Whether you’re building out a home gym or adding one to your living room decor, many of the best treadmills tend to gobble up floorspace. If you’re tight on space — and on cash — the Sole F63 Treadmill might just be the foldable option you’ve been looking for. Its hydraulic-assisted folding deck reduces its footprint by 35 percent, while its approachable price tag helps it fit more snuggly into your budget.
Sole’s lifetime warranty on the steel frame and powerful motor caught the eye of our team of certified fitness professionals, along with our expert reviewer — a certified personal trainer herself. After pounding the tread on over 40 treadmills, the BarBend team knows how to spot a quality machine. We think the Sole F63’s incline and speed ranges help it fit the bill for anyone looking to simulate outdoor terrain and tackle a wide range of workouts. Read on as we dive deeper in our Sole F63 Treadmill review. For more information on how we test equipment, check out BarBend’s Equipment Testing Methodology.
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Main Takeaways
- The Sole F63 features a foldable design that allows room for off-treadmill workouts in tighter spaces.
- You’ll need to supply your own device to stream virtual workouts, as the 6.5-inch LCD display is limited to displaying metrics and charting the seven preset programs.
- Its max incline of 15 percent and top speed of 12 miles per hour help mix up the intensity of your workouts, as well as train for outdoor races.
Sole F63 Treadmill Specs
| Price | $1,199.99 |
| Product Dimensions | Unfolded: 67″ H x 77″ L x 35″ W; Folded: 72″ H x 50″ L x 35″ W |
| Product Weight | 224lbs |
| Max Speed | 12mph |
| Max Incline | 15% |
| User Weight Capacity | 325lbs |
Don’t let its affordable price tag fool you — the F63 is a high-quality foldable treadmill. After assembling it herself, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier had to double check how much it cost. “I was shocked at the quality because this is half as much in cost compared to other high-end treadmills,” she says when rating her workout experience 4.5 out of 5. “The incline is smooth, and the motor isn’t too loud when the deck ramps up.”
Like all the best Sole treadmills, the 15-percent incline range on the F63 allowed Meier to vary the intensity of her workouts, while simulating the peaks and valleys of outdoor terrain. According to our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, being able to stick to your training regimen regardless of weather conditions is a huge benefit of cardio machines like the Sole F63.
“Home treadmills offer the opportunity to run and walk in the comfort of your own home,” she says. “Even if you don’t use a treadmill daily, it’s a great item to have for instances in which you can’t or don’t want to walk or run outside, such as in bad weather, when the sun sets earlier in the day, or you can’t get to a safe route.”
Powering the F63’s cushioned belt deck is a 3.0HP motor that can get you up at 12 miles per hour. That means athletes up to 325 pounds can reach a five-minute mile pace. While we found the steel frame rather sturdy, both Meier and another member of our team — collegiate strength and conditioning coach Jarrett Evans — were wary of hanging around that max speed for long. “At top speed, it felt a little bit shaky,” Evans notes. “I like that it has a 3.0 HP motor, but I did feel some wobbling while I was running,” Meier adds. “Definitely not a deal-breaker, but it wasn’t exactly smooth.”
We appreciated the structure provided by the seven preset programs — like Hill, Cardio, or HIIT — but Sole also offers free access to over 3,000 virtual workouts via the Sole+ app. It won’t be mistaken for any of the best fitness apps — like iFIT or Peloton — but you also won’t be paying an additional monthly subscription.
Following interactive workouts on Sole+ requires connecting your phone or tablet to the machine via Bluetooth, but it took our team just a few seconds. The basic LCD display is useful for tracking metrics like speed and calories burned, but likely won’t impress tech-inclined users. The F63’s spacious belt deck is built for running strides, though, so you can also take on Sole+ sprint workouts or endurance sessions without fear of a misstep.
For all this budget-conscious tread has to offer, we think the Sole F63 is worth a look. “This is a tremendous value for beginners or someone who doesn’t care about flashy touchscreens and the latest tech,” Meier says. “I think it’s a solid treadmill for anyone with limited space or on a tight budget.”
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Sole F63 Treadmill
After multiple members of the BarBend team took the F63 for a spin, we think it is a great value. Take a look at who we think could benefit from bringing this budget-friendly machine home and who may need to look elsewhere.
Recommended for:
- Athletes on a limited budget
- Anyone who needs a foldable treadmill for easier storage
- Those looking to vary the intensity of their treadmill workouts
Not Recommended for:
- Runners who need decline capability
- Tech-inclined athletes
- People looking to run faster than a five-minute mile pace
Our Experience Training With the Sole F63 Treadmill
During our time on the Sole F63, we discovered that there is a lot to like about this budget-friendly treadmill. While the display is pretty small, it still features seven workout programs to bring some structure to your training. When we needed more engaging virtual workouts, it was super easy to slot our phones and tablets in the device holder and connect via Bluetooth. Being able to quickly adjust the 15-percent incline range and reach up to 12 miles per hour also opened up a variety of cardio options, like HIIT, sprint, and hill sessions.
After running, jogging, and walking on over 40 treadmills, the BarBend team of marathoners, certified personal trainers, and running coaches know what makes a quality machine. Like every treadmill we test, we used our multi-point system to rate the Sole F63 from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 14 categories, including footprint, adjustability, ergonomics, and more.
Onboard Technology
At first glance, the F63’s 6.5-inch LCD display may seem elementary compared to the massive touchscreens on the best high-end treadmills. But this relatively-modest control center still monitors your calories burned, speed, time, and heart rate. Those stats can also sync to the Sole+ app, helping you track your workout history and progress. Even if you do find yourself jonesing for an immersive virtual run or just want to zone out with some Netflix, you can always slot your phone or tablet in the device holder and connect to the Bluetooth speakers.
“I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sound,” certified personal trainer Kate Meier noted when she fired up her own playlist. Overall, our team rates the F63’s tech capabilities 4.3 out of 5. “The display is basic, but it’s still really useful,” Meier adds. “It has the standard peak-and-valley graph, which gives you a nice visual to track your workout in real time.”
Collegiate strength and conditioning coach Jarrett Evans also highlights how simple it is to operate. “I was able to set up the Bluetooth right away,” he says. “In fact, the whole console was super easy to navigate.”
Max Speed and Incline Range
To help you mimic outdoor terrain or ramp up the intensity of walking workouts, the F63 reaches a max incline of 15 percent in 0.5 percent increments. Many of the best budget treadmills top out around 10 to 12 percent. As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto points out, that extra three to five percent can be important, depending on your training goals. “If you plan to use your treadmill to train for outdoor events such as a marathon or a hike, incline is essential,” she says.
Another driver of our 4.5 out of 5 score for adjustability is the 12 miles per hour top speed. That comes out to a five-minute mile pace, which would probably be plenty fast for most people looking to take on sprint workouts. Evans also appreciates how quickly he could change these settings during his time spinning the two-ply belt on the F63.
“There are multiple ways to adjust speed and incline,” he notes. With convenient speed and incline controls to make adjustments, the F63 can help you fire up HIIT workouts, as well. “Along with the buttons on the side rails, there are quick-adjust buttons on the dash. During a workout, I found it easiest to use the controls on the side rails.”
Foldability
Treadmills are notoriously floorspace-hungry machines, but the gas-shock hydraulic folding mechanism on Sole F63 does its part to keep its footprint to a minimum. In addition to cutting its footprint by about 35%, Evans notes how easy it is to raise and lower. “To fold this up, simply lift the belt, and it will latch into place,” he explains. “To lower the deck, just unlatch it using the bright, yellow handle and it will gently fall to the floor on its own.”
Many of the best folding treadmills use a similar hydraulic folding system, but they often have a kick-release that is just a foot or two off the ground. While those are easy to tap with your foot, Evans explains how the F63’s folding mechanism may help keep your littlest housemates safe. “The latching system is rather simple but it would be tough for a child to unlatch it,” he says. “With the deck folded up, the handle is pretty high off the ground, so it’d be difficult for a kid to reach it.”
Footprint and Portability
When you lower the deck to fire up a workout, the Sole F63 treadmill’s dimensions create a footprint of 18.72 square feet — just a touch more than the average two-seater sofa. (1) But if you need to take back some floor space between runs, folding up the belt deck reduces that footprint by about 35%, down to just 12.15 square feet. Our three testers landed on a 4 out of 5 score for footprint and portability, only knocking one point because it may require a bit of assistance when moving it around.
“The two transport wheels certainly help, but it’s still 224 pounds,” one tester — a certified personal trainer — says. “So while moving it around isn’t too difficult, it’s much easier with another set of hands.” They also pointed out that your type of flooring can make a difference. “Moving it on hard surfaces like concrete or home gym flooring felt like a breeze, but it’s a little tough over any kind of carpeting.”
Meier also cautions that even though that cushioned deck can be folded up, you still need to plan out where you’ll park it. “Folding it up definitely helps save space,” she says. “But it’s still a treadmill, so make sure to plan out where you’ll set it up.”
Cushioning and Running Area
According to Sole, their Cushion Flex Whisper Deck can reduce the impact on your joints by about 40 percent compared to running on pavement. Claims like these sound great, but can be difficult to verify. As Meier points out, what we can say for sure is that it felt supportive when we ran and walked on it. “I honestly couldn’t say that this deck was way more cushioned than others I’ve run on. However, it did feel supportive and the two-ply treadmill belt was better than the one-ply treads on other models in this price range.”
The roomy belt deck was a big factor in our 4.5 rating for ergonomics because it meets the specifications Capritto recommends for the best running treadmills. “A comfortable deck… for running, and especially sprinting, [should be] 20 inches wide by 60 inches long.”
Included Workouts
While the F63 is preloaded with seven workout programs like Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT, you can also customize and save your own. Sole also includes free access to over 3,000 virtual workouts via the Sole+ app. After following along with multiple workouts, we rate its dynamic programming 4.2 out of 5. You’ll still need to connect your own device to follow along, but you’ll be able to easily track your workout history and metrics to keep tabs on your progress.
Conveniences
Sometimes the small things can make or break your treadmill workouts. The conveniences offered up by the Sole F63 — water bottle holder, USB port, device holder, reading rack, and more — garner a 4.8 out of 5 from our team. “This treadmill does have a decent amount of storage space for a water bottle, keys, whatever you need,” Evans points out. “It even has a lower platform with some additional space.”
What to Consider Before Buying the Sole F63 Treadmill
With so many types of treadmills on the market, our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends taking a critical look at the Sole F63’s specs and capabilities before making a commitment. Features like incline and maximum speed will determine the type of training you can accomplish. “Any treadmill can suffice for walking and maybe light jogging, but not every treadmill will perform for running, sprinting, and hill training,” she says.
There’s a big treadmill world out there, so consider whether or not you’ll be satisfied with the F63’s basic display and just how crucial its foldable deck may be for your space. “Treadmills come in motorized and manual options; with and without touchscreen displays; large and compact models; tech-infused and basic designs,” Capritto adds. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs — your Goldilocks — will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications.”
- Price: While the F63’s below-average price helped it earn a 4.5 out of 5 for value from our team, make sure to consult your budget to decide whether this is the best time to buy a treadmill.
- Footprint and Foldability: The Sole F63’s foldable deck reduces its footprint by roughly 35 percent, but before you bring it home, Capritto recommends grabbing a tape measure. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable,” she says. “And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!”
- Tech Capabilities: Because the technology on the Sole F63 is somewhat limited, Capritto says to make sure its LCD display and preset workouts are enough to keep you engaged. “Smart treadmills are more expensive, but the immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise,” she notes. “I wouldn’t call it a necessity, but it’s definitely a fun perk.”
- Portability: Even though the dual transport wheels offer some assistance, keep the F63’s 224-pound overall weight in mind if you think you’ll need to move it often.
Sole F63 Treadmill Vs. Sole F65 Treadmill
In Sole’s lineup of seven treadmills, the F63 and F65 are the most affordable options. While they share a few important features — lifetime frame and motor warranties, 15-percent incline range, and top speed of 12 miles per hour — there are several key differences. BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier is well-versed in Sole treadmills and highlighted where these two quality machines diverge.
“Both meet the belt deck size we recommend for running strides, but the F65 running surface is 22 inches wide — two inches wider than the F63,” she explains, noting those two inches can make a big difference for taller users. “Having a 22-inch wide belt deck is ideal for users with longer strides,” she adds. “It can keep you from having to alter your stride or hitting the side rails as you walk or run.” The extended width of the deck played a role in the F65’s 4.5 out of 5 score for adjustability and ergonomics.
Another key mark for running workouts that both meet is a 3.0HP treadmill motor. However, the F65 features a more powerful 3.25HP motor, which Meier thinks can increase stability at higher speeds. “The motor on the F65 is stronger, so I’d suspect that the transitions between speed and incline settings would be as smooth — if not smoother — than I felt on the F63,” she notes.
Both include conveniences like Bluetooth speakers, device holder, and fan. After sizing up the two, Meier is skeptical that the $1,499.99 price is right for the F65. “I like the extra two inches of width in the deck, plus the LCD display is larger,” she says. “I’m not sure those justify the $300 price difference, though.”
Read our full Sole F65 Treadmill Review.
Sole F63 Treadmill Vs. Competitors
Even though the Sole F63 fits comfortably among budget treadmills, spending $1,199.99 is still a big commitment for most people. Lining up the detailed specifications of similar machines, along with more expensive models, can provide a bit of context when you’re making your decision. While the battle of the budget treadmills pits the Sole F63 vs. Horizon 7.0, take a look at the pricier Sole F80 and NordicTrack Commercial 1750 for an idea of what high-end machines bring to the table.
| Sole F63 Treadmill | Horizon 7.0 Treadmill | Sole F80 Treadmill | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | |
| Price | $1,199.99 | $999 | $1,899.99 | $2,299.99 |
| Product Dimensions | 67″ H x 77″ L x 35″ W | 59″ H x 76.5″ L x 36″ W | 66″ H x 82.5″ L x 38″ W | 65” H x 80” L x 38” W |
| Product Weight | 224lbs | 277lbs | 278lbs | 340lbs |
| Max Speed | 12mph | 12mph | 12mph | 12mph |
| Max Incline | 15% | 15% | 15% | 12% |
| User Weight Capacity | 325lbs | 325lbs | 350lbs | 400lbs |
| Display | 6.5” LCD | 7.25” LCD | 10.1” touchscreen | 14” touchscreen |
| Folding Deck? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.
Ordering and Assembling the Sole F63 Treadmill
When you add the F63 to your cart, you’ll have the option to add a few delivery upgrades. For $199, you can have your new treadmill brought to your room of choice instead of left at your door. If you opt for professional assembly in that room, it will cost $350. “It’s going to arrive in one heavy box,” Meier says, rating delivery and setup 4.5 out of 5. “If you don’t go with one of these upgrades, I absolutely recommend finding some help carrying it inside.”
The Sole F63 treadmill’s assembly took Meier around an hour. “I had help getting the deck out of the box, but from there it was pretty straightforward. I just used the included Allen wrench — super simple.”
Places to Buy the Sole F63 Treadmill
You can buy the Sole F63 through the Sole Fitness website or Amazon.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Sole Fitness produces easy-to-use and durable fitness equipment for both commercial and home use and is known for its line of treadmills. All of their treadmills feature a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, you’re eligible for a full refund.
Our experience with customer support has been pretty meh — a 3 out of 5 — because it generally takes a few days for an email response. Whether you have questions about shipping or how to fix a Sole treadmill, you can reach them at 877-441-8433 or info@soletreadmills.com.
The customer reviews on the Sole F63 product page average out at 4.2 out of 5. “I bought this treadmill three months ago as I started to train for a marathon in the winter,” reads one five-star review. “It’s been so great to have. It runs incredibly smooth and I actually think I’m starting to prefer my indoor runs to my outdoor runs. I couldn’t recommend it more.”
Warranties
With your purchase, Sole includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, which were a major factor in our 4.5 out of 5 warranty rating. You’ll also receive two years of coverage for the parts, deck and wear items, along with one year for labor.
Final Thoughts on the Sole F63 Treadmill
Finding a treadmill to match both a limited space and budget can be challenging, but we think the Sole F63 hits that target. Whether you are training for an outdoor race or just need a durable machine to get you moving, it has the capabilities to answer the call. Its hydraulic-assisted foldable deck saves about six square feet of floor space between workouts, while its wide incline range also makes it one of the best incline treadmills we’ve tested out.
The LCD display may be more flip phone than iPhone, but Sole still offers thousands of free virtual workouts you can stream from your own device. All you need is a Bluetooth-capable phone or tablet and a few seconds to connect. For anyone hesitant about dropping the entire paycheck on a cardio machine, our Sole F63 review lays out why we think it’s a great fit for tight spaces and tight budgets.
FAQs
How much does the Sole F63 Treadmill cost?
The Sole F63 treadmill’s current price is $1,199.99. After testing out 40 treadmills, we think this is a solid deal, considering its 3.0 horsepower motor, wide incline and speed ranges, and foldability.
Does the Sole F63 Treadmill fold up?
Yes, it does. Just lift on the back of the tread, and the hydraulics will do the rest of the work for you. This is a game-changer for those working with a small room, but be sure to measure your space to be sure it fits.
Can I stream workouts from the Sole F63 Treadmill?
While you can’t stream a workout class directly from the 6.5-inch LCD screen, you can always utilize the tablet holder to follow along with your favorite workout classes or shows. The Bluetooth speakers can also be helpful while streaming if you don’t want to rely on your headphones.
How much does a Sole F63 treadmill weigh?
At 224 pounds, this high-quality treadmill is around the average for at-home treadmills. The Sole F63 treadmill’s weight limit is 325 pounds — actually a bit above the 300-pound industry standard. Heavier-duty machines can weigh as much as 300 pounds, while the best lightweight treadmills are generally under 200 pounds.
Where to buy Sole F63 treadmill?
The Sole F63 treadmill is available on their website and Amazon.
References
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
