Shielding your eyes from the solar’s dangerous rays when you’re exterior being lively is vital year-round. One of the best sports activities sun shades may also hold your eyes protected from influence and protect them from wind, mud, and different particles. When searching for sports activities sun shades, select a pair that is sturdy, light-weight, and comfy to put on, says Nicole Lord, Vice President of Merchandising for Now Optics. Take into account how and while you’ll be utilizing them—polarization will scale back glare, for example, whereas totally different lens colours can assist you see higher in sunny or low-light situations.
To search out the most effective sports activities sun shades, we first consulted with sun shades specialists to find out the important thing options each pair ought to have. We then examined a dozen frames, sporting them throughout numerous out of doors actions, together with tennis matches, seashore days, lengthy walks, and extra. We evaluated every pair’s match, efficiency, high quality, options, and worth to search out the highest choices in the marketplace.
Tip From the Professionals
By no means wipe your sunnies off with the hem of your shirt—this may trigger scratches or smudges which will have an effect on your visibility, says Stephen Lease, CEO and co-founder of goodr sun shades.
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Plastic lenses, acetate frames | Fashion: Half-frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Finest for wearers who need a light-weight, sturdy, and extremely snug pair of sun shades that may deal with golf, tennis, water sports activities, and extra.
Why We Love Them
Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sun shades are certainly one of our clear general winners. We love that the lenses are designed to improve distinction and coloration for clearer views—plus, they’re polarized to cut back glare, get rid of haze, and decrease distortion. Throughout our check, the lenses supplied distinctive safety and readability. The frames felt light-weight and comfy, whereas grips on the nosepiece and on the temples saved them in place throughout sweaty runs (no sliding or bouncing right here).
Whereas they’ve a light-weight, versatile really feel, these shades are very sturdy and carried out nicely in our sturdiness check. Additionally they include a tough zippered case to guard them when not in use. Total, these modern, sporty shades are perfect for golf and tennis, however in addition they work extraordinarily nicely for strolling, working, biking, water sports activities, and different actions.
Potential Flaws
- These sunnies are pricier than most of our different picks, however we expect the extra price is price it based mostly on how nicely they carried out in our check.
Most Priceless Perception
“These sun shades are very light-weight, and the contact factors are produced from a rubber-like materials that doesn’t slip when sweating. They’ve a cosy match, and, regardless of the smaller lens measurement, the glasses have nice eye protection.” —Brad L., Verywell Match product tester
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Credit score: Verywell Match
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Credit score: Verywell Match
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Fashion: Wrap, half-frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Finest for wearers who need light-weight, shatterproof sports activities glasses with nice airflow and anti-slip grips that may deal with even your sweatiest exercises.
Why We Love Them
Tifosi’s Tyrant 2.0 Sun shades are a light-weight and durable possibility that is perfect for many of your out of doors pursuits. We love that they’ve a sturdy nylon body, shatterproof lenses, and nostril and ear items produced from a cushty hydrophilic rubber that will increase grip as you sweat.
As for options, the polarized lenses present 100% UVA and UVB safety from the solar’s dangerous rays and get lighter or darker, relying on the quantity of daylight you’re uncovered to. These sunnies carried out nicely throughout our sweat check, staying in place even on moist pores and skin. Vents on the prime of the lenses assist improve airflow and stop fogging. The glasses additionally include a zippered shell case and cleansing bag to guard your buy.
Potential Flaws
- These lenses aren’t as extensive, which means they don’t seem to be as protecting as another pairs on our listing.
Most Priceless Perception
“I actually just like the match and light-weight really feel of those glasses. They do not pinch my nostril, and the arms do not feel too tight on my head, but they keep in place and are bounce-free.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses | Fashion: Wrap-around | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Finest for runners who need sun shades which might be light-weight and do not slip or bounce, even on long-distance runs.
Why We Love Them
Runners want sun shades that provide wonderful safety however may also go the space with out slipping, bouncing, or feeling too heavy. Designed for working, Rudy Venture’s Propulse Sports activities Sun shades are our prime choose, whether or not you get pleasure from jogging round your neighborhood or long-distance working. Throughout our check, they had been simple to put on, even beneath a working visor. The smooth, rubber nosepiece and pliable arms supplied a comfortable match, retaining the shades in place.
We recognize that the extensive, wrap-around lenses supply ample safety—greater than some others we examined. Air flow on the lenses and temples additionally helps stop fogging and overheating, permitting you to run uninterrupted for longer. Triathletes and marathon runners alike will recognize their considerate design and high-quality development.
Potential Flaws
- These sunnies are pricier than a few of our different prime picks, though we expect their runner-friendly options make them definitely worth the funding.
- In contrast to different sun shades on our listing, these do not include a protecting case.
Most Priceless Perception
“These sun shades are very light-weight and comfy and supply wonderful safety, particularly on the periphery. They actually block out the solar and wind however are additionally nicely ventilated to permit for cooling and to forestall fogging.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Plutonite lenses, carbon frames | Fashion: Full frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for cyclists who need a modern pair of sports activities sun shades that match comfortably beneath a motorcycle helmet and supply wonderful wind and solar safety.
Why We Love Them
Our prime choose for cyclists, we love Oakley’s Sutro Lite Sun shades as a result of they’re versatile, sturdy, and comfy for lengthy rides. They’re extensive and tall sufficient to offer good safety from the solar and wind, however nonetheless streamlined sufficient to match comfortably beneath a motorcycle helmet. Throughout testing, we seen that the smooth rubber nostril piece, versatile arms, and light-weight really feel make these shades snug sufficient to put on throughout each day rides.
The lenses present distinctive readability, influence safety, and an unobstructed view—which is essential for driving. Additionally they didn’t fog up throughout our sweat check. Like different Oakley sun shades we examined, these shades are clearly constructed to final and may positively take some heavy use. We suggest them for cyclists who worth wonderful efficiency and safety.
Potential Flaws
- These are pricier than most of our different picks. However for avid cyclists, we expect their security options are robust to beat, making them nicely definitely worth the extra price.
Most Priceless Perception
“I used to be actually impressed with the lenses and the distinction and readability they produced. Plus, these sun shades are actually light-weight and comfy, which is vital for lengthy bike rides.” —Brad L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Triacetate cellulose lenses, polycarbonate frames | Fashion: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for these with smaller faces who need budget-friendly sports activities sun shades which might be fashionable and grippy sufficient to face as much as sweaty high-intensity exercises.
Why We Love Them
If in case you have hassle discovering sports activities sun shades that aren’t too extensive in your face, we suggest goodr’s Circle GS Polarized Sun shades. We love that they provide polarized lenses that block one hundred pc of dangerous UVA and UVB rays, all at a budget-friendly worth. In testing, they by no means bounced, pinched, or felt too tight—a grippy coating retains them in place, even throughout very sweaty runs in sweltering climate.
We additionally discovered that the lenses supplied a crisp, vibrant view and lowered glare. In case you continuously misplace your sports activities shades and wish to have a number of pairs readily available, these sun shades are an amazing possibility for stocking up. They’re additionally fairly modern and trendy, and may be worn with informal put on.
Potential Flaws
- We want these got here with a hard-shell case, as a substitute of only a smooth microfiber pouch.
Most Priceless Perception
“I’ve a small face, so I actually appreciated the form and measurement of those sun shades. The scale felt ‘good’ for me, and I didn’t discover any bouncing, slipping, or uncomfortable tightness once I wore them.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Thermoplastic lenses, nylon frames | Fashion: Wrap, rimless | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Finest for exercisers who need a budget-friendly pair of sports activities sun shades which might be scratch-resistant and repel water and oil.
Why We Love Them
Torege’s Polarized Sports activities Sun shades are budget-friendly and constructed to final. Throughout testing, we instantly seen that they felt light-weight and comfy, and the rubber nostril pads saved them in place even throughout lengthy intervals of wear and tear. We love that the scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses present crystal-clear views with no distortion. Additionally they repel water and oils, making them a strong selection for water sports activities and high-intensity, sweaty actions.
Moreover, these glasses are sturdy: We did not discover any scratches or indicators of injury after dropping them, and we seen that the spring hinges on every arm are each sturdy and versatile. With a lifetime guarantee on the frames and lenses, you may be assured you are buying shades which might be simply as robust as they’re efficient. We’re additionally impressed that they arrive with a onerous, zippered case, which is sudden at such a budget-friendly worth level. In case you’re on the lookout for a flexible pair of high-performance shades, these are an amazing worth.
Potential Flaws
- These glasses do not have a ton of options that different sports activities sun shades do—however they arrive at a budget-friendly worth level, which we expect is a good trade-off.
Most Priceless Perception
“Lastly—a pair of working glasses that carry out nicely and are versatile sufficient to put on casually. These glasses are light-weight and really versatile, with basic styling.” —Brad L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Fashion: Full frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Finest for budget-conscious exercisers who need a pair of sturdy, fashionable sun shades that keep in place, even throughout high-intensity exercises.
Why We Love Them
Polarized lenses at a budget-friendly worth? Enter Tifosi’s Swank Sun shades. These shades characteristic a bounce-free match, full with rubber nostril pads that stop them from sliding down, even after we’re sweaty throughout our long-distance runs. We even seen that they keep put when worn on prime of our head or over a visor.
We love that these glasses boast sturdy, shatterproof, and scratch-resistant lenses, in addition to one hundred pc UVA/UVB safety. They sailed by our sturdiness check, they usually’re tremendous fashionable. We additionally discovered that they lay very flat when folded, a plus for individuals who wish to stash their shades in a pocket or pouch throughout runs, hikes, or bike rides.
Potential Flaws
- We want these sun shades got here with a hard-shell case, so we may toss them in our go-to health club luggage.
Most Priceless Perception
“I virtually forgot that I had these on throughout my run! I additionally actually like that they’re not very sporty-looking—I might positively put on them casually.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Fashion: Frameless | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Finest for avid walkers and hikers on the lookout for a sturdy, impact-resistant pair of sports activities sun shades with distinctive visibility.
Why We Love Them
For a sturdy possibility that pairs nicely with your go-to mountaineering footwear, we suggest Smith’s Parallel 2 Unisex Polarized Sun shades. Throughout testing, the polarized lenses supplied distinctive visibility and readability, which proved to be an enormous asset when mountaineering on technical trails. We additionally recognize that these frames include two units of impact-resistant, interchangeable lenses, permitting you to modify them out based mostly on situations and terrain.
We appreciated the sun shades’ light-weight really feel and cushty, snug match, making these a pleasant selection for all-day put on. They’re additionally proof against fogging and carried out nicely throughout our sweat check. As for sturdiness, the glasses withstood our drop check with no scratch and really feel like they’ll maintain up for long-term use. Additionally they include a tough zippered case and a smooth microfiber pouch to maintain them protected when not in use.
Potential Flaws
- For the reason that lenses are interchangeable, some wearers have discovered that they’ll really feel a bit free within the frames.
Most Priceless Perception
“I actually just like the light-weight really feel and modern, trendy look of those sun shades. They’re additionally extraordinarily snug and include two units of interchangeable lenses, so that they’re a pleasant selection for all-day actions similar to mountaineering, the place chances are you’ll be coping with altering situations.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
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Price range-friendly
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Comfy and scratch-resistant
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Keep in place, even throughout sweatier matches
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Plastic lenses, polycarbonate frames | Fashion: Half-frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Total Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Finest for tennis gamers who need snug sports activities sun shades that keep securely in place.
Why We Love Them
Tennis gamers want sun shades that provide good safety and readability, whereas additionally staying securely in place. Bounce-free and light-weight, Duduma’s TR8116 Sports activities Polarized Sun shades are an asset on the court docket, and we additionally love their budget-friendly price ticket. Throughout our check, the sun shades’ polarized lenses lowered glare whereas additionally enhancing colours, making it simple to identify a tennis ball hovering over the web.
We had been additionally impressed by the shades’ snug match and grip, noting that they stayed put throughout a sweaty tennis session. Though we seen that the lenses fogged up barely as a result of moisture, they cleared up pretty rapidly. On the whole, these versatile shades are a great worth and deserve a spot in your courtside arsenal.
Potential Flaws
- The budget-friendly worth signifies that these shades lack some extra options, similar to an anti-fog coating.
- We seen that they are on the smaller aspect, so they could be too slender for individuals with rounder faces.
Most Priceless Perception
“For such an inexpensive worth, I used to be impressed by the standard and sturdiness of those sun shades. The polarization is top-notch, and the lenses supply good readability and safety for enjoying tennis.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
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Block glare, wind, and snow
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Modern, fashionable design that may be worn beneath a helmet or hat
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Perforated for air flow
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Triacetate cellulose lenses, recycled polycarbonate frames | Fashion: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Finest for wearers who get pleasure from snowboarding and different snow sports activities and want severe eye safety from wind, snow, and glare.
Why We Love Them
In case you desire to put on shades for snowboarding and different snow sports activities, Sunski’s Treeline Polarized Sun shades are our prime choose. The minute we opened the field, we had been impressed by their cool design. What units them other than different shades on our listing are Sunski’s Magni-Snap Sidekicks—plastic aspect shades that protect your eyes from glare, wind, and snow with out blocking your peripheral imaginative and prescient. These aspect screens are perforated with tiny holes for air flow, they usually detach simply while you need to put on the glasses casually.
Throughout our check, the rubber nostril pads felt snug and actually saved the sun shades in place. Additionally they match properly beneath a helmet, hat, or visor—making them an amazing different to goggles, which may be cumbersome. With a modern silhouette, these sunnies can simply go from the slopes to après ski drinks on the lodge. We additionally like that they arrive with a zippered case to guard them when you might want to stash them in your pocket or bag.
Potential Flaws
- For the value, we want these sunnies had an anti-fog coating.
Most Priceless Perception
“I like that they aren’t flimsy and really feel very sturdy. The aspect screens are a very efficient characteristic and helped to dam out gentle and particles, however they didn’t have an effect on my peripheral imaginative and prescient in any respect.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses and frames | Fashion: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Total Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Finest for fishing lovers or anybody who wants eye safety whereas out on the water.
Why We Love Them
When fishing, a high-quality pair of sun shades can defend your eyes and scale back glare. Throughout our check, Knockaround’s Torrey Pines Polarized Sun shades proved to be a cushty, high-performance possibility for all-day put on on the water. The extra-wide, impact-resistant lenses supply ample protection with out being overly cumbersome. We additionally recognize that the arms characteristic spring hinges for a slight give.
The glasses supplied a snug, comfortable match with out feeling constricting. Throughout our check, these glasses did a wonderful job of blocking shiny daylight and decreasing glare. Total, we like them for fishing, boating, or a day on the seashore—and we particularly recognize their budget-friendly worth.
Potential Flaws
- These sun shades are a bit heavier than some others we examined, so we do not suggest them for working or biking.
Most Priceless Perception
“I used to be impressed with the readability and high quality of the lenses. I wouldn’t count on polarization at such a cheap worth.” —Brad L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Triacetate lenses, thermoplastic frames | Fashion: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for youths who want a sturdy pair of sports activities sun shades that may stand as much as bending and pulling.
Why We Love Them
Whether or not your youngsters are enjoying on the seashore or on the baseball area, Duco’s Youngsters Sun shades can defend their eyes from dangerous rays, in addition to from sand, dust, and different particles. The polarized lenses block one hundred pc of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays and did a wonderful job of decreasing glare throughout our check.
The sun shades are impact- and scratch-resistant, with a versatile rubber body that is good for lively youngsters who may be tough on their gear. Our 13-year-old tester was impressed by how nicely the glasses match and held up throughout testing. The arms are versatile sufficient to face up to bending and pulling, and we recognize that you simply obtain a onerous, zippered case along with your buy for protected storage and safety.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that these sunnies slipped a bit once they bought moist.
Most Priceless Perception
“I believed they did a great job in shiny daylight. I may see clearly, they usually felt snug.” —Brendan L., Verywell Match product tester
What to Search for When Searching for Sports activities Sun shades
- Fog-Resistance: Some well-made sun shades have an anti-fog coating, which may be particularly useful in sizzling, humid environments and through extra intense bodily exercise. Understand that the lenses shouldn’t come into contact along with your cheeks—this may be uncomfortable and should result in fogging.
- Form: Sports activities sun shades can be found in numerous types, together with wraparound, full-frame, half-frame, and rimless designs. Some pairs are better-suited for sure faces, notes Lease. Additionally, contemplate how your sun shades will work along with your different gear. For instance, straight temples enable a seamless match when worn with a helmet, says Lord.
- Materials: For all-day put on, you’ll need sunnies which might be light-weight and comfy. In case you plan to put on your shades throughout intense actions, go for sturdy supplies, like shatterproof plastic. Professional tip: The non-slip rubber on the nosepiece prevents them from sliding down.
- Safety: Your sun shades ought to present 100% safety from dangerous UV radiation to forestall eye ailments and other forms of injury. Polarized lenses assist scale back glare and haze, making them an appropriate selection for actions similar to water sports activities, golf, and tennis. Waterproof coatings are additionally useful if you happen to’re participating in actions close to or in water.
- Lenses: Completely different-colored lenses can enhance visibility beneath sure situations. Grey lenses are perfect for shiny, sunny days. Yellow and orange tints improve distinction in low-light or overcast situations. Brown lenses scale back glare whereas enhancing your visible acuity and depth notion, making them an amazing selection for biking and golf, says Lord.
How We Examined the Sports activities Sun shades
To search out the most effective sports activities sun shades, we examined a dozen choices from widespread, trusted manufacturers, sporting them whereas enjoying tennis, on the seashore, mountaineering, long-distance working, and extra. When testing sports activities sun shades, we consider each based mostly on the next key standards.
- Match: Lord notes that well-fitting sun shades will not transfer, slide down, or depart marks in your face while you take them off. Once we first strive on the sun shades, we observe the model and the way nicely they match. Are they snug, and do they match our faces nicely? Do they want adjusting, or do they sit straight on our noses?
- Efficiency: We put on the sunnies casually and through exercises that match their really useful use, like runs and out of doors bike rides. Do they successfully shade our eyes from the solar and scale back glare? Do they block wind, mud, and particles? We additionally spritz our faces with water to simulate sweat—this helps us check the sun shades’ grip and luxury.
- High quality: All through the testing interval, we assess the standard of the sun shades when it comes to their really feel. We additionally carry out a sturdiness check by dropping the sun shades from waist top onto pavement, inspecting every pair for any scratches or cracks. We deduct factors if the sun shades exhibit vital indicators of wear and tear and tear by the top of the testing interval.
- Options: Are the sun shades polarized? Does the model declare to have some other particular options, similar to an anti-fog or waterproof coating? In that case, we be certain that we check these claims.
- Worth: To price every pair’s worth, we do not examine the value till the top of the testing interval, after we have evaluated it in all different key classes. Based mostly on how nicely the sun shades carry out, do we expect they’re priced pretty? We additionally contemplate whether or not we might suggest them to a good friend or member of the family.
Our Specialists
We spoke with specialists at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next specialists helped us perceive which key options to search for in a high-quality possibility. Though we select merchandise independently, professional recommendation influences our choices.
- Nicole Lord, vice chairman of merchandising for Now Optics
- Stephen Lease, CEO and co-founder of goodr sun shades
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Are polarized sun shades higher for sports activities?
Polarized sun shades work nicely for sports activities that require lowered glare and improved readability. They’re perfect for out of doors sunny actions, together with biking, water sports activities, and working.
Are costly sun shades really higher?
Pricier sun shades aren’t essentially higher than their extra budget-friendly counterparts. When procuring, search for choices with options that assist the exercise you are doing, similar to an anti-fog coating, UV safety, polarized lenses, and extra.
Which is best, UV or polarized sun shades?
UV safety and polarized lenses serve totally different functions and chances are you’ll need to contemplate choices with one or each options. UV safety blocks dangerous rays from the solar, whereas polarized lenses scale back glare and enhance readability, particularly in very shiny situations.
Why Belief Verywell Match
An authorized private coach, working coach, marathon runner, and author for Verywell Match, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends numerous hours researching and testing the most recent train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will genuinely stand behind and that she believes can be good investments for her readers. For this roundup, she hands-on examined a number of choices whereas mountaineering, working, enjoying tennis, and extra.
Extra reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
Sarah Felbin is a Verywell Match author who’s all the time diving into the most recent well being and health analysis. With over 20 years of dance expertise, she is aware of how vital it’s to search out gear that helps you look, really feel, and carry out your greatest.
For this text, each authors appeared over the check outcomes from our Lab to assist compile our prime picks.