Make a style statement, protect yourself from the environment and run faster all with one great piece of kit - and no it's not your gym clothes. It's the best sports sunglasses.
Looking good is obviously a personal preference, but after that there are definitely certain elements you need to think about when buying your running sunglasses. Let’s start with UV protection. As we all are only too aware, UV light can damage our skin but it can also damage your eyes so you should be thinking about protecting them throughout your life, not just when you’re running. UV can damage structures in the cornea, the lens of the eyes and retinas as well as the skin around the eyes or eyelids.
The best sports sunglasses to shop, at glance
• Best overall sports sunglasses: Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses - View now on Amazon
• Best budget sports sunglasses: Olaian Polarised Sunglasses - View now on Decathlon
• Best unisex sports sunglasses: ICECUBE SPORTECH Sunglasses - View now on Amazon
You also need to think about impact protection; hopefully you won’t run into any tree branches, but you never know. Look too for colour combinations and not just because they look good! Golden tint lenses are best for low light, clear for low light and wind, dark tints for bright days and rose-tinted best for running off-road.
Finally, take a look at the lens construction. For running hydrophobic lens are basically great for making sure water doesn’t accumulate in your line of vision. The low surface tension of a hydrophobic lens means the droplets run off, Plus they are anti-static meaning dust particles are less likely to be attracted to the glass. Clear vision results.
SHOP: The best sports sunglasses
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall sports sunglasses
OakleyThese Oakley sunglasses feature the renowned PRIZM lens technology, to improve your vision and allow you to see every detail of your glorious surroundings with vividness and precision. Another great thing about these glasses is that they're made from Oakley's injection moulded thermoplastic O-Matter, so your sunglasses can be worn summer after summer. Plus, for extra-sharp colours, the Patented High Definition Optics provide clarity and clear vision at every angle.
Pros
- Made from lightweight O Matter frame material
- Unobtanium earsocks and nosepads for increased comfort
- Oakley performance shield lens technology with HDO
Cons
- Works best for dusk and sunset glare
| Sun protection | 100% UV |
| Lenses | Polarised, Iridium lens available |
| Water resistant | No |
- Customer review: "No doubt these are the best sports Oakley sunglasses ever owned. Oakley makes the best, very reasonable price, great fitting, visual enhanced. Must for most active sports."
Best budget sports sunglasses
Olaian www.decathlon.co.uk
Prepare to conquer the waves in style with these Olaian sunglasses. Made primarily for water sports like surfing, these glasses are a vital tool for optimising your performance on the water. The polarised lenses offer superior glare reduction, allowing you to see clearly even in the brightest conditions, while also protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. At a great price, these sunglasses even come with a connected strap for when you're hitting the waves.
Pros
- Open shape to let water and air flow
- Lenses and frame are made from a durable polycarbonate plastic
- Removable arms for out-of-water use
Cons
- The nose pad isn't the most comfortable
| Sun protection | Category 3 |
| Lenses | Polarised |
| Water resistant | 1.5m |
- Customer review: "The Olaian Polarised sunglasses are great to the eyes, amazing price! super comfortable!"
Best unisex sports sunglasses
ICECUBE SPORTECHGear up for your next adventure with the ICECUBE SPORTECH sunglasses. Made with precision, these glasses boast polarised lenses that offer full UV protection. The best part of the glasses is that they're unisex and can be worn for almost all sports. This means that whether you're hitting the trails, cycling through challenging terrain and simply soaking up the sunshine, these sunglasses make for a great addition to your workout arsenal.
Pros
- Anti-slip tips and nose-pads
- Created with TAC (Tri-Acetate Cellulose) polarised lenses for clear vision
- Great for all sports
Cons
- Sit slightly too high on the nose
| Sun protection | 100% UV |
| Lenses | Polarised |
| Water resistant | No |
- Customer review: "This is my second pair of ICECUBE SPORTECH glasses. I am using them for sports where I could damage the lenses easily and so far they have been great. I still have both pairs and use them regularly."
Best wide sports sunglasses
ROKAuk.roka.com
These ROKA sunglasses are a great investment for anyone looking to pay a little bit extra, for a pair of great quality sunnies. Made with ultralight materials and a precise fit, they offer all-day comfort and stability. So you can stay focused on your sport without any distractions (or glare). The most interesting part about these glasses is that the lenses are easily removable and interchangeable, meaning the ROKA's suit a variety of workouts and lights. Plus, the lenses will never move around due to the lens lock tab.
Pros
- Lightest performance eyewear on the market
- Lens tint allows 12% light transmission
- Comes fitted with customisable Titanium core wires for stability and a precise fit
Cons
- More expensive than other options on our list - may be better for professionals
| Sun protection | Full sun - 12-17% light transmission |
| Lenses | 50mm Tall lens, HC fusion mirror lens |
| Water resistant | No |
- Customer review: "Love these ROKA glasses for both cycling and running. The photochromic lenses are great for tree lined gravel roads where I am running/riding in 50/50 sun/shade. Excellent fit, easy to clean and most importantly do not warp after sitting on a hot dashboard in the summer (can't keep track of all the glasses I've ruined that way over the years)."
Best large sports sunglasses
UVEXThe UVEX sports glasses make for the best large shield for your adventures. With the innovative UVEX Supravision coating, the lens stays crystal clear and can be swapped out in a flash. And, there's a clever little button that unlocks the frame for easy filter changes. Furthermore, whichever lens type you prefer (mirrored or clear lens) UVEX have your back, with their choices in lens, all with 100% UV protection. Without forgetting about comfort, these glasses have adjustable nose pads, extendable ear pieces and three pre-set lengths to make sure your sunglasses fit YOU the best.
Pros
- Comes with two different lenses in filter categories 0 and 3
- Fog-free vision that doesn't affect optical quality due to the UVEX Supravision
- Adjustable nose pads for a comfortable fit
Cons
- Big frame style isn't for everyone
| Sun protection | 100% UV protection, Category 0 and 3 |
| Lenses | Not polarised |
| Water resistant | No, but does have a moisture-repellent surface |
- Customer review: "So first of all, I have a very small face and was worried that these UVEX sunglasses would be too big for my head. However, they fit me very well. These glasses awesome for cycling and running. They fit perfectly under my helmet and are supremely comfortable; they also provide excellent coverage. Importantly, they stay put on my face while I'm running. They might look a bit ridiculous for casual wear, but I don't care. I care that my eyes are protected from the sun and that I'm comfortable during 4-6 hour rides and 1-3 hour runs.
"Although I can't say how long these glasses will resist fogging in the long term, they do not fog up at all even when I am training in hot and humid conditions. Even if/when the anti-fog coating comes off, these glasses are well ventilated (despite providing full protection), so I would not expect too much fogging of the glasses.
"These sunglasses come with a dark lens for bright, sunny conditions and a clear lens for low-light conditions, as well as a very nice (although large) carrying case. The directions for how to swap out the lenses is clear, and I had no difficulty changing the lenses. I'm pretty sure the lenses are not polarised, but oh well. It's not that big of a deal."
A guide to the best sports sunglasses
Are polarised sunglasses good for sports?
Polarised sunglasses are exceptional for athletes seeking to protect their eyes. Often, sunglasses for sports come packed with advanced technologies to reduce glare and improve vision during outdoor activities. Surfaces like water, snow and roads can worsen glare, so having a pair of trusty sports sunglasses in your gear could save yourself a whole lot of 'ahhh my eyes.'
Furthermore, polarised sunglasses provide UV protection, which shelters the eyes from harmful sun exposure during prolonged periods outdoors.
Who should not wear polarised sunglasses?
While polarised sunglasses are great for some fitness enthusiasts, there are some individuals who may want to be slightly cautious when using them. Specifically speaking, individuals who engage in activities where they need to discern between LCD and LED screens, such as pilots, airplane crew, or heavy machine operators, must be aware that wearing polarised sunnies can hinder your ability to read displays. This is because polarised glasses are there to filter polarised light.
Also, people who struggle to see objects on icy surfaces, or those who need to distinguish between wet and dry areas, may not be the best fit for polarised glasses. In cases like this, non-polarised glasses will be the better option. Luckily, loads of sports glasses come with the option to choose between polarised and non-polarised.
What are the disadvantages of polarised sunglasses?
There are lots of benefits to polarised sunglasses, so don't be worried that it's all bad news. But, there are a couple of small things that are worth considering. Like the fact that polarised lenses can interfere with the visibility of certain screens. Plus, the fact that they're not suitable for sports where it's essential to see glare for safety, like snowboarding and skiing. Despite a couple of drawbacks, polarised sports sunglasses are still a popular choice for outdoor activities, like cycling and running, and driving.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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