Gear Review: Garmin Forerunner 55
Same lightweight package, brand new tech. The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers more fitness tracking and insights than ever before, so you can be the best version of you on the run.
Garmin Forerunner 55
Features
The Forerunner 55 is designed for the runner in everyone.
Whether you’re just getting started or are training for a race, the Forerunner 55 offers updated features that help you train smarter, not harder.
Designers kept the lightweight, waterproof case and watch face but beefed up the battery life to double the time in Smartwatch mode (2 weeks to be exact) and up to 20 hours of GPS mode functionality.
In addition to classic fitness tracking features like heart rate tracking and sleep monitoring, the Forerunner 55 also features new running metrics to enhance your race-day prep and daily training.
Track mode provides increased accuracy on the track while features like PacePro Pacing Strategy, Predicted Race Times, Finish Time Estimator and Daily Suggested Workouts help you keep a pulse on your fitness and potential race performance, taking the guesswork out of race day strategy.
In addition to updated running features, the Garmin Forerunner 55 now includes Women’s Health Tracking for menstruating or pregnant athletes.
Tech Specs | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
Dimensions | 1.04” display diameter |
Weight | 37 g |
Battery Life | 20 hours GPS mode; 2 weeks SmartWatch mode |
Water Rating | 5 ATM; waterproof |
Heart Rate Monitor | Yes; wrist-based monitor |
Lens | Chemically strengthened glass |
Smartphone Compatibility | Yes (iPhone, Android); Smart notifications |
Navigation Sensors | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
Who It's Best For
From beginners to seasoned athletes, the Forerunner 55 offers a simple, easy to navigate interface for every runner. Elevated fitness tracking and a wide range of preloaded sports apps help you track runs, swims, hikes and more. The Forerunner 55 is smartphone compatible and provides hours of non-stop tracking in a lightweight package.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Great simple watch with good battery life
I upgraded to this from the Forerunner 45s (and the 35 before that). I really just want to track the basics when I'm running and don't wear it the rest of the day. So this watch has been great. The battery is so much better than the 45. And compared to my previous watches, the screen is better for reading everything while I'm running. If you're just looking for a simple watch to accurately track your runs with a good battery life, this is it.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Just the right upgrade for me!
The Garmin Forerunner 55 was just the right upgrade for me - from the Forerunner 45. Easy to use, reasonably priced and I don't have to worry about all the extra features that I don't use.
Star Rating is 4 / 5
Hate the band
Not as intuitive as my Garmin 35 band is very stiff and uncomfortableI’ll be buying a new band at my age I dislike the menstrual cycle popping evey time I use it. It functions. well meets my needs
Star Rating is 1 / 5
Very disappointing menu system design
Disappointing; not an intuitive user interface neither a clear user manual. Menus are too hidden and require too many clicks to get access to customized workout. Manual content is useless for customization and troubleshooting purposes.I have other Garmin devices (bike computer) for a long time and it is easy to access and I can just start my preferred activity plan quickly. For such a price tag I would expect better menu design and support. Returning.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Doctors orders
My husband had a heart attack in July. He's 53. His father died at 49. My husband has been given a second chance at life whereas his father was not. My husband is now in cardiac rehab. Being hooked to monitors while running on a treadmill gives him the confidence needed that his heart is no longer in distress when exercising. When exercising at home he wants that same confidence. We bought 2 forerunners. Checking our heartrate has now become the norm for us. We know that the forerunner may not be as accurate as the monitors in rehab but it comes in as a great second place option and convenient too.