SOLE vs Spirit Treadmill Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• SOLE treadmills offer great value with advanced cushioning, powerful motors, and large running surfaces.
• Spirit treadmills are solid but tend to come at a higher price, with fewer advanced features.
• SOLE’s F63, F80, and F85 models are a good choice for both beginners and experienced users.
• Both SOLE and Spirit provide strong warranties, but SOLE's treadmills are more budget-friendly.

SOLE vs Spirit Treadmill Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

How to choose between two top brands like SOLE and Spirit? Both offer high-quality machines, but cater to slightly different preferences and workout needs.

Whether you’re focused on durability, technology, or overall performance, this comparison will help you figure out which treadmill suits your home gym best.

At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Product SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value. Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful, quiet motors, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level.

Motor Power

Motor power is obviously super important. A stronger motor not only provides smoother operation but also ensures durability during intense or long workouts.

Feature	SOLE F63	SOLE F80	SOLE F85	Spirit XT185	Spirit XT385	Spirit XT485
Motor Power (HP)	3.0	3.5	4.0	3.0	3.5	4.0

SOLE Treadmills: SOLE treadmills are equipped with motors built for consistent, powerful performance. The F63 has a 3.0 HP motor—perfect for everyday use. As you move up to the F80 and F85, the motors increase to 3.5 HP and 4.0 HP, respectively. These higher-powered motors are ideal for intense workouts and heavier users—providing smooth operation even during the toughest sessions.

Spirit Treadmills: Spirit treadmills also offer solid motor power, with the entry-level XT185 matching the SOLE F63 at 3.0 HP. For more demanding workouts, the XT385 and XT485 boast motors of 3.5 HP and 4.0 HP, comparable to SOLE’s offerings.

Running Surface

The running surface is the space where you walk or run—typically measured in width and length. A larger running surface offers more room—which is useful for taller users or those with a longer stride. It’s also important for stability and comfort during fast-paced runs—or if you just want to get crazy on the treadmill.

Feature	SOLE F63	SOLE F80	SOLE F85	Spirit XT185	Spirit XT385	Spirit XT485
Running Surface	20” x 60”	22” x 60”	22” x 60”	20” x 55”	22” x 60”	22” x 60”

SOLE Treadmills: The F63 has a solid 20” x 60” area—great for most users. Our F80 and F85 models offer an even wider 22” x 60” surface for extra comfort—especially during high-speed runs.

Spirit Treadmills: The entry-level XT185  has a slightly smaller running surface—which measures 20” x 55”. This size may feel more compact, particularly for taller users or during faster workouts.

Cushioning

Cushioning protects your joints during workouts by reducing the impact of each step. A good cushioning system helps you work out longer, with less strain on your knees and hips.

SOLE Treadmills: SOLE’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology reduces impact on your joints by up to 40% compared to running on hard surfaces like asphalt. The F63, F80, and F85 all have this advanced cushioning for a more comfortable and safer running experience. This is especially useful for runners who want to minimize joint stress like those with knee or hip pain.

Spirit Treadmills: Spirit treadmills have cushioned decks that provide a decent level of comfort. The XT185, XT385, and XT485 come with a standard cushioned deck that offers good protection for casual users but may not reduce impact as much as SOLE’s system.

Speed & Incline

Speed and incline are adjustable settings on a treadmill that let you control the intensity of your workout (and help you make the workout more fun!). These features are important for adjusting your exercise routine to match your fitness level, goals, and preferences.

Feature	SOLE F63	SOLE F80	SOLE F85	Spirit XT185	Spirit XT385	Spirit XT485
Max Speed	12 MPH	12 MPH	12 MPH	10 MPH	12 MPH	12 MPH
Incline Range	15 levels	15 levels	15 levels (+ decline)	10 levels	15 levels	15 levels

SOLE Treadmills: The F63, F80, and F85 all reach a top speed of 12 MPH, with incline settings of up to 15 levels—perfect for those looking to push their limits. The F85 also adds decline capabilities—so you simulate both uphill and downhill terrain for a more varied workout.

Spirit Treadmills: The Spirit XT185 maxes out at 10 MPH, while the higher-end models match SOLE’s 12 MPH max speed. The XT385 and XT485 provide up to 15 incline levels, similar to SOLE’s models, while the XT185 offers a more limited range of 10 incline levels.

Console & Features

The console is where you control your workout settings and track your progress. Features include the display, workout programs, and connectivity options like Bluetooth and WiFi.

Feature	SOLE F63	SOLE F80	SOLE F85	Spirit XT185	Spirit XT385	Spirit XT485
Display	6.5” backlit LCD	10.1” touchscreen	15.6” touchscreen	7.5” backlit LCD	7.5” multi-color LCD	9” multi-color LCD
Programs	7 pre-programmed, 2 user-defined	10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined	10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined	Pre-programmed courses	Pre-programmed courses	Pre-programmed courses
Bluetooth	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️
WiFi	❌	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	❌
Preloaded Apps	❌	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	❌
Accessory Holders	Phone/tablet holder, reading rack	Phone/tablet holder, reading rack	Phone/tablet holder, reading rack	Water bottle holders, phone ledge	Water bottle holders, phone ledge	Water bottle holders, phone ledge

SOLE Treadmills: The F63 has a 6.5” backlit LCD, while the F80 and F85 upgrade to touchscreens with 10.1” and 15.6” displays respectively. Bluetooth is included across all models for wireless connectivity, and the F80 and F85 also have WiFi and preloaded apps, including entertainment options like YouTube and Netflix.

Spirit Treadmills: Spirit treadmills’ consoles are not as advanced as SOLE’s higher-end models. The XT185 comes with a 7.5” backlit LCD, while the XT385 and XT485 upgrade to multi-color displays. Bluetooth connectivity is available on XT385 and XT485 models, but they do not have WiFi or preloaded apps.

General Considerations

When choosing between SOLE and Spirit treadmills, it’s important to consider factors like price, warranty, and space requirements.

Feature	SOLE F63	SOLE F80	SOLE F85	Spirit XT185	Spirit XT385	Spirit XT485
Price	$1,199.99	$1,899.99	$2,399.99	$1,899	$2,499	$2,699
Warranty	Lifetime on frame and motor, 2 years on parts	Lifetime on frame and motor, 3 years on parts	Lifetime on frame and motor, 3 years on parts	Lifetime on frame and motor, 10 years on parts	Lifetime on frame and motor, 10 years on parts	Lifetime on frame and motor, 10 years on parts
Space & Storage	Foldable, 77” L x 35” W x 67” H	Foldable, 82.5” L x 38” W x 66” H	Foldable, 82.5” L x 38” W x 66” H	Foldable, 76” L x 35” W x 59” H	Foldable, 81” L x 36.4” W x 69” H	Foldable, 81” L x 36.4” W x 69” H

Price: SOLE treadmills offer excellent value for their price. The F63, for instance, is one of the most affordable models in this comparison, while still offering quality features. Spirit treadmills, while also high-quality, come at a higher price point but don’t have advanced features.

Warranty: Both SOLE and Spirit provide solid warranties. SOLE offers lifetime coverage on the frame and motor across all models, with warranties of 2-3 years on parts depending on the model. Spirit treadmills also include a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, but their parts warranty extends to 10 years.

Space & Storage: For home users with limited space, the foldable designs from both brands are a plus. SOLE’s F63 is particularly compact when folded—ideal for smaller spaces.

Choosing the Best Treadmill for You

If you’re looking for powerful performance, reliable cushioning, and great value, SOLE treadmills deliver across the board—especially models like the F80 and F85. Spirit treadmills offer solid features too, but SOLE’s additional focus on ease of use, technology, and durability gives you more value for money.

Discover the SOLE Difference

At SOLE, we offer treadmills that blend performance and comfort.

The SOLE F63 is ideal for beginners with great value and essential features. The SOLE F80 strikes a perfect balance between performance and price which is great for more serious runners. For those wanting the best in both power and features, the SOLE F85 is the ultimate option—it even has decline levels for a more realistic running experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which brand offers better cushioning for joint protection?
SOLE treadmills use Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology, which reduces impact on joints by up to 40%—ideal for users with hip and knee issues. Spirit treadmills also offer cushioned decks, but they may not reduce impact as much as SOLE’s system.

Are SOLE or Spirit treadmills better for home gyms with limited space?
Both SOLE and Spirit have foldable designs, but SOLE treadmills like the F63 are particularly compact when folded.

What are the differences in motor power between SOLE and Spirit treadmills?
SOLE and Spirit treadmills offer similar motor power across their models. For instance, both brands provide 3.0 HP motors in entry-level models like the SOLE F63 and Spirit XT185, and 4.0 HP motors in high-end models like the SOLE F85 and Spirit XT485​.

Which treadmill brand offers a better incline and decline range?
The SOLE F85 has both incline (up to 15 levels) and decline capabilities—excellent for users looking to simulate outdoor terrain.

Which is more budget-friendly: SOLE or Spirit treadmills?
SOLE treadmills offer better value for the price. For example, the SOLE F63 is more affordable than most Spirit models, while still having more advanced features. Spirit treadmills are high-quality but come at a higher price point​.