Sport sunglasses don't have to scream "workout clothes." (Courtesy of brands/Yahoo)
Sport sunglasses are essential for training in the great outdoors and all-weather conditions. They protect from harmful UV rays, reduce eye fatigue and shield your eyes from wind, bugs and debris. They're lighter than everyday sunglasses and often feature nonslip grip technology to stay in place during intense workouts. Plus, their special lenses are typically high-impact and scratch-resistant and infused with color tints to improve contrast and visibility. All of these features can help improve your athletic performance.
"Sunglasses can enhance performance. They reduce glare and bright sunlight, improve visibility and consequently, reaction time, depth perception and overall awareness," says Meenal Agarwal, optometrist at Pickering Town Centre Optometric Clinic in Ontario, Canada. That said, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of sport sunglasses on the market, so choosing the best sport sunglasses for your needs can feel like a daunting task.
While some sport sunglasses are versatile enough for different activities and can easily transition from a workout to grabbing a cup of coffee or brunch, others come with specialized features tailored to specific sports and preferences. "You can consider impact-resistant lenses for high-impact sports and polarized lenses for activities like cycling or water sports to reduce glare and improve visibility," notes Agarwal. "If you wear prescription lenses, make sure the sunglasses can accommodate a prescription," he adds.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available, you can take a sigh of relief: We put the most popular sport sunglasses to the test to determine which ones are best. First, I interviewed a panel of four optometrists to get the lowdown on the must-have features sport sunglasses should offer. Then, using the expert's advice and my own expertise as a personal trainer, I researched the top brands and options, reading through customer reviews before selecting 15 products to try personally. Along with my partner, I used these sunglasses for a range of outdoor workouts — hiking, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cycling, running and golf — rating each pair on durability, lens clarity, polarization, UV protection and comfort. After a month of sweaty (and satisfying) research, these are our picks for the best sport sunglasses.
Update, Aug. 7, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability below. Our number one pick for the best sport sunglasses remains unchanged.
While many of the sport sunglasses on our list can be used across a variety of activities, there are important differences to keep in mind if you're seeking sport-specific options. Here are a few key factors to consider.
Running sunglasses: Running sunglasses are traditionally lightweight and feature a wraparound style that stays secure during movement. Look for nonslip features on the nose and temple, as well as frame grip.
Cycling sunglasses: Similar to running sunglasses, cycling shades tend to be lightweight with a wraparound style and no-slip features. A gray or smoke lens tint can enhance visibility on cloudy and sunny days.
Water sports sunglasses: If you're participating in water sports, it's important to look for polarized sunglasses. Polarization reduces the glare coming off the water's surface, helping enhance comfort and visibility. "It may also be nice to have frames with a hydrophobic coating that repels water and helps prevent smudging to maintain clear vision," notes Rasa Tamulavichus, OD and VSP Network doctor at VSP Vision Care in Chicago.
Mountain and glacier sunglasses: If you're an avid snow sports participant, look for polarization to reduce the snow's glare. Mountain sunglasses may feature yellow, blue/purple or red/pink lenses to boost contrast and depth and improve color perception.
Golf sunglasses: Golf sunglasses often forgo polarization to enhance visibility on the course. Prioritize nonslip features and ensure they offer UV protection to keep your eyes safe while you play.
Prescription sunglasses: Most brands offer options for prescription inserts or custom prescription lenses so you can see clearly while you train.
When choosing the right pair of sport sunglasses, several factors can significantly affect performance and comfort. Here's what to consider:
Sport or activity: If you're an avid cyclist or runner, you might prioritize a wraparound style and specialized technology in your sport sunglasses. For those who switch between different sports, look for a pair that offers versatility across activities.
Regardless, it's crucial to look for UV protection to reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as premature aging spots on the skin around the eyes. This protection is most often noted with a sticker on the lenses or in the product's description.
"I always want my patients to be sure their sunglasses are 100% protective against UVA and UVB rays to prevent the broadest spectrum of damage-causing rays possible," says Elizabeth Bell, optometrist at Discover Vision in Kansas City, Kan.
Lens technology: There are several lens aspects to consider, including materials, tint and technology. For example, polycarbonate lenses are lighter, more durable and more impact-resistant than glass lenses.
"Polycarbonate lenses have safety benefits. They can prevent severe eye injuries like corneal abrasions and orbital contusions and more serious conditions such as traumatic cataracts and retinal detachment," said Ryan Ambrose, owner and lead optometrist at Optical Gallery Arizona in Glendale.
Lens color isn't just a style choice — the color can boost certain hues and enhance contrast. For example, yellow or pink lenses work well in low light and snow and green and blue lenses cut glare. Brown lenses can improve contrast, and gray lenses work in both low light and full-sun environments.
Beyond lens color, polarization reduces glare, which is particularly useful for water sports or road cycling.
Other lens features to look for include antifog coatings or ventilation spots, water-resistant coatings and photochromic technology, which helps the shades adjust to different light conditions.
Frame fit and comfort: When shopping for sport sunglasses, it's essential to choose lightweight frames that won't weigh you down during your workouts. The frames should fit your face snugly without bouncing or pinching.
If possible, visit a local retailer to try on different styles and ensure a comfortable fit. Many online retailers also offer virtual try-on options, making it easier to find the perfect pair from the comfort of your home.
Slip-proof features: Seek out grip features, especially on the nose and temples, to keep your sunglasses securely in place while you're on the move. Frame arms with grip technology can also help them stay tucked behind your ears without pulling on your hair.
Durability: "When it comes to assessing the durability of sunglasses, there are a few key factors to consider. From a frame standpoint, sturdier and thicker frames are generally more durable than thinner wireframes. For example, frames made from materials like titanium offer excellent strength and durability while remaining lightweight and comfortable," says Ambrose.
Some brands offer patented lens and frame technology that ensures durability too.
Style and preferences: Style matters! If you don't like the look of your sunglasses, you're less likely to wear them. Plus, style can affect performance — wider frames, like wraparound designs, provide greater physical protection, for instance.
Price: There's a range of sunglasses on the market, so stick to a budget that aligns with your needs. Some budget options offer the same benefits as their more expensive companions!
Prices may increase in line with sport-specific technology and lens and frame materials.
Selecting the best sport sunglasses was a sweaty — and satisfying — process! I started by talking to optometry professionals to get the lowdown on what to prioritize and what to avoid when searching sport sunglasses. I then dove into the research, analyzing dozens of popular brands and models, reading through specifications and customer reviews before settling on the 15 options that made the cut for testing.
My partner and I spent a month testing the selected sunglasses during a variety of settings — hiking, outdoor HIIT workouts, cycling and golf. He took a few pairs out on long marathon training runs, and I recruited another marathon-training friend to test out a few pairs in a different climate.
We all looked at specific qualities before rating each pair of glasses. These included overall durability, lens clarity, polarization, UV protection and comfort.
Polarized isn't just a buzzword in the world of sunglasses. "Polarized lenses essentially mean anti-glare. They have a vertical treatment that blocks horizontal light rays, reducing glare and eye fatigue. Polarized lenses also increase contrast sensitivity and the precision of one's vision, making them ideal for reducing glare from surfaces like water and snow," said Ambrose.
The definition of expensive isn't universal — and it doesn't always mean better.
"The price tag on sunglasses doesn't always equate to better quality. However, certain features such as polarization and UV protection tend to increase the cost due to advanced technology and materials involved," said Ambrose.
"It's worth noting that some vision insurance plans also cover sunglasses or provide an allowance, helping to offset the cost and making it easier to invest in a pair that meets your needs without breaking the bank," adds Tamulavichus.
Look at the label or product page. Sunglasses traditionally feature a label or sticker noting 100% UV protection or UV400, meaning they block both UVA and UVB rays.
"Don't be fooled by darker lenses — lens tint does not indicate level of UV protection," cautions Tamulavichus.
Sport sunglasses differ from daily lifestyle shades. They usually offer more durability, impact resistance and visual contrast for performance benefits.
"Sport sunglasses are designed for a more form-fitting frame to stay secure on the face during athletic performance and typically feature polycarbonate lenses for safety protection. They also come in different lens colors to enhance contrast sensitivity, which is beneficial for various sports activities," says Ambrose.
We tested a few other products that didn't make the list but may still work for you.
Nike Victory Elite: These running glasses offer a classic speed workout silhouette with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. While incredibly lightweight, they actually felt relatively flimsy.
Knockaround Fort Knocks: Knockaround's budget-friendly frames have been in my outdoor rotation for years. The frames are durable and impact-resistant, but the vision clarity and contrast don't match the others tested.
Sunski Tera: The Tera is made for the outdoor adventurer with its removable magnetic sun shields that block additional light and wind. The shields also helped with ventilation, so the lenses didn't fog up. The glasses did slide down my nose when looking down, though.
Revo Harness: This all-sport style features NASA polarization technology for top-tier glare reduction. I found that my peripheral vision felt blocked by the frame, but this pair could work for other face shapes and sizes.
Under Armour Unisex UA Hustle TUNED Golf Sunglasses: These golf-specific sunglasses have a classic look that can go from the green to happy hour. The frames feel durable, but the lenses offer less visual clarity than some of our other options. I found that the glasses also slid down my nose once I got sweaty.
Roka Estacado: While the Roka Harness was ranked best overall, the brand's Estacado pair fell short. The Estacado doesn't bounce or slip, but the lenses fogged within minutes of starting a workout.
Blenders Pacer: At under $100, our tester wanted to love the Pacer. After just a few days, though, the ultra-sporty frames were loose at the hinges.
Meenal Agarwal, Optometrist, Pickering Town Centre Optometric Clinic, Ontario, Canada
Ryan Ambrose, Owner and lead optometrist at Optical Gallery Arizona, Glendale, Ariz.
Elizabeth Bell, Optometrist, Discover Vision, Kansas City, Kan.
Rasa Tamulavichus, OD and VSP Network doctor, VSP Vision Care, Chicago
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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