Sole F80 or F85: which treadmill should you choose?
Written by Erik Martens, co-founder of Fitnessdepot
The difference between the Sole F80 and the Sole F85 lies in the motor, top speed, incline, and console: the F85 features a 4.0 hp motor, reaches up to 22 km/h, also offers decline (-6 to 15), and supports up to 165 kg, whereas the F80 with 3.5 hp, 19 km/h, and 150 kg is more than adequate for walking and light to vigorous running. The running surface is identical on both: 56 x 152.5 cm. You pay € 2,595 for the Sole F80 and € 3,095 for the Sole F85. The price difference is therefore € 500.
If you are in doubt, it is best to try them out in person first. Below you can read where the difference truly lies in practice, and when that extra € 500 is worthwhile.
Sole F80 vs F85: the specifications side by side
On paper, they look very similar: same Z-frame, same running surface, both foldable, both equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth FTMS, and the SOLE+ app. You can see the differences in this table.
| Feature | Sole F80 | Sole F85 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | € 2.595 | € 3.095 |
| Motor | 3.5 hp | 4.0 hp |
| Speed | up to 19 km/h | 1 to 22 km/h |
| Incline | 15 levels | -6 to 15 (also decline) |
| Running surface | 56 x 152.5 cm | 56 x 152.5 cm |
| Rollers | 6 cm | 7 cm |
| Touchscreen | 25.6 cm | 39.6 cm |
| Max. user weight | 150 kg | 165 kg |
| Machine weight | 124.3 kg | 144.6 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 209.5 x 96.5 x 167.6 cm | 209.5 x 96.5 x 167.6 cm |
| Folded (L x W x H) | 111.7 x 96.5 x 181.6 cm | 111.8 x 96.5 x 181.6 cm |
| Warranty | 10 years frame, 5 years motor | 10 years frame, 5 years motor |
What is the difference in practice?
Motor and speed: for those running above 15 km/h
A stronger motor is especially noticeable at high speeds and with heavier users. The F80 reaches 19 km/h, which is more than enough for most home runners. If you train intervals with sprints above that speed, or share the treadmill with multiple athletes who run on it daily, the 4.0 hp motor of the F85 provides more reserve. The larger rollers (7 cm versus 6 cm) help with this: larger rollers spin more smoothly and put less stress on the belt.
Running downhill: only on the F85
The F85 goes down to a -6 incline. This is useful if you are training for a trail, a marathon with descents, or if you want to specifically condition your quadriceps to downhill running. For those who mainly walk or run at a flat pace, this is no reason to pay more.
Console: larger screen, more programs
Both feature a touchscreen with Wi-Fi, apps such as YouTube and Netflix, screen mirroring, Bluetooth speakers, a fan, and wireless charging (10 W). The screen of the F85 is larger (39.6 cm versus 25.6 cm) and allows you to save up to 12 custom programs, plus 7 military fitness tests. On the other hand, the F80 has 14 shortcut keys for speed and incline, which some runners simply find more convenient than using the screen for everything.
User weight and stability
The F80 supports users up to 150 kg, and the F85 up to 165 kg. The F85 is also 20 kg heavier (144.6 kg versus 124.3 kg). You can feel that extra weight as stability at high speeds, as well as during installation.
What we observe during installations
During delivery and installation, we pay attention to three things that are not listed in any specification table.
- Ceiling height: you stand quite high above the floor and move up a little bit with every stride. Take your body height plus about 30 cm extra. In an attic with a sloped roof, space runs out quickly.
- Stairs and doorways: getting a 124 or 145 kg machine up to a floor or down to a basement is not a job for two friends on a Saturday. Our team does this daily, but make sure to measure the turns of your staircase in advance.
- Power and noise: both run on 220-230 V. We recommend a dedicated wall outlet without an extension cord. If you live in an apartment, lay down a rubber subfloor to limit impact noise for your neighbors.
When folded, both machines take up about 112 x 97 cm of floor space, but their height increases to 181.6 cm. Folding is useful to clear up space, not to store the treadmill under a low ceiling.
Pricing: how much does a Sole treadmill cost?
At Fitnessdepot, the Sole range runs from € 1,595 to € 3,095. The F80 and F85 are at the top:
- Sole F63: € 1,595, entry-level model for walking and light jogging.
- Sole F65: € 1,995, a step up in the mid-range segment.
- Sole F80: € 2,595, the all-rounder for most home runners.
- Sole F85: € 3,095, the top model among foldable Sole treadmills.
If you want to compare with other brands in the same price range, have a look at the Spirit Fitness XT685 (€ 2,595) or the full selection of treadmills.
Which one should you choose?
- You mainly walk or run up to 12 to 14 km/h: choose the F80. You get the same running surface, the same warranty, and a full-fledged console, while keeping € 500 in your pocket.
- You run intervals or train for a race: choose the F85. The stronger motor, 22 km/h speed, and decline feature make all the difference for targeted running workouts.
- You weigh more than 150 kg or the treadmill is shared by multiple heavy users: choose the F85, which supports up to 165 kg of maximum user weight.
- You watch movies or follow classes while walking: the larger screen of the F85 is a real asset. For occasional series watching, the F80 will suffice.
- The treadmill needs to go upstairs: both are possible, but the F80 is 20 kg lighter. Let us handle the installation.
Also read: our treadmill buying guide, the comparison between the Concept2 RowErg vs water rower, and all products from Sole Fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sole F85 worth the extra cost compared to the F80?
Yes, if you run fast, do intervals above 19 km/h, want to train with decline, or weigh more than 150 kg; for walking and light jogging, the F80 is the better buy.
Do the Sole F80 and F85 have the same running surface?
Yes, both feature a running surface of 56 x 152.5 cm with cushioning, which is spacious enough to run on comfortably.
Can you fold the Sole F80 and F85?
Yes, both are foldable and measure approximately 112 x 96.5 cm of floor space when folded, with a height of 181.6 cm.
How much warranty do you get on the Sole F80 and F85?
According to the product information, you get a 10-year warranty on the frame and 5 years on the motor. Feel free to ask about the conditions for the remaining parts when placing your order.
Do the Sole F80 and F85 work with training apps?
Yes, both connect via Bluetooth FTMS to the SOLE+ app and other fitness apps, and via Wi-Fi you can use built-in apps such as YouTube and Netflix.
Can I test the Sole F80 and F85 first?
Yes, make an appointment in our showroom in Ranst and let us know in advance that you want to test the F80 and F85, and we will make sure they are ready. Bring your own running shoes.
Ready to choose? View the Sole F80 and the Sole F85 or plan a showroom visit.
