Great product, it's almost everything I expected from it. Its size is not bad, even a little smaller than the Polar S-625X's foot piece and also runs on a AAA battery that seems to last at least as much as the S-625X's. Its precision is very good as long as you calibrate it correctly, "fine tune" it carefully through the first 5 to 10 runs, and then keep your pace somewhat steady. I should clarify that the only other inertial sensor I have used before is the previously mentioned Polar S625X which behaves very similarly, that is, it accumulates some error if you change your pace or inclination (climb or downhill) significantly. One drawback is that in order to attach Garmin's Foot Pod to the shoe, you have to almost completely remove the shoelace. This is because unlike Polar's sensor, it's all one piece; this makes it very impractical to move from one pair of shoes to the other, if like me, you have 4 or 5 pairs of running shoes which you "rotate" during the week. What I did was chose one pair to always use indoors. Lastly, I want to comment, that it would be VERY VERY nice if you could use the Forerunner 305's GPS functionality to calibrate the Foot Pod and not having to run a known distance on a track or somewhere else. Since the Forerunner 305 is so precise and reliable, why not automatically use its distance information for calibration? As a matter of fact, when I calibrated mine, what I did is use my Forerunner 305 to mark an 800m track and then ran it again while calibrating the Foot Pod. Why not do it automatically? That would have saved me a run! Well, those are my 2¢ worth... Pablo

I love my Garmin Forerunner 305, and like many people, I was saddened when winter rolled around and the weather forced me onto the dreadmill for many of my runs. I felt like I wasn't getting "credit" for my runs since they weren't showing up in my totals on the Garmin Forerunner or on my PC software. I had priced the footpods before, but I wasn't really ready to pay another $100+ for one (the 305 with heart rate monitor was already a bit pricey), so I just gave up on buying a footpod.
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br /Then one day I was reading a forum post where a user was raving about the new smaller version of the Garmin footpod that came out recently. I decided to do some more research on the footpods and I found that the newer version has basically two advantages--it clips onto the shoe (rather than lacing-in) and it is smaller. The clip-on feature is nice if you want to change shoes or just don't want the footpod permanently attached to your shoe. It also saves you the hassle of ever lacing it in in the first place. And with gadgets, smaller is usually better, right?
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br /Well, I quickly found that the price of the older, lace-in version had plummeted since the introduction of the new pod. I decided that for ~$30, I could live with the bulkier lace-in footpod, so I ordered this unit from Amazon. What's the worst that could happen? If it wasn't my cup of tea, I'm only out $30. On to the actual review...
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br /The pod works exactly as intended--I didn't need to calibrate it at all. When I'm using the footpod indoors, my Garmin 305 usually shows me within +/- .03 miles at every mile on the treadmill. Treadmills themselves are not always accurate, so I'm not going to calibrate the Garmin to the treadmill. And, quite frankly, I'm not the type of runner who really cares all that much if I've run 5.00 miles or 5.05 miles--close is good enough when I'm doing a treadmill run. (It's the outdoor runs that I care about, and there the GPS takes over.) I'm also not analyzing my cadence that much. I just use it for a good close approximation of speed/pace and distance.
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br /I had some concerns that this pod might feel bulky on top of my foot, but in reality I don't notice it's there at all when I'm walking, hiking, or running. The main time it gets in the way is when I'm stretching before or after my exercise and I try to grab the top of my foot behind my back.
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br /I recently got a shoe wallet and the Garmin footpod fits nicely inside, so I don't need to lace it into my shoe any more. The shoe wallet attaches to the laces with a velcro strap. This makes it easier to transfer the pod from one shoe to another, or just remove it when I am not using it, or when I want to stretch and the pod would be in the way on my shoe. If you want to do the same, make sure you get a shoe wallet that's big enough. Mine is a "Jogalite" brand shoe wallet and the pod fits snugly with just enough room for a key or two, an ID card, and maybe some bills. I'm told the Nike shoe wallet works great for this purpose, too.
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br /It is a minor nuisance to peek inside the wallet and make sure the LED is coming on to tell me the pod is turned on (and vice versa to turn it off) but I still think it's better than having the pod laced in, or coughing up $100+ for the new clip on pod. And really you don't need to see the LED. Just feel for the button, push it, and then walk a few steps until the Garmin detects the pod and asks you if you are running indoors.
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br /OK, that review was a bit longer than I expected--I'll shut up now.

item is a little bulky for this type of device (compared to nike+ pod) but you really do no notice when running.
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br /instructions were fairly clear with one exception...when trying to sync the pod to your watch, you must shake the pod as if simulating walking/running. once i figured that our it worked flawlessly.
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I finally purchased this to add to my ForeRunner set and am very happy with it. Although there is a slight error factor (as mentioned on the Garmin site with information on calibration), the data is perfect for my needs.

The foot pod sometimes is balky in its handshake with the watch. When this happens the prompt to use inddors pops up a minute or so after you pust the start button. I have found that you can minimize or eliminate this if you make certain to shut down the watch before you shut down the footpod, and then next time start the footpod before turning on the watch.
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br /The calibration process should be able to use the GPS mode,instead of running a known distance.
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br /The lacing system stinks! Should have a clip-type system so you do not have to completely unlace your shoe to install or uninstall.

I bought the footpod so I can train on the treadmill in winter using my 305 and still be able to upload my speed and distance data to the PC and web. It works great. The 305 recognizes when the footpod is on, and asks you if you want to turn off the GPS. As far as accuracy goes, it does not display the same level of accuracy across a range of different running speeds. So if you walk 2 miles (8 laps) and then run 2 miles (8 laps), you would not get the same distance readings for the two activities. But it's accurate enough for me, to give it a 5-star rating. I have not seen a bad product from Garmin yet.

The device works, plain and simple, which is enough to warrant the 3 stars. It allows me to keep using my Garmin Forerunner 305 while inside on the treadmill. It's also on the cheaper side.
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br /The things I don't like:
br /1. The device is way too big.
br /2. I would be ok with #1 if there was a fast way to put it on and take off, but it gets laced on to your shoe. So on the days I'm not running, I have an ungainly large black thing on my shoe. I guess I can get a "running" shoe and a "weights" shoe or just suck it up.
br /3. The Garmin MotionBased site won't allow you to upload runs completed using the FootPod. This completely defeats the purpose of keeping track of my runs using statistics. Yes, I can upload to my personal desktop version of the software, but as noted in my Forerunner 305 review, the desktop version is sorely limited and doesn't contain ability to really drill down on the stats. I guess it's more encouragement to run outside, but in that case, I wouldn't need the Foot Pod. The Garmin site says indoor running functionality will come soon, but that could mean years away.

My Garmin Forerunner 305 is the first heart-rate monitor that has really inspired me to work out more consistently, but it didn't do any good for those treadmills runs during the cold winters in Minnesota. Now that problem is solved! As a side bonus, it also provides turn-over rate for my outdoor runs so that I can judge my leg speed.
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br /My only gripe is the calibration is not very flexible. You can choose 800M or 1/2 mile and those are your options. Push Start when you start and Stop when you cover the chosen distance. Being GPS based you would think it could be self-calibrating like the Bike pod.

I just purchased the foot pod for use on a treadmill. It seems to work well but I have not calibrated it yet. My only complaint is that it does not have a quick release to remove from my shoe. I now just leave it on my shoe while I am in the gym.

Often is not exactly how I would put it. How about, "More often than I would have thought". I need to change about once every 4 months. The battery issue is much less annoying than the fact that I have to unlace my shoes to "install" and "uninstall" the foot pod. This is a pain anytime that I want to use a different pair of shoes on the treadmill. The unit is also quite big for what it is, which is less annoying than I would have first thought. The weight has not been an issue, and I hardly even notice it is there while I am running. Overall, just an acceptable design.

The foot pod seems to be accurate and its very easy to sync to your 305, however, I'm not super happy how it laces up on your running shoes. I suppose it's difficult to design something like this, but they should have angled the holes for the laces differently.

Works really well. Easy to set-up and is very accurate. Only negative is that it is a little big.

I loved this accessory. I was so thrilled to see it and use it. I can't wait for it to warm up so I can get out more too. But this is great for those times when I need to be on my treadmill. It worked great but I think it is best if make sure you calibrate it so it will give you more accurate information.

I am very well satisfied.
br /i got the purchased product long before the promised delivery time. :-)

Easy to use. Paired fast, no problem calibrating, very accurate. You have to lace it on and only way to remove it from your shoe is to unlace your shoe. Would be nice if it had a base that laced on and then the pod clipped on. However, the fot pod is so light you don't notice it there.

Looking for a great way to accurately track your workouts indoors? This will fit your need. I have an older treadmill at home and is not accurate, the foot pod accurately tracks my mileage and pace. You can also upload your workouts to your Garmin Training Center software on your computer. I did not calibrate mine and it's within a .05 of a mile on the treadmills at the gym, so it's pretty accurate already. Of course if you want to be precise follow the directions to calibrate it. The only drawback to the foot pod is that it isn't easily removed from your show due to having to run your laces through them. Maybe future models will have an easier way to attach and detach the foot pod. That's the only negative. I am very pleased with my purchase and works automatically with my Forerunner 305.

The foot pod helps me keep accurate results for my weekly running log. I feel it is more accurate than the equipment at the gym. However I wish it was easier to take on and off I like to switch out my running shoes.

I bought this to accompany my Forerunner 305. I was training for a marathon in Phoenix in January so I did a lot of training indoors since I live in Utah. It was easy to get synced with my Forerunner, and I haven't had to replace the battery in the Foot Pod yet. My only issue is with calibrating it. I tried to calibrate it using the distance reading on the treadmill, but it seemed to vary from treadmill to treadmill. This could be due to inaccuracies in the treadmills sensors. It would be nice if it had a feature to auto calibrate it using the GPS in tandem with the accelerometers in the Foot Pod, instead of having to enter a calibration constant in manually. Still a great piece of equipment.

A very nice add-on to the Garmin Forerunner 305. Out of the box it is about .06/mile off (short) but I haven't done the calibration yet. It should be spot-on after that adjustment. I also like the cadence feature when outdoors so I can maintain my pace.
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br /It's a tad big for my taste but doesn't interfere with my running or gait and it doesn't weigh much at all. The size is probably mostly due tho the AAA battery it uses. If they'd use a watch battery instead, they could make it smaller...just a suggestion Garmin.
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br /It's worth the money.

The foot pod for the Garmin Forefunner 305 is a great gadget to have in conjunction with this unit. Tracking indoor running and then being able to upload the information for winter training is great. Set up is basically intuitive.

Was easy to setup and get rolling. Have not calibrated yet, but I use it on an indoor track and I get the same mileage each time, so it is at least reliable. Will have to calibrate to see if the mileage is on target, but I can say that setup and use were as advertised.

The footpod performs very well, did not require calibration, and really extends the use of the Garmin 305 when you have to run indoors on the treadmill. It also seems to work well riding a bicycle.

I'm using this Footpod with my Forerunner 305 which I purchased at the same time. This was a great investment as I run indoors now with winter in full force.
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br /The only complaint I have about the footpod is the size, it would be nice if it were smaller, but when I'm running I don't even know it is there.

This is a great product to keep track of indoor runs when used with the Forerunner 305. Right out of the box, I laced it up to my treadmill shoes, pushed the button, and the Forerunner "paired" with it. Didn't have to calibrate it at all, as it was close to perfect as is.
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br /I needed this item to allow me to use the Garmin Training Center software to keep track of my indoor workouts during our 4 month winters.
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br /The only downside is is takes a few minutes to lace it up to a new pair of shoes. That's why I leave it on my indoor shoes.
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br /And the price is right. Great product!
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This thing works.
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br /I had to download the right software from the Garmin website - which wasn't really explained very well - but once I did it was fine.
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br /Garmin does a terrible job at writing their manuals. They're worthless.
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br /This unit is good. And accurate. It doesn't weigh much either.
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br /I originally tried to buy one of these from Garmin's web-store. First, they wanted $99. Next, I selected 2-day shipping - so the thing was going to cost something like $120. Days go by. Then weeks. I almost forgot that I ordered it. Then I remembered. I gave Garmin a call. Where's my FootPod? Garmin, the company the MAKES the thing, didn't have any in stock - didn't know when they would be in stock - and couldn't tell me when I could expect mine. Oh, and thanks for forgetting to tell me all of this when I placed my order weeks ago. So I cancelled my order. Did a quick search on Amazon (which I should have done in the beginning). Found one for $30 with free shipping. Got in a couple of days. Thank you Amazon. Garmin, you suck.

I own the Garmin 405 with HRM. It is beyond me why anyone would be happy with buying a foot pod. The correct answer is for Garmin to allow manual entries and the editing of data on Garmin Connect and Training Center. This deficiency means that if you are running, biking, or working out indoors you are forced to pay $100 to log your workout.
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br /Oh - and if you complete an "indoor cardio" workout like biking that doesn't involve any impact then the foot pod will not work and you still can not log your workout.
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br /The 405 is a solid product, the Garmin Connect and Training Center are buggy and deficient, and the foot pod is a complete rip off. Open a Garmin Connect account for yourself and prepare to be underwhelmed.
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br /Taylor

The Garmin-supported Motionbased website stated that the foot pod isn't currently supported, but will be by the end of the year. I would've held off buying this if I knew that at the time of purchase.

Jury is still out on my foot pod as i haven't been able to get it to sync up with my forerunner 305 (with the latest s/w load) yet. Will need to contact support line for assistance.