent spot in your home.

The deck lifts and locks upright via a hydraulic assist, which reduces the floor footprint significantly, but the machine still extends about 38 inches from the wall when folded.

It does not fold flat, so do not expect to tuck it under a bed.

Moving the F65 is doable but not fun. It has transport wheels, but at 262 pounds, you will need to tilt it carefully to roll it.

If you are thinking about setting it up in a basement or upstairs, plan the delivery route before you order. Getting a 262-pound box up a flight of stairs is a two-person job.

Maintenance is straightforward: lubricate the belt every three months, keep the deck clean, and check belt tracking. It is not hard, but skipping these steps can void the deck parts warranty.

The manual covers all of it clearly.

Delivery and Assembly: The Fine Print Nobody Leads With

Here is the part that surprises most buyers. The F65 ships via freight with curbside service only.

That means the delivery driver drops the box at the end of your driveway or the curb in front of your house. They will not bring it inside, up stairs, or into your garage.

You are responsible for moving a 262-pound box from the curb to wherever you plan to assemble it.

If you live in an apartment, a walk-up, or anywhere without a direct path from the curb to your exercise room, this is a real problem.

Several owners I read about underestimated this and ended up paying movers extra to help. Plan for this before you order.

Assembly itself is manageable with two people. The instructions are clear, the tools are mostly included, and most people finish in 60 to 90 minutes.

If you want Sole to assemble it for you, professional assembly costs $299.99 — notably steeper than the $150 to $200 most rivals charge.

Sole F65 vs. the Competition: Decision Matrix

The F65 does not exist in a vacuum. At $1,399, it goes up against several strong alternatives. Here is how it stacks up.

Sole F63 vs. F65

Should you save a few hundred dollars and get the F63? The F63 has a 3.0 HP motor, a 20-inch-wide deck, and a 7.5-inch display. The F65 upgrades all three and costs roughly $200 to $300 more.

If you are over 200 pounds or have a stride longer than 30 inches, the wider deck alone is worth the upgrade.

If you are a lighter runner or walker, the F63 is a smarter buy and you will not miss the extra features.

Sole F65 vs. Horizon 7.4 AT

The Horizon 7.4 AT is the F65's most direct competitor. It has a stronger 3.5 HP motor, a 22-inch by 60-inch deck, and a -3% to 15% incline range.

The Horizon also integrates with the Zwift app and other Bluetooth fitness platforms for interactive programming without a subscription wall.

Its frame weight is slightly lower at 252 pounds, but it feels just as stable.

Sole's advantages are the included chest strap, the heavier frame (if you believe more metal equals more durability), and the lifetime warranty terms.

The Horizon has a lifetime frame and motor warranty too, but only 1-year parts and 1-year labor, which is weaker than Sole's 3-year parts coverage.

If decline training or interactive apps matter to you, choose the Horizon. If you want the most robust warranty and do not care about the extras, the F65 is the safer long-term bet.

Sole F65 vs. ProForm Pro 2000

The ProForm Pro 2000 is the tech-first option. It has a 10-inch HD touchscreen, iFIT integration, and a -3% to 15% incline range, all for a similar price.

The problem is that iFIT requires a subscription to unlock the treadmill's full potential. Without it, you are stuck with a very basic console experience.

The Sole F65 is the anti-ProForm. It has no touchscreen, no iFIT, and no subscription requirement. It gives you a simpler ownership experience and a better raw build quality.

If you want trainer-led workouts and entertainment on the display, the ProForm is better. If you want a treadmill that will outlast the tech cycle and not nag you for a monthly fee, the F65 wins.

Who Should Buy the Sole F65

The F65 is not for everyone, and that is fine. It has a clearly defined audience.

You should buy it if you are a dedicated runner or brisk walker who wants a commercial-grade, high-mileage machine without paying F80 or F85 prices.

You want a spacious 22-inch deck, you value a lifetime frame and motor warranty, and you prefer simplicity — you are happy to stream workouts on your own tablet while the treadmill quietly does its job.

More than anything, the F65 is for the person who wants to buy one treadmill and keep it for the next decade. The lack of a touchscreen is not a flaw if you never planned to use it.

The lack of a subscription is a feature.

Who Should Absolutely Skip It

Skip the F65 if you are primarily a walker or casual user. The F63 costs less and gives you almost the same walking comfort.

Skip it if you want a touchscreen with streaming apps built into the display — the ProForm Pro 2000 or a NordicTrack will be far better for that.

Skip it if you have limited floor space, because this machine demands a dedicated corner.

And skip it if you need decline training for downhill simulation, because the F65 maxes out at a 15% incline with no negative range.

Sole F65 Warranty and Customer Support Reality Check

The warranty terms are genuinely excellent on paper. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, three years on the deck, electronics, and parts, and one year on labor.

That is among the best in the industry at this price point.

The honest caveat is that the claims process can be slow. Owner forums report mixed experiences with Sole's support team, with some claims requiring persistence and documentation over several weeks.

You will likely get your issue resolved, but it may not be a quick or effortless process.

The return policy also has fine print worth noting: the 30-day money-back guarantee only covers direct purchases from Sole's website, and you pay return shipping on a 262-pound treadmill if you decide to send it back.

That return shipping could easily cost several hundred dollars, so the "guarantee" is not as risk-free as it sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sole F65 good for walking?

Yes. The speed range starts at a gentle 0.5 MPH crawl and the 15 levels of incline make it excellent for high-calorie walking workouts.

However, if you will only ever walk, the F63 is a better value at roughly $200 less, with nearly identical walking comfort.

Does the Sole F65 include a heart rate monitor?

Yes. The F65 comes with a Bluetooth chest strap and pulse grips on the handlebars. Most competitors in this price range only include the grip sensors, which are less accurate.

Can I run a marathon on a Sole F65?

Absolutely. The 60-inch deck accommodates full strides, the 12 MPH top speed supports tempo runs and intervals, and the cushioning system reduces joint impact during longer sessions.

The motor is built for sustained output, not just short bursts.

Why is the F65 always "on sale"?

Sole uses a perpetual discount model. The $2,399 MSRP is a psychological anchor, but the real street price has been $1,399 for years. This is the actual retail price, not a temporary deal.

Do not expect significant price drops on major shopping holidays.

Does the Sole F65 fold up completely flat?

No. The deck lifts vertically and locks upright, reducing the floor footprint, but the machine still extends about 38 inches from the wall.

If you need a treadmill that tucks under a bed or lies completely flat, look at different designs.

Does the Sole F65 require a subscription?

No. The treadmill functions fully without the Sole+ app. You can use the built-in programs, manual mode, and heart-rate features with zero subscription.

The optional Sole+ app costs $19.99 per month after a free 30-day trial, but it is entirely skippable.

The Final Verdict: Is the Sole F65 Worth Buying?

Here is the honest conclusion. The Sole F65 is a built-tough, no-nonsense runner's treadmill with a class-leading warranty, a spacious deck, and a strong motor.

Its console is dated, its footprint is large, and its customer service reputation is inconsistent. None of those shortcomings make it a bad treadmill. They just make it a targeted one.

If you are a runner who values durability over entertainment, the F65 will likely outlast two generations of touchscreen treadmills. If you want tech, buy tech.

If you want a runner, the F65 is one of the most honest machines at this price. Check the current pricing if this review pushed you toward pulling the trigger.