The Garmin Forerunner series has been a staple among runners for years, and the latest addition - the Forerunner 255 - doesn't disappoint. This smartwatch is designed specifically for running enthusiasts, offering advanced features like real-time pace guidance, training status monitoring, and race predictor tools. It also boasts enhanced sleep tracking, daily workout suggestions, and a vibrant AMOLED display that remains visible even in direct sunlight. The Garmin Forerunner 255 comes in two models: the standard version with a silicone strap or the Music edition which allows you to store and play your favorite tunes directly from the watch without needing your phone nearby. Both versions are available in several stylish color options, ensuring there's one that suits your personal taste.
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor, the Forerunner 245. This makes it more comfortable to wear during long runs or even just throughout the day. The watch features a lightweight yet durable polymer case with a bezel made from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). It's also water resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities. The AMOLED display is bright, clear, and easy to read in all lighting conditions. With its always-on feature, you can quickly glance at your metrics without having to press a button or raise your wrist. The watch face itself is customizable with various widgets that provide quick access to the information you need most. One of the biggest improvements over the Forerunner 245 is the addition of physical buttons alongside the touchscreen interface. This makes it easier to navigate through menus and control music playback while running, even when your hands are sweaty or gloved. The silicone strap is comfortable and adjustable, although some users may prefer a different material for longer runs due to potential irritation.
Garmin products are known for their durability, and the Forerunner 255 is no exception. While not as rugged as some of Garmin's more extreme sports watches (like the Fenix series), its still built tough enough to withstand everyday wear and tear during training sessions or races. The watch face itself is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass DX+, which offers excellent scratch resistance. The polymer case is also quite durable, although it may show minor signs of scratching over time. The silicone strap can be easily cleaned with soap and water, keeping your watch looking fresh even after the toughest workouts.
One of the most important aspects of any running watch is its accuracy in tracking distance, pace, and heart rate. Thankfully, the Garmin Forerunner 255 excels in this area. It utilizes a combination of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems to provide accurate location data even in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. The built-in optical heart rate sensor has also been improved over previous generations, offering more reliable readings during high-intensity intervals and steady runs. While it's not as precise as a chest strap monitor, it provides consistently accurate results for the vast majority of users. Garmins running dynamics metrics (available through the Garmin Connect app) are another standout feature. These include ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical oscillation, and more. They provide valuable insights into your running form and can help you identify areas for improvement to reduce injury risk.
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is packed with features that cater specifically to runners of all levels. Here are some of the highlights:
The Garmin Forerunner 255 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from runners around the world. Here's a summary of what users are saying about this smartwatch:
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is priced competitively compared to other high-end running watches on the market. The standard version costs around $349, while the Music edition retails for approximately $449. Considering its advanced features and impressive battery life, it offers excellent value for money.
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a feature-packed running smartwatch that's designed to help you reach your full potential as a runner. Its sleek design, accurate tracking capabilities, and comprehensive training features make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced athletes alike. While there are some minor drawbacks (e.g., occasional GPS signal dropouts), they dont detract from the overall quality of this exceptional device.
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a GPS running smartwatch designed for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts. It offers advanced training features, performance metrics, health monitoring tools, music storage, and smart notifications all in one sleek package.
This watch is ideal for both beginner and experienced runners who want to track their progress, improve their running form, and gain insights into their overall fitness levels. It's also a great option for athletes involved in other sports like cycling and swimming.
The main features include: GPS tracking with multi-band GNSS support, heart rate monitoring, PacePro feature to maintain target paces on various terrains, recovery time recommendations, training load analysis, smart notifications, music storage (up to 200 songs), and Garmin Pay contactless payments.
The Forerunner 255 has a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode with music playback. With solar charging enabled, it can extend battery life even further.
Yes, the Forerunner 255 offers onboard music storage for up to 200 songs. You can transfer your favorite tunes from a computer or stream them via Bluetooth headphones during workouts. It's compatible with Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music (subscription required).
Yes, if you have a participating bank, you can add credit/debit cards to your watch for contactless payments at stores that accept NFC technology.
Absolutely! It tracks light, deep and REM sleep stages along with movement throughout the night, providing detailed insights into your sleep patterns. You can also set a bedtime reminder.
The GPS accuracy of this watch is excellent thanks to multi-band GNSS support. It provides precise location tracking even in challenging environments like urban canyons and dense forests, ensuring reliable distance and pace readings.
It tracks a wide range of data including: cadence, stride length, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, heart rate variability (HRV) status, training effect, VO2 max estimation, lactate threshold, and more.
Yes! The Forerunner 255 has incident detection during outdoor activities that automatically sends a message with your location to emergency contacts if an accident occurs. You can also manually send SOS alerts via satellite communication (subscription required).
The Training Readiness score assesses how prepared you are for training based on factors like sleep quality, recovery time, HRV status and recent exercise load. A higher score indicates that your body is ready to handle a tough workout.
Yes! It seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Strava, TrainerRoad, and others through the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone or computer. This allows you to share data, participate in challenges and track progress across multiple devices.
You can personalize your watch face by selecting from a wide variety of preloaded options or downloading new ones from the Connect IQ store. Widgets allow you to quickly access specific information like weather updates, calendar events, and activity data right on your wrist.
PacePro is a feature that guides you with real-time pace alerts while running uphill or downhill based on your target pace for the entire course. It helps maintain consistent effort throughout your run.
Yes! The watch monitors daily activity levels including steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes and floors climbed. You can set goals to stay motivated and earn badges for achieving milestones.
Absolutely! While exercising you can easily access various metrics like pace, heart rate, distance covered and elevation gain by pressing buttons or swiping through different screens. You can also customize your display with specific widgets for quick reference during workouts.
Software updates are automatically downloaded to the watch when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or via USB connection on a computer. Follow the instructions in the Connect app to install them.
The box includes: the watch itself, charging/data cable and user manual. You can purchase additional accessories like heart rate monitors, chest straps and bands separately.
Yes! The barometric altimeter accurately measures elevation changes during your workouts, allowing you to track ascent and descent data for hiking, trail running or cycling activities.
Download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone (iOS or Android), create an account if you don't have one already, then follow the in-app instructions to pair your watch via Bluetooth.