The Best Running Sunglasses for Men and Women

There's nothing like that exhilarating feeling when running outside on a beautiful, crisp, sunny day. Unfortunately, this can also expose your eyes to some seriously damaging UV rays. We've got good news though–wearing sunglasses while you run can help prevent a number of eye problems caused by UV damage, while also protecting your eyes from debris, dust, pollen, and other objects that may cause irritation. And when paired with high quality polarized lenses, running sunglasses can help reduce glare and improve your vision, enhancing contrast, clarity, and preventing eye fatigue from squinting. So whether you’re speeding through a 5k, training for a marathon, or tackling some of your favorite local trails, sunglasses can and should be an essential part of your running kit.

What to consider when buying running sunglasses

Deciding between the many options for running sunglasses can sometimes feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Let's take a look at some important factors to consider when selecting the perfect pair for your next PR.

Choosing the right frame

When choosing a pair of running sunglasses, it's important to find frames that fit your face shape. The frame should fit snugly but not too tight, and shouldn’t move around while exercising. If the frame is too large, it may not provide adequate protection for your eyes. For trail runners specifically, sunglass fit is especially important–as you bound across the rugged terrain, the last thing you need is your sunglasses bouncing around on your face. Take your time when choosing a frame and make an investment. Just remember that the best running sunglasses are the ones that you often forget you’re wearing. For more information on frame fit, read our expert guide for the best sunglasses for every face shape.

Lens color and polarization

The lens color should be appropriate for the type of running you're doing and in what conditions. Some lenses enhance colors, making them appear more vivid, while others reduce glare and distortions and improve visual clarity and sharpness. For example, amber and brown tinted lenses block a significant amount of blue light, enhancing visual acuity and contrast, making them ideal for trail runners in blue-sky conditions.

Be sure to check out our Sunglass Lens Color Guide to explore the full-spectrum of tints Revant offers and which activities or applications they out-perform in.

Polarized lenses are always a great option for runners. They help reduce glare from the sun's rays, making it easier to see and providing an unobstructed, crisp view of the trail or road ahead. Polarized lenses are also good for reducing eye fatigue. For more of a deep dive on the ins and outs of polarization, read our guide on polarized vs non-polarized sunglasses.

Important features

• Durability: Sunglasses are often exposed to the elements, so it's important to choose a pair that is made from durable materials.
• Ventilation: Ventilation helps to keep your eyes cool and the lenses fog-free.
• Weight: Sunglasses should be lightweight enough that they don't feel uncomfortable on your face.
• Non-slip: The ideal pair of running sunglasses will stay put, through sweat, movement, wind, or whatever else mother nature throws your way.

When taking all those factors above into consideration, we're confident you'll make a great purchase next time you're in-market for a new pair of shades to hit the pavement (or trails) with. But just in case you're looking for a little extra push to help you sign up for that next big race, we've pulled together a short list of a few of our favorite men's and women's frames:

Recommended running sunglasses for men

• Nike Show X3: The Nike Show X3 sunglasses were designed using insights from pro-athletes, so you know these frames take their job seriously. Anti-fog holes in the frame and a floating nose pad significantly improve ventilation, while adjustable temple arms and an overall lightweight design offer a very comfortable fit.
• Oakley Radar EV Path: These sunglasses are designed for high-performance and provide excellent clarity and visual acuity, even in bright sunlight. The “EV” stands for “extended vision” because the lenses have an added 5 mm above the nose bridge, extending your upper field of view while running. If the EV Path isn’t the right fit for your face, consider the Oakley Radar Pitch. It has similar features, but the Path has a curved upper edge at the bottom of the lens while the Pitch has a straight, angular cut.
• Nike Vaporwing Elite: Nike's Vaporwing Elite sunglasses feature a unique one-piece design with a sleek frame that’s aerodynamic and lightweight. The one-piece design provides you protection from the elements, and the three-point fit hold reduces pressure on your face-perfect for long runs.
• Tifosi Podium XC: These sunglasses have a flexible and durable frame that can withstand tough conditions, making them perfect for trail running. They also have a wrap-around design and adjustable nose pads for a secure fit. The hydrophilic rubber pads swell when wet, staying in place when you sweat.
• Oakley Flak 2.0 XL: The XL edition is a popular choice for men’s sunglasses, offering a wide peripheral view and larger lens coverage for your face in its lightweight standard frame design. The gray tint on these lenses make it perfect to use when there's strong sunlight or intensified light that is reflected off nearby water.

Recommended running sunglasses for women

• Nike Victory: The Nike Victory sunglasses are another direct result of the insights and feedback from competitive runners. These frames were purpose-built for performance, with adjustable nose pads and temple arms providing a custom fit, and precision optics designed to never slow you down.
• Julbo Aerolite: These running sunglasses have a lightweight frame and wrap-around design for a comfortable fit. They have excellent grip stay on the face while running and feature ventilation in a rimless frame, keeping their feel lightweight. They’re specifically designed for women and runners with smaller faces. The single lens offers wide, obstacle-free vision.
• Nike Skylon Ace: The Nike Skylon Ace frames offer stability and comfort with wide lens coverage, protecting your eyes while you run. They have an appealing lightweight sport-wrap frame design, secure-wrap temple arms, and a ventilated nose bridge-perfect for running and high-intensity workouts.
• Oakley Sutro Lite: The Sutro Lite line is a partially rimless design with wide lenses that provide protection from light leak, wind and debris. The silicone rubber pads fit comfortably to the face, and the nose pad keeps the frames in place by sticking to the skin and not squeezing.
• Nike Marquee: These frames are fashion-forward and 100% comfortable for running long distances. The ultimate in a customized fit, the arms are adjustable and have rubber sleeves with enhanced grip, and the nose bridge is adjustable as well. The lightweight wrap-around design offers a good view and enhanced sun protection.

Conclusion

Don't be afraid to spend a little more money on a good pair of running sunglasses–they're an investment in your health, safety, as well as overall performance. Choosing the right sunglass frame is important because it ensures a comfortable and secure fit, but equally important are the types of lenses you put in them. Don't compromise on your eye protection while running. The right lenses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and improve your vision to add ease to any trail or road training you have planned. No matter what style you pick, Revant has you covered with precision-cut replacement lenses starting at just $24.99!