What Are Good Running Sunglasses?

Running is safer and more enjoyable when your eyes are protected from the sun and wind by a good, quality pair of sunglasses. The sun's rays can lead to eye degeneration over time. A cooling breeze is usually welcome during a long, hot run, but a piece of debris caught in the wind can damage your eyes. The glare from the sun can also cause you to miss a curb or bump and you may trip. These dangers can be avoided by wearing a good pair of running sunglasses.

  1. Lenses

    • The most important thing sunglasses do is protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Good running sunglasses have the maximum UVA and UVB protection of 100 percent. In bright conditions, dark-tinted lenses such as green and gray work best. On an overcast day, amber- and brown-tinted lenses work better. On an overcast windy day, use clear lenses to protect your eyes. Polarized lenses are excellent at preventing glare on bright days, especially if there is snow on the ground or water nearby. If you run around sunset, have a non-polarized pair of sunglasses or lenses, as the polarized lenses make it harder for you to see where you are going. Many runners buy a few pairs of sunglasses so they have the right lenses for any light conditions. Sunglasses with interchangeable lenses also give you this option.

    Frames

    • Frames that are vented or designed to sit further away from your face help prevent the lenses from fogging up while you sweat. Wrap-around frames fit snugly to your head and help to protect your eyes when the sun is to your side. Lightweight sunglasses are the most comfortable. Nylon frames are very lightweight and flexible, so a tight fit is not uncomfortable or painful.

    Fit

    • Sunglasses that slip or bounce while you run are uncomfortable and annoying. Select a pair that fits snugly on your nose and your head, but is not too tight to be comfortable. Non-slip nose pads and grips on the arms of the sunglasses help to prevent slipping and bouncing.

    Buying Running Sunglasses

    • Most sporting goods stores sell high-quality sunglasses for runners, but they often have a limited selection. The online selection is excellent, but check the online store's return policy in case the glasses do not fit well. When you select your sunglasses in a store, jog or jump around a bit so you can tell if the sunglasses bounce or slip off your nose. It is better to look a little silly in the store than to pay for a pair of sunglasses you cannot use. Your eyesight is too important to skimp on lower-quality sunglasses. Avoid cheap glasses that do not protect your eyes properly. If the sunglasses do not fit well, you may take them off during a run, leaving your eyes unprotected from UV rays or debris in the wind.

      Expect to pay $60 to $250 for a quality pair of running sunglasses. Road Runner sunglasses offer a varied selection, popular with runners. Tifosi Slip running sunglasses have three interchangeable lenses, as do Slip Toaster Slider sunglasses. Bolle Bolle Vigilante sunglasses are nylon; they are very light weight and flexible. Oakley Thump Pro sunglasses store 120 songs so you do not need your MP3 player or iPod while you run.