Running Sunglasses

Whether or not you’re a serious athlete, running sunglasses are a must. Even winter weather conditions can create glare and running without the right eyewear can and will affect your performance. The style and type that you choose is of course purely personal but from one athlete to another, I recommend that you buy the best that you can afford.

Why Running Sunglasses Are Important

Currently I use a pair of Oakley sunglasses, mine being the half jacket frames. Although I’m not a professional runner (I run for fitness purposes) I can vouch for the need to at least wear something. Running in sunglasses will improve your performance overall, if for no other reason than they deliver clarity on how you see the road ahead when out running.

The bottom line is this: buying and wearing a pair will keep your vision fresh, plus they will prevent squinting if and when you run in sunny conditions. They also protect your eyes from harmful UV sunlight. Oddly, the damage that ultra violet light can cause to the eyes has been known of for quite some time, and yet many people still don’t realize the dangers. Unfortunately, chronic eye disease that’s been caused by over-exposure to UV light isn’t something that’s easily remedied.

The best course of action is prevention, and that’s one of the most important reasons for investing in a pair of running glasses. By definition, they’re sunglasses that cover all of the aforementioned points, as well as include the following features:

• they’re comfortable
• they’re durable
• they remain firmly fixed to your face whilst in motion

The last one may make you smile but there’s nothing funny about hitting your stride and you and your sports sunglasses part company. More so if your next stride means that you splatter them like yesterday’s road kill underfoot. A good quality pair of running glasses will remain firmly fixed to your face, no matter your stride, the terrain and weather conditions. Of course if they do come free, it’s good to know that the quality and materials can handle a bungee jump from your face to the floor.

Which Running Sunglasses?

So, now you have plenty of good solid reasons as to why you need to invest in a pair … which running sunglasses? Like I said back at the start of this article, that parts up to you. But, in the event that you’re good for the frame style but not entirely sure what you should be looking for, here’s a quick recap of the main features that you should look out for:

• polarized
• UV protection
• durable lenses and frames
• comfort
• anti-fog

The above are the main features, but you should also consider whether to further invest in interchangeable lenses. These allow you to ‘work’ with the sunlight according to the time of day. Some come as part of the deal (particularly the higher priced sunglasses), some you’ll need to buy separately.

Over and above anything else I’ve had to say, the brands that I’d put out there as being well worth the investment are:

• Oakley sunglasses
• Rudy Project
• Ryders
• Nike
• Optic Nerve
• Julbo
• Adidas

And Now … What Style?

Now we’re onto the style of your running sunglasses. There are more than a few, enough (at least) to confuse the average wearer. Again, as previously mentioned I wear Oakley half jacket sunglasses. Why? Predominantly because they encompass everything that a runner needs in his or her glasses. They’re polarized, tough yet stylish, interchangeable lenses, anti-fog, and supremely comfortable. They come with interchangeable grip anchors and nose pads, and the UV protection is 100%. Did I forget to mention that they’re also lightweight and aerodynamic?

That’s not to say that you should rush out and buy these particular running sunglasses but they’re not one of the biggest sellers for nothing. If you can find a pair of sports sunglasses that cost less yet include all the same features, go for it. There are plenty out there, and some of the more popular styles for this type of sunglasses are:

• half jacket – there are other brands beside Oakley that produce this style
• full frame (these are great for those with small faces)
• wraparound
• shields

Perhaps all of this information feels like it’s a lot to take in but really, it’s not. I keep repeating the same features that you need to focus on, and the best way to hold onto that focus is to treat your choice of sports sunglasses as you would your running shoes or clothing. If you’re really unsure, don’t buy online. Head out to a local store, and enlist the assistance of the staff. In my experience they’re well versed in what style works according to face shape and size, as well as being knowledgeable when it comes to the type you need according to your requirements.

Understandably, all of the above will definitely cost you a few bucks but if you look at your running sunglasses the same as you would your running shoes, then you’ll understand why I keep saying the word ‘invest’. They should be a part of your running kit, as important as the clothes you wear, or the type of shoe you run in. Don’t spend the price of a long weekend break on everything else – and spend as little as a take-out coffee will cost on your eyewear.

Thanks to:

Oakley Sunglasses
Rudy Project
Sunwise Program
About Vision