Here are the iRunFar editorial team’s picks for the best running sunglasses.
A good pair of sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun and helps you see the trail more clearly. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi lentes transition
This is a guide for finding the best running sunglasses, an awfully polarizing accessory — bad pun alert! — for runners of all kinds. While a pair of sunglasses is the ultimate style accessory for some, it’s a necessary and, in some cases, expensive evil for others.
No matter where you fall on the spectrum — oof, another one! — the variety and depth of sunglasses options available are staggering. You no longer have to sacrifice style and flair if you prefer low-cost, gas station-style sunnies.
On the higher end of the spectrum, we loved the Smith Shift Split MAG and the Zeal Boone, while our budget-friendly choice for the best running sunglasses is the Knockaround Fast Lanes.
The iRunFar editorial team tested a wide variety of sunglasses, with the primary criteria being lens type, cost, and style for different sizes of faces so that we could find the best sunglasses for running. For more background information, see our running sunglasses glossary, buying advice, testing methodology, and frequently asked questions below the picks.
We found that the Method Seven Silverton Trail 26 (front) and Smith Motive (back) sunglasses had excellent optics and fit. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
When it comes to versatility, performance, and style, the Smith Shift Split MAG covers all the bases. While these sunglasses come with a variety of lens options, we recommend the Black + Chromapop Photochromatic Clear to Gray option. While expensive, this lens makes these sunglasses suitable for nearly any condition.
Whether we like it or not, big-lens sunglasses are back on trend, and Smith does justice to the look with these slightly wrapped lenses. The lens shape provides excellent peripheral vision; there’s no frame to get in the way of your sideways field of vision. The Chromapop lens technology increases contrast and makes seeing details on the trail easier, especially in low-light conditions.
We were impressed with how quickly and smoothly these lenses transitioned from full dark to full clear when we went from daylight into darkness. They’re ideal for runs that start in daylight and go into the night, or vice versa.
The lens has a smudge- and moisture-resistant coating to make it more resistant to smudges, and we found the claim to be true. These glasses seemed to pick up fingerprints and other vision-obscuring grime less than other sunglasses we tested. The coating also helps prevent fogging by keeping moisture from sticking to the lens.
While the lenses are large, these sunglasses fit medium-sized faces best.
The Zeal Boone sunglasses are not only one of our testing panel’s favorite running sunglasses overall but also are the only ones in this guide with a clear environmental proclivity. The frame features Zeal’s Z-Resin, a material derived from castor plants, and the lens comes from plant-based Ellume. What’s more, Zeal is a partner with the National Forest Foundation and 1% for the Planet, where proceeds benefit environmental projects.
But Zeal’s pro-environment stance doesn’t compromise technical performance. The polarized lenses do an outstanding job helping them to see obstacles on the trail by increasing color variability. Many of Zeal’s sunglasses carry a lifestyle aesthetic, but perhaps none better weave the technical performance needed for running and sport with as much off-trail style for post-run socializing or casual use as these. These really are a single pair of sunglasses that you can take anywhere.
Some of our testers with smaller faces found these frames and lenses somewhat large and overbearing, so they’re probably better suited for people with wider faces.
The era of big-framed sunglasses is back, and the Smith Motive provides a high level of coverage in an incredibly lightweight package. Weighing just 29 grams, you can almost forget that you have these glasses on your face if it weren’t for the exceptional contrast that the lenses provide. While these sunglasses are on the more expensive side of the range, their exceptional optics, coverage, and overall functionality make them worth the investment if you’re someone who takes care of their sunglasses. If you’re someone who tends to drop, damage, or lose your sunnies, you may want to check out our budget options reviewed below.
These sunglasses have various lens options, with each frame featuring a clear and tinted lens. You can choose the lens that best suits your regular running conditions, whether you spend a lot of time in the high, bright alpine or in loamy, dark forests.
We found that the Chromapop lens increases contrast, allowing us to see details we wouldn’t have seen with our bare eyes. The wide lenses have good airflow, and we never experienced fogging issues while running, cycling, or skiing.
While the lenses are fairly large, we found that these sunglasses best fit medium-sized faces. However, they’re not necessarily the pair of sunglasses you’d wear in all casual settings.
You can learn more about the specifications of these sunglasses in our in-depth Smith Motive review.
After more than seven years of testing photochromic lenses for running, one of our testers calls the Rudy Project Propulse, with its ImpactX 2 photochromic lens, the best. We can say only good things about these glasses if you’re looking for pure performance. The style, on the other hand, may not be for everyone.
In the performance department, the Propulse lens quickly transitions from completely clear to a protective amber hue. The experience of the lens darkening is undetectable, and at its darkest, the ImpactX 2 lens provides a soft brown hue, which is excellent for picking out details on the trail.
The quality doesn’t end with the lens. These sunglasses fit securely, and their flexibility can accommodate winter hats and different face sizes. The frame cutouts effectively reduce weight, and both the frame and lens have a system of vents that reduces fogging and increases airflow around the eyes. The venting is particularly effective on long climbs in conditions when many other glasses would fog. While the high price might deter some from investing in the Propulse, Rudy Project includes a warranty for up to three years, which might make it easier to justify the spend.
Read more about these glasses in our full Rudy Project Propulse review.
As a reprieve from hardcore sport styling but with every bit of excellent performance for running and other endurance sports, the Julbo Spark with Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens is a pair of sunglasses that can do it all. While marketed as a women-oriented pair of sunglasses, we found they’ll work for anyone with a smaller face. The photochromic performance of the Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens is an excellent option for running in variable light conditions.
The fit was a little tighter than the other sunglasses we tested, which our smaller-faced testers appreciated. We also found them to stay put better on our heads or hats when not in use. The Spark has curved temples, and Julbo’s Grip Tech is a soft and comfortable rubber placed strategically on the nose bridge and temple arms to keep the glasses from slipping.
Besides being comfortable, the rubber also won’t stick to your hair, which can be an unpleasant distraction during any activity. You can get these glasses without photochromatic lenses as well.
Knockaround is a brand with less runner awareness than Goodr but is building momentum with its relatively low-priced sport sunglasses, the Knockaround Fast Lanes. Several of our testers were impressed with the performance of these sunglasses, especially given the price point. Like other sunglasses at this price, the Fast Lanes frame doesn’t feel as pliable or durable as higher-priced, dedicated sports glasses, but the lens quality is much better than expected.
The rubber grips on the nose bridge keep the glasses in place during vigorous runs, such as speed workouts and downhill bombing. However, on runs over four hours, those with larger heads felt the arms squeeze uncomfortably behind the ears, so these might be sunglasses that you turn to for shorter runs rather than longer ones.
The styling is slightly more sophisticated than the popular Goodr OGs reviewed below, and the colors are more understated, making it a more viable option for daily use, not just as your dedicated running sunglasses.
Ultimately, the best running sunglasses have everything to do with your style, the conditions you run in, and your budget. There are endless options to choose from, and these are a couple more that stand out from the crowd.
When it comes to outstanding optics, the Method Seven Silverton sunglasses nail it in terms of tint and clarity. While our testers found that they aren’t quite dark enough for those full-sun alpine days if they weren’t wearing a hat, they excelled in lower-light conditions and the shade of a hat brim.
Although the brand is fairly new to the trail running market, it is better known for creating glasses to protect the eyes of those working in indoor growing facilities. With that experience, it has created crystal-clear optics with these sunglasses, which have a 26% visible light transmission rating. The lenses are also partially polarized for increased contrast.
You don’t get the full polarization effect, which can be extreme in some sunglasses, but just enough to help bring out shadows in the trail, making it easier to negotiate roots and rocks. This level of darkness of the lens lends itself to running in the woods or cloudy days in the alpine.
They also excel under the protection of a hat, and iRunFar gear editor Eszter Horanyi chose to wear them while setting an unsupported FKT on the Nolan’s 14 line in Colorado, a route that spends most of its time above treeline. One of the most appealing features of these glasses is that they’re incredibly light at only 23 grams, and they sit happily on a hat without slipping around.
Our only gripe with these glasses is that they are a little big for smaller faces and can bounce around for some people. But if you’re looking for some of the best optics on the market, it’s hard to go wrong with these.
The adidas Dunamis fully embrace the technical appearance of wrap-around sunglasses and combine the style with exceptional optics to create an outstanding viewing experience. While the style isn’t for everyone, we liked the bold appearance. We were impressed that these sunglasses didn’t dwarf smaller faces, though they fit medium-sized faces the best.
These sunglasses don’t have traditional frames. The polycarbonate lens itself provides the rigidity of the structure, and the earpieces are attached directly to the lens instead of a frame that holds the lens. This minimizes the field of view obstructed by a frame and allows for increased ventilation since the lens is thinner than any frame would be. Ventilation holes near the temples also increase airflow and minimize the chance of fogging.
Weighing just 28 grams, these sunglasses are some of the lightest in this guide. You can put them on your face and essentially forget that they’re there.
Not everyone wants or needs an expensive pair of sunglasses. We have some other great budget options for those who want sunnies that you can toss into a bag when you’re not using them and not feel too bad if you lose them.
Big and loud frames are back in style, and the Tifosi Sanctum offers full-coverage protection and reasonable optics in an affordable package. These sunglasses are pretty wide, so those with a narrower face may find them overbearing. The large lenses accentuate the size of the frames. While some may not be pleased with the re-emergence of this style of sunglasses, there’s no denying that they do an exceptional job protecting eyes from wind, moisture, and dust. This feature, combined with the price tag, made these sunglasses stand out for our testers. We also like the wide array of color and lens options, so there’s something for everyone.
The polycarbonate lens is quite good for the cost. No one will argue that it matches the performance of higher-end sunglasses, but it will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The different lens color options allow you to choose one that suits the type of light you run in most frequently.
Many of us destroy sunglasses regularly by dropping them, having them fall off our heads when we lean over, or because we’re maybe not the best at carrying a case for them when we’re out and about. If you want to not feel bad about mistreating sunglasses, getting a pair under $50 can make the sting of scratched lenses or broken frames slightly less.
You can read more in our full Tifosi Sanctum review.
The very affordable Goodr OGs sunglasses are perhaps the most ubiquitous frame in trail running right now. They are popular all over the world, and people use them in many different climates. The glare-busting polarized lenses provide a good optical experience, and the brightly colored frame choices are just plain fun. Many will also find this wayfarer style appropriate for daily life.
One component that has made the OGs extremely popular is the silicone inserts on the nose bridge, which effectively prevent the glasses from slipping in very sweaty or rainy runs. The frame is snug and lightweight, but the field of view is square. This is similar to other value-priced sunglasses. Looking straight ahead is fine, but the lack of curvature of the lens makes peripheral viewing awkward.
We mostly appreciated these glasses for their lack of bouncing and very reasonable price.
Shop the Goodr AND Sunglasses
We tested sunglasses in all types of environments and lighting conditions. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Photochromic Lens: This lens type changes its tint depending on the light conditions and can transition from clear in the dark to strongly tinted in direct sunlight.
Polarized Lens: Polarized lenses reduce the sun’s glare. They don’t transition back and forth in light conditions but help minimize reflections from the surface of water and snow. While sunglasses across the spectrum (expensive and cheap) may come with polarized lenses, lower-end options are significantly less durable. Reputable polarized sports sunglasses should also offer ultraviolet protection.
Standard Lens: These are non-photochromic and non-polarized. Running sunglasses with a standard lens often includes multiple options you can swap out based on conditions.
Ultraviolet (UV) Protection: Some lenses will include a UV protective coating or are made with a UV protective compound to provide additional protection from solar radiation. All sunglasses offer some UV protection, but higher-end options block sun rays better.
Hydrophobic Lenses: These lenses have a coating that prevents your sunglasses from fogging up in the cold or from condensation buildup when you sweat.
Anti-Scratch Lens: While no lenses are entirely scratch-proof, look for sunglasses with a polycarbonate lens. They are more durable and wear-resistant than plastic.
Interchangeable Lenses: Brands commonly offer these with sunglasses that don’t have a photochromic lens. These allow you to easily swap in a different lens based on light or weather conditions.
The Smith Motive sunglasses come with a pair of interchangeable lenses. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
We acknowledge that sunglasses are a very subjective and personal purchase, and choosing the best running sunglasses isn’t necessarily straightforward. Size, shape, and style preferences differ from person to person. Some people like big and loud lenses like the Smith Motive, while others prefer something that can be worn socially after a run, like the Zeal Boone.
However, aside from appearance, sunglasses have a few objective features that can help you make your purchase. So, which running sunglasses are best for you? To find out, consider a few of these factors.
Ideally, we would have one pair of sunglasses that worked equally well for running and daily life. Unfortunately, the characteristics of the best running sunglasses don’t always align with those needed for driving, socializing at the park, or going on a business trip.
Fortunately, some options, like the Knockaround Fast Lanes and the Zeal Boone, offer running-ready lenses with more casual styling. That said, some people don’t mind going to a coffee shop after a run in some of the louder sunglasses we’ve included in this guide.
The photochromatic lens of the Smith Shift Split MAG made them great in all light conditions. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Trends in running sunglasses have lately returned to the 1980s and 1990s, with loud, windscreen-like shapes that dwarf even those with bigger faces. Luckily, those who prefer something more standard still have many options with a more subdued shape and profile.
Some sunglasses in this guide are significantly smaller than others and tend to fit women’s faces better, like the Zeal Boone. Others have a more general appeal, with colors and shapes to suit all runners, including the Goodr OGs.
The shape of sunglasses also affects their performance. Brands design more technical sunglasses with a focus on performance. The shape of the lenses and frames allows air to pass through and prevent fogging. We found that the relatively large lenses of the Smith Motive provided a high level of protection and never fogged.
Other sunglasses with a more traditional lens and frame shape might not perform quite as well when running in sweaty conditions, but they can be more comfortable to wear in social situations before or after a run.
Maggie Guterl uses a pair of Goodr OGs during a mountain run in the San Juans. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
There are three main types of lenses found in running sunglasses: standard, photochromic, and polarized. A standard lens in sunglasses with interchangeable lenses is generally darker and provides 99% ultraviolet light protection. The sunglasses might also have a second or even a third pair of interchangeable lenses in clear and another color.
Many sunglasses come with an array of lens options, so it’s important to choose the lens you want when making the purchase. The Smith Motive comes with two different lenses, and you can choose the combo that best suits the environmental conditions you run into most.
A photochromic lens, like the one on the Smith Shift Split MAG and Julbo Spark with Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens, is really the gold standard when it comes to running in changing light conditions because of its ability to adapt. While they’re great for those who run from daylight into darkness or from alpine environments into the woods all in one run, they are expensive.
Like that found on the Zeal Boone, a polarized lens reduces glare and can bring out the contrast on obstacles in the trail. This can help you see roots, rocks, and variations in the trail more easily. Polarized lenses appear at the bottom and top of the price spectrum for sunglasses, but lower-quality polarized lenses are easily damaged and scuffed. The Method Seven Silverton Trail26 comes with partially polarized lenses that we found provided outstanding optics in a variety of light conditions.
The Smith Shift Split Mag (left) and Smith Motive (right) were two of our favorite sunglasses. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
As with all running gear, comfort is a top priority when choosing sunglasses. Pressure around the head, especially at the ears, is a common complaint when wearing sunglasses for more than four hours. A runner wearing a hat or headphones that wrap around the back of their ears can make this worse.
You’ll want sunglasses with frames that fit your head well. Sunglasses that are too tight on your head will eventually cause pain, while frames that are too big can flop around on your face when you’re running. The Method Seven Silverton Trail26’s lightweight and flexible frame made it so we never experienced any discomfort with them, while the Knockaround Fast Lanes would pinch our heads after several hours on the trail.
If you want a single pair of sunglasses for all your running needs, you might want to get a pair with interchangeable lenses. You can swap out the lenses of these frames based on the light conditions. A photochromic lens, like the one on the Julbo Spark with Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens, will be your best bet for runs with changing light conditions, such as running in daylight but ending at night. We think photochromatic lenses are fantastic for running, which is why we love the Smith Shift Split MAG.
It’s also important to consider how well the sunglasses will stow when unused. Do they stash easily in your running vest? Will they stay in place when you store them on your head? How do the arms fit with a hat? Our testers found that the flexibility of the Rudy Project Propulse helped them stay in place, whether they were wearing them during a hot summer run or had them on over a thick hat.
Several of the sunglasses in this guide, including Julbo Spark with Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens and Knockaround Fast Lanes, don’t come with a hard storage case, making it harder to protect them when not in use.
iRunFar’s Alli Miles runs on the California coast in the Smith Motive sunglasses. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
You won’t find any infomercial-type sunglasses in this guide — you can’t run over these sunglasses with a car or throw them off a cliff and expect them to survive. But all the sunglasses in this guide are reliably durable — they don’t scratch easily or break under normal wear and tear. Even the budget Goodr OGs and the Tifosi Sanctum performed well in the durability department.
If you frequently drop your sunglasses or tend to stash them in a pack without a protective case, you might want to buy less expensive glasses and replace them when they are damaged.
The most significant difference in durability is polarized lenses. Less expensive polarized lenses, like those in the Knockaround Fast Lanes, can be damaged easily and become distorted over time. More expensive polarized lenses still need to be protected from abrasion, but they should last for a long time with proper care.
Although the best running sunglasses are now more durable and functional than ever, the adage “you get what you pay for” is still relevant. All sunglasses are somewhat fragile, but better lens quality and durability are what you really get for a higher price. While the Smith Shift Split MAGs are quite expensive, we feel that their photochromatic lens, lens shape, and overall fit and functionality make them worth the investment if you use a pair of sunglasses for a long time.
Goodr is a very popular sunglasses brand, but its polarized lenses don’t stand up over time the same way more expensive brands like Zeal and Smith do. If you want the best running sunglasses with polarized lenses that you can count on to perform for a long time, it could be worth shelling out for Zeal Boone. But some runners accept that they often handle their sunglasses roughly and drop them frequently. For these people, a less expensive pair of sunglasses could be the way to go, even if they get lost or broken occasionally.
The Method Seven Silverton Trail26 sunglasses perform best in lower-light conditions but are dark enough for full sun when worn with a hat. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Running in Unpredictable Light Conditions
For many, runs occur during the day with relatively stable light conditions. For these situations, having one lens option is plenty. Even if it starts to get dark on you on the occasional run, you can put your sunglasses on your head or in a pack while you get home.
If you’re running a lot early and late in the day and go from darkness to daylight or daylight to night, it could be worth investing in a pair of sunglasses like the Smith Shift Split MAG with a photochromic lens so that you can keep your eyes protected regardless of the light conditions. We also loved the Julbo Spark with Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens for variable light conditions.
Several of the sunglasses in this guide, including the Smith Motive, come with interchangeable lenses, some polarized. These are not as convenient to swap out as having photochromatic lenses that automatically change the amount of light they let through, but they can allow one set of sunglass frames to work under various light conditions. The idea is to choose from your multiple lenses to match the specific condition.
To keep lenses from fogging, they need to keep moisture from building up on them. Many lenses have a hydrophobic coating on them to help with fogging. This coating helps move moisture from the lens by not allowing the moisture to stick to the surface.
Other anti-fogging features on sunglasses include air vents in the frame or lens and specific lens shapes that improve airflow. We found that the frame shape of the Smith Motive prevented any fogging, even under muggy and humid conditions. The ventilation of the adidas Dunamis kept them from fogging as well.
Sunglasses are even more important when running at high altitudes. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best sunglasses out of the seemingly endless options on the market. iRunFar’s gear testing team is based all over the U.S. Intermountain West and West Coast, areas that over-index on sunny and gloomy days, respectively. Our team’s sunglasses preferences range from high-performing photochromic lenses to varying frame sizes and shapes for faces of different sizes.
We chose some sunglasses designed for performance and others that performed well but that we deemed stylistically acceptable to wear to the coffee shop after a run. Our team also tested a variety of glasses with photochromic lenses for changing light conditions. We also extensively tested budget options because we understand that not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on a pair of sunglasses.
We started the initial version of this guide by polling the many members of the iRunFar team about their favorite sunglasses for different conditions. We also researched the market for options from both popular running brands and other lesser-known companies. We tested many of the best running sunglasses in this guide for more than a year and, in some cases, two years consistently.
Our team tested sunglasses in various conditions, from short overcast runs to long days in the alpine. Our testers frequently go on extended above-treeline romps through the Colorado mountains, where UV protection for the eyes is paramount. We wore the sunglasses included in this guide for hundreds of hours to get a good feel for their performance and durability.
We evaluate sunglasses based on various factors, from lens performance to frame style. Some of our testers are admittedly hard on their sunglasses and put them through proper durability testing to see how easily the lenses scratch or frame break. We also considered weight, fit, and the ability to stay perched on a hat or head when not used while evaluating sunglasses for this guide.
iRunFar’s Bryon Powell testing sunglasses in the desert. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks
We tested these glasses across multiple sports — not just running — to find out how the fit and sport-specific lenses performed in cold, wind, sweat, low light, and bright light in sports like road running, skiing, cycling, and fishing. We also attempted fastest known times in these glasses, starting in the dark and finishing under the stars.
We included some very expensive sunglasses because they may offer more durability, higher performance, and better warranty coverage. We gave as much priority to budget options, which we defined as $35 or less, as we did to expensive options, defined as $150 and above in this guide. We found high performers are across both ends of the spectrum, so it’s a great time to be a sunglasses consumer.
At iRunFar, we’re continually testing new sunglasses to update this guide as new options become available.
Why is it important to wear sunglasses?
Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays, help reduce eye fatigue, and improve clarity when running across terrain with different surfaces and flat light — scenarios we find in the mountains, forests, and on the coast. Even budget sunglasses like the Tifosi Sanctum can provide nearly 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Sunglasses also physically protect eyes from tree branches and more. An errant branch to the eye can end a run prematurely and, in some cases, permanently damage eyesight. Wearing clear lenses at night may seem overkill, but they can save you from injury.
iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks testing Knockaround sunglasses. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks
How do sunglasses protect my eyes?
Sunglasses keep ultraviolet rays from penetrating your eyes and act as the equivalent of sunscreen. As a literal barrier, sunglasses protect your eyes from wind, dust, sand, branches, and other debris that could scratch your corneas, causing serious damage. Sunglasses with a large lens can provide high protection from errant branches and debris flying through the air.
Wearing clear lenses at night can also provide a barrier against unseen branches, bugs, and more. The Rudy Project Propulse, which are photochromatic, will go clear in the dark and allow you to see while still protecting the brush.
What is a polarized lens, and is it better for running?
A polarized lens is excellent for any sport requiring terrain distinctions because it increases contrast and can help you pick out differences in trail surfaces. When your running sunglasses also act as your sunglasses for other sports, a polarized lens will be handy for water-based activities like fishing, boating, or snow sports.
Polarized lenses make it easier to see into bodies of water and many people like how the world looks through them. Our testers loved the performance of the Zeal Boone sunglasses and found that the increased contrast they provided allowed them to pick out features on the trail more easily.
What is a photochromatic lens, and why are they suitable for running?
Photochromic sunglasses are particularly good for trail running and all-day-and-night outings because of their ability to alter their tint based on ambient light. When you’re out in the sun, and the lens is in contact with UVA and UVB rays, a chemical reaction darkens the surface of the lens. When the light decreases, the coloring fades to clear, making it easier to see in darker conditions.
Sunglasses with a photochromatic lens, like our favorite, the Smith Shift Split MAG, as well as the Julbo Spark with Reactiv 1-3 Glare Control Lens and Rudy Project Propulse , allow you to use one lens no matter what time of day or night you’re running. They take the hassle out of swapping between dark and clear lenses and will allow you to keep your eyes protected if your run has gone longer than normal and you find yourself out in the dark.
Sunglasses are important for protecting eyes from damaging sun rays. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
How long will my running sunglasses last?
In many ways, you get what you pay for when it comes to running sunglasses. While less expensive glasses will perform well and look good, the implicit agreement is that they won’t endure much abuse, and the lens quality may deteriorate quickly. Many of us will be okay with spending $25 on sunglasses like the Goodr OGs, knowing it’s not a big deal if we damage or lose them.
If you’re looking for the best running sunglasses, though, you’ll have to be prepared to pay more. A more expensive pair of sunglasses, like the Method Seven Silverton Trail26 or Smith Shift Split MAG, will be much more comfortable, and the lens will let you see more details. Perhaps you’ll even be more inclined to care for your sunglasses better when you know how much money you’ve invested in them.
How do I prevent scratches on my sunglasses?
Dropping your sunglasses in dirt, mud, or on rocks, especially sandstone, can definitely damage the lens, and these impacts are just part of trail running for many people. But there are steps that you can take to protect your sunglasses otherwise. Using a lens-specific cleaning cloth is one way to keep your sunglasses scratch-free. There’s a good chance one comes with whatever sunglasses you purchase.
When covered with dirt, mud, or sweat, washing your frame and lens with mild soap and water is okay, and you can dry them with a sunglass- or eyeglass-specific lens cloth. A higher-quality lens on a more expensive pair of sunglasses, like the Smith Motive, will be more resistant to scratches than a lower-quality one. Inexpensive polarized lenses are particularly prone to damage from abrasion. The Smith Shift Split MAG lens has a grime-resistant coating that keeps them cleaner for longer.
Sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays from the sun. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
How do I stop my sunglasses from fogging up when I run?
When choosing your sunglasses, look for two features: a hydrophobic lens coating and a frame with cutouts to let the air flow between your face and the glasses. Most high-end sunglasses have an excellent hydrophobic coating that can keep them from fogging. This is especially important for people who sweat a lot.
Our testers loved the breathability of the Smith Motive and found that they didn’t have any issues with fogging. The Smith Shift Split MAG’s anti-moisture coating helps the lenses resist fogging. When it comes to ventilation, it’s hard to beat the frameless style of the adidas Dunamis.
I always lose, drop, or damage my sunglasses — help! How do I store my sunglasses when I’m not wearing them to prevent their loss and damage?
It’s best to treat your sunglasses like you would your puppy: don’t leave them in the car on a hot sunny day; clean them gently with mild soap and water; and give them protection from the elements. Most sunglasses come with at least a soft pouch and, at best, a hard case. Use them! It’s an excellent policy to always travel with the hard case and keep it in your car to stash your glasses safely pre- and post-run.
Only clean your glasses with the soft case or, when really dirty, with some water and soap. Avoid cleaning your sunglasses with your shirt when you’re out on a run.
If you frequently drop sunglasses or can’t be bothered to put them in a case when not in use, buying budget sunglasses like the Knockaround Fast Lanes or the Goodr OGs could be a good idea. That way, when your sunglasses get damaged, replacing them doesn’t cost much. For some of us, the best running sunglasses are those we don’t care about.
The wrap-around style of the adidas Dunamis provides a high level of protection. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Why are running sunglasses so expensive?
As with all technical running gear, the research into making a high-quality pair of technical glasses leads to a high price point. Fortunately, several brands have emerged recently offering low-price sunglasses specifically for runners.
You might sacrifice some of the durability and high performance of more expensive sunglasses like the Smith Motive, but lower-cost sunglasses, including the Goodr OGs, will undoubtedly meet most runners’ needs. When it comes to versatile sunglasses, where you can use the same sunglasses for running as you might skiing, cycling, or traveling, sometimes paying more is really worth it.
Can I use the same sunglasses for different sports?
Most sunglasses on our list will perform well for many types of athletic endeavors. The key to multiuse sunglasses is to find a pair that is breathable and hydrophobic so they don’t fog on your face.
Different sports may need different levels of coverage. We regularly used the Smith Motive sunglasses for cycling and skiing in addition to running and found that they provided enough coverage for a variety of situations.
It’s time for you to weigh in on your favorite running sunglasses! Leave a comment to share what sunglasses you love to run in and tell us in what conditions they perform best for you. We’ll continue to update this guide as this gear category evolves and we test more running sunglasses.
iRunFar’s Bryon Powell testing Knockaround sunglasses. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks
Craig Randall is a Gear Editor and Buyer’s Guide Writer at iRunFar. Craig has been writing about trail running apparel and shoes, the sport of trail running, and fastest known times for four years. Aside from iRunFar, Craig Randall founded Outdoor Inventory, an e-commerce platform and environmentally-driven second-hand apparel business. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Craig Randall is a trail runner who has competed in races, personal projects, and FKTs.
anti blue lenses Eszter Horanyi identifies as a Runner Under Duress, in that she’ll run if it gets her deep into the mountains or canyons faster than walking would, but she’ll most likely complain about it. A retired long-distance bike racer, she gave ultra foot racing a go and finished the Ouray 100 in 2017, but ultimately decided that she prefers a slower pace of life of taking photos during long days in the mountains and smelling the flowers while being outside for as many hours of the day as possible. Eszter will take any opportunity to go adventuring in the mountains or desert by foot, bike, or boat, and has lived the digital nomad lifestyle throughout the west for the past seven years.