Sole F63 Treadmill Review – Pros & Cons (2024)

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Sole F63 Treadmill

A stable frame and onboard programs make this affordable treadmill a great option for runners and walkers on a budget.

Summary Sole F63 Review: The Bottom Line

The Sole F63 is Sole’s entry-level model, but it shouldn’t be overlooked as just another budget treadmill. In fact, in writing up our Sole F63 treadmill review, we were even surprised by how many awards we’ve given the F63. Yes, it’s a less expensive treadmill, but is a great option for many situations.

Sole Treadmills are solid, durable machines that are covered with nice warranties. The F63’s price point makes it especially appealing, and its solid construction represents the brand well. The updated model maintains the integrity of the previous model so you can expect an easy-to-use, foldable, well-powered treadmill.

The 3.0 HP motor is quiet and supports walking and running. The deck has 15 levels of incline and is spacious enough for all running strides. The console is straightforward to use and doesn’t require a subscription or even WiFi. Plus, the 325-lb weight limit makes the F63 accessible to more people.

The Sole F63 is one of the best treadmills on the market because of its value and quality.

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Running, Writing, and Reviewing: 179+ Treadmills since 2010

When you test treadmills daily, you start to notice the details the average treadmill shopper might miss. Our team is composed of fitness experts, runners, walkers, and exercise scientists to approach every treadmill we receive from every possible angle. We have an eye for treadmill construction, performance, and features. We know it’s nearly impossible for you to try every treadmill before making your purchase decisions, and we are here so you don’t have to. Our reviews are designed to guide your shopping process to help you find a treadmill that matches your space, training needs, and budget restrictions.

Sole F63 Treadmill Video Review

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Sole F63 vs Similar Treadmills

In-depth Sole F63 Treadmill Review: Testing & Analysis

Dimensions/Storability

Of course, the folding deck is what makes it very appealing for most homes.

The Sole F63’s dimensions are 77” L x 35” W x 67” H. You will need several inches of clearance around the treadmill for your safety. Extra clearance ensures you have plenty of room to get off and on the treadmill, there are no tripping hazards, and there is nothing that could damage the treadmill. This is only necessary when the treadmill is in use. The deck saves a lot of space when folded up, measuring only 50″ L x 35″ W x 72″ H. The Sole F63 Treadmill weighs 224 lbs, but there are 4 transportation wheels so you can simply push the F63 where you need it to go.

The deck gives you assistance when lifting the deck. To unlock, all you have to do is push your foot against the metal bar at the bottom of the treadmill and the deck will slowly lower to the floor by itself. Unlike other kick-release levers, this one has a breakable plastic component. We prefer the hand-release lever on the Sole F80 and F85 and would like to see Sole return to this folding mechanism in the future. For now, as long as you are not aggressive with the kick release, it should be fine.

This isn’t quite as seamless as the handle release on the previous model, but it works just the same.

The step-up height is low at about 8” high. This is the height of the deck when it’s flat to the top of the side rails. The F63 is easy to step on and off of. This also means that it can work better for homes with lower ceilings, you’ll just need to make sure you factor in the 15 levels of incline. Check out our guidelines for the proper ceiling height. We recommend at least an 8.5 ft high ceiling to use the F63 and its incline function for someone who is 6’0” and a runner.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Onboard Workouts

Most home treadmills nowadays come with attached touch screens and subscription streaming content. The Sole F63 is one of the few that doesn’t. Instead of trainer-led videos, the F63 comes with preprogrammed workouts that don’t require an extra monthly fee or even wifi to use.

The workout programs are pretty standard but provide a good amount of variety for your workouts.

There are 6 different onboard workout programs. These include manual, hill, fat burn, cardio, HIIT, and strength. There are also 2 custom workout settings as well as 2 heart rate tracking workouts. These are standard and each includes preset speeds and inclines that the treadmill automatically adjusts to. On the screen, these workouts are displayed as a graph so you know what to expect throughout, as far as intensity.

Sole Plus App

The Sole F63 does not have a touchscreen display to show video content, but Sole offers a free training app called Sole Plus. This app can be connected to the F63 via Bluetooth. There are trainer-led videos that start and stop the treadmill automatically. Unfortunately, the app does not control the speed and incline settings, but it does track your training metrics. You can even pair other fitness apps like Garmin Connect to keep your workouts all in one place.

Console

The console consists of a 6.5” LCD white backlit display. Since it isn’t a touch screen, there are additional buttons on the console for navigating the included workout programs. The program buttons and enter button below the console are for selecting each of the different modes. Once you select a program you then enter your age by using the speed or incline buttons. We love that the F63 is simple and straightforward, but it’s important to keep in mind that it has less tech than other comparable treadmills.

The LCD screen is of decent size.

We’re able to see all of our workout metrics like time, distance, speed, and heart rate, along with each of the workout modes, just fine. The screen and console aren’t adjustable, but we didn’t have any issues with seeing or reaching.

Below the program, speed, and incline buttons (where you can get to specific increment levels), are quick adjustment buttons. These are numbered with options for the incline on top and speed on the bottom. We’re thankful for having these on any treadmill we test, but this layout is a little clunky. I often press one of the incline buttons when I meant to change the speed or vice versa because they’re on top of each other. Also, the numbers skip some key metrics like 0% incline and 6 mph.

The ones that are available are helpful, but to get to specific speeds like 5.7 mph, you have to use the speed buttons up top.

Noticeably missing from the previous model are the side handle adjustment buttons. These were two red buttons built into each handle so you could adjust the speed and incline right under your fingertips. I used those the most on the previous model, so I miss them a bit on the new model. This layout is easy enough to use and reach, though.

The fan is now below the screen and it’s larger than the old model. I had high hopes that it would be powerful, but sadly it isn’t very effective. I can feel the air with my hand in front of the vents, but the air is too weak to reach my face and neck. So, if you sweat a lot or like to have a breeze while running, plan to use a fan of your own.

There is still a great amount of storage on the Sole F63. The two cupholders hold your water bottle and even my 40 oz Stanley Cup. Plus, they each have a small pocket for items like keys or headphone earbuds. Plus, there is a large storage tray below the console for whatever else you need nearby.

The F63 comes with the ability to connect your device through Bluetooth to play your own content through the speakers. The speakers go pretty loud, too. There is also a device rack above the screen to put your phone or tablet. It adjusts at the top for larger tablets. You can also rest your phone on the ledge below the screen. This gives you nice options for entertainment when you’re using the F63.

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Build Quality

The construction is where the Sole F63 Treadmill really shines. Although the F63 is Sole’s entry-level model, it has similarities to the brand’s higher-end models. It also performs similarly to higher-priced treadmills.

For an affordable treadmill, we appreciate that the F63 has a 325 lb weight limit. This limit makes the F63 more accessible to more people. And considering that the F63 weighs 267 lbs, it is a substantial treadmill.

Frame

The frame is made out of steel.

It is comparable to other home treadmills. The frame on the floor sits under the front of the deck. This is where the steel uprights connect to the frame and extend up to hold the console. The F63 also has a steel crossbar under the console and storage tray, that helps add stability and keep the console in place.

When we’re running on it, the console is pretty steady, even for our larger reviewers. I think this design definitely helps contribute to how stable the F63 is overall.

The side handles aren’t the longest, but they are well within reach when you need them. They have a nice texture so they don’t feel slippery. The front handle has been updated to be a connected piece that extends across the front part of the console. On the right and left sides are where you can grab for balance and to get a heart rate reading with the pulse grips.

This handle is a little thick, so I can’t wrap my hands around it, but I can grip it well enough when needed.

Motor

The Sole F63 has a 3.0 HP motor. This is typically the smallest motor size we recommend for running. The F63 is really best for light to moderate use, so around 3-7 miles per day. For longer distances and highly intensive training, I would check out the Sole F80. For a smaller-sized treadmill running motor though, the F63 performs really well.

It’s also quiet. We tested the motor noise at 3 mph, 6 mph, 9 mph, and 12 mph without anyone on the treadmill and found that the noise ranged from 48.2 dB to 65.9 dB. The ambient noise of our studio, when we measured the noise level, was 35.5 dB with the treadmill off. The most noise generated is actually from your feet hitting the deck. The noise generated by a specific runner or walker will vary greatly, because it depends on a wide variety of factors. This includes everything from user weight, shoe cushioning, fatigue level, and running/walking form.

The incline is also remarkably quiet when adjusting. At 3 mph the incline noise was 49.7 dB compared to the 48.2 dB when the treadmill was not inclining. At 6 mph, the incline increased the noise level from 56.5 to 57 dB. The change is so subtle that we really had to pay attention during testing to notice when the incline started and stopped to get an accurate measurement.

For its price, the F63 has excellent training capabilities.

The belt moves up to 12 mph and the deck inclines up to 15 levels. We have found the speed of home treadmills to be very reliable in our testing. The incline seems to vary a bit more. The Sole F63 was inclined to 3.1% when set to a flat grade. Most treadmills we have measured are around 1 to 1.5% inclined when they are set to level “0.” As for the maximum incline, the F63’s 15 levels peaked at 11.6%, which is comparable to what most home treadmill models offer.

As far as getting up to speed and inclining, the F63 is a little slow. It takes 41 seconds to go from 1 mph to 12 mph. This is very comparable to more powerful Sole treadmills like the F80 and F85. The incline is a little faster. It takes 27 seconds to go from level 0 to level 15. This does mean that it is a little safer, especially if you accidentally hit a button you didn’t mean to hit, but it makes the F63 a little less appealing for HIIT training. If you don’t mind hopping on the side rails in between intervals though, the F63 works just fine.

Deck

The running surface gives you 20” of width and 60” of length when you’re running. I think when it comes to treadmill decks, this is my favorite size. It is long enough to support pretty much all running strides, but narrow enough to still be compact to not take up as much space in your home. Treadmills are large machines and anywhere they can cut a few extra inches makes them more appealing for a wider range of homes.

Don’t get me wrong, the Sole F63 is a sizable treadmill, but considering all of its training capabilities and hearty construction, it is still pretty compact. If you want a treadmill with a wider deck, the F80 or F85 is your best bet, but those treadmills are also priced higher. The Sole F63 will work for most users while still being budget-friendly, unlike the Horizon T101 which only has a 55” long deck.

The cushioning in the deck is firm underfoot and comparable to other Sole Treadmills.

The F63 might not be best if you have joint issues or discomfort, but it is great if you like running on harder surfaces. Most entry-level models like the F63 have minimal cushioning, although they offer more shock absorption than concrete outside.

Warranty

We appreciate that Sole includes a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor with the purchase of the F63. Included in the warranty are 2 years for the deck and electronics/parts, 1 year for labor, and 90 days for cosmetic items. Assembling the Sole F63 is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re familiar with putting together fitness equipment, but you might want an extra hand to help you out.

Should You Buy The Sole F63

What makes the Sole F63 one of our top-recommended treadmills is its performance. For a budget treadmill, this one performs like higher-end machines. It is a great value pick because it comes with premium training capabilities and high-quality construction, plus, it’s quiet and sturdy to use.

Overall, the Sole F63 is a great treadmill for most people who are looking to save a little bit. While it might not be best for intense training and multi-user households, it holds its own handling moderate amounts of running. We also recommend the F63 for those who want a compact treadmill that you can still run on.

Even though it has a minimal amount of tech, this isn’t a bad thing, especially if you don’t want to have to pay for a monthly subscription. The onboard workouts should be just fine for guided training for most. Plus, if you like following along with workout videos, you have the option to on your device.

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Sole F63 Treadmill Review FAQ’s / Q&A’s

How long does a Sole F63 treadmill last?

The Sole F63 should last as long as other home treadmills. We have seen treadmills last over 10 years with proper care and usage. To ensure that your treadmill lasts as long as possible, keep up with its maintenance routine. The Sole F63 should be with you for many, many miles.

Can you run on a Sole F63 treadmill?

Yes! We have run on the Sole F63 for all sorts of runs–short runs, interval runs, long runs, and everything in between. The Sole F63 has a 20” x 60” running deck and a speed range of 0 to 12 mph, which should be more than enough for most runners.

Is the Sole F63 a smart treadmill?

While the Sole F63 has Bluetooth connectivity and speakers, it doesn’t quite have the sophistication of the Sole F80 and F85. Yet, the Sole F63 is a great option for walkers and runners who want to hop on and get to running. The simplified console does not require a subscription and has plenty of onboard training content.

How much does the Sole F63 weigh?

The Sole F63 weighs 224 lbs. It folds for compact storage and can be wheeled around more easily than other treadmills.

Does the Sole F63 Treadmill have wheels?

The Sole F63 has four transport wheels. Instead of tilting it onto two wheels like most treadmills require, you can just push it around.

Is your review of the Sole F63 a paid promotion?

No, all of our treadmill reviews are honest, unbiased reviews. We will never accept payment to promote a treadmill. We do earn a small commission if you purchase a treadmill through our links, at no cost to our readers.

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About the Author

Sydney Kaiser, ISSA-CPT, ISSA Nutritionist Certification
Sydney is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist who combines her passion for fitness, health, and wellness with her passion for writing. After graduating from UC Riverside with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she began teaching indoor cycling and Lagree Fitness group fitness classes to people of all ages and abilities. Raised in Central Michigan, Sydney grew up training and competing on the Arabian Horse Association circuit through both Regional and National levels in Dressage and Sport Horse classes. In college, Sydney went on to compete at the collegiate level as a Division 1 equestrian athlete. Here at TRG, Sydney relies on her extensive background in fitness when reviewing and recommending all kinds of fitness, recovery, and health-related products.

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