Best Running Sunglasses: Top 12 Picks for Men and Women

Best Running Sunglasses for Women:

Best Overall – Oakley Radar Ev Advancer Rectangular Sunglasses
Best on a Budget – Goodr Polarized Sunglasses
Best Interchangeable Lenses – Sunski Avila Polarized Sunglasses
Best Prescription Running Sunglasses – Warby Parker
Best Customizable Sunglasses – Knockaround
Best Smart Sunglasses – iVue Rincon 1080P

Best Running Sunglasses for Men:

Best Overall – Roka Barton
Best on a Budget – Goodr
Best Interchangeable Lenses – Tifosi Kilo Sunglasses
Best Prescription Running Sunglasses – Warby Parker
Best Customizable Sunglasses – Knockaround Custom Premiums
Best Smart Sunglasses – Ray-Ban Stories

Running sunglasses are essential for those who want to run comfortably without the risk of wind, dust, insects, debris, and sun exposure. Proper sunglasses can help you run faster, longer, and more effectively. Plus, if they’re fun, they can also impact mood and performance.

Just like any eyewear, quality matters when it comes to sunglasses. With many counterfeits on the market, buyers must be keener when purchasing running sunglasses.¹ Instead of wearing sunglasses from the corner store, look for a pair that suits your running needs.

Standard features in some of the best running sunglasses include:

100% UV protection
Anti-reflective coatings
Advanced technology to prevent fogging and overheating
Extra nose pad or adjustable nose pieces
Advanced lenses, e.g., photochromic and polarized lenses.

This article highlights the best running sunglasses for men and women. We selected these sunglasses based on different parameters, including type, cost, effectiveness, and advanced features.

Best Running Sunglasses for Women

Below are the top running sunglasses for women:

Best Overall – Oakley Radar Ev Advancer Rectangular Sunglasses

The Oakley Radar EV Advancer sunglasses are U.S.-made, stylish, and suit their purpose. The material, rectangular shape, and unique lens designs make them effective in challenging conditions like fog, radiation, and high altitudes. The large lens surface enables extended eye coverage.

Oakley tests the lenses under high mass and high velocity to ensure uncompromised protection.

The Advancer technology enables sufficient airflow, preventing fogging and overheating. Depending on the merchant, you can get these for about $150 to $200.

Features:

Plastic frame with extra nose pad
Extended lens (width: 38mm, height: 52.1mm).
Plutonite lens material (for superior comfort, clarity, and UV protection)
UV protection coating (filters all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400mm)
High-definition optics (HDO) for superior optical clarity
Prizm lenses for medium light transmission
Come in a storage case and micro bag that doubles as a clean cloth and storage bag.

Check Price on Oakley

Best on a Budget – Goodr Polarized Sunglasses

According to Goodr, they “sell fun, not eyewear.” This is evident from the wide range of stylish selections for runners and other athletes.

Costing as low as $25 a pair, Goodr sunglasses make this list as the most affordable shades available. In addition to the low cost, the unique, fun, and fun designs make them suitable for stylish users.

The frames have a special grip coating to eliminate slippage when sweating. You can select from single-lens sunglasses to traditional, aviator, cat-eye, and round sunglasses with a wide range of frame colors and patterns.

Features:

Polycarbonate polarized lenses, which reduce glare ad increase clarity
UV protection coating on lenses
UV400 protective lens to block 100% of UVA and UVB
A lightweight frame with a comfortable fit
Grip coating to enhance fit, even on sweaty skin

Check Price on Goodr

Best Interchangeable Lenses – Sunski Avila Polarized Sunglasses

Everyone loves the versatility of interchangeable lenses, and Sunski sunglasses stand out with this feature. Sunski sunglasses are built for adventure and style. With advanced features such as blue light and 100% UV protection, these glasses will not fail to protect your eyes while you enjoy a run.

These quality sunglasses are designed in California and have passed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) basic impact test. Their tight fit and lightweight nature make them ideal for running on any terrain.

These sport sunglasses come with an adventure-proof lifetime warranty that covers all manufacturing defects in materials and quality. They also have a 60-day return policy.

The Sunski Avila Polarized Sunglasses cost $68 on the Sunski website.

Features:

Polarized lenses for protection and clear vision
Medium eye coverage
Interchangeable lenses
Recycled frames
Lifetime warranty
Comes in plastic-free packaging
All-day comfortable fit

Check Price on Sunski

Best Prescription Running Sunglasses – Warby Parker

Warby Parker is a large eyewear retailer in the U.S., and their prescription running sunglasses are worth a mention. Warby Parker’s running sunglasses for women come in different designs and colors.

Warby Parker’s website offers a filtering feature to allow customers to select their desired frame color, shape, size, and prescription type. They also provide five at-home try-ons. This will enable customers to try their favorite sunglasses at home for free before purchasing.

These sunglasses come with free shipping and a 30-day return or exchange policy. Also included is a 6-month, no-scratch guarantee for the polycarbonate lens. You can replace scratched lenses for free within 6 months of purchase. Pricing starts at $95.

Features:

High-quality anti-scratch polycarbonate lenses
Akulon-coated screws for durability
Anti-reflective lenses that block 100% of UV rays
Multiple frame and lens colors
Each pair comes with a frame case and lens cloth

Check Price on Warby Parker

Best Customizable Sunglasses – Knockaround

Knockaround sunglasses are designed to keep your eyes safe without slipping, sliding, or bouncing. They also come in different frame and lens colors. Knockaround offers free shipping and guarantees 100% satisfaction.

These frames come in various color patterns and shades, from neon orange to matte black, green, and gold. Bring out that stylish look as you make your morning or evening runs. Knockaround sunglasses for women cost between $35 to $38 per pair.

Features:

Polarized and non-polarized lenses are available
Rubber nose pads
Metal spring hinges for a comfortable fit all day long
UV400 protection
FDA-approved, impact-resistant lenses with laser etch logo
Comes with a protective pouch

Check Price on Knockaround

Best Smart Sunglasses – iVue Rincon 1080P

iVue’s Rincon 1080P are HD sunglasses with a powerful, hands-free camera. These sunglasses are fitted with flexible and lightweight Grilamid TR90 frames that fit most head sizes comfortably. TR90 frames are lighter than acetate or polycarbonate ones. The lenses are 2.2mm thick and are designed for impact resistance.

They also include dual-channel AAC2 stereo microphones to capture audio during your runs. The iVue Rincon 1080P camera can record video and take photos. It allows flexible recording options with a 110-degree field of view, capturing more area within the frame.

The Rincon iOS/Android app lets you change the camera settings and save/share your recordings. These sunglasses cost between $169 to $199.

Features:

Polarized lenses
1-hour battery power
Includes camera with 8MP sensor, 4K/24fps to 720p/120fps
Audio-enabled
Microphone
MicroUSB connectivity
Water-resistant
Built-in wifi
iOS/Android app
Lightweight
1-year warranty

Check Price on iVue

Best Running Sunglasses for Men

Men are included when it comes to running sunglasses. The following are the top running sunglasses for men:

Best Overall – Roka Barton

Named after Barton Springs in Austin, Texas, the Barton sunglasses are designed with classic aesthetics and technology, making them ideal for trail running and other sporting activities. The frames are made of ultra-lightweight TR-90 nylon, which is nearly unbreakable and resistant to chemicals.

One fantastic feature of the Barton running sunglasses is the patented GEKO™ technology in the temple grips and nose pads. According to Roka, GEKO™ is a hydrophilic compound that gets stickier when wet or sweaty. This helps the glasses stay in place when you’re active. You can purchase these lightweight sunglasses for about $180.

Features:

Ultra lightweight
Photochromic lenses
Sweat-resistant
Fog resistant
Premium lenses and coatings
Each pair comes with three nose pad sizes
2-year warranty

Check Price on Roka

Best on a Budget – Goodr

Like their sunglasses for women, Goodr men’s sunglasses also offer comfort and style. Initially designed for golfing, the Flamingo Eye™ Technology on the polarized sunglasses enhances the colors in your field of view, making the scenery more spectacular.

Goodr running sunglasses come with a special grip coating on the frame to prevent the sunglasses from slipping. The mirrored reflective lenses come in multiple colors, preventing glare and adding aesthetics.

Features:

Polarized lenses to reduce glare and increase clarity
UV400 protective lens: blocks 100% of UVA and UVB
A lightweight frame with a comfortable fit
Grip coating to enhance fit even on sweaty skin

Check Price on Goodr

Best Interchangeable Lenses – Tifosi Kilo Sunglasses

These running sunglasses feature a Grilamid TR-90 frame, making them flexible and lightweight yet incredibly durable. Their design offers you the perfect balance of comfort and performance. The Kilo nose and earpieces are made with hydrophilic rubber. This increases grip when the skin is sweaty. This makes the sunglasses stay in place, even during speed runs.

These sunglasses also come with a stylish design that can make you stand out from the crowd. They cost about $80 on the Tifosi website.

Features:

Polarized polycarbonate lenses
Photochromic lens
Grilamid TR-90 Frame
Hydrophilic rubber nose and ear pieces
Fully adjustable nose and ear pads
Includes a zippered hardshell case and microfiber cleaning bag

Check Price on Tifosi

Best Prescription Running Sunglasses – Warby Parker

Starting at $175, Warby Parker prescription sunglasses for men are worth the investment. From quality to comfort, and visual effectiveness, these sunglasses are designed to make your morning or evening runs a safe and fun experience.

Warby Parker sunglasses for men come in different styles, frame shapes, lens colors, and lens materials. Standard colors include blue, brown, green, gray, and violet. The frames are made using custom-designed cellulose acetate and ultra-lightweight titanium.

Whether getting a new sunglasses prescription or renewing an expired one, Warby Parker enables you to do this on their website. There is no need for in-person exams.

Features:

Frames made from hand-polished cellulose acetate
High-quality anti-scratch polycarbonate lenses
Akulon-coated screws for durability
Anti-reflective lenses that block 100% of UV rays
Multiple frame and lens colors
Each pair comes with a frame case and lens cloth

Check Price on Warby Parker

Best Customizable Sunglasses – Knockaround Custom Premiums

Nothing is more exciting than being able to customize your sports sunglasses. Knockaround’s “CUSTOM shop” lets you design your sunglasses with whatever color or pattern suits your preference and style. You can customize the arms, lenses, or K logos using the thousands of combinations in the CUSTOM shop. They are great gifts since they cannot be duplicated.

The Knockaround custom premiums have embedded rubber nose pads to prevent slipping even when you sweat. You can get these sports sunglasses starting at $35. There is a $5 additional cost for polarized lenses.

Features:

Thousands of frame color combinations
K logos on arms
Multiple lens color options
Polarized and non-polarized lenses are available
Embedded rubber nose pads
100% UV400 protection
Metal spring hinges for a comfortable fit all day long
FDA-approved, impact-resistant lenses with laser etch logo

Check Price on Knockaround

Best Smart Sunglasses – Ray-Ban Stories

Unlike most smart glasses, the Ray-ban Stories can be mistaken for regular sunglasses. These classic but simple-to-use sunglasses come in different Ray-Ban colors and styles. Prescription lenses are also available, making them the most fully featured smart glasses.

The Ray-Ban Stories sunglasses are Bluetooth-enabled and have an app that enables picture and video uploads. However, you’ll need a Facebook account to manage pictures and videos, probably because the sunglasses were developed together with Facebook.

Features:

Dual 5MP camera
Voice control
Bluetooth connectivity
4GB flash storage
Touch control: hyper-responsive touchpad
Plastic frame
Polarized lenses
UV Protection Coating
Need a Facebook account to manage uploads
Comes with the Facebook View app
Includes a portable charging case

Check Price on Ray-Ban

What to Look for in Running Sunglasses

Most people buy running sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s rays, wind, and debris. However, with the advancement in eyeglass technology, more people are attracted to the additional features that make sunglasses more efficient, comfortable, and stylish.

Although some features may seem helpful, some are important if you want to enjoy your running escapades. Look out for the following when purchasing running sunglasses:

Fit

The last thing any runner wants is their sunglasses bouncing off their face as they run. Since facial features vary from person to person, there’s no one-size-fits-all regarding these running accessories.

Although it might seem easy to pick running sunglasses by gauging with your own eyes, choosing a well-fitting pair may be challenging if you don’t understand how the glasses should fit your eyes and the space above the nose.

The frames must match your face shape and nose size for your sunglasses to fit well. For example, a narrow face will go well with a thin frame, while a wider face should have a wider frame. On the other hand, someone with a large nose will need sunglasses with a lower nose bridge, while a small nose will need a higher nose bridge.

We recommend running sunglasses with adjustable nose bridges if you can’t find any that fit your nose correctly.

Protection Level

Your running sunglasses must offer the highest level of protection regarding the sun’s harmful UV rays, wind, dust, pollen, insects, and debris that can interrupt smooth running. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), ultraviolet rays (both UVA and UVB) from bright sunlight can damage your eyes.² Common risks of UV exposure include:

Corneal sunburn
Eyelid skin cancer³
Redness and irritation
Age-related macular degeneration
Cataracts
Blindness (in severe cases)

Most of today’s sunglasses have coatings that prevent 99-100% ultraviolet (UV) light when outdoors. Look out for the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation to ensure your sunglasses meet this requirement.⁴

Comfort

Your running sunglasses should never feel like luggage on your head. In addition to fitting well and protecting your eyes, they should feel comfortable on your face and should not fog or overheat. Observe the following when choosing a comfortable pair:

Your running sunglasses should not be too tight around your temples when worn.
The sunglasses should not be too loose or fall off when you bend
Your eyeballs should be directly at the center of the sunglass lenses.
The weight of the sunglasses should be evenly distributed on the nose and ears.
Your eyelashes should not touch the frames or lens.
The lens should not be too small. Oversized or wraparound-style sunglasses offer the best protection.⁵

Anti-glare (AG) or anti-reflective (AR) coatings will also make your visual fields more comfortable by reducing the amount of reflective light in your sunglasses lenses.

Frame Material

Most running sunglass frames are made of zyl material (cellulose acetate), a strong but lightweight cotton-based plastic material. These frames are hypoallergenic (ideal for people with allergies to plastics or metals). Zyl frames come in different colors and are easy for an optician to adjust.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), blended nylon or Grilamid TR 90 frames are most preferred for sports like running because they are lightweight and flexible.⁶ The material can easily bend without breaking, making them more durable than metal frames. Nylon frames often come in wraparound designs because the material can be easily molded.

Lens Quality, Type, and Color

The best sunglasses for running should offer optimum clarity and scratch resistance. You can choose from the following:

Polarized lenses. These lenses reduce glare and are ideal for people sensitive to glare.
Photochromic lenses. These lenses adjust to changing lighting conditions. They get darker on bright days and clear in darker conditions.
Interchangeable lenses. Removable lenses allow users to customize their sunglasses based on their activities and prevailing conditions.

For fashion lovers, the lens color can be your fashion statement. So, ensure your lens complements your features, such as skin color, hair, and clothes. Common lens colors include black, gray, orange, brown, green, purple, and red.

Why Should I Buy Polarized Lenses?

Polarized sunglasses lenses have a special chemical that filters light.⁷ They eliminate horizontal light waves and only let in vertical light, significantly reducing glare. Glare is an uncomfortable light that reflects from reflective surfaces such as water ponds, snow, buildings, windows, etc.

In addition to reducing glare, below are other reasons to buy polarized lenses for your running sunglasses.

Clear vision. In bright conditions, the light filtering capability of polarized lenses makes images appear slightly darker, clearer, and more detailed.
Reduce eyestrain. The lenses prevent excessive light from entering the eye, preventing eye exhaustion. This enables you to spend more time outdoors.
UV protection. Most polarized sunglasses are fitted with UV protection features. Ensure your preferred lenses have this feature for additional protection.

If driving to and from your trail run, note that polarized lenses can react with windshield tints. This can create blind spots. They are also incompatible with LCD screens like cell phones, clocks, or dashboards. If you experience this challenge, consider mirrored lenses as your anti-glare alternative.

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