Of course, one of the main reasons you want to get some sunglasses is to protect your eyes.
The lenses of good sunglasses are designed to block UV rays which are not only harmful when it’s bright out, but also harmful in gloomy weather. Just as you protect your skin from the UV rays using sunscreen, so should you protect your eyes.
They can also help you see better on those scorcher days where your vision starts getting blurry from the intense heat that surrounds you. Together with a running hat, they provide you with much needed UV protection.
Best Protection
Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses
Best Value
Hulislem S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses
Best Unisex Style
ForceFlex FF500 Sunglasses
Most Affordable
DUCO Sports Polarized Sunglasses
Best Overall
goodr OG Sunglasses
Best Running Sunglasses For Men And Women Reviewed
We’ve reviewed some of the best running sunglasses for men and women and have rated them against their sun protection, durability, and purpose. Check out our list below as well as what to look out for further down the page.
1. Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses
Key Features
- Polycarbonate. lens
- Oakley’s Plutonite Lenses offer top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mm
Reasons to buy
- Great High Definition Optics lenses for more clarity
- Stays on your face despite the sweat
- Reduces glare significantly
Reasons to avoid
- Pricey
- Might be best for smaller heads
Oakley is one of the very well-known brands in the world of eyewear, and for good reason. The Oakley Half Jacket sunglasses are definitely a favorite pair for runners all over. Their polarized lenses offer 100% UV protection, helping you get through your runs without straining your eyes. If you’re wondering why these lenses work so well, it’s because they are made with High Definition Optics lenses which guarantee a clearer view of your running path.
These lenses filter out 99% of reflected glare but don’t worry about the distortion that most polarized lenses give. Oakley has designed their polarized lenses to prevent that haze and optical distortion. Imagine how much of a headache it would bring you to have cheaply designed lenses while running!
This is especially ideal for people who have several outdoor sports. Their interchangeable lenses definitely bring these sunglasses to a new level. You can choose whatever lenses you need for outside conditions or for whatever activity you have. Maybe you want to golf in the morning and run in the afternoon? These lenses have your back.
Sweat a lot? Not a problem with these sunglasses. They stay on your face as you grind through those miles. They won’t fog up too. You’ll even forget they’re on your face because of how lightweight and comfortable they are. Their Unobtainium ear socks and nose pads keep the sunglasses on your face snugly but comfortably.
No matter how lightweight they are, Oakley guarantees their frame material will last you a long time. However, some users say that the frame doesn’t fit their face well. They say that this pair of sunglasses might be good for people with smaller heads, so keep that in mind.
These sunglasses definitely are of high quality, but you have to pay the price. These sunglasses are definitely on the pricier side, so maybe recreational runners may want to look for another brand. Some users also say that the lenses don’t go all the way around, which means that some light may enter your eyes through the sides.
2. Hulislem S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses
Key Features
- UV 400 mirror flash coating limits the amount of light your eyes are exposed to
- Lightweight polycarbonate frame
Reasons to buy
- Enhances color contrast
- Relatively cheap
- Durable material and stylish frame
Reasons to avoid
- Users report fogging
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative but still with high quality, the Hulislem S1 Sport Polarized may be the pair for you. You can already see the quality of how the frames are made. Not only are they durable, but they are also stylish; they are designed in Italy and the material is formulated in Switzerland.
These are definitely one of the sunglasses that you’ll forget are even there on your face. The lightweight polycarbonate frame it offers will let you go through just about any kind of activity comfortably. You’ll find the polycarbonate material in safety glasses, sports goggles, and even children’s eyewear. I’d say that this is definitely an impact-resistant, durable material.
The frame also is stress-resistant with the Resistant O Matter Frame, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking while you beast it out. Don’t hesitate to get into more intense workouts; these sunglasses are made for it.
Now onto the main event: the lenses. Their lenses are mirror flash coated, which helps lessen the strain on your eyes by blocking UV rays. They specify that it blocks the light of wavelength 400 nanometers and below, which is the wavelength UV rays belong to. More than that, though, your eyes won’t be bothered by bright sunlight as you go on your runs.
The S1 lens even enhances how you see colors in their S1 coloring system. It doesn’t distort the colors but instead increases the color contrast without distorting your vision. This feature would definitely be perfect for someone like me who likes to look at the scenery around me while running.
These are definitely on the cheaper side, but they still give you the quality you need while exercising outdoors. However, some users say that the lenses fog up quickly, so if you sweat a lot, you might not like this product. Also, some people who purchased this product say that these sunglasses fit too high on the face.
3. ForceFlex FF500 Sunglasses
Key Features
- Permanent 100% UV400 Protection coating
- Non-polarized
Reasons to buy
- Very durable
- Flexible and comfortable
- Blocks all UV rays
- Stylish
Reasons to avoid
- Might not be great for trail running
- Little to no contrast
Maybe you’re one of those people who breaks everything you buy as soon as you get your hands on it. Or maybe you’re one of the people who just go crazy on their workouts. Either way, the ForceFlex FF500 Sunglasses are the pair for you.
Its main feature is definitely its durability. No matter how much you step on, twist, bend, run over, these sunglasses are said to survive every single punch. Its polycarbonate lenses are definitely one of the most durable parts of it, as this is the material used in safety goggles and sports goggles. If you want a one-time purchase, a pair that will last you a lifetime, the ForceFlex will deliver.
These lenses definitely block all UVB and UVA rays. You get what you need in a pair, which is to reduce eye strain and help you go on your run without the headache. They also reduce the glare you see, especially on certain surfaces. You don’t really think about it, but when you wear these, you might see a great difference. Plus your eyes will love you for it.
These are also some of the models with the most stylish frames. If crushing miles outdoors isn’t badass enough for you, wearing one of these is definitely going to make you look like you’re just chilling. No one’s going to see the struggle in your eyes!
However, if you expect to get lenses that give you more clarity and contrast, especially on trail running, this might not be for you. Your vision might get a bit dimmer when wearing these glasses in an attempt to block out the excessive light. This might be a good thing, though, especially if your eyes are really sensitive to light and you get easily dizzy.
Users also said that running long distances with these sunglasses will fog up these glasses. That usually happens, but if that really bothers you, you might want to reconsider!
4. DUCO Sports Polarized Sunglasses
Key Features
- UV400 protection coating
- Multiple color options
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Polarized lenses block 100% UV rays
- Relatively cheap
Reasons to avoid
- Reports of loose lenses
- It may be loose for smaller heads
Want a pair that just screams style? You don’t even have to be running to use these sunglasses. You can use the DUCO Sports Polarized Sunglasses for casual wear and look fancy.
I think the metal frame definitely adds to the sleek and modern look that these sunglasses are going for. Because of its material, it is lightweight and won’t add any extra pressure to your face. Your run might look like just a little stroll with these sunglasses on!
The lenses are made of polarized triacetate lenses. These lenses block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays, which helps your eyes keep track of where you’re going easily. It is scratch-resistant and durable because of this material.
These sunglasses won’t fall off your face either. The silicone nose pads will grip your face so that you can go as fast as you can without worrying about anything else but performance. The flexibility of the frames will also make sure they fit your face comfortably. You can adjust to the size of your head and will endure that pressure.
Want to customize how stylish you look? DUCO Sports Polarized Sunglasses offers just that. They have different shades and colors for you to choose from. Personally, though, the black pair looks the sleekest and fancy. The style is almost like that of The Matrix sunglasses! Well, maybe not as cool as Neo.
When you buy these sunglasses, it comes with a glasses case, a microfiber pouch and cleaning cloth, and a polarization test card. All of these come at a cheaper price than most of its competitors! However, some users have reported that their lenses got a bit loose.
5. Julbo Aero Sunglasses
Key Features
- 100% UV A, B, and C protection
- Polycarbonate lense
- Plastic frame
- Comes in multiple styles
Reasons to buy
- REACTIV photochromic technology quickly adjusts to any light condition
- Frame prevents fogging by providing vents
- Wide lenses
Reasons to avoid
- Some users report easy scratching
Some athletes out there really get their grind on. No matter the weather, no matter how high the road gets, they keep pushing on in the name of sports! Maybe you even have sports other than running which requires more intensity. If you’re out in the wild most of the time while doing outdoor running, you’ll love the Julbo Aero Sunglasses.
The REACTIV photochromic technology that these sunglasses offer is designed to adjust to wherever you are, whatever you are doing. No matter the light conditions, it will quickly give you clarity and accurate vision. It boasts its 130 years of development, and it shows.
These lenses are not only effective at adjusting to your environment, but they are also durable and will last you a long time too. According to Julbo, you can expect that you won’t see any cracking even after a long time. In fact, they call it unbreakable!
You might be thinking this makes it all very heavy and bulky on your face. Julbo says they are ultra-light, so you don’t have to worry about it while you run. They stay on no matter where you go and will be effective wherever your workout takes you.
The nose pads also do the job of gripping your face so that it stays on. You can adjust them to whatever shape your nose is, making them extra comfortable. Not too tight, not too loose.
They go all the way around your face so you don’t have the issue of light going through the sides of your eyes. They also don’t block any part of your vision. Plus, if you get really sweaty throughout those long runs, these sunglasses won’t fog up as it is built with vents through its frames so that the air doesn’t accumulate behind the lenses.
It’s also customizable. They have a selection of colors for you to choose from. However, some users have reported how quickly their lenses can scratch.
6. Flux Verano Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Key Features
- TAC 7 Polarized Lenses provide excellent protection from UV rays while maintaining color quality
- Anti-Slip nose pads and temple tips
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight and stylish
- Secure fit
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid
- Material has been known to peel
The Verano Sports Sunglasses offer a great stylish look and do offer some UV protection with their polarized lenses.
These running sunglasses are a cheaper option on the list and have been known to peel after frequent use as some other runners have reported.
It does however come with anti-slip nose pads and rubber temple tips to ensure that they don’t move around and fall off during your run. If you’re doing some casual runs in the sun and are not completely serious and prefer to have a more stylish regular look to your sunglasses then this could be a good option for you.
They offer glare protection and some UV protection and come at an affordable price, however, if you’re after complete sun protection and doing much longer runs where it’s not just casual then I suggest looking at one of the other sunglasses such as Oakley.
7. goodr OG Sunglasses
Key Features
- UV400 protective lense
- Polarized
- Special grip coating prevents slipping and bounce
Reasons to buy
- Very affordable
- Polarized with UV 400 protection rating
Reasons to avoid
- Shouldn’t use in the rain
The goodr OG Sunglasses are definitely an interesting pair of sunglasses to consider for running or working out with other sports. It has full 100% UV protection with its polarized lenses and it comes with an affordable price to boast.
It has a UV protection rating of 400 and is completely polarized, it has been designed in such a way to have no-slip and no bounce ensuring a tight fit during your runs.
It also has a very stylish look and comes with color options that you can choose from.
Some have said that water ruins the lenses so be careful of that if you’re looking to purchase these as your running sunglasses. Overall for the price, many users are very happy with these sunglasses.
How To Choose The Best Sunglasses For Running
Below are some tips on what to look out for when searching for the best sunglasses for running whether you’re male or female. The number one factor should of course be the UV protection, and after that comes everything else including style.
UV Protection
Different materials offer different levels of UV protection. You have to look at what the brand used in the manufacturing of their sunglasses to make sure you’re getting the best quality.
Uncoated Plastic Lenses
As you can imagine, these lenses are definitely low-cost and lightweight. It still has excellent optical qualities, but maybe not enough for your running needs. They only block about 88 percent of UV rays, which is definitely not optimal to protect your eyes from eye strain.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses block 100 percent UV, which is definitely what you want when looking for running sunglasses. This material is what you will see in the helmet visors of astronauts, safety glasses, children’s eyewear, and space shuttle windshields. Needless to say, these are very durable, impact-resistant, and lightweight as well. Compared to plastic lenses, they are less likely to crack.
Triacetate (TAC)
These are said to be the material of cheap sunglasses out there. They only absorb 40 percent of the harmful UV rays! Your eyes won’t like you for getting cheap on them. I guess the only upside is their low cost.
Polarized Lenses
No matter the material the sunglass lenses are made from, if they are polarized, then they will be able to block 100 percent of the UV rays. This is why some brands use polarized TAC, which is probably the cheapest way to give you quality lenses.
However, polarized lenses are usually more costly than those that aren’t polarized. Polarized lenses are actually what make sunglasses able to block glare.
Durability
The frames are equally as important as the lenses of your sunglasses. You’ll be wasting a bunch of money on good lenses if they aren’t paired with a durable, long-lasting frame.
Metal Eyeglass Frames
Metal frames are generally sturdier and more resistant against the impact that running can bring. You have to be careful, though, in choosing the right type of metal, especially if you have more sensitive skin.
Titanium
Titanium frames will last you a long time as they are corrosion-resistant, meaning that they are less susceptible to rusting. They are also hypoallergenic, which may be important to you if you are one of those people who are sensitive to certain types of materials. Titanium frames are also lightweight.
Monel
This type of metal is usually coated to protect sensitive skin. This is because it is made from a lot of different metals, which makes it likely that it contains allergenic metals, such as nickel. Aside from this, Monel frames are also corrosion-resistant and flexible.
Beryllium
This type of metal is just like titanium, except it is less costly. It is both lightweight and durable, a perfect mix for long-distance runners. These are also very corrosion-resistant and flexible!
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is on the cheaper side of the metals, but it is also a bit heavier than titanium. They are also corrosion-resistant.
Flexon
Flexon will make for a very durable frame, as this is very flexible. You can twist and bend it in any way, and it will keep its shape. This is especially great for doing all sorts of extreme outdoor workouts. These are also corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic.
Aluminum
Aluminum, just like the others, is corrosion-resistant and flexible. You might find them in more expensive sunglasses though!
Comfort
This is definitely a part of your sunglasses you want to spend time thinking about. Your running experience might be altered completely by a pair of misfitting sunglasses. Look for sunglasses that will fit your head properly. Some sunglasses are said to be more fit for smaller heads, some for larger heads. I found that it helps to look at the reviews to see what people think of it.
The nose pads, or the part that rests on your nose bridge, also are an important feature. Most sunglasses I’ve researched have silicone nose pads, which is great for both a good grip so that it doesn’t fall off your face, and for comfort. How your sunglasses fit the sides of your head is also important! You don’t want a pair that squeezes your head into a headache.
Fit
The fit of your sunglasses is definitely called for when you want a comfortable pair. Sometimes the “average” fit just doesn’t do it for some people with certain facial features. The “average” fit is the fit usually sold by brands when they don’t specify what kind of fit it has.
The Asian fit was designed to cater to people whose sunglasses just didn’t fit right. Although this is a controversial term for some, it merely means that it was made for people with those typical features. For the nose bridge, for example, brands make it thicker and deeper for the Asian fit. The lenses are also made so that it doesn’t hit their cheeks.
Make sure you get the right fit for you as this is crucial! You don’t want to hurt yourself more by getting the wrong fit and making your runs more uncomfortable than they have to be.
Style
Although this is more of an afterthought, the style of your sunglasses definitely helps you look and feel great while working out. Some sunglasses will make you look like you’re running a marathon in the 1960s, while some will make you look like you’re just taking a casual stroll on the beach!
Regardless, I would put this at the bottom of my priority list. Running already is a cool sport on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you run outdoors often, then you should. Like the way you want to protect your skin by using sunscreen, you also want to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Generally, the top brands will offer polarized lenses in their running sunglasses. Polarized lenses will give you optimal protection from UV rays. They will prevent eye strain by reducing the amount of glare your eye receives especially from reflections on surfaces.
This will make it most comfortable for you compared to other lenses when going on runs. It’s still best to ask your eye doctor, though, if you have any special concerns.
You might want to consider photochromic lenses! They automatically darken in the sunlight and protect you from 100 percent of UV rays. You will likely not need a pair of prescription glasses.
Conclusion
Look for a pair of running sunglasses that will offer you 100% UV protection, the main purpose of running sunglasses is of course safety, purpose, and then style.
Luckily there are many options and many of them are affordable so go for an option that will suit your needs the most and make sure that you get that UV protection.
Having a good pair of running sunglasses is an important part of your running apparel.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.
