Sole vs. ProForm Treadmill Comparison: 2024’s Ultimate Home Gym Showdown

Key Takeaways

• SOLE and ProForm offer high-quality treadmills, but they cater to different preferences and budgets.
• SOLE treadmills are known for their durability and user-friendly features such as customizable workout programs and fitness tracking capabilities.
• Both brands provide a variety of models to suit different fitness levels and space requirements.
• Comparing motor performance, user interface, and training options can help determine the best fit for your needs.
• SOLE treadmills stand out with their sturdy construction, lifetime warranty, foldable design, and powerful motors—for a gym-quality workout at home.

At SOLE, we're proud of our products but also believe in making informed choices for your fitness gear. So we're comparing SOLE and ProForm treadmills to help you pick the best fit for your health goals. With so many choices, finding the right one can be tough, but we're here to help. Featured Products SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, foldable design, incline options, and heart rate monitoring. ProForm Treadmills: Starting at $999, ProForm offers tech features such as online interactive workouts, including iFit subscriptions with live and recorded classes, custom training plans, and scenic routes.

Top Features of SOLE Treadmills

• Fully Integrated with Workout Apps: All SOLE equipment including treadmills can be used with workout apps such as SOLE+ and Kinomap.
• Compact and Convenient: Numerous SOLE treadmills boast a foldable design, ideal for homes with limited space, maximizing convenience without compromising on performance.
• Lifetime Warranty: All SOLE treadmills have a lifetime warranty for the frames.
• Whisper-Quiet: Large rollers up to 2.9”, depending on the model, provide a fluid natural motion when exercising on the equipment.
• Tech Features: Treadmills come with integrated Bluetooth speakers, allowing users to stream music or podcasts directly from their device. Includes charging ports and cooling fans as well.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: Treadmills feature cushioned decks that reduce impact and cooling fans to keep users comfortable. 

Top Features of ProForm Treadmills

• iFIT Access: Offers an immersive training experience with a vast library of workouts.
• Foldable and Space-Saving Designs: Many ProForm treadmills feature a foldable, space-saving design with EasyLift Assist and transport wheels.
• Incline and Decline Training: While most ProForm treadmills offer powered incline training, models like the Pro 9000 also provide decline capabilities down to -3%, simulating varied terrain for a more challenging workout.
• Touchscreen Consoles: Higher-end ProForm treadmills like the Pro 9000 and Pro 2000 come equipped with large HD touchscreen consoles (up to 22 inches) for an immersive iFIT experience and easy access to workout stats.

Detailed Feature Analysis: What Sets Them Apart

Motor Power

• SOLE treadmills feature robust motors ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP), designed for intense running and supporting heavier user weights.
• ProForm treadmills typically have less powerful motors, from 2.75 CHP up to 3.6 CHP, suitable for walking to moderate running.

Construction and Durability

• SOLE treadmills incorporate commercial-grade components like two-ply belts, large rollers (2.5 inches or larger), and sturdy steel frames for enhanced durability.
• ProForm treadmills have a more budget-friendly construction, though still durable for home use.

Running Surface

• SOLE treadmills offer generous 60-inch long by 20 to 22-inch wide running decks to accommodate users with longer strides.
• ProForm treadmills’ running surfaces are similar: 20 inches wide by 60 inches long.

Incline/Decline Training

• Most SOLE treadmills provide incline training up to 15%, with the TT8 model uniquely offering 6 decline levels.
• Many ProForm treadmills like the Pro 9000 also have incline of up to 12% and decline training options down to -3%.

Interactive Training 

• ProForm treadmills integrate with the iFIT interactive training platform for instructor-led, automatic speed and incline adjustments.
• SOLE treadmills can connect to apps like the free SOLE+ app and Kinomap. The SOLE+ app provides workouts for all levels and ranges from 10 minutes to 60 minutes.  It utilizes heart rate metrics and data from your equipment across all of their workouts to help you work out smarter.

Warranty Terms: What's Protected and What's Not?

• SOLE offers generous lifetime warranties on frames and motors and often includes several years of protection on electronics and parts.
• ProForm provides a standard 10-year frame warranty, with additional coverage for parts and labor that varies by model.

Cost Analysis: Upfront Investment and Long-Term Value

• Investing in a SOLE treadmill usually means a higher upfront cost, but it's justified by the machine's longevity and features like foldable space-saving design, 2.7” rollers and 22” running surfaces, which means quieter runs on a more durable surface.
• ProForm treadmills might come with a more attractive price tag, but are not as reliable long-term, especially when considering their tech features if brand support is dropped.

SOLE vs ProForm Treadmills Comparison

Feature	SOLE Treadmills	ProForm Treadmills
Weight Capacity	325 to 400 lbs across models	Up to 300 lbs
Footprint	Slightly larger footprints - F80: 82" L x 37" W x 66" H	Smaller footprints - Pro 2000: 77.3" L x 35.5" W x 59.6" H
Warranty	Lifetime on frame & motor, varies on parts/electronics	10-year frame, varies on parts and labor
Price	Higher upfront cost	More budget-friendly upfront

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of SOLE Treadmills

SOLE treadmills are easy to use but don't skimp on the features that enhance your workout experience.  

• Foldable designs that are perfect for space-saving needs.
• Exceptional durability with high-quality construction.
• Comfortable cushioning system to reduce impact on joints.
• Powerful motors suitable for long-term, heavy use.
• Integrated technology for tracking and entertainment.
• Excellent warranty.

But, SOLE has a few drawbacks to consider

• Some users may find the tech features less advanced compared to other brands.
• The lack of color options may be an issue for some users.

Pros and Cons of ProForm Treadmills

If users want a treadmill that connects with online trainers, streams workouts, and tracks every stat, ProForm is a decent option. But with all that tech can come complexity, and for some, the learning curve might be steep.

• iFit connectivity offers a vast library of workouts with global routes.
• Automatic incline and speed adjustments for immersive training sessions.
• Foldable designs for those who have issues with space.
• Quick controls allow for easy adjustments mid-workout.

But let's consider the other side of the coin:

• iFit requires a subscription, which means an ongoing cost.
• Some models may have a noisier operation, which could be disruptive in certain home environments.
• The abundance of features might be overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler, more traditional treadmill experience.

Customer Reviews

SOLE Treadmill Review

Recent Buyer Dante said on SOLE's Site

“My wife and I bought our SOLE Fitness F80 about three months ago and we love it! The machine is very well built and can take a pretty good beating.”

ProForm Treadmill Review

Recent Buyer M.S. said on ProForm's Site

“I purchased this to walk indoors. It was a ton of work to assemble. Way more than expected. I wanted to be able to do manual control. I am not able to do that unless you do it through your phone. That’s not what I was expecting. It will not work manually no matter what I try unless I do it on my phone.”

Why is SOLE a Better Choice?

Fitness enthusiasts seeking longevity and reliability in their equipment may find the robust construction and commercial-grade materials of a SOLE treadmill an ideal choice. Renowned for their durability, SOLE machines are favored by serious runners and fitness buffs unwilling to compromise on workout gear quality.

When comparing treadmills from SOLE, you'll find a range of options that cater to different needs and budgets. From the entry-level SOLE F63, known for its value and durability, to the best-selling high-end SOLE F89, there's something for everyone. Additionally, the SOLE F65, SOLE F80, and SOLE F85 provide enhanced comfort with their 22” wide running surface compared to the traditional 20” running surface provided on ProForm treadmills.

Also, the SOLE F85 includes 2.75” rollers compared to the 1.9” rollers on the ProForm Carbon TLX. Rollers decrease tension, which keeps wear and tear to a minimum. You will also notice less noise and better grip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can SOLE Treadmills support high-intensity interval training?

SOLE treadmills are designed with powerful motors and sturdy frames—ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). You can easily switch between speeds and inclines to create a challenging and effective HIIT workout that burns calories and improves cardiovascular health.

What makes ProForm's iFit membership worthwhile?

With iFit, you get access to an extensive library of live and on-demand classes, led by professional trainers. The workouts are diverse, ranging from running trails across the globe to high-energy studio classes, providing an engaging and immersive workout experience.

How do the warranties compare for SOLE and ProForm treadmills?

SOLE and ProForm treadmills come with generous warranties that cover the frame, motor, and parts. SOLE edges out ProForm and most other brands with a lifetime warranty on the frame and longer warranty on the motor, which speaks to their confidence in the treadmills’ durability. ProForm also offers a solid warranty. Always check the specific warranty information for the model you're interested in, as terms can vary.

Are these treadmills suitable for users with limited space?

Yes, both SOLE and ProForm offer models that cater to users with space constraints. SOLE, in particular, is known for its foldable treadmills that can easily be stored away when not in use.

How user-friendly are the assembly instructions for both brands?

Both SOLE and ProForm strive to make assembly as straightforward as possible. Customers generally find that the assembly instructions are clear, and the process is manageable. However, due to the size and weight of the treadmills, it's often recommended to have two people on hand to help with the assembly. If you're not comfortable assembling the treadmill yourself, both brands offer professional assembly services for an additional fee.