One of the most overlooked accessories in the running community are sunglasses. We spend hours deciding on the right clothes, a proper fuel belt, running shoes and hair accessories – and yet so many of us forget about running sunglasses.
Should you run with sunglasses?
If you’ve ever gotten all ready for an outdoor run, felt fully prepared and eager to get started – only to step outside and find yourself blinded by the sun, you know that a pair of sunglasses would be incredibly helpful.
Running with sunglasses is perfectly safe, smart, and best of all – hardly noticeable.
Many runners fail to add a pair of sunglasses to their ensemble for fear of the sunglasses being too uncomfortable, bouncing as they go, or continuously slipping down as they sweat.
Luckily, running sunglasses have recently surged in popularity, meaning that more and more options are becoming available. And with more options comes versatility, creativity and the ability to choose sunglasses that best suit your unique features.
Sunglass Features to Consider for Runners
If you’re looking for the best pair of sunglasses to wear running, you’ll want to look for a few specific features as you begin your search.
Not only will you want to keep in mind the same features you’d look for when selecting sunglasses for everyday use, but you’ll want to focus on a few running-specific features as well.
Comfort
When choosing a pair of sunglasses to wear for any length of time, especially during long distance running, you’ll need them to be incredibly comfortable.
Not only should they be comfortable, but you’ll want your sunglasses to stay in place without needing adjustment. They’ll need to be lightweight on your face, stay put when you start sweating, and avoiding bouncing as you run.
Block UV Rays & Polarized Lenses
Just as you would with a regular pair, you should look for running sunglasses that block UV rays and protect your eyes from the sun. Not only should they help you see without squinting, but they should block harmful rays that can damage your eyes with exposure.
Lens Tints
Another feature with many different options on is the lens tint. Without even realizing it, you might be used to wearing sunglasses that are tinted a certain way. Some sunglasses have a dark tint while others are tinted red or green.
These various lens tints make things look slightly different, so you’ll want to test them all out to determine your favorite. Finding running sunglasses with a tint that helps your eyes adjust easily and naturally will make a big difference on the run.
Sunglasses Prescriptions
If you’re a regular glasses wearer and dread the idea of contacts, prescription sunglasses can be a game-changer. While prescription running sunglasses will likely cost more than those without a prescription, they can greatly enhance your comfort and enjoyment on the run.
Investing in a pair of quality prescription sunglasses to wear while running will help you see the world in a whole new way – with less squinting to boot.
Style
Last but certainly not least, you’ll probably find yourself drawn to a certain style of sunglasses. Whether you like thin and wide lenses, more circular lenses, thick frames or no frames is up to you. Be sure to check out many different styles of sunglasses to determine which you like best and what makes most sense for your unique face shape.
The Best Running Sunglasses of 2022
*Updated: February 28, 2022
Finding the right pair of running sunglasses can have a tremendous impact on your comfort and enjoyment during a run. However, with so many different styles, designs, features and prices, it can be difficult to narrow things down and decide which pair is best.
We’ve created this handy guide to help you select the best running sunglasses to wear. We’ve narrowed down the options and picked our favorite running sunglasses for women, men, long distances, comfort, small faces, a tight budget, and much more.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the best sunglasses in each category.
Running Sunglasses Quick Guide
- Best for Women: Goodr OG & Tifosi Optics Jet
- Best for Men: Tifosi Aethon & Oakley Men’s Jacket
- Budget Friendly Sunglasses – $50 and Under: Goodr OG
- Best Prescription Sunglasses: SportRx
- Best for Small Faces: Tifosi Optics Wisp, Under Armour Rival & Julbo Aerolight
- Highest Quality Sunglasses: Oakley Radar EV Path
- Most Durable Sunglasses: ForceFlex
- Best for Long Distances: Nike Tailwind & Sunski Headlands
- No Bounce Sunglasses: Goodr OG
- Lightweight Sunglasses: Goodr OG & Julbo Aerolight
- Most Comfortable Sunglasses: Sunski Headlands
There are tons of practical, comfortable running sunglasses available. Whether your budget is $25 or $250, finding the right pair doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some more details of each of our favorite running sunglasses, and the unique features about them all.
Running Sunglasses Review
Goodr Sunglasses
These running sunglasses really give you a lot for the price. Goodr sunglasses are specifically designed for runners, with the options to choose between styles for women and for men.
All of their sunglasses contain polarized lenses, they are lightweight and don’t bounce. Most of their sunglasses are around the $25 – $35 price point, making them a super affordable option.
The Goodr OG sunglasses are their classic model, providing a versatile style for just about any runner. If you’re looking for something that stays on your face without you even noticing, Goodr’s running sunglasses are a great way to go.
Check out Goodr’s running sunglasses here
Tifosi Sunglasses
Another popular brand of running sunglasses is Tifosi. Tifosi offers affordable sunglasses in a variety of different styles for both men and women. These sunglasses range from $25 to upwards of $50, depending on the style you select.
Many sunglasses have a rubber ear piece to help enhance your comfort and keep the sunglasses from slipping on the run. You can select from various styles and lens tints to find exactly the sunglasses you are looking for.
Tifosi sunglasses are a great option for runners with small heads, as the frames are a bit more narrow and flexible.
Check out Tifosi’s running sunglasses here
Oakley Sunglasses
If your budget for running sunglasses is a bit larger, Oakley has many quality options. Their lenses are uniquely designed with tints that allow you to see all colors and details outside.
There sturdy frames make them incredibly durable, so you can be sure that your sunglasses will last through many training seasons. Your eyes will enjoy thorough protection with any of these sunglasses, helping avoid harmful UV damage and keep you comfortable.
Oakley sunglasses are a bit pricier than other running sunglasses, ranging anywhere from $50 to upwards of $200.
Check out Oakley’s running sunglasses here
Under Armour Sunglasses
This well-known brand offers quite a few options for running sunglasses. You’ll be able to select from a variety of sizes in most of their frames, making this a great choice for nearly any face shape – even those with small faces.
Under Armour sunglass lenses are polarized to protect your eyes from UV rays, and tinted to allow you to see clearly while running outside. The frames are sturdy and a bit less flexible, but designed to fit different face sizes and minimize any bouncing.
These sunglasses will stay in place as you run many miles, and make looking around more comfortable than ever, even on the sunniest day.
Check out Under Armour’s running sunglasses here
Nike Sunglasses
Here is another well-known athletic brand that offers a few running sunglass options. Nike creates high quality sunglasses, but they run a bit on the expensive side. If you have a large budget for running sunglasses, Nike is a great option.
These sunglasses are designed to provide full coverage for your eyes without sacrificing comfort or style. Nike has a variety of different style choices, all of which are lightweight.
Most of Nike’s running sunglasses range from $100 – $400, but will last for a while. These sunglasses stay in place without slipping on sweat or bouncing as you run, as long as you select the right size.
Check out Nike’s running sunglasses here
Julbo Sunglasses
This lesser known brand offers quite a few sunglasses that are specifically designed for trail running. While their sunglasses could certainly be used for road running as well, the lenses feature a unique bicarbonate design that filters light to provide you with maximum protection and clear vision on the trails.
You’ll see the world just as you do without sunglasses if you choose many of the Julbo options. Each pair runs from around $100 – $250, landing these running sunglasses right in the middle in terms of cost.
Each pair is designed for durability while still maintaining a lightweight feel so you won’t even remember they’re there.
Check out Julbo’s running sunglasses here
Sunski Sunglasses
Another more budget-friendly option for running sunglasses is Sunski. These sunglasses range from around $50 – $100 and have options for many different outdoor activities.
Each style is incredibly lightweight, keeping your face feeling fresh and helping avoid discomfort as you run. Sunski offers a variety of different sunglasses for women and men, with tons of styles to choose from.
If you’re looking for a unique pair of sunglasses that can be worn for more than just running, Sunski provides plenty of options.
Check out Sunski’s running sunglasses here
ForceFlex Sunglasses
These running sunglasses from Amazon are unique in the fact that they are incredibly flexible. Each pair can be bent and moved around while still maintaining its integrity and staying in-tact. You won’t have to worry about breaking or damaging these durable sunglasses if you drop them on a run.
Force Flex provides highly-budget friendly sunglasses, with prices less than $50.
The sleek style feels light on your face and offers full coverage and protection for your eyes from the sun.
Check out Force Flex’s running sunglasses here.
Prescription Sunglasses – SportRx
Finding prescription running sunglasses can be quite a challenge. Whether you despise contacts or simply prefer your eye correction in the form of glasses, many runners find themselves in need of prescription sunglasses for the sport.
SportRx is a great site that offers many of the most popular sunglasses with your unique prescription. You’ll find many popular options on their site, from Oakley to Tifosi, Nike and Under Armour.
Simply select the sunglasses you would like and send in your prescription to complete the ordering process. Finding prescription running sunglasses can greatly enhance your comfort during those sunny runs!
Related: The Best Summer Running Gear for Hot Weather Runs
Finding the perfect pair of running sunglasses can certainly feel overwhelming. However, investing the time it takes to find a great pair will help you stay comfortable and enjoy running in every weather.
These sunglasses are a great starting point for anyone, whether you’re looking to spend $25 or $250. Once you’ve found a pair that you love, summer running will never be the same.
