Sole F63 Treadmill Review 2023

In-depth Review of Sole F63 Treadmill

Preprogrammed 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.

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.

Construction

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. The most noise generated is actually from your feet hitting the deck. The incline is also remarkably quiet when adjusting.

For its price, the F63 has excellent training capabilities.

The belt moves up to 12 mph and the deck inclines up to 15 levels. This range is more than what we usually see from entry-level treadmills, like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. These ranges are actually on par with what most higher-end home treadmills offer.

As far as getting up to speed and inclining, the F63 is a little slow. 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.

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.

Performance & Functionality

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.

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.

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.

It’s great if you’re a larger user with a long stride, too.

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

The deck saves a lot of space when folded up and 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.

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

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.