The 5 Best Running Sunglasses, Tested and Reviewed by Runners
“Runners need to be able to read the terrain in front of them, adjust to different environments, and manage all that the outdoors can throw at them — from dirt and debris to pollen and bugs,” says Jay Silva, an RRCA Certified Run Coach in San Diego.
The best running sunglasses have 100-percent UV protection and are designed to be barely noticeable. They should be light, stay put even during sweaty sprints, and have lenses that actually enhance your vision instead of just dimming it. Other important features include ventilation to prevent fogging, shatter- and scratch-resistant lenses, and flexible, durable frames.
To bring you the best running sunglasses, I consulted with Silva and Rasa Tamulavichus, OD, an optometrist based in Chicago. Our team also tested six top-rated pairs over periods ranging from two weeks to eight months to see how they performed. Read on to find out which ones made the cut.
Several weeks into wearing the Nike Victory Elites, I find myself reaching for them again and again. I love the wraparound design, which Dr. Tamulavichus recommends.
“Wraparound styles are a great choice for runners, as they fit snugly and stay securely in place — even during intense workouts,” she says. “They also provide added coverage, shielding your eyes from UV rays, wind, and debris from all angles.”
I find that this pair fits particularly well on my face compared to competitors. This is perhaps because they were designed with input from professional runners and made specifically for women. Plus, the visibility is excellent. My vision is clear and crisp in both high- and low-light conditions.
I’m impressed by how lightweight they are. It was truly easy to forget I was wearing them at all. That said, they’re definitely delicate. While it’s comforting to know that they’re scratch-resistant, the frames feel somewhat flimsy. As a result, I’m a little worried about their longevity. They’re also not polarized, which is a helpful feature to have when you’re running past reflective surfaces or other sources of glare. Still, the glasses effectively minimize eye strain and keep my vision sharp in a variety of conditions.
Maui Jim’s rimless Ho’okipa sunglasses snag our top spot for the lightest running sunglasses. Clocking in at just 18 grams (g), they wear almost as if they’re invisible. An ultralight design doesn’t just mean less weight to carry, it also minimizes distracting bouncing. And despite the “barely there” build, they also feel sturdy. The frames are made from Grilamid, a type of material that is flexible, durable, and made to withstand bending and impact without snapping. I love the lenses. Colors pop when I’m running through the park in the late-afternoon sun, and the polarized lenses make it easier to see.
“Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like flat roads, which means less squinting and more focus on your stride and scenery,” says Tamulavichus.
The rubberized nose pads and temple tips keep them secure through sweat and motion. I’ve worn them on long, humid runs and never once had to push them back up my nose. Still, my research turned up other users who didn’t have the same experience. And some users noted that they didn’t like the way the glasses fit on their face, to which I say: No product is perfect for everyone. If a weightless, airy feel is important to you, give these a try.
If there was ever a pair of running sunglasses I’d like to wear for a post-run brewery stop, this would be the pair. Inspired by 1960s and 1970s alpine mountaineering aesthetics, the Kazu Tourer from Tracksmith looks sleek enough to wear on city streets but doesn’t sacrifice style for function.
The Kazu Tourers feature shatterproof lenses that repel oil and fingerprints so you can keep them looking sharp. Meanwhile, small side shields block peripheral light and glare while allowing them to maintain their signature shape. I also love that they don’t fog up because of small airflow vents on the upper edges of the lenses and on the side shields.
I appreciate the quality of the lenses. My eyes feel safe and protected, whether I’m running in a high-glare urban environment or on tree-lined trails. The glasses also feel sturdier than other pairs on this list. Note that while they’re lightweight, the design isn’t quite as minimalist as other pairs I tried. They also cost more than $300, so consider this pair an investment.
Some people (ahem, me) have a long-standing habit of losing their sunglasses. If you have the same problem, consider this $25 pair that functions quite well for the price. They do every basic thing running sunglasses should do: protect your eyes from harsh rays, reduce glare with polarized lenses, and stay in place (thanks to a silicone lining and snug frame). They also feature a classic, square-framed style and come in a variety of fun patterns and colors. I wouldn’t be opposed to wearing these to casual outings with friends, which provides even more mileage for your money.
I’ve been using these glasses for nearly eight months now, so they’ve acquired a couple of unfortunate scratches. My research shows other users have reported the same thing. They’re also not as lightweight as other brands, but for $25, I consider Goodr OGs a bargain.
To navigate rocky or root-covered terrain and the wide range of light levels you may find on a trail, consider picking up dedicated trail running sunglasses. Everyday Health editor Katie Tuttle enlisted her husband to test the Method Seven Silverton TRAIL26 running glasses, and they quickly became the pair he reached for the most. “They don’t distort my vision at all. I especially like that I don’t have to remove these sunglasses in different lighting conditions,” he noted. “I can see just as well on a shady part of a trail as on a sunny one.”
The lenses have partial polarization that maximizes light and blocks glare without minimizing contrast, so you can safely navigate technical terrain. The lenses also repel water and have weatherproof frames, making them excellent for a variety of conditions. Our tester also reported that the glasses felt very lightweight and stayed put on sweaty runs.
All of these features have me itching to snag a pair of my own. But be aware that the lenses aren’t scratchproof, and because they’re not wraparounds, you won’t get the same coverage you might get with other glasses. Still, the lenses designed specifically for trail running have me sold.
Tifosi Vogel SLs are lightweight, large-frame sunnies that cost around $40. When our tester tried them, she liked that they felt weightless, didn’t bounce or fall off, and were comfortable. However, they didn’t land on the list because she felt they made her look “like a cyborg” (due to their unique design) and wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing them in public. For more about the Tifosi Vogel SL, visit the site at Tifosi Optics.
To bring you the best running sunglasses, I drew on my years of experience as a runner and combed through dozens of styles to find pairs with the best features, brand reputations, and prices. I then tested my selections for between two weeks and eight months on trails, city streets, parks, and the beach as well as in a range of weather and light conditions. My colleagues Katie Tuttle, an editor at Everyday Health, and Eve Lederman, a writer at Everyday Health, also helped test a few pairs for two weeks.
To get expert insight, I worked with Jay Silva, an RRCA Certified Run Coach in San Diego, and Rasa Tamulavichus, OD, an optometrist based in Chicago.
Next, features specific to running that you’ll want to look for include:
Wearing running sunglasses is particularly important when spending extended hours exposed to UV light.
“Damage from UV rays is cumulative over your lifetime and increases your risk of conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eyelid cancer,” says Tamulavichus. “UV exposure can also lead to photokeratitis, a painful, sunburn-like condition on the surface of your eye.”
And as much as you might want to sport your favorite pair of daily sunnies on runs, it’s important to buy a dedicated pair.
“Running sunglasses are more aerodynamic, purpose-built, and will have key performance features that everyday sunglasses don’t,” said Silva. “Most running sunglasses are built to offer better coverage and enhance peripheral vision. Ordinary sunglasses aren’t meant for the rigors of running, and they may hinder runners more than they help.”
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