Our Take
The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a GPS running and triathlon watch aimed at serious amateur and semi-elite endurance athletes. It sits in the upper-mid tier of Garmin's running range — more capable than the 245 but less feature-heavy than the Fenix or 955. It balances training analytics with a relatively lightweight, sports-focused form factor.
Key Features
Full GPS with multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for improved positional accuracy in challenging terrain
Built-in Garmin Coach adaptive training plans for 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances
Triathlon and multisport modes with automatic sport transitions
Wrist-based heart rate monitoring plus pulse oximetry for blood oxygen estimation
Running dynamics metrics including cadence, stride length, and ground contact time (requires compatible accessory for full data)
Garmin Pay contactless payments for leaving your phone and wallet behind on runs
Our Verdict
A strong choice for dedicated runners and triathletes who want deep training analytics, onboard music, and a light, unobtrusive fit. If you rarely race multisport events or don't need music storage, the Forerunner 255 may offer better value. Those wanting proper navigation maps should look to the Fenix range instead.