Shielding your eyes from the solar’s dangerous rays whilst you’re outdoors being energetic is essential year-round. One of the best sports activities sun shades will even hold your eyes secure from affect and defend 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. Think about how and while you’ll be utilizing them—polarization will scale back glare, as an illustration, whereas completely different lens colours may also help 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 consultants to find out the important thing options each pair ought to have. We then examined a dozen frames, sporting them throughout varied 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 | Model: Half-frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 one among our clear total 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 take a look at, 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 effectively in our sturdiness take a look at. Additionally they include a tough zippered case to guard them when not in use. General, these glossy, sporty shades are perfect for golf and tennis, however in addition they work extraordinarily effectively for strolling, working, biking, water sports activities, and different actions.
Potential Flaws
- These sunnies are pricier than most of our different picks, however we predict the extra price is value it primarily based on how effectively they carried out in our take a look at.
Most Priceless Perception
“These sun shades are very light-weight, and the contact factors are made out of a rubber-like materials that doesn’t slip when sweating. They’ve a comfortable 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 | Model: Wrap, half-frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 choice that is excellent for many of your out of doors pursuits. We love that they’ve a sturdy nylon body, shatterproof lenses, and nostril and ear items made out of 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 effectively throughout our sweat take a look at, staying in place even on moist pores and skin. Vents on the high of the lenses assist improve airflow and forestall fogging. The glasses additionally include a zippered shell case and cleansing bag to guard your buy.
Potential Flaws
- These lenses aren’t as huge, which means they are not 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 | Model: Wrap-around | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for runners who need sun shades which are light-weight and do not slip or bounce, even on long-distance runs.
Why We Love Them
Runners want sun shades that provide glorious safety however also can go the gap with out slipping, bouncing, or feeling too heavy. Designed for working, Rudy Challenge’s Propulse Sports activities Sun shades are our high choose, whether or not you take pleasure in jogging round your neighborhood or long-distance working. Throughout our take a look at, they have been simple to put on, even beneath a working visor. The gentle, rubber nosepiece and pliable arms offered a comfortable match, maintaining the shades in place.
We admire that the huge, wrap-around lenses provide ample safety—greater than some others we examined. Air flow on the lenses and temples additionally helps forestall fogging and overheating, permitting you to run uninterrupted for longer. Triathletes and marathon runners alike will admire their considerate design and high-quality building.
Potential Flaws
- These sunnies are pricier than a few of our different high picks, though we predict 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 glorious safety, particularly on the periphery. They actually block out the solar and wind however are additionally effectively ventilated to permit for cooling and to stop fogging.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Plutonite lenses, carbon frames | Model: Full frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for cyclists who need a glossy pair of sports activities sun shades that match comfortably below a motorbike helmet and supply glorious wind and solar safety.
Why We Love Them
Our high 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 huge and tall sufficient to supply good safety from the solar and wind, however nonetheless streamlined sufficient to match comfortably below a motorbike helmet. Throughout testing, we observed that the gentle 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, affect safety, and an unobstructed view—which is essential for using. Additionally they didn’t fog up throughout our sweat take a look at. Like different Oakley sun shades we examined, these shades are clearly constructed to final and might positively take some heavy use. We advocate them for cyclists who worth glorious efficiency and safety.
Potential Flaws
- These are pricier than most of our different picks. However for avid cyclists, we predict their security options are robust to beat, making them effectively definitely worth the further 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 essential for lengthy bike rides.” —Brad L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Triacetate cellulose lenses, polycarbonate frames | Model: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for these with smaller faces who need budget-friendly sports activities sun shades which are trendy and grippy sufficient to face as much as sweaty high-intensity exercises.
Why We Love Them
If in case you have bother discovering sports activities sun shades that aren’t too huge in your face, we advocate goodr’s Circle GS Polarized Sun shades. We love that they provide polarized lenses that block 100% 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 offered a crisp, vibrant view and lowered glare. For those who continuously misplace your sports activities shades and wish to have a number of pairs readily available, these sun shades are a terrific choice for stocking up. They’re additionally fairly glossy and classy, and might be worn with informal put on.
Potential Flaws
- We want these got here with a hard-shell case, as an alternative of only a gentle microfiber pouch.
Most Priceless Perception
“I’ve a small face, so I actually appreciated the form and measurement of those sun shades. The dimensions felt ‘excellent’ for me, and I didn’t discover any bouncing, slipping, or uncomfortable tightness after I wore them.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Thermoplastic lenses, nylon frames | Model: Wrap, rimless | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for exercisers who need a budget-friendly pair of sports activities sun shades which are 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 observed that they felt light-weight and comfy, and the rubber nostril pads saved them in place even throughout lengthy durations 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 stable selection for water sports activities and high-intensity, sweaty actions.
Moreover, these glasses are sturdy: We did not discover any scratches or indicators of harm after dropping them, and we observed that the spring hinges on every arm are each robust and versatile. With a lifetime guarantee on the frames and lenses, you might be assured you are buying shades which are simply as robust as they’re efficient. We’re additionally impressed that they arrive with a laborious, zippered case, which is sudden at such a budget-friendly worth level. For those who’re on the lookout for a flexible pair of high-performance shades, these are a terrific 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 predict is an honest trade-off.
Most Priceless Perception
“Lastly—a pair of working glasses that carry out effectively and are versatile sufficient to put on casually. These glasses are light-weight and really versatile, with traditional styling.” —Brad L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Model: Full frames | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for budget-conscious exercisers who need a pair of sturdy, trendy 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 forestall them from sliding down, even once we’re sweaty throughout our long-distance runs. We even observed that they keep put when worn on high of our head or over a visor.
We love that these glasses boast sturdy, shatterproof, and scratch-resistant lenses, in addition to 100% UVA/UVB safety. They sailed by our sturdiness take a look at, and so they’re tremendous trendy. 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 might toss them in our go-to fitness center luggage.
Most Priceless Perception
“I nearly forgot that I had these on throughout my run! I additionally actually like that they’re not very sporty-looking—I’d positively put on them casually.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Polarized: Sure | UV Safety: Sure | Supplies: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Model: Frameless | Anti-Fog: Sure | Our General Score: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 choice that pairs effectively with your go-to mountaineering sneakers, we advocate 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 admire that these frames include two units of impact-resistant, interchangeable lenses, permitting you to change them out primarily based 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 immune to fogging and carried out effectively throughout our sweat take a look at. As for sturdiness, the glasses withstood our drop take a look at and not using a scratch and really feel like they may maintain up for long-term use. Additionally they include a tough zippered case and a gentle microfiber pouch to maintain them protected when not in use.
Potential Flaws
- Because the lenses are interchangeable, some wearers have discovered that they’ll really feel a bit of unfastened within the frames.
Most Priceless Perception
“I actually just like the light-weight really feel and glossy, fashionable look of those sun shades. They’re additionally extraordinarily snug and include two units of interchangeable lenses, in order that they’re a pleasant selection for all-day actions equivalent to mountaineering, the place you might be coping with altering situations.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
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Funds-friendly
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Snug 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 | Model: Half-frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our General Score: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 take a look at, the sun shades’ polarized lenses lowered glare whereas additionally enhancing colours, making it simple to identify a tennis ball hovering over the online.
We have been additionally impressed by the shades’ snug match and grip, noting that they stayed put throughout a sweaty tennis session. Though we observed that the lenses fogged up barely as a consequence 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 further options, equivalent to an anti-fog coating.
- We observed that they are on the smaller facet, so they might be too slim 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 provide 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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Smooth, trendy design that may be worn below 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 | Model: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our General Score: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who take pleasure in snowboarding and different snow sports activities and wish critical eye safety from wind, snow, and glare.
Why We Love Them
For those who choose to put on shades for snowboarding and different snow sports activities, Sunski’s Treeline Polarized Sun shades are our high choose. The minute we opened the field, we have been impressed by their cool design. What units them aside from different shades on our listing are Sunski’s Magni-Snap Sidekicks—plastic facet shades that defend your eyes from glare, wind, and snow with out blocking your peripheral imaginative and prescient. These facet screens are perforated with tiny holes for air flow, and so they detach simply while you wish to put on the glasses casually.
Throughout our take a look at, the rubber nostril pads felt snug and actually saved the sun shades in place. Additionally they match properly below a helmet, hat, or visor—making them a terrific different to goggles, which might be cumbersome. With a glossy 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 it’s essential stash them in your pocket or bag.
Potential Flaws
- For the worth, 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 facet screens are a very efficient characteristic and helped to dam out mild 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 | Model: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our General Score: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for fishing fans 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 take a look at, Knockaround’s Torrey Pines Polarized Sun shades proved to be a cushty, high-performance choice for all-day put on on the water. The extra-wide, impact-resistant lenses provide ample protection with out being overly cumbersome. We additionally admire that the arms characteristic spring hinges for a slight give.
The glasses supplied a snug, comfortable match with out feeling constricting. Throughout our take a look at, these glasses did a superb job of blocking vibrant daylight and decreasing glare. General, we like them for fishing, boating, or a day on the seashore—and we particularly admire their budget-friendly worth.
Potential Flaws
- These sun shades are a bit heavier than some others we examined, so we do not advocate 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 | Model: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 children are enjoying on the seashore or on the baseball discipline, Duco’s Children Sun shades can defend their eyes from dangerous rays, in addition to from sand, grime, and different particles. The polarized lenses block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays and did a superb job of decreasing glare throughout our take a look at.
The sun shades are impact- and scratch-resistant, with a versatile rubber body that is good for energetic children who might be tough on their gear. Our 13-year-old tester was impressed by how effectively the glasses match and held up throughout testing. The arms are versatile sufficient to resist bending and pulling, and we admire that you just obtain a laborious, zippered case together with your buy for secure storage and safety.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that these sunnies slipped a bit of once they received moist.
Most Priceless Perception
“I assumed they did a great job in vibrant daylight. I might see clearly, and so they 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 might be particularly useful in scorching, humid environments and through extra intense bodily exercise. Remember the fact that the lenses shouldn’t come into contact together with your cheeks—this may be uncomfortable and will result in fogging.
- Form: Sports activities sun shades can be found in varied types, together with wraparound, full-frame, half-frame, and rimless designs. Some pairs are better-suited for sure faces, notes Lease. Additionally, take into account how your sun shades will work together 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 are light-weight and comfy. For those who 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 stop eye ailments and different kinds of harm. Polarized lenses assist scale back glare and haze, making them an appropriate selection for actions equivalent to water sports activities, golf, and tennis. Waterproof coatings are additionally helpful in the event you’re participating in actions close to or in water.
- Lenses: Completely different-colored lenses can enhance visibility below sure situations. Grey lenses are perfect for vibrant, sunny days. Yellow and orange tints improve distinction in low-light or overcast situations. Brown lenses scale back glare whereas bettering your visible acuity and depth notion, making them a terrific 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 common, trusted manufacturers, sporting them whereas enjoying tennis, on the seashore, mountaineering, long-distance working, and extra. When testing sports activities sun shades, we consider every one primarily based 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. After we first strive on the sun shades, we observe the fashion and the way effectively they match. Are they snug, and do they match our faces effectively? 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 advisable 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 take a look at the sun shades’ grip and luxury.
- High quality: All through the testing interval, we assess the standard of the sun shades by way of their really feel. We additionally carry out a sturdiness take a look at by dropping the sun shades from waist peak onto pavement, inspecting every pair for any scratches or cracks. We deduct factors if the sun shades exhibit important 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 another particular options, equivalent to an anti-fog or water resistant coating? If that’s the case, we be sure that we take a look at these claims.
- Worth: To charge every pair’s worth, we do not test the worth till the top of the testing interval, after we have evaluated it in all different key classes. Primarily based on how effectively the sun shades carry out, do we predict they’re priced pretty? We additionally take into account whether or not we might advocate them to a buddy or member of the family.
Our Consultants
We spoke with consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next consultants helped us perceive which key options to search for in a high-quality choice. Though we select merchandise independently, knowledgeable recommendation influences our choices.
- Nicole Lord, vp 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 effectively for sports activities that require lowered glare and improved readability. They’re excellent 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 buying, search for choices with options that help the exercise you are doing, equivalent 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 completely different functions and you might wish to take into account 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 vibrant situations.
Why Belief Verywell Match
A licensed private coach, working coach, marathon runner, and author for Verywell Match, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends numerous hours researching and testing the newest train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will genuinely stand behind and that she believes could 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 newest well being and health analysis. With over 20 years of dance expertise, she is aware of how essential it’s to search out gear that helps you look, really feel, and carry out your finest.
For this text, each authors seemed over the take a look at outcomes from our Lab to assist compile our high picks.