When I saw Sandra Bullock use an at-home treadmill in “The Proposal,” I dreamt about owning one. I also dreamt about that apartment, but that article’s for a different day. When I discovered I could road-test the SOLE F63 treadmill, I begged my editor to let me try it at home.
I’ve been using treadmills as part of my workout for years. Despite dealing with bad knees, I still like to work out and I’ve developed a series of workarounds.
I fell in love with the idea of having a commercial quality treadmill for my use 24/7. When you have a treadmill in close proximity, you’re hard pressed to not workout. I also run New York City’s third largest Instagram stooping account, Nycfreeatthecurb. I can walk three to nine miles a night looking for things to post. Using a treadmill ensures that I’m active and is a great tool to build endurance for long walks.
SOLE F63 Treadmill
Why did I find the Sole F63 Treadmill appealing?
Two things stood out when I read the SOLE F63 description: apartment-friendly and foldable. My apartment is the size of a mouse’s dollhouse, so I needed a treadmill that would fit in my space, not overpower it. A folding treadmill that would fit into a tiny New York City apartment is a dream come true.
However, even folded, this treadmill takes up space as it stands 72 inches high. Luckily, I have 10 foot ceilings, otherwise, the apartment would feel more cramped than it is without it.
Unboxing and first impressions
Shortly after I received a call from Arc Best, the shipping company that SOLE uses, saying my treadmill was on its way, I reorganized my living room in preparation for it.
The truck that it came in was massive. I had a panic attack once the truck’s backdoor rolled up and the SOLE F63 carton was displayed in all its glory. Dear reader, I am horrible when it comes to spatial dynamics. I did NOT read the treadmill’s dimensions when I read the description. I was so entranced by the phrase “fold up” that I didn’t think to read anything else. This sucker is big. Its width is as wide as my apartment’s hallway. Boxed, the treadmill weighs 352 pounds. It cannot be lifted and carried into an apartment solo. I got the treadmill to my front door via a wheeled platform and friends. Otherwise, it would have been stuck on a city street.
After getting the treadmill into my apartment’s hallway, I went to work unboxing it. Everything is perfectly wrapped and protected from the road. Due to its many pieces, it took me a few hours to wrestle it out of its wrappings. As I was freeing the pieces from the plastic surrounding it, I was impressed by the quality of each piece. This is a luxury treadmill, no, a commercial treadmill that would be equally at home in a gym, as it is in a home.
I was able to take small pieces into my apartment, but the bigger parts were too heavy for me to move safely. I posted on my local Facebook group asking if a tall person could help me get it into the apartment. Yes, I specified a tall person due to the size of the cushioned deck. Help arrived, and we got to move the deck out of my apartment’s hallway. After a few moments of screaming, “Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!” we got it in. A few days later, my new friend and I put it together.
Pros and cons
While this treadmill is great, it has some pros and cons.
Pros:
- Built-in cooling fans to keep you comfortable when working out
- Large, easy-to-read LCD screen
- Console quickly displays speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace
- Multiple built-in programs and a manual one that is user-created
- Free app with treadmill workouts
- App also has yoga and other follow-along workouts too
- Console has pause, start, and stop buttons as well as Bluetooth speakers and a tablet holder
- Controls are easy to reach
- Once folded up, it’s easy to move around your apartment
- Easy to use
- As impressive as a gym’s treadmill
- Kinomap compatible
- Can sync with Apple Health
Cons:
- Cannot be assembled by one person
- The instructions are awful: Some of the instructions are very confusing. The diagrams cannot be easily understood, and the language seems off.
- None of the parts were labeled
- Assembly time took longer than anticipated due to screws being tossed into one bag, and other issues mentioned above this line
- Short power cord
- Speaker quality is just okay; would have preferred something that delivered a crisper sound
- The on button should have been placed in a more accessible spot.
Price
The Sole F63 Treadmill is $1,199.99. That price doesn’t include shipping. For an additional $199, the treadmill can be placed in your chosen room. For an extra $350, it will be placed in your room of choice and assembled for you. Speaking from personal experience, use the assembly option.
SOLE F63 Treadmill
Key specifications
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Incline range: 15 levels
- Running area: 20 inches x 60 inches
- Folding: Yes
- Top speed: 12 mph
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds
- Dimensions: 77 inches x 35 inches x 67 inches
- Folded dimensions: 50 inches x 35 inches x 72 inches
- Item weight: 224 pounds
- Built-in programs: Manual, hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, HIIT, and two heart-rate monitoring programs
- Accessory holders: Phone/tablet holder, reading rack, two cup holders, small item tray
- Speed/incline adjustments: Console
- Display: 6.5-inch backlit LCD
- Device charging: USB type A, 5V 1A
- Speakers: Bluetooth audio speakers, Sole+ data transfer
Is it for you?
As mentioned earlier, the Sole F63 provides the same experience as a commercial treadmill in an upscale gym. Without the wait time. It has great features like an easy, almost intuitive interface, easy-to-program custom workouts, and a slightly bouncy cushioned deck. It also has 15 incline levels and a top speed of 12 mph.
Once the deck starts rolling, the treadmill gives off a low hum. The sound of your sneakers hitting the deck is louder than that noise. The slight “give” or bounce of the deck seems to absorb movement shock. This is an important feature for those with knee, leg, or ankle issues. The slightly wide deck allows the runner or walker to move backward and forward; not everyone runs in a straight line. Sometimes people move at an angle. The Sole F63 has side rails that are partially padded. These rails can be used to assist a runner to stay in place, rest their arms, and gently guide them towards the middle of the deck when moving
In addition to two cup holders, there’s a tray for small items, and a tablet or phone holder. Honestly, how many holders does one person need when working out at home? The tablet/phone holder is sturdy and keeps the devices in place when working out. The tablet holder is placed just about the main screen, which affords the user a good sightline when following along with one of Sole’s prerecorded classes.
Weight-wise it can handle my weight (138 pounds) and will comfortably work for someone weighing 325 pounds.
It’s easy to move in and out of position with its four wheels. Simply lift the backend, and it smoothly moves into the folded position. If the deck accidentally slips out of your hands, the hydraulics prevent it from slamming straight into the floor; rather the deck slowly moves into a horizontal position. To get it into place, tap the kickstand lightly with your foot, and the treadmill slowly descends to the floor.
Is the Sole F63 Treadmill worth it?
The treadmill market is a crowded one. So, is the Sole F63 worth the $1,199.99 price tag? As a mid-priced treadmill, it delivers the same experience as a high-end commercial treadmill. The wide cushioned deck, smoothly running motor (lifetime warranty), large easy-to-read LCD screen, and the ability to create two custom programs means that this treadmill offers the same options as higher-priced treadmills. The Sole F63 is sturdily made. Designed with a steel frame and aluminum kick plates, it can withstand a punishing run.
Perhaps one of Sole F63’s biggest selling points is the app. It can track your workouts, has a variety of classes, is easy to sync, but most importantly, it is free. Some treadmill companies offer an app that does everything that Sole does, but with a steep price tag. To be able to workout with an instructor, track your health, your progress, and your fitness for free, well, that’s priceless.
Assembly
As mentioned earlier, building the Sole F63 is not an easy task; it’s difficult to do it solo, and even with help, it can be a daunting task. Between a poorly worded instruction manual, to pieces that need to be held by one person as someone else manipulates them into place, this is a time consuming task.
While the spiral bound instruction manual has photographs and illustrations, the instructions seemed at times to be unclear. It took multiple readings by two people to decipher what was cited in the manual. At one point, video tutorials were watched repeatedly until constructing the Sole F63 made sense.
Building the Sole F63 treadmill would have gone smoother if the manufacturer had done two things in the factory: label parts and place the various screws into separate bags that were labeled by what part they worked with.
Dimensions and storability
While the Sole F63 is a sturdy treadmill, and heavy—it weighs 224 pounds—it’s also easy to move around. The four wheels at the bottom make it easy to push it around a room. The wheels are smooth, and this treadmill is engineered so well that it doesn’t take much effort to move it from one spot to another. It literally is a sweat-free task. When folded, the deck rests at a 30 degree angle. The treadmill is kept in place by a T-bar configured base. When the treadmill is folded, it is 50 inches long x 35 inches wide x 72 inches high. While smaller than when the treadmill is being used, it’s still an item that needs room when stored.
When the treadmill is flat, it measures 77 inches long x 35 inches wide x 67 inches high. While this sounds like the treadmill could be placed in the corner of a room and then used, it should not. When operating and running on the Sole F63 treadmill, it’s important to have space not only in the front and the back of the machine, but also on each side. A dedicated space for the treadmill will prevent injuries from either tripping over it, or worst case scenario, falling off it and onto a chair or hard object when working out on it.
I cannot stress this enough, the Sole F63 is a large machine, as big as a commercial treadmill. It needs to have a lot of space to not only operate, but to store the device. Due to its configuration when folded, if there isn’t enough space to store the treadmill, you can run the risk of the treadmill blocking access to the rest of the room.
Ease of use/user friendliness
The Sole F63 treadmill operates on the “WYSIWYG” premise. What you see is what you get. All treadmills have similar procedures, so if you’ve been on one treadmill, you’re good to go. If you’re unfamiliar with setting up a treadmill, or choosing a workout option, do not use the user manual, because there isn’t any information on it.
Once you turn the machine on, stand on the treadmill and the LCD Console will prompt you to fill out basic information like weight and age. You set everything by clicking the incline up or down buttons and set it by hitting the enter button.
Speaking of buttons everything is labeled, and the buttons can be touched lightly to set up a workout. If choosing a pre-programmed workout on the Sole F63, and you find either the speed or the incline to be a bit intense, simply touch the minus for the incline or speed button, and the incline and speed will lessen.
Every workout starts with a warmup, where the incline is flat, and the speed is low; this is to warm up your body for the more rigorous workout to come.
If you do get overwhelmed when setting up your own customized workout or have a question about any of the preprogrammed ones, call their customer service line at 866 -780-7653, and you will get the right answer. When I first started using it, I had a quick question about customizing a workout routine and was connected to their customer service department quickly. The explanation on how to set it up was clear and concise.
Speed and incline
The Sole F63 treadmill goes from 0.5 to 12 mph. It has 15 levels of incline, so you can practice running or climbing steep hills. When starting any workout, the incline and speed are low, as this is to warm up your body for the workout. While there are preprogrammed workouts with intense inclines and high speeds, you can pause a workout if it’s too much for you. You also have the option to lower both speed and incline to a level that is more comfortable to your activity level.
If you’re readjusting to working out again, try a few runs with a low speed between 0.5 to 1.5 mph. You may feel bored, but it’s a gentle way to acclimate your way back to a steady workout. The same can be said for using inclines during a workout. The higher the incline, the more intense the workout can be. It’s best to slowly work your way to a higher incline, as rushing to “conquer” a goal before being fully prepared is the best way to injure yourself.
I personally cannot attest to the functionality of all the incline levels and higher speeds due to knee issues. If you follow along with any of the Sole+ app workouts, watching the participants, you will see the various incline levels and speeds.
Cushioned deck
The Sole F63 treadmill utilizes a cushion flex whisper deck. As I mentioned previously, the rolling deck makes hardly any noise when in use. When running or speed walking, I noticed that the deck seemed to have give when I used it. Instead of knees feeling overstressed, they were not badly impacted by a workout. The cushioned deck has 2.5-inch rollers to assist in a whisper quiet workout.
I used the deck a few times a week for well over a month. Perhaps because I do walk long distances daily, I did not encounter any additional stress or pain when running on the treadmill.
While the deck is cushioned and does a good job of protecting your ankles, knees, and back, it’s best to wear either a cross-trainer, walking shoe, or running shoe that is well cushioned and is supportive when working out. The right sneaker can make any workout easier and less painful
Programs
When setting up a workout for the day, you can cycle through the workouts before settling on one to use for the day. The Sole F63 treadmill comes with: Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio Strength, HIIT, and two customizable programs. The Sole+ app has a variety of workouts that you can sync to your treadmill as well.
Console
The console is big and has a 6.5-inch backlit LCD. It’s not a touchscreen, and the readout is in black and white. That’s fine, when working out it’s easier to tap on a button than smack a screen to lower speed or incline. The large size and simple readout mean that you can get all the information you need in a glance.
The large screen displays speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories burned, pulse, and pace. It will also display peaks, hills, and valley graphs when using certain programs. Everything is labeled and easy to adjust.
There are Bluetooth speakers and a fan right below the console. The speakers are fine for following along a taped class. I would have liked the ability for the speakers to make the audio louder, but I think that issue is with my phone. The console does have a built-in charger, which is a nice touch.
Accessories
For accessories, there are two deep-welled cup holders on either side of the console. The cup holders can be used to place a tall water bottle or two, a small towel, or even ponytail holders. There’s also a tray for small items below the console.
The tablet holder is placed right above the console. Made of heavy duty plastic, it holds your device securely during a workout. There are two fans that sit under the console. The vent can be adjusted up or down, but that’s it. While a nice touch, I wouldn’t rely on a small fan to keep you cool while working out. I would have liked a fan with a stronger breeze.
Sole+ App
Sole has created an app that connects to Bluetooth and your devices. Unlike other companies’ workout apps, Sole’s is free. Download it to your phone, and not only will it keep track of your workouts and progress, but it also opens the door to a slew of workouts that can keep you busy every day. In fact, there’s over 3,000 workouts for every level of athlete.
Classes are organized by type, allowing you to choose a treadmill centered class or something else. That something else includes gear-free training, YDY boxing, and other classes to keep you fit and active.
I suggest watching a workout all the way through before attempting to follow along. By previewing the workout, you can decide if it’s good for you or maybe too advanced. The teachers offer helpful hints, the videos are well-produced and engage your interest.
Follow Sole on Instagram, to get information on upcoming classes, instructors, and of course motivation.
Find Sole+ in Google Play and the Apple App store. It’s easy to Sync Apple Health or Garmin Connect apps to it for a fuller experience.
How to use the Sole F63 treadmill
If the treadmill is stored vertically, pull it down into a horizontal position. If the treadmill is stored horizontally, first pull out the pin. The pin is on the left side and prevents the cushioned deck from moving.
Once the treadmill is in position, walk to the front of it, and turn it on. Stand on the treadmill and select your workout and time. Hit start and go! Every workout has a cool down period, don’t skip it. When you’re done working out on the treadmill, clean off any sweat, put the pin back in if you’re storing it horizontally, or lift it back up into the vertical position.
Sole F63 Treadmill quality
The Sole F63 treadmill is as good as the commercial treadmills that can be found in a high-end gym. Sturdily constructed, it’s stable when being used and extremely stable when stored in the upright position. As previously mentioned, Sole offers a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, and a two-year warranty on the deck, parts, and wear items. It can be pushed by a finger, if need be, and the deck is designed to slowly fold out. If you lose your grip on the deck as it unfolds, it will continue its slow descent, not slam down on the floor. That’s a quality treadmill.
Frame
The frame is made from heavy duty steel and measures 77 inches long x 35 inches wide x 67 inches high. It feels solid and secure. Whether the treadmill is stored in its half-folded position, or opened for use, it stays in place. When upright, it’s almost impossible to tip over. The base is in a T-configuration, so the bars create a wide area that distributes its weight.
As mentioned earlier, the frame has four wheels; they are silent. The back underbar can be used to navigate the F63 treadmill through a room. When moving it, one would never know that it weighs 224 pounds.
Deck
The deck measures 20 inches x 60 inches—that is 10 inches longer than the average treadmill deck. A longer deck is what runners need, as it allows them to more fully mimic an outdoor run. Designed with extra cushioning and bounce, or as Sole calls it “flex whisper,” movement is absorbed downward into the deck, not upward into your body. This kinetic placement allows for a smoother workout with less stress and pain in the back or joints.
Belt
While the instruction manual states the belt may need to be tightened after prolonged usage, the one I have been using has been secure and tight. It’s lightly textured, and has a slightly grippy feel. That combination helps prevent spills while working out. However, it does show dirt quickly.
Motor
The Sole F63 motor comes with a lifetime warranty. It has 3.0 HP, and goes very smoothly from 0.5 to 12 mph. It worked well when the incline increased and decreased. It is a little noisy. However, the noise is a low hum that doesn’t interfere when watching and following along a class on the app or watching TV while working out.
Sole F63 warranty
Sole ensures worry-free ownership of their treadmill. The F63 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. There is a two year warranty for the deck, parts, and wear items. There is a one year warranty on labor, and a 90-day warranty on cosmetic items. They do not offer a light commercial warranty.
Sole F63 returns
If, for some reason, you decide you no longer want to own the F63 treadmill, you can return it within a 30-day window. Sole offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all their products. If you are not satisfied with the Sole treadmill, please remember that the return must be started within the first 30 days of purchase. That 30 days starts from the date your treadmill arrives at your address. If you paid for assembly, the 30 days starts from the date the treadmill was assembled.
If returning the Sole treadmill, it doesn’t need to be disassembled and boxed up, but it does need to be placed outside your home. If you prefer to have the treadmill picked up within your home, it is an additional $300. Upgraded shipments and assembly fees are not refunded.
Sole F63 customer service
Sole offers three ways to reach their customer service department. Their phone is 866-780-Sole or 866-780-67653 and is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. You can email Sole at [email protected]. Tech support’s phone number is 866-MYSole1 or 866-697-6531. That department is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. You can send them an email via [email protected]. If there’s a shipping problem, reach their partner, ArcBest at 877-827-5680, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. The email is [email protected], and they have people answering emails Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
Alternatives to the Sole F63
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| | Bluetooth, speed up to 12 mph, 15 incline levels, six preset programs, 77 inches x 35 inches x 67 inches, 15 inclines, free classes via app, foldable, lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, a two-year warranty for the deck, parts, and wear items, a one-year warranty on labor, and a 90-day warranty on cosmetic items. | Incredibly sturdy and reliable, all the features you see in expensive gyms. |
| | Bluetooth, speed up to 12 mph, 15 incline levels, 30 preset programs, foldable 77.2 inches x 35.5 inches x 56.1 inches, lifetime warranty on frame and motor, five years on parts, two years in-home labor | A really good treadmill for the money. |
| | 30-day iFit membership included ($39/mo). 10,000 outdoor workouts with iFit. Speed up to 12 mph, incline up to 12 degrees, foldable, 78.5 inches x 36 inches x 65 inches. Warranty: Frame – 10 years, machine parts – two years, labor free of charge for one year after purchase. | NordicTrack is a heritage brand in the at-home equipment space. However, having to pay for fitness classes, and making sure you cancel at the correct date can be a PITA. |
| | 12 incline levels, speeds up to 12.4 mph, foldable, extra-large display, 5.4 inches x 2.7 inches x 4.75 inches. Bluetooth capability, can opt in to live classes with subscription, one-year extended warranty $99.00, two-year extended warranty, $199.00 | It’s a good treadmill with a nice-sized console. However, you have to pay for classes and warranties. |
Sole F63 Treadmill frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does the Sole F63 last?
It’s designed to last at least seven years. However, with proper maintenance and care, it can last longer. If you treat your equipment well, it will take care of you.
What is the weight limit for the Sole F63?
The weight limit for the Sole F63 is 325 pounds.
Can you run on the Sole F63 Treadmill?
Yes, you can run on the treadmill, as well as jog or racewalk on it. However, remember that this is not a professional treadmill, so you should not do prolonged runs at high speeds. Doing so can damage the motor. As with any device with a motor, if you consistently run it at a high speed, it will burn out.
Is the Sole F63 Treadmill loud?
No, not at all. The deck absorbs shock, and the company says it has a “whisper flex deck.” The only thing you’ll hear is your sneakers contacting the deck.
Final verdict
With its extra long (by 10 inches) deck, the Sole F63 treadmill is made for runners. Sturdily designed and made to last at least seven years, this is a quality treadmill. Sole F63’s multiple pre-programmed workouts and free classes via the Sole+ app ensure that every workout will never bore you. Workout difficulties can be adjusted via the speed and incline controls. If you’re looking to replace a treadmill or purchasing your first one, you can count on Sole to deliver a treadmill that will constantly delight you and push you to achieve more goals when working out.
To learn more about treadmills, read our treadmill buying guide and our guide on treadmills for runners.
SOLE F63 Treadmill
