Garmin Forerunner 255 Bands: 22mm Fit & Buying Guide
Quick answer: The Garmin Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 255 Music both use 22mm quick-release bands. Swapping takes about five seconds and needs no tools — just slide the quick-release pin, pop the old strap off, and click the new one in. You can browse the full range of Garmin Forerunner 255 bands here, all shipped fast from Melbourne. If you own the smaller Forerunner 255S, your watch takes an 18mm band instead — head to the Forerunner 255S bands collection.
The Forerunner 255 is one of the most popular running watches Garmin has ever made, and for good reason — it nails the essentials without the bulk. But the strap it ships with is only the beginning. Whether your original band has worn out, started to smell after months of training, or you simply want a cleaner look for work, this guide covers everything you need to choose the right replacement band with confidence.
What Band Size Does the Garmin Forerunner 255 Use?
The standard Garmin Forerunner 255 (45.6mm case) uses a 22mm quick-release band. This applies to both variants of the larger watch:
- Forerunner 255 — 22mm band
- Forerunner 255 Music — 22mm band
The music and non-music versions share an identical case and lug design, so any band in the Forerunner 255 bands collection fits both perfectly.
One important exception: the Forerunner 255S and 255S Music are physically smaller watches (41mm case) and use an 18mm band — a 22mm strap will not fit them. If you're not sure which one you own, the section below shows you how to check in under a minute.
Forerunner 255 vs 255S: Which Model Do I Have?
This is the single most common mix-up we see, and it's worth 60 seconds to get right before ordering. Here's how to identify your exact watch:
- Check the back of the watch. The model name is printed on the rear case — look for "Forerunner 255", "255 Music", "255S", or "255S Music".
- Check in the Garmin Connect app. Open the app, tap the device icon, and your exact model name is listed at the top.
- Measure the case. The standard 255 measures roughly 46mm across; the 255S measures roughly 41mm. If your watch looks noticeably compact on the wrist, it's likely the S.
| Model | Case Size | Band Width | Where to Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 255 | 45.6mm | 22mm quick-release | Forerunner 255 bands |
| Forerunner 255 Music | 45.6mm | 22mm quick-release | Forerunner 255 bands |
| Forerunner 255S | 41mm | 18mm quick-release | Forerunner 255S bands |
| Forerunner 255S Music | 41mm | 18mm quick-release | Forerunner 255S bands |
What Are the Best Replacement Bands for the Forerunner 255?
The right band depends on how you use your watch day to day. Our Garmin Forerunner 255 replacement strap (22mm) is available in a range of styles and colours, engineered as a premium alternative to the genuine Garmin band and cut to the exact 22mm quick-release fit your watch needs.
| Band Style | Best For | Why Choose It | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport silicone | Running, gym, race day | Sweat-resistant, easy to rinse clean, secure keeper loop | See product page |
| Everyday comfort styles | All-day wear, sleep tracking | Lightweight and breathable for 24/7 comfort on the wrist | See product page |
| Dress & office looks | Work, dinners, weekends | Cleans up the sporty watch for smart-casual settings | See product page |
Many Forerunner 255 owners keep two or three bands in rotation — a silicone strap for training and a dressier option for everything else. Because the swap is tool-free, changing looks takes less time than tying your shoelaces.
How Do I Change the Band on My Garmin Forerunner 255?
The Forerunner 255 uses standard quick-release spring bars, so no tools are required. Here's the full process:
- Flip the watch over on a soft surface so you don't scratch the screen.
- Locate the quick-release pin — a small sliding lever on the underside of each band, near where it meets the case.
- Slide the pin inward with your fingernail. The spring bar retracts and the band pops free of the lugs.
- Repeat for the second half of the band.
- Fit the new band: insert one end of the spring bar into the lug hole, slide the pin in, line up the other end, and release. You'll feel it click into place.
- Give it a gentle tug to confirm both sides are seated securely before wearing.
The whole job takes well under a minute once you've done it once. If the pins feel stiff on a brand-new band, that's normal — they loosen slightly with the first few swaps.
What Other Forerunner 255 Accessories Are Worth Adding?
While you're refreshing your band, a few other accessories can round out your setup:
- Rugged Protective Cover Case — a slim bumper that shields the bezel and screen edges from knocks on trail runs and gym racks, without blocking the buttons.
- Refuel Watch Charger Stand — a bedside dock that holds your watch upright while it charges, so it's always in the same spot before your morning run.
- Charger & Data Cable Replacement — a spare cable for the office, gym bag, or travel kit, so a forgotten charger never costs you a tracked session.
- Charger Dock Cable — a docked-style charging cable that cradles the watch securely while it powers up.
Why Buy Your Forerunner 255 Bands from an Australian Store?
Ordering locally means your band arrives in days, not weeks. Every order is packed and dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse, usually the same day, and backed by a 30-day change of mind guarantee — if a colour or style isn't quite you, swap it hassle-free. You're also dealing with real, local customer support: an Australian-owned business where actual humans answer your questions.
Ready to refresh your watch? Shop the full Garmin Forerunner 255 bands collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size band does the Garmin Forerunner 255 use?
The Garmin Forerunner 255 and 255 Music both use 22mm quick-release bands. The smaller Forerunner 255S and 255S Music use 18mm bands, so it's important to confirm your exact model before ordering.
Do Forerunner 255 and 255 Music take the same band?
Yes. The Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 255 Music share an identical 45.6mm case, so every band in the Forerunner 255 collection fits both models.
Will a Forerunner 255 band fit my Forerunner 255S?
No. The 255S is a smaller watch with 18mm lugs, so a 22mm Forerunner 255 band won't fit it. If you own the 255S or 255S Music, shop the dedicated Forerunner 255S bands collection instead.
How do I know if I have the Forerunner 255 or 255S?
Check the model name printed on the back of the watch case, or open the Garmin Connect app and tap your device — the exact model is listed at the top. As a quick visual check, the 255 has a larger 45.6mm case while the 255S is a more compact 41mm.
Do I need tools to change a Forerunner 255 band?
No. The Forerunner 255 uses quick-release spring bars with a small sliding pin built into each band. Slide the pin with your fingernail to release the old band, then click the new one into place — the whole swap takes under a minute.
How often should I replace my watch band?
With regular training, most bands benefit from replacement every 12 to 24 months. If you notice cracking, fraying, stretched pin holes, or a lingering odour that washing won't fix, it's time for a fresh strap — a worn band is the most common reason watches come loose mid-run.
Are these bands a genuine Garmin product?
Our bands are a premium alternative to the genuine Garmin strap, made to the exact 22mm quick-release specification the Forerunner 255 requires. They install the same way, fit the same, and come backed by our 30-day change of mind guarantee and Australian-based support.