Best Running Sunglasses for 2022 – Top Models Reviewed

If a person wants to run, whether training for a marathon or simply enjoying a jog around the block, it is necessary to have the right kit. And that means one should wear the appropriate running sunglasses. Most runners focus on finding the right sneakers and performance wear and forget about what they’ll wear on their face. It is equally important to find the right running sunglasses to protect your eyes as it is to find comfortable running shoes.

In this detailed guide, we will guide you on how to make an informed choice when selecting running sunglasses which will best suit your unique and specific needs. We will carefully consider the high-tech features of the most popular glasses on the market, and determine which will provide you with both comfort and style, no matter the running you need to engage. 

Best Running Sunglasses - Comparisons

Best Running Sunglasses - Reviews

Oakley sunglasses have a reputation for their high quality and optimal performance for runners. Razor lock Path version is designed in a way that you can change the lenses in seconds. It is simple to clip on and off the frame by flipping the hinge on the left-hand side while pinching the nose piece.

The benefit of being able to change the lens on your running sunglasses is that you only need to buy one pair of sunglasses for all weather and light conditions. The standard model comes with a smoked and clear version, suitable for either sunny or cloudy sky. You can also buy additional lenses with stronger light blocking potential, depending on your needs.

These shades come in both polarised and non-polarised version. Although polarised sunglasses are more expensive than the non-polarised counterparts,they are worth the additional cost. Polarised lenses will block out the glare of the sun, reducing your eye strain and helping you to stay focused on the road ahead. Wearing polarised lenses can help to reduce the development of fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, and provide increased protection from ocular damage. 

When it comes to fitting, the Razorlock Path frames are incredibly superior. They have a naturally curved shape design to cling snugly to most head shapes. At the ear tips, the glasses have sticky rubber grips that allow the glasses to grip tightly to your head no matter how sweaty your run or your workout.

The Oakley Razorlock Path Polarised sunglasses are all round great sporting sunglasses. An excellent fit is so important when looking for the best running sunglasses. Therefore, this type will allow you to consistently have the fit you’re looking for while enabling you to change the lenses to suit the weather conditions of your run.

The Nike Vaporwing elite sunglasses were designed specifically with professional runners in mind. One of the main complaints many runners have about their running sunglasses is that they don’t have a dark enough filter when running directly into the glare of the sun. As a result, these sunglasses were then designed to solve that problem. They have a dark filter that can beat any glare and help to prevent eye strain.

One of the features that we love most about these shades is that they have temples which get sticky when they are wet. Consequently, the more you run or workout, the better the glasses will fit.

You’ll notice that the shape of the sunglasses leaves cutaways in the arms and around the nose pads. These have dual purposes. Firstly, it will make the frames lighter so you won’t feel like you’re wearing them when you’re running. Secondly, it will increase the airflow around your face, helping to keep you cool and stopping your skin from becoming hot and uncomfortable underneath your lenses.

We are a big fan of the Nike Vaporwing frames. The lenses themselves create attention, thanks to their well thought out amber tint, which is perfect for runners who like to race at speed. These lenses help make runners feel like they are racing in a bubble as they make objects in the distance clearer as they are approached. Important details (such as race cones or approaching road obstacles) are highlighted, serving only to enhance the quality of your vision as you race.

Do you run hard and sweat a lot? If yes, then the Julbo Zephyr sunglasses area good choice for you. These sunglasses were designed specifically with heavy sweaters in mind, and are equipped with anti-fog lenses to help minimise the effects of sweating as you run.

It doesn’t matter what size or shape your head is, as these sunglasses offer bendable earpieces with metal cores. These ensure that the frames are both durable and versatile, and will deliver a custom fit. The frames are also lightweight, meaning that you won’t even notice you’re wearing them. The hold you will experience at your temples is firm and comfortable, ensuring that no matter how hard you run, your glasses will never fall off your face. The Julbo Zephyr sunglasses also offer full venting at all angles, and the fully aerated structure of their frames allow complete air circulation in all weather conditions. The glasses never fog up, meaning you won’t ever have to slow down to clean your glasses.

One thing you’ll notice when you look at these glasses is how high the glass to frame ratio is. That’s because they have incredibly wide panoramic lens, which will offer a broad field of vision. The wide lens is attached to a 360-degree adjustable temple piece to ensure that your fit is unique to you. 

If you have a narrow face and are looking for a pair of running sunglasses that will still fit comfortably, then the Tifosi Wisp sunglasses are the perfect choice for you. These glasses are one of the most lightweight models of running glasses ever made. They won’t bounce around when wearing them, and they will fit snugly no matter how slender your face is.

There is more to the Tifosi Wasp than just their small size though; they are also an excellent high spec pair of sunglasses. The glasses come with standard three interchangeable lenses. Runners can choose between clear, amber, and dark grey lenses for their glasses. Depending on the light conditions, these lenses can be swapped quickly. It’s important to note that because of the two separate lenses, they are slightly more time consuming to change than other single-lens models.

These glasses are available in both a polarised and non-polarised model. While those without polarisation are more budget-friendly, the polarised version will offer far better clarity and protection for your eyes.
We are a big fan of the wisp sunglasses, which are our favored sunglass model for female runners. 

Also Read: Best Water Bottles – Top Units Reviewed!

If you’re looking for all-round sunglasses for both running and other leisure activities, then Smith Drake sunglasses are an excellent choice. These fashion-forward frames look great no matter where you wear them. They also offer a high spec sporting protection.

These sunglasses don’t have the same temple grip technology as other sunglasses. Instead, they offer additional tech. The tech of the glasses includes steel hinges on springs to ensure that the frame is protected when you remove the glasses fast.

The frames may not be as fully loaded with tech as other models, but the lenses are some of the best and perfect for running. They feature Smith’s patented ChromaPop technology, which is specifically designed to boost colors and adds dimension to uneven surfaces. This will improve your vision when you’re running and protect your eyes from unnecessary stress and strain. The lenses are also scratch resistant so that even if the sunglasses fall, they will have a minimal risk of damage.

Regarding fit, these glasses offer ultra-padded nose and temple pads that help the glasses to fit snugly.

Smith glasses are made in Italy, and the company is renowned for their commitment to style and design innovation. You can use these frames outside the gym, and wear them for a wide variety of leisure activities. 

Wrap sunglasses are the most efficient running sunglasses, and the Tifosi Jet Wrap version has the most extreme wrap on our list. When you invest in these shades, a no-slip fit is guaranteed, thanks to their uniqueness. The glasses are made from grilamid tr-90, a homopolyamide nylon characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low density, and high resistance to chemical and ultraviolet damage. In addition to this, they have grippy rubber ear and nose pieces, so that it is almost impossible for them to slip while running.

Their sporty design makes the Tifosi Jet a solid choice for any athlete, and their versatile nature means they are particularly appealing to athletes that want to invest in just one pair of sunglasses for all of their sporting endeavors, such as running, cycling and sailing.

The glasses have high contrast lenses that are ideal for use in both bright sun and low light. These lenses make it easy to spot obstacles when running at speed and they offer high light reduction and full eye coverage. The full wrap style of the lenses means that runners won’t be affected by any stray light. Invest in the slightly more expensive polarised version if you want the best possible protection, or if your eyes are particularly light sensitive.

With their wide fit, the Under Armor igniter sunglasses are specially designed to fit runners with wider than average heads. The nose pad can be easily adjusted to ensure that your glasses will fit you perfectly, meaning that you’ll get a secure fit without any of the pressure or squeezing you are likely to experience with regular fit glasses. The temple pads are also designed to be adjusted to fit each unique head shape, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for everyone.

One of the main benefits of these sunglasses is their performance-oriented lenses. These are designed to block out 100% of the UVA, UVB and UVC rays you will experience when running in even the brightest sun.

The Under Armor Igniter Sunglasses are designed to be lightweight. They are made from a combination of titanium and grilamid to ensure that they are both strong, light and flexible.

If you regularly run in bright light conditions, then these glasses are a good choice. Their polarized lenses are specifically designed to eliminate glare in the brightest light. The lenses are also designed to be resistant to salt and oils, so they won’t become damaged if you sweat when you run, or if you run in the rain, close to the ocean, or in any other inclement weather conditions. 

Thanks to their curved lens, the Tailwind Swift is frequently named one of the best Nike sunglasses on the market for athletes. This lens is unique because it ensures better coverage and comfort than a regular flat lens option. It also promotes a more aerodynamic design that ensures your sunglasses won’t affect your speed.

The glasses are made from lightweight materials and are designed to feel as comfortable as wearing nothing at all. The Nike Tailwind Swift is particularly beneficial for long distance runners. The sunglasses have ventilated temple arms and a gap in the lenses. These features are designed to prevent moisture build-up so that fog won’t impair your vision.

If you regularly pound the pavement and it causes your glasses to bounce, then these are a great option. That’s because they have a floating nose pad which keeps the impact minimal and ensures your glasses stay in place no matter how much you move. 

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