The Garmin ForeRunner 55 is a great choice for runners who want to improve their training and compete in races. Find out more in our Garmin Forerunner 55 Review.
If you are looking for a new GPS watch, then the Garmin Forerunner 55 could be just what you need. It’s one of the best GPS watches available right now, so read on to find out why it’s such an excellent option.
- Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how fast and where you’ve run.Control Method:Application.Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Plan your race day strategy with the PacePro feature (not compatible with on-device courses), which offers GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance
- Run your best with helpful training tools, including race time predictions and finish time estimates
- Track all the ways you move with built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swim, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork and more
Garmin Forerunner 55 Overview
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a GPS running watch designed specifically for athletes looking to track their progress during long-distance runs. It has everything you need to keep tabs on your performance, including distance, covered, pace, calories burned, heart rate, sleep quality, and more.
It also comes packed with tons of other useful features that will help you stay motivated throughout your workout. For example, you can set goals, create custom routes, receive alerts, and even sync data from compatible devices like smartphones or activity trackers.
In addition to these features, the Forerunner 55 is also highly customizable thanks to its wide variety of watch faces. You can easily switch between them using the touchscreen display, which makes it easy to quickly check stats without having to dig through menus.
Design
The Forerunner 55 is a great-looking fitness tracker with several useful features. While its lack of touchscreen might turn some off, it’s easy to use and offers plenty of functionality. There’s also the option to customize your watch faces, which is a nice touch. You may feel differently about using buttons than we do, but if you’re looking for a reliable GPS running watch, the Forerunner 55 is worth checking out.
Unlike the Forerunner 45, which has interchangeable bands, the Forerunner 55 does not have interchangeable bands. While I did transition the watch into more casual clothes, I didn’t feel confident wearing it to social events. Check out their Venue line if you want a Garmin smartwatch that pairs well with dresses and suits.
Display
You can view the digital information even under direct sunlight with a transflective screen. You won’t need to use the light button often because the screen automatically adjusts to ambient lighting levels.
GPS
In testing the GPS abilities of the Forerunner 55, we were able to get accurate data within 5 seconds of starting a run or workout. We also tested the GPS ability in three different locations. All tests yielded similar results.
The new Forerunner 935 offers some significant improvements over the previous model. For example, it now includes integrated Incident Detection technology, which allows you to send messages to friends and loved ones if something happens while running. However, if you want to run without your phone, the Forerunner 945 may be more appropriate.
With Live Track, you can share your real-time location with friends and family while you exercise. You can even send them text messages or emails if you want.
Run tracking
The Forerunner 55 is an excellent watch for beginners and intermediates alike. It offers plenty of features to help you improve your fitness level, including three critical components designed specifically for runners. These include pace alerts, interval training suggestions, and workout recommendations.
I’ve used the Speed & Cadence option many times before, but never as effectively as during my last long run. My legs felt fresh throughout the entire workout, and I wasn’t tempted to stop early because I had already covered enough ground. I also noticed that my heart rate stayed lower than normal even though I pushed myself harder than usual.
You’ll need to take care of yourself after running. Your body needs time to recover and heal. Don’t push yourself too soon after exercise. Give yourself enough time to recover fully.
After resting, the Forerunner 55 gives you suggestions for workouts based on your fitness levels, training history, and how much time you have available to exercise. These workouts allow you to get a great workout without having to spend too much time exercising or worrying about going too fast.
The Forerunner 55 provides a running analysis based on GPS data. You’ll be able to view your total mileage, total time, and average speed, as well as your fastest miles, longest runs, and moderate pace per mile. Each mile will also provide a buzzer alerting you to how long you’ve been running.
With the Forerunner 55, Garmin offers runners several additional metrics on its main screen. But I found that I prefer seeing just the pace, total time, and distance. For most casual runners, though, the primary display should be perfect.
Activity tracking
With the Forerunner 55, the Connect app provides basic strength workouts as part of the Other activity profile. However, the lack of dedicated strength training options means that users must choose another activity or use the generic strength workout. For dedicated strength training, see our review of the Garmin Forerunner 945.
Sleep tracking
The Forerunner 55 tracks your sleep habits pretty well, though you’ll need to enter times into the app manually. Like the other Fitbit devices, the Forerunner 55 shows how much time you spend asleep each night, as well as how many minutes you’re awake during the day. You also get graphs showing your daily sleep patterns, including the amount of time you spend sleeping and awake throughout the day.
I’m surprised by how many hours I get each night. My body seems to be getting plenty of rest. I also appreciate the fact that my heart rate slows down during sleep. Recovery is a primary focus here.
The watch’s sleep tracker wasn’t as accurate as we expected. Our tests recorded me sleeping for 9 hours and waking up at 5:30 am. That’s pretty close to what I do, but it’s still inaccurate enough to make us wonder how much data the watch collects about our sleep habits. We’re also interested to see whether the watch can detect REM cycles.
Health tracking
Your body needs time to recover from exercise, but there’s no reason why you can’t get up right away after working out. You may want to take some extra time off during the week, though, as doing too much exercise in one session could cause fatigue.
Garmin Connect app
Your Forerunner 55 collects data about how far, fast, and long you run each day. You can also view your progress toward specific running events such as 5Ks, 10Ks, and Half Marathons. You can connect with other runners via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And if you’re serious about improving your performance, there are plenty of comprehensive training programs available.
The Connect app provides many workout options for users, including some that do not require any equipment. Users can access a variety of different exercise routines using the Connect app.
The Forerunner 55 is compatible with Android phones, iPhones, Blackberry 10 devices, Windows Phones, Kindle Fire tablets, iPad mini, and Samsung smartphones. You can use the device as a standalone GPS tracker or connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0. The watch is waterproof up to 50 meters deep, and it features built-in fitness sensors.
Battery
The Forerunner 55 is significantly better than its predecessors in terms of battery life. It lasts longer in smartwatch mode and much longer in GPS mode. These are both huge advantages over other watches.
My Apple Watch Series 5 usually needs charging once per day, but the Garmin Fenix 6 Plus lasted nearly 10 days without needing a recharge. That’s more than twice as long as the Apple Watch and three times longer than any other smartwatch we’ve tested.
Pros and cons of Forerunner 55
With the help of the FR55, you’ll be able to monitor your heart rate, pace, distance traveled, calories burned, and more while you’re working out. You can also use the GPS feature to see how far you’ve gone during your run or bike ride. And if you want to share your progress online, you can connect the watch to social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter.
The FR55 comes in various colors: black, white, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, light grey, dark grey, pink, purple, silver, gold, and rose gold. There are also stainless steel models as well. All of the watches come with a leather strap or metal bracelet. The timepiece includes a date display window, chronograph function, luminous hands and markers, water-resistance up to 50 meters, and automatic movement.
With built-in GPS, this watch is perfect for runners or cyclists. You’ll get accurate distance data and interval information, as well as a great workout experience. Heart Rate Monitor features allow you to track your heart rate throughout your entire workout. Coaches give you personalized advice based on your fitness goals.
Plenty of Motivation
You’ll get plenty of motivation from the FR55’s motivational features, including Training Status, Performance History, and Challenge Progress Tracking. There’s also a built-in SmartTrack capability that helps you stay motivated by offering real-time feedback on how well you’ve done compared to previous days. And if you want to know precisely how far you’ve gone during your run, you can use the included heart rate monitor to check your progress.
Finish Time will give you an estimate of how long it takes you to complete your run.
Track Run lets you record your actual lap times as well as your distance covered.
Cadence Alert will tell you if you’re off your target pace.
Recovery Time will help you to set yourself up for success by ensuring you’re getting enough sleep and eating right. You’ll also be able to see what kind of shape you need to be in before you start running again.
Built-ins sports app offers another choice for workouts. Fitness Tracking will continuously count your steps and intensity while you’re just out and about. Stress Tracking will let you know if you have had a calm or stressful day and alert you when your heart rate has been unusually high.
You’ll get helpful information about how much exercise you’re getting each week. Your fitness level will be tracked by your age, resting pulse, and other factors.
Women’s Health Tracking is an excellent feature for women athletes
The Garmin Connect app allows you to track your menstrual cycle or pregnancy. The list of amenities goes even further with the SMART NOTIFICATIONS. When paired with your phone, this lets you get text messages and email alerts right on your wrist.
The watch has several safety features, including sending messages to your emergency contacts, letting you know if there is an issue with the watch, or alerting you to an incoming call. There are also music controls available. Fossil makes these watches.
I admit I haven’t been “gentle” with it. The face isn’t remarkable and always looks sleek. There are quick-release bands that are 20mm wide. The strap material is silicon. The physical size is 431x431x12.7mm and will fit wrists up to a circumference of 203-260mm. It weighs around 43g. It is water-resistant and has 5 ATMs. The memory and history will provide you with 200 hours of activity data.
Garmin Forerunner 55: Verdict
With the introduction of the Garmin Forerunner 55, Garmin has taken a step back towards simplicity. No longer do we need to worry about remembering our phone number, email address, or even what time it is. Instead, we get a sleek device that tracks our steps, sleep patterns, heart rate, distance traveled, calories burned, and more.
The Forerunner 55 is a solid smartwatch option for runners looking for basic fitness features without breaking the bank. It lacks some of the bells and whistles offered by other models, but the price tag makes it easy to overlook.
- Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how fast and where you’ve run.Control Method:Application.Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Plan your race day strategy with the PacePro feature (not compatible with on-device courses), which offers GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance
- Run your best with helpful training tools, including race time predictions and finish time estimates
- Track all the ways you move with built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swim, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork and more
Alex is a fitness aficionado, empowers others towards healthier, active lives through small, sustainable changes for lasting results. Visit Gearuptofit.com for insightful tips and resources to enrich a balanced lifestyle.