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Keep your eyes protected with our favorite shades, including Oakley, District Vision, Goodr, and more.
Written by Will Porter
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Every time we see runners hitting the road without a pair of sunglasses on, we say a silent prayer to the running gods, begging for them to spare this naked-eyed heathen — they know not what they do!
If this doesn’t work (it never does), we do our best to enlighten the sunglass agnostics and bring them into a family that will have perfect vision for decades to come. The best running sunglasses are our greatest tool — their lenses filter out harmful UV rays and prevent a sunburn on the eye, which has to be one of the most painful places one can burn themselves.
Not only do sunglasses provide optical shade, but they also tell you just about everything you need to know about a fellow runner before you even meet them. We’re not saying to judge a book by its sunglasses, but we’re not not saying that. Sunglasses are a must-have to protect runners from the sun, wind, bugs, and other various disturbances floating in the air.
However, they also need to give runners a chance to flex their personal style. Running sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes, from wayfarer styles to frames for lounging at an ocean villa post-run to retro-futuristic shades you’d expect to see in Blade Runner.
In a world with endless variety and new brands coming out of the woodwork each day, we have been testing dozens of sunglasses to help you pick the best ones for you. Read on for our five favorites, plus a few more honorable mentions.
Read on to see our thorough writeups of our favorite sunglasses, or skip ahead to our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and frequently asked questions.
The Best Running Sunglasses of 2024
- Best Overall Running Sunglasses: Julbo Frequency
- Best Budget Running Sunglasses: Goodr OG
- Most Technologically Advanced Running Sunglasses: District Vision Kohei Aero Blade Ti
- Most Stylish Running Sunglasses: Roka Oslo 2.0
- Best Wraparound Running Sunglasses: Oakley Plazma Prizm Road
Best Overall Running Sunglasses
Julbo Frequency
Specs
- Lens TestedPhotochromic REACTIV 1-3 High Contrast
- Frame MaterialBio-sourced Rilsan
- Best useLong runs in unpredictable climates
Pros
- Wide lens covers nearly the entire field of vision
- So light you barely know they’re there
- Photochromic lens is suited for varied conditions
Cons
- Just on the verge of being too fragile for our liking
Will Porter
One of our favorite things about our top pick, the Julbo Frequency ($230), is that while they borrow style cues from the monstrous lenses and shapes seen on the slopes and at the local bike park, their designers actually got the size exactly right.
The Frequency may be big when compared to other running sunglasses, including many on this list, but our testers loved it because it didn’t go to extremes. The lens is wide and covers the full field of vision without covering half of the face, and the castor-bean-based Rilsan frames are toned down enough to avoid causing a scene. Basically, these just look really good, especially if you’re a fan of shield-style lenses.
Speaking of lenses, the REACTIV 1-3 High Contrast lenses that we tested were easily among the best of the bunch. The lenses are photochromic, meaning that as you venture into brighter areas, they get darker. Head back into the shade, and they become lighter. Just don’t compare these to the transition lenses your old, borderline senile first-grade teacher wore.
The REACTIV lenses are cast from Trivex, a material also used in helicopter windshields. Julbo boasts some of the widest photochromic ranges in the industry, and also some of the fastest: it only takes 20 seconds for the lenses to go from their lightest to their darkest.
The Julbo Frequency’s lenses are the standout feature here, but our testers highly rate the fit and feel of the frames and the clever air vent above the bridge of the nose to keep things from fogging up. Our only concern was that the frames could be susceptible to damage, though that doesn’t mean you have to baby them — just be careful.
Best Budget Running Sunglasses
Goodr OG
Specs
- Lens TestedNon-reflective polarized
- Frame MaterialPlastic with soft-touch coating
- Best UseWeekday run club runs, a slow Sunday jog, ultra running
Pros
- Very affordable
- Come in a huge range of colors and classic styles
- Excellent fit for a $25 pair of sunglasses
Cons
- Frame coating may irritate skin at contact points
Will Porter
No matter how hard you look, it can be nearly impossible to find an affordable pair of sunglasses that won’t fall apart when you inevitably drop them, sit on them, or step on them. Honestly, most cheap sunglasses are just that: cheap. When we’re talking about Goodr sunglasses, though, specifically the Goodr OG ($25), we simply will not use the word “cheap” to describe them. Affordable, yes. Budget-friendly, yes. Cheap, absolutely not.
We’ve been buying cheap sunglasses for as long as we can remember because, let’s face it, most of us runners can’t keep a pair of sunglasses to save our lives. They break, we lose them, and they end up at the bottom of a lake. With Goodr’s OG sunnies, you might actually be more inclined to treat them as if they cost 10 times the price, simply because they’re that good.
Our testers love the classic wayfarer shape, which, as the adage goes, is just as good on a 10-mile run as it is at the sandy, island-inspired bar in your landlocked town (that is how it goes, right?) The soft touch feels great when you handle the shades, but it also gives the user a sense of security that hard plastic does not; if you drop these, they aren’t going to chip, scratch, or snap at the first sign of contact.
The lenses are polarized, and while budget polarized lenses aren’t always as effective as pricier options, our team felt that the Goodr OG did just fine alongside some of the more expensive glasses we put through the wringer.
Normally, the problem with cheap sunglasses is that they’re essentially a ticking time bomb — it’s only a matter of time before they’re busted. Goodr goes above and beyond its price point, making sunglasses that are well worth your coffee money.
Most Technologically Advanced Running Sunglasses
District Vision Kohei Aero Blade Ti
Specs
- Lens TestedD+ therapeutic-grade lens
- Frame MaterialTitanium
- Best useLong runs, trail running
Pros
- Stay comfortable even after hours of running
- Therapeutic-grade lenses reduce eye strain
- Titanium frame is nearly indestructible
Cons
- Price might turn some people off
- Lenses are very easy to smudge
Will Porter
Before you balk at the price, hear us out. The District Vision Kohei Aero Blade Ti ($635) feels like something out of a sci-fi fever dream, pairing out-of-this-world materials with advanced lens technology to create some of the most unique, technologically advanced sunglasses we’ve ever tested.
The rimless blade-style frame is made entirely from aerospace-grade titanium, which, as you can imagine, is ultra-light and damn near impossible to break. The svelte temples are all subtle curves and angles, tapering off from front to back, where they’re outfitted with DV’s signature hypoallergenic rubber temple tips that keep the frames in place without rubbing the top of the ear raw.
The customizable bridge pad is made from the same hypoallergenic rubber as the temple tips and will keep the glasses firmly in place even in the sweatiest environs, from rocky running trails in DV’s native Los Angeles to midtown Manhattan asphalt in July. (Much of District Vision’s R&D takes place on New York City’s streets.)
The brand makes waves with its wild frame materials and fashionable silhouettes, but our tester believes that the Kohei’s lenses are what really set them apart from the competition. When he put the sunglasses on for the first time, our tester was blown away by the clarity and sense of relaxation in his face, which, for a runner who squints even when it’s cloudy, was a welcome feeling.
DV made their lenses to do this on purpose. Running puts a lot of strain on the eyes, and DV believes that their D+ therapeutic-grade lenses help runners alleviate that stress and focus on the path in front of them.
As we mentioned at the top of this review, the District Vision Kohei Aero Blade Ti comes at a very steep price. Not only will they leave an asteroid-sized hole in your wallet, but you will have to wait to receive them — right now, they’re only available for pre-order. While the tech packed into these shades justifies the cost in our gear-obsessed eyes, we wouldn’t blame you if the $600+ price tag is too much to stomach.
Most Stylish Running Sunglasses
Roka Oslo 2.0
Specs
- Lens TestedDark Carbon Polarized
- Frame MaterialInjection-molded nylon
- Best UseEasy runs, run club, sipping a martini in Monaco
Pros
- Perfect blend of casual style and performance tech
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Frames can be a little slick when sweaty
Will Porter
Fun fact: running sunglasses don’t have to be an eyesore (get it?). The Roka Oslo 2.0 ($220) may be named for the Norwegian capital, but it might be more well-suited for the French Riviera. Perfectly understated and oozing casual style, the Oslos have a je ne sais quoi quality about them. They’re packed with performance tech that does well on the road, but they also give off a sort of devil-may-care, Paul Newman vibe that easily fits in at the ritziest of locales.
Let’s start with performance. Roka crafted the frames from injection-molded TR 90 nylon that is light as a feather, flexible, and incredibly resilient when put under pressure. According to our tester, even though the frames are super light, the Oslo 2.0s just feel like they could take a beating with ease.
Roka’s no-slip GEKO pads on the temples and bridge alleviate pressure and provide a bit of grip, though our tester noted that the frames will get a little slippery when breaking a sweat.
The polarized lenses we tested were great for road runs and everyday wear. They’re outfitted with a handful of useful features, like scratch- and fog-resistant coatings, along with being hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-glare.
One downside to rocking a stylish pair of shades that skew toward the smaller side of the size spectrum is that they don’t provide as much coverage as the bigger face-shielding running sunglasses. Our tester said that he was more than happy to take the Roka Oslo 2.0 out for a few sunny Sunday miles, but probably wouldn’t want to wear them on super bright days or in areas with high exposure.
Best Wraparound Running Sunglasses
Oakley Plazma Prizm Road
Specs
- Lens TestedOakley Prizm Road
- Frame MaterialNylon composite
- Best UseRoad running
Pros
- Shade the entire field of vision
- Above average comfort at every contact point
Cons
- Frame design may not be for everyone
- Road lens isn’t ideal for dusk or other low-light conditions
Will Porter
The Plazma Prism Road sunglasses ($202) from Oakley make us feel like Olympians lining up for the 400-meter dash. They may not be quite as out there as Trinidadian sprinter Ato Boldon’s shades in Sydney, but the Plazma definitely march to the beat of their own drum.
The shades had a magnetic force that our team simply couldn’t ignore, most likely because they reminded us of Oakley’s futuristic designs of the 90s and early aughts. They certainly do have a bit of an other-worldly look to them, but that’s far from their only draw. Turns out Oakley knows how to make a damn fine pair of sunglasses — who knew?
The Plazma Prism Road sunglasses are easily one of the most comfortable pairs we tested. A smooth rubber no-slip grip allows the angular temples to effortlessly slide into place atop your ears, even with a running cap on.
The bridge pads rest lightly on the nose, just close enough for the lenses to occupy your entire field of vision, which can’t be said for most full-frame sunglasses. Not only do they have a stellar fit, but they’re also incredibly stable. It’s no wonder athletes reach for Oakley’s more often than not.
Finally, we have to talk about the Prizm Road lens. Our tester found them to be some of the clearest non-polarized lenses they’ve ever used. They’re best suited for medium-light situations, but our tester also thought they performed very well on the brightest days, on and off the road.
Best of the Rest
Smith Leadout PivLock
Specs
- Lens TestedChromaPop Red Mirror
- Frame MaterialTR90 nylon
- Best UseLong outings with variable lighting, runners who like to run day and night
Pros
- Comes with additional set of low-light lenses
- High quality feel
- ChromaPop lenses really do make detail pop
Cons
- Changing lenses adds opportunity to break the frame
Will Porter
Somehow, we made it this far without talking about a set of frames made specifically with interchangeable lenses in mind. Perhaps most brands don’t want to risk it. Maybe they shudder at the thought of including a second pair of lenses for free? We digress. Luckily, Smith knows exactly what it’s doing, and doing it well. The Smith Leadout PivLock ($225) is a great pair of sunglasses for the runner who likes to run at noon one day and at dusk the next.
The ChromaPop lenses are some of the most widely respected in the industry, and our testers all reported back with positive feedback, just like we expected. The PivLock lens system is intuitive and easy to use, though if one isn’t careful they’ll end up with, at best, a bloody cuticle and, at worst, they’ll be calling up Smith for a replacement.
Our testers also loved the Smith Leadout PivLock’s fit, which straddles the line between oversized fishing glasses you might see from a brand like Costa Del Mar and fashion-forward running shades you’ll find on the shelves of an Oakley Factory Store. They’re not the most stylish shades out there, but the quality and technical prowess can’t be ignored.
Article One x Mission Workshop
Specs
- Lens TestedCR39 polarized lenses
- Frame MaterialHexetate acrylic resin
- Best UseClub runs, easy runs
Pros
- Lenses are crisp and clear
- The fit is second to none
Cons
- Some might not like the extra flex at the hinges
- Less performance-oriented than others
Will Porter
Article One teamed up with the multi-hyphenate crew at Mission Workshop in San Francisco to whip up some of the most stylish, comfortable active sunglasses out there, simply dubbed Article One x Mission Workshop ($255).
The navigator style has a long history that also happens to look really good on a long list of people (aka everyone). The top of the frame leans ever so slightly out over the bottom, giving them a vintage look you might find in an 80s Ray Ban catalog. They’re super comfortable to wear, so in spite of being one of the least sporty performance shades on our list, we’d still feel comfortable putting these on for any effort, except, maybe, for track workouts.
The CR39 polarized lenses reduce glare like it’s their job (because it is), and the hexetate frame feels plenty sturdy, though we wouldn’t recommend doing any drop tests on the Article One x Mission Workshop.
A standout feature that our tester was excited about is the frame’s spring hinges, which allow the temples to flex out a few millimeters. Normally, the hinge is a weak point, but Article One solved that by giving a bit of extra leeway at the hinge rather than relying on the temple arm to bend out, adding even more strain on the hinge point.
100% Norvik
Specs
- Lens testedHiPER Lavender Mirror
- Frame MaterialGrilamid TR90 nylon
- Best useRunning on high UV days or mountaineering in high exposure
Pros
- Comes with a hard case, soft cloth, multiple nose pieces and a set of clear lenses
- Removable plastic shades at the temples eliminate peripheral bright UV
Cons
- 100% is an up-and-coming brand that folks may only know from the moto world
Will Porter
Here we are, way down in the hole, finally featuring a pair of sunglasses that aren’t actually designed for runners at all. 100% is a brand centered around life on two wheels, so it’s no surprise that its foray into biped exercise has been understated.
A few years ago, one of our testers managed to get his hands on a pair of the 100% Norvik ($149), and he immediately saw their potential as running sunglasses, even though the entire promotional cycle was centered around the magnetism of World Champion Peter Sagan.
At nearly $150, the Norvik may not qualify as a bargain, but after some considerable testing, we think they bring exceptional value that far outweighs its ho-hum price. The frames are crafted from well-loved and oft-trusted TR90 nylon, whose qualities include durability, flexibility, and a seriously light weight. Not only is the frame tough-as-nails, but it also looks pretty darn cool, too.
The design provides a take on mountaineering sunglasses of yesteryear, right down to the protective plastic flaps near the hinge (which are removable, if you don’t like them). The lenses are big but not overwhelming, and the lavender mirror lens we tested did great in bright light. Need to run after the sun goes down? The Norvik comes with a second set of clear lenses that you can interchange in a flash.
If you can get past the moto-bro of it all, we guarantee you’ll love the 100% Norvik for its stellar lenses, comfortable fit, and gung-ho commitment to make their own Chad version of the glacier glasses used by early alpine explorers. These boys have got gumption!
(For a more faithful reproduction of glacier glasses, check out the Julbo Cham Glacier Glasses).
Running Sunglasses Comparison Chart
| Running Sunglasses | Price | Lens We Tested | Frame Material | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julbo Frequency | $230 | Photochromic REACTIV 1-3 High Contrast | Bio-sourced Rilsan | Long runs in unpredictable climates |
Goodr OG | $25 | Non-reflective polarized | Plastic with soft-touch coating | Weekday run club runs, a slow Sunday jog, ultra running |
District Vision Kohei Aero Blade Ti | $635 | D+ therapeutic-grade lens | Aerospace-grade titanium | Long runs, trail runs |
| Roka Oslo 2.0 | $220 | Dark Carbon Polarized | Injection-molded nylon | Easy runs, run club, sipping a martini in Monaco |
Oakley Plazma Prizm Road | $202 | Prizm Road | Nylon composite | Road running |
Smith Leadout PivLock | $225 | ChromaPop Red Mirror | TR90 nylon | Long outings with variable lighting, runners who like to run day and night |
Article One x Mission Workshop | $255 | CR39 polarized lenses | Hexetate acrylic resin | Club runs, easy runs |
100% Norvik | $149 | HiPER Lavender Mirror | Grilamid TR90 nylon | Running on high UV days or mountaineering in high exposure |
How We Tested Running Sunglasses
The first step when sourcing new products to test for our buyer’s guides is to open the media little black book and hit up all of our friends at brands to familiarize ourselves with what’s out there and what’s coming over the next few months.
Soon samples start coming in. Once a day, twice a day. Let’s just say our carbon footprint isn’t exactly low this year.
Now that our testers have finally received their gear, they can unearth the sunglasses and put together a testing program. They wear them to the gym, while they’re walking the dog, while they’re driving. It’s fun to start with the mundane when you’re testing sunglasses. You can learn what the glare looks like off a chrome Dodge Ram or how your eyes adjust as the sun dips in the evening.
Once we get comfortable in our shades, we kick off our actual running tests, and the rest is history.
While this article focuses exclusively on running sunglasses, we’ve got plenty more sunglass roundups. If you’re looking for different shades, check out our roundups of the best sunglasses for the outdoors, the best driving sunglasses, and the best fishing sunglasses.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our lead tester and writer for this guide, Will Porter, has actually just begun a training plan that lends itself perfectly for testing running sunglasses — he’s running a half marathon exactly a month from today and his first 50K in mid-August. A sunglasses requirement for that race is basically a foregone conclusion, so you can be assured that his testing is ongoing.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Running Sunglasses
Style
Trends in running sunglasses have lately returned to the 1980s and 1990s with loud, windscreen-like shapes that dwarf even those of us with bigger faces. But we have some good news for those who prefer something more standard: there are still so many options with a more subdued shape and profile.
No matter which way you slice it, style is a huge part of picking out a pair of sunglasses — look good, feel good, right? That might be a dorky mantra, but we really do think buying shades that suit your face will make you look forward to putting them on every day.
Lens Type and Features
Running lenses fall into three categories: standard, photochromic, and polarized.
Standard is a catchall term that is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Generally, standard just means any lens that isn’t photochromic or polarized. But when it comes to performance sunglasses, and running sunglasses in particular, high-end standard lenses could very easily be better than their more popular counterparts.
For example, the District Vision Kohei Aero Blade Ti we spoke about above has meticulously crafted lenses that use science-based data to prove just how helpful they can be for the wearer. DV is a great example, not only because of its inclusion here but also because of its commitment to creating a better lens that doesn’t have to be polarized to be “better.”
A photochromic lens, like the one on the aforementioned Julbo Frequency, is the gold standard when it comes to running in changing light conditions because of its ability to adapt. While they’re great for those who run from daylight into darkness or from alpine environments into the woods all in one run, they are expensive.
A polarized lens, like that found on the Smith Pinpoint With ChromaPop Polarized Lens, reduces glare and highlights obstacles in the road. This can help you see roots, potholes, and variations in the sidewalk more easily. Polarized lenses appear at both the bottom and top of the price spectrum for sunglasses, but lower-quality polarized lenses are easily damaged and scuffed. Also, keep in mind that polarized lenses can affect your depth perception.
Fit, Adjustability, and Comfort
As with all running gear, comfort has to be a top priority when choosing sunglasses. A poor fit leads to pressure points and endless distractions throughout your run. Throw on a running hat and some headphones, and suddenly, the space around your head is heavily congested. If you love to wear a hat when you run, make sure the shades you pick can peacefully coexist with your hat or other accessories.
Durability
All the sunglasses in this guide are reliably durable, but even the most bulletproof frames are susceptible to heavy damage. Make sure you really get your hands on a pair of shades before you buy them. Move them around in your hands, play with the temple hinges, listen for squeaks, and try to sneak a peek at how locked-in the lenses are.
As we said, most running sunglasses are at least passable in the durability category and will treat you well for a long time if you pay attention and care for them.
The component with the widest spectrum of durability is the polarized lens. Cheaper polarized lenses can be scratched with ease and can be distorted or warped over time. Higher-quality polarized lenses still need to be protected from abrasion, but they will last a long time if you pay attention.
Unpredictable Light Conditions
For many of us, a majority of runs take place during the day with stable light conditions. For times like these, you’ll be all set with just one lens. Couldn’t run until the evening? Wear your shades ‘til you see the sun fall below the horizon, and just pop your sunglasses up onto your head.
However, If you’re someone who will run at dawn one day, 2 p.m. the next, and mix in a bandit race on the city streets late at night, it could be worth investing in a pair of sunglasses with a photochromic lens, which will adapt to the light around you.
FAQ
Why is it important to wear sunglasses?
Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet Aand B (UVA and UVB) rays, help reduce eye fatigue, and improve clarity when running across terrain with different surfaces and flat light, scenarios that we find in the mountains, forests, and on the coast. Even budget sunglasses like the Tifosi Sanctum can provide nearly 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Sunglasses also physically protect eyes from tree branches and more. An errant branch to the eye can end a run prematurely and, in some cases, permanently damage eyesight. Wearing clear lenses at night may seem overkill, but you can’t put a price on protecting your eyeballs.
How do sunglasses protect my eyes?
Sunglasses keep ultraviolet rays from penetrating your eyes and are the equivalent of sunscreen. As a literal barrier, sunglasses protect your eyes from wind, dust, sand, branches, and other debris that could scratch your corneas, causing serious damage.
Sunglasses with a large lens can provide a high level of protection from errant branches and debris flying through the air. Wearing clear lenses at night can also provide a barrier against unseen branches, bugs, and more.
What is a polarized lens, and is it better for running?
A polarized lens is a great tool for activities that require keeping a keen eye on terrain distinctions, like driving, fishing, or golfing. They increase contrast and can help you pick out inconsistencies that lie a few steps ahead of you.
We love a polarized lens, but when it comes to running, it really isn’t a requirement. Some of the best brands out there are making super high tech lenses that aren’t polarized and, in many cases, these are the ones our testers love the most.
What is a photochromic lens?
Photochromic sunglasses are basically the elite version of those old transition shades all the old folks in your life were wearing. When they’re inside reading a book, their glasses are clear. Step out into the sun for lunch and BOOM, they’re dark gray now. There was something both awesome and awful about those lenses.
Anyway, for our purposes, photochromic lenses are used to allow runners the freedom of running in varied light conditions without having to change their sunglasses, swap lenses, or pack their frames away completely. The lenses are designed in a way that allows them to soak in both UVA and UVB rays at the same time, resulting in a chemical reaction that darkens the surface of the lens.
When the light is reduced, the coloring fades to clear. Next thing you know, you’re crushing a nighttime trail race. With the hassle of swapping lenses out of the picture, you’re free to focus on the task at hand.
How do I prevent scratches on my sunglasses?
Much like what happens to your body when you fall down, sunglasses can easily scratch or ding if they hit the deck from any substantial height. Even if you only drop them from waist level, chances are you’re going to pick them up with a new ding.
Our best recommendation is to treat your shades like you treat your phone: set them down, and don’t toss ‘em all over the place. Keep the lens clean with a microfiber cloth, and break out the soap and water when necessary. Treat your shades right, and they’ll last forever. Or at least until you lose them.
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Will Porter
5 articles
Will is a freelance writer for GearJunkie. He has been writing about running, cycling, style, and various other outdoor pursuits for over 5 years, with bylines in GQ, Men’s Health, MyGolfSpy, and others. Before going freelance full-time, he was an editor at Gear Patrol, covering everything from single-village mezcal to marathon shoes to making the most of annual Black Friday sales. Based in Boise, Will is spending his time training for an ultramarathon, frequenting the local breweries, and trying to get tickets to every good concert that comes through town.
