The Best Running Sunglasses in 2023

Gone are the days of heavy sunglasses that you constantly have to push back up your nose. With so many high tech running glasses available, there is no reason to find yourself uncomfortable, straining your eyes or squinting in the sun whether you are running, cheering or enjoying other outdoors activities.

If you are planning on going the distance, it is common sense to take care of your feet with the best marathon running shoes – so why not take equally good care of your eyes? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some of the top sunnies available and help narrow down which ones are the best running sunglasses for you!

under armour igniter sunglasses oval
  • Frame: titanium & grilamid, half-frame
  • Lenses: ArmourSight, polarized or non-polarized
  • Lens height: 37 mm
  • Bridge: 20 mm
  • Arm: 135 mm

These sport sunglasses not only look great but they are tough enough to survive a few bumps and bangs. The frames are made of an especially durable titanium and grilamid composition providing enough flexibility to not break on mild impact yet still feeling secure on your face. The shock absorption hinges also prevent breakage in transport. The Under Armour Igniter’s are light-weight enough to feel great on the move, but solid enough to let you do your thing without worrying about fragile sunnies.

The relatively wide lenses wrap around to provide great peripheral coverage and the patented ArmourSight lenses are not only ten times stronger than polycarbonate, but provide great optics are well. The adjustable nose piece combined with the molded temple and arms help provide a great, no-slip fit. These glasses are tough and functional – and they look pretty awesome too!

Pros:
  • 100% UVA / B / C protection
  • Great peripheral coverage
  • Excellent durability
  • Adjustable 3-point nose piece
  • Shock absorbing hinges
Cons:
  • No exchangeable lenses
  • Nose pieces wears quickly

goodr OG Sunglasses

Best Value Running Sunglasses

goodr og sunglasses
  • Frame: plastic, full-frame
  • Lenses: polarized, glare-reducing
  • Lens width: 53mm
  • Weight: 0.85 Oz

These running glasses really tick all the boxes and at a great price point. Specifically designed for running, they are lightweight, don’t slip and don’t bounce – something most runners really value. The minimalistic build has no rubber nose piece giving these glasses a sleek, simple style while saving weight. The special coating on the frame prevents slippage.

The lenses are all polarized which is a definite plus; however, unlike the frames, the lenses are not very durable with many of the tints scratching easily. The lens coating also damages easily so you will want to tuck your Goodr’s away safely when they aren’t on your face. The lenses are not exchangeable – but with a price this good you can probably afford to have glasses for a few different light conditions in your collection.

The full wrap-around plastic frames are under 24g and are available in a range of colours suitable from flashy to subtle everyday style. There will definitely be something that matches your newest running outfit! Not only that, the frames have a reputation for comfortably fitting a wide range of facial shapes and sizes.

Pros:
  • Non-slip
  • No bounce
  • Great anti-fog properties
  • Wide variety of colors
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Lens coating not durable
  • Lenses scratch easily
  • Lenses not exchangeable

Oakley Men’s Oo9144 Half Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses

The Best Prescription Running Glasses

oakley mens oo9144 half jacket 2 0 sunglasses
  • Frame: plastic, half-frame
  • Lenses: non-polarized iridium
  • Lens width: 62mm
  • Bridge: 15 millimeters
  • Arms: 133 millimeters
  • Weight: 0.5 Oz

These glasses are no joke: with 100% protection from all UV light as well as harmful blue light your eyes couldn’t be better taken care of. Designed with easily exchangeable lenses, one pair of Oakley Half Jackets should be all you will ever need. You can order extra lenses separately to make sure you have the range of lenses that best suits your needs. It is also possible to order prescription lenses making these a go-to option for anyone who doesn’t want to bother with contact lenses! The quality of vision is precise and without distortion – everything one would expect from a company with a reputation for quality such as Oakley.

The lightweight frames have an unobtainium nose piece as well as arm covers for increased comfort and a slip-free fit. The half-frame keeps them lightweight without compromising the level of protection. Some flexibility in the frame also makes them especially robust. Excellent quality and excellent durability ensure that these glasses will endure endless seasons and many miles with you. Naturally, these Oakley’s are well suited to almost any outdoor activity – not just running!

Pros:
  • 100% UV protection
  • Lightweight
  • Easily exchangeable lenses
  • Very comfortable
  • Excellent durability
  • Excellent optics
Cons:
  • Limited color selection

Electric Tech One Pro Polarized Sunglasses

The Best Wrap-Around Running Glasses

electric tech one pro polarized sunglasses
  • Frame: grilamid, full-frame
  • Lenses: polarized
  • Lens width: 70mm
  • Weight: 1 Oz

These classic sunglasses are a great option for all-around protection. The half-frames are sleek and simple, making them ideal for moving between the golf course and the running trails. The lenses wrap completely around the face, providing excellent coverage for all of the wearer’s peripheral vision. The wrap-around shape effectively blocks glare from sun, snow, water, and anything else you may encounter.

Perks like SPF 140 protection and blocking harmful blue light in addition to 100% UV protection takes provides above-average care for your eyes. The lenses are high quality and ensure crisp, undistorted vision. Truly a great option for all day wear!

Pros:
  • 100% UV protection
  • Wrap-around lenses
  • Sleek, classic design
Cons:
  • Lenses not exchangeable

FAGUMA Sports Polarized Sunglasses

The Best Budget Running Glasses

faguma sports polarized sunglasses
  • Frame: plastic, full-frame
  • Lenses: polarized,
  • Lens width: 62mm
  • Bridge: 21 millimeters
  • Arms: 129 millimeters

These super sporty glasses are functional and comfortable. The arms can be bent slightly to fit your head and the silicone nose piece is soft and comfortable. The adjustable arms and silicone nose piece help these glasses stay put when you are on the move.

The durable polycarbonate lenses are as close to unbreakable as it gets at 1.1mm thick. The polarized lenses block out all UVA and UVB light as well as some blue light. If you are looking for versatile sports glasses at a super affordable price then these might just be perfect.

Pros:
  • 100% UV protection
  • Durable polycarbonate lenses
  • Adjustable arms
  • Wide range of colors available
Cons:
  • Lenses not exchangeable

Tifosi Jet Sunglasses

Running Glasses with the Most Customizable Fit

tifosi jet sunglasses
  • Frame: grilamid, half-frame
  • Lenses: non-polarized
  • Lens width: 65 mm
  • Bridge: 18 mm
  • Arms: 122 mm
  • Weight: 1 oz

Looking for an affordable pair of running glasses that will stay put even on the roughest trails? The Tofosi Jet’s have hydrophilic rubber on the tips of the arms and along the inside of the temple as well as the nose piece. The adjustability of the nose piece also contributes to a great fit. The lenses are standard with 100% UVA and UVB protection, though they do have some glare.

The grilamid frame is tough and isn’t likely to break even with a few bumps and bangs; however, it does scratch easily. If you are looking for some affordable but tough glasses that will stay of your face even if you are scrambling through the brush or running on narrow single track trails these could be a great option!

Pros:
  • 100% UVA & UVB protection
  • Customizable fit
  • Shatterproof lenses
  • Durable frame construction
  • Decent clarity of vision
Cons:
  • Frame scratches easily
  • Small fit
  • Mediocre quality

Julbo Aero Zebra Sunglasses

The Best Photochromatic Running Glasses

julbo aero zebra sunglasses
  • Frame: plastic & silicone, half-frame
  • Lenses: photocromatic, polycarbonate & polarized
  • Lens width: 46 mm
  • Arms: 131 mm
  • Weight: 0.9 Oz

Every detail of these sport sunglasses is spot on. The lenses of the Zebra’s are photochromatic and change tint from 17% to 75% light transmission within 28 seconds – fast enough to effectively provide great vision, but not so fast that the change is disturbing. They can handle a wide range of light conditions from near dark to bright sun. The lenses can also be easily exchanged should you prefer something for more specific conditions.

The frames are lightweight and designed with extra gaps at strategic points along the lenses to optimize airflow; combined with the anti-fog coating these glasses can handle humid weather or winter running with ease. The tips of the arms are made of flexible silicone – a unique design that is so comfortable you can almost forget you are wearing glasses at all. An adjustable nose piece allows for a snug fit on all but the smallest faces. The Julbo Aero Zebra’s have thin enough arms that they can also be worn comfortably with helmets, hats, and ball caps. Truly high end, versatile sunglasses ideal for running and many other sports.

Pros:
  • Photochromatic lenses
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible silicone ear bumpers
  • Excellent anti-fog function
  • Durable, high quality
Cons:
  • No complaints here!

PHANTOM TITANIUM Ultra Lightweight Titanium Aviators

The Best Premium Running Glasses

phantom titanium ultra lightweight titanium aviators
  • Frame: lightweight titanium
  • Lenses: lightweight nylon
  • Lens width: 57 mm
  • Lens height: 49.2 mm
  • Bridge: 22 mm
  • Weight: 0.7

These glasses combine high quality performance with style. Ideal for the sunniest of days with lens options ranging from 7% to 17% light transmission, the range of neutral but super shiny colors will not disappoint. The lenses provide excellent optics and are designed for the elements with their anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-fog, hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings. Water? Sweat? Scratches? Not here.

The frames are made of ultra-lightweight titanium which is more than tough enough to handle a few bumps and bangs, although one must be careful not to outright bend the arms out of shape. Roka’s patented GEKO material lines the nose piece, temple, and arms ensuring a no-slip, bounce-free fit no matter how much you sweat or jump. The only compromise is that the aviator style lenses are not able to provide as much coverage as a classic curved sports lens. They come at a high price, but there is no better combination of technical design and casual style!

Pros:
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Durable construction
  • Excellent optics
  • High quality, no-scratch lenses
  • Awesome aviator style
Cons:
  • Mediocre lens coverage
  • Arms can be bent easily

What to Consider When Buying Running Sunglasses

Let’s take a look at the basic features that a good pair of running sunglasses need to have in order to protect your eyes and prevent them from straining without getting in your way.

Comfort

This is the number one consideration. Your sunglasses are going to be on your face anywhere from 15 minutes to all day – so they need to fit well. Some running sunglasses have adjustable nose pieces that enhance fit and grip, while others stay lightweight with frames that sit directly on the bridge of your nose without slipping. They don’t need to ultra-lightweight in order to serve you well, but they do need to feel good which means there should be no pressure points along the arms, temple, or nose.

Some sunglasses have adjustable arms as well which can contribute to a better, more secure fit. If you have an especially wide or narrow face, selecting sunglasses with some extra adjustability is recommended.

UV Protection

It doesn’t get more basic than this – any pair of sunglasses worth running in should not only prevent you from squinting, but should block out the UV rays that can be damaging to your eyes as well. There are ample options that block out 100% of UV light at all price points. Many lenses also block out a large spectrum of harmful blue light too.

Lenses

There are various coatings that can enhance the performance of your lenses. Anti-fog coatings encourage moisture to bead away instead of fogging up on cold or humid days and hydrophobic coatings also help water from sweat or precipitation roll off the lenses. Anti-scratch coatings are super-thin, extremely hard coatings that help make plastic scratch-resistant thereby making your glasses much more durable. Check this out for more details on how lens coatings work and why.

Different lens tints allow different amounts of light to penetrate the lenses, this is referred to a light transmission percentage and can typically be as low as 7% for really bright conditions and as high as 75% for gloomy, low-light days. The color tint of the lenses will also affect how you see so it is worth making sure you like the look of the world through your new glasses.

Polarization helps reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as snow or water, while this does not directly provide better protection for your eyes, it does provide better optics and is worth considering, especially if you know you will be enjoying the snow or surf!

The shape of your lenses also directly impacts how much coverage, and therefore protection from the sun, your running sunglasses provide. Flat lenses, such as is common in aviator style glasses, leave quite a bit of your peripheral vision unprotected which might be fine of you are primarily looking forward while you run on roads or cycle, but may not be enough if you are running on reflective snow or on small trails where you need your peripheral vision. The further lenses wrap around your face, the more complete their coverage will be.

Style

This of course all up to you! There are great options available that cover every style from subtle and casual to bright, sporty, and flashy.

So next time you grab your running gloves, sport watch, or knee-brace for a run – make sure you bring your new running sunglasses too. Your eyes with thank you!

About The Author

AthletePath Staff

We are a team of enthusiasts and professional athletes thriving to provide you with helpful advice on buying everything you may ever need to become a better athlete.

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