11 Best Running Sunglasses to Block Out the Sun (and the Haters)

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YOU EVER find yourself squinting under the scorching sun or battling blinding glare while trying to conquer those miles? That's where running sunglasses come in, my friends. They're not just a stylish accessory. The best running sunglasses are an essential piece of gear that can make all the difference in your outdoor running experience.

Now, we know what you're thinking. With countless options out there, how do you even begin to choose the perfect pair? Well, worry not, because we've sifted through the sea of runner-approved sunglasses and tested them in rain and shine, over various distances and paces, to evaluate them on their frame design, UV protection, fit, price, and weight to bring you the cream of the crop. We also consulted with board-certified ophthalmologist Arvind Saini, MD, to understand the most important factors to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

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From polarized lenses that can conquer glare to photochromic lenses that adapt to changing light conditions, there are benefits and trade-offs of each type of lens. An individual's own style, preferences, and running environment play a huge role, of course, but there's one thing no pair of running sunglasses should ever compromise on. And that's UV protection.

"The main risk of inadequate ultraviolet light protection is that a person increases their risk for avoidable sun related diseases over their lifetime," according to Dr. Saini. "Risks of too much UV light exposure include accelerated cataract formation, eye cancers in and around the eye, degenerative growths on the eyes related to sun damage, and the increased risk for macular degeneration in the retina."

Buckle up and get ready to conquer the roads, trails, and everything in between with a great pair of shades helping you guide the way. Below, our top 11 picks of 2023.

Best Running Vests | Best Running Hats | Best Running Shorts | Best Running Shoes | Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet

Supernova Sunglasses

MH Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton has been a devoted wearer of these sunglasses for a year now, and she'll admit, they've completely won her over.

"These Italian-made shades have become my go-to choice, not just for running, but for casual wear. Now that I own three pairs of Supernovas, I barely reach for other sunnies in my collection."

The comfort and lightweight design are truly unparalleled, which we found to make us forget we even had sunglasses on. The impressive peripheral coverage ensures vision is protected from all angles, while their exceptional staying power keeps them securely in place no matter how intense my activities get.

"These sunglasses have become an essential part of my everyday life," remarks Appleton.

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The OG Polarized Sunglasses

Allow us to introduce you to these iconic shades from Goodr. With a classic shape frame and a polarized lens that comes in three mirrored colors, these sunglasses are the epitome of coolness with a touch of retro flair.

Designed for active folks who appreciate both style and functionality, The OG serves as one of the most versatile running sunglass styles out there. We found the frames to be lightweight, comfortable, and not prone to bouncing with each stride. Better yet? At just $25, the price is right.

What do buyers say? "These glasses stay put while running and provide great sun protection. Can’t beat the combination of quality and price," said one OG Polarized Sunglass buyer on backcountry.com.

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Leadout Pivlock Polarized Sunglasses

These shades bring a fusion of functionality and technology. The Leadout features polarized lenses that not only reduce glare but also enhance clarity and color perception. The shades are available in two photochromic lenses, which let in a ton of light in lower and indirect light conditions, but darken to protect your eyes when exposed to brighter light.

We especially love the Pivlock system, which makes changing lenses and adapting to varying light conditions on the fly a total breeze. The frame is lightweight and shatter-proof, and offers a glove-like fit especially for medium to wider faces. Saving the best for last (drumroll, please), the nose pads actually keep these babies securely in place, even when bouncy runs and a sweaty face is in the mix.

What do buyers say? "These sunglasses are extremely comfortable, fit my face well and have excellent clarity on a sunny day while on the water," said one buyer.

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Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Polarized Sunglasses

These shades are a game-changer for athletes and adventurers who demand a high level of impact protection and durability from their performance sunglass lenses. The Flak 2.0 XL features polarized lenses which reduce glare and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, while the lightweight O-Matter frame ensures a comfortable fit that can withstand intense activities.

With a lens height that is shorter than most similar models, they're an especially great fit on smaller faces, but also don't compromise on peripheral coverage.

You can get your hands on these shades in a range of different lens tints, but the rose gold is by far our favorite for running and other outdoor performance sports. It's polarized and protective, but allows for just the right amount of light to maintain good depth perception with each step. When you shop directly from Oakley, you can purchase spare pairs of standard or prescription lenses to switch out on the frames at any time.

What do buyers say? "I have trouble finding sunglasses that fit, as most are too big and just envelope my face. These are perfect, lightweight, and crystal clear," said one Oakley buyer.

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Swick Sunglasses

These classic, square framed shades from Tifosi Optics offer great value for the price. Made with an ultralight Grilamid TR-90 frame and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, the Swick follows through on functionality and durability.

The design is super versatile and can be worn for everything from long-haul runs to everyday wear. While the fit is not adjustable, the hydrophilic rubber inserts keep them secure during sweaty activities.

We noticed some minor glare in the lenses, but didn't feel that hindered their all-day use. The peripheral vision is not as extensive as specialized cycling optics, either.

What do buyers say? "Quality is good, fit is spot on. Tight enough to stay on when active but don't pinch. I have a pretty big nose and they fit fine," said one Tifosi Optics reviewer.

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Kilo Sunglasses

Similarly to the Swick Sunglasses, from Tifosi, these shades come with hydrophilic rubber on the ear pads that increase grip as you sweat and at an affordable price point. Where the Swicks lacked adjustability, the Kilos come in strong with adjustable nose and ear pads. We found this to significantly add to their overall fit and staying power while running, especially for smaller and more narrow faces.

Shatterproof polycarbonate Fototec lenses provide full UV protection and a considerable amount of peripheral coverage, which we enjoyed compared to the Swick model. With their vented design, these sunglasses won't fog up even during strenuous workouts.

And for $10 extra bucks, you can even opt for an interchangeable set which includes 3 different lenses.

What do buyers say? "Absolutely love these glasses. Never take a sunny run without them. Truly zero bounce and the clarity is incredible," said one Tifosi Optics Kilo buyer.

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Barton Sunglasses

These high-end performance sunnies are designed to take your outdoor activities to the next level. With ROKA's patented GEKO™ fit and retention technology, the Bartons provide multi-directional traction, ensuring they stay securely on your face no matter how intense your run gets.

We found the C3™ optics allowed for crystal-clear vision with exceptional clarity and color contrast for navigating all types of terrain, yet great coverage and protection from the sun. They're super lightweight, but also feel incredibly sturdy and durable. The Bartons also feature interchangeable lenses, so you can effortlessly adapt to changing light conditions. Changing lenses isn't as effortless as it is with some frameless bottom models, but it's still a piece of cake.

They also come with 3 different sized nose pads, so you can choose your most secure fit.

What do buyers say? "These are BETTER than advertised. I’ve worn glasses for decades and these are the lightest, most comfortable, and highest performing ones I’ve ever owned," said one reviewer on the ROKA site.

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Running Circle G Polarized Sunglasses

We couldn't resist dropping another pair of affordable, good-looking performance sun specs from Goodr—they're just that good.

These shades offer everything you need, and nothing you don't. They're polarized, offer UV 400 protection, have a no-slip grip, available in a ton of colors, and just $25. Out of the dozens of running sunglasses we've tested, the shape, fit, and price of these makes them one of the most versatile and worry-free options out there.

One downside: If you're used to a huge lens with tons of peripheral coverage, this design will leave you yearning for more. But if that sounds like you, you already knew that.

What do buyers say? "These are classic Goodr-fit, style, value! This is pair number five-used for just around towning! My running pairs [are] everything they claim & then some," said one Goodr buyer.

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Torino Sunglasses

The Torino features a lightweight and durable frame that hugs your face with a comfortable fit paired with a retro race-inspired design.

At $225, we know they're pricey, but we found we could really feel the quality. The lenses are almost high-def, sharpening the focus on everything in your path ahead. But here's the real kicker: the hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings. They're designed to stop pesky sweat and raindrops from obstructing your view. In our experience, these shades live up to the claims, repelling moisture and ensuring your vision remains unhindered, even in the toughest weather conditions.

Oh, and let's not forget the adjustable titanium core wires that provide a customizable fit, preventing annoying slips and bounces during your intense runs.

What do buyers say? "Literally my favorite pair of glasses on earth. I have all three colors. Use them for running, cycling, and drinking beers on patios," said one Torino buyer on Roka.com.

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Sonic 1 Audio Sunglasses

The Sonic 1 Audio Sunglasses are not your ordinary shades; they seamlessly integrate the convenience and functionality of premium sunglasses with nearly invisible headphones, creating a Tony Stark-worthy accessory. Recognized in our MH 2023 Fitness Awards, these are our favorite sound equipped shades to splurge on.

The Sonic 1 is a collaboration between Revo and Solos, combining the best of both brands: Revo's outstanding optics, attractive design, and comfortable fit, plus Solos' audio tech.

The sound quality is on par with other smart-audio glasses, but in the end, it's still subpar compared to a solid pair of standalone running headphones. However, they make up for it with beautiful lenses, health-tracking features, and a remarkable battery life of up to 11 hours. The glasses come with a sleek magnetic charger, too. (As if this product wasn't already the epitome of convenience.)

What do buyers say? "The sound quality is amazing and I can hear ambient noise which makes me feel safer when outside," said one reviewer on the Revo site.

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Frames Tempo

Discreetly integrated with Bose electronics, these glasses create an immersive soundtrack for up to 8 hours of use. With a stylish design that doesn't compromise on practicality, they block 99% of UV rays and are sweat-resistant.

Stay connected with Bluetooth connectivity and take calls through the built-in mic. The above-ear sound feature offers a rich audio experience, all while staying aware of your surroundings, making them especially great for city dwellers and road runners.

What do buyers say? "Nothing like this will have bass like noise cancelling over the ear headphones but they work great for cycling as you can still hear outside noises," said one Bose reviewer.

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How to Shop for the Best Running Sunglasses

Whether you're a casual jogger or a seasoned marathon runner, having the right pair of sunglasses is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable running experience. But with the myriad of options available, choosing the perfect pair can be overwhelming. Here are a few factors we recommend considering before making your purchase (in addition to your own style and preferences, of course).

Frame design: Opt for a frame design that suits your face shape and preferences. Look for options that offer wraparound styles or larger lenses to provide maximum coverage and minimize peripheral glare.

Lens type: "Some people mistakenly believe darker lenses provide more protection against UV light. The color of the lens does not matter; that’s purely personal preference," says Dr. Saini.

He also recommends wraparound-style glasses to help limit UV rays from entering the sides of the glasses.

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you’ll need to ensure the sunglasses can accommodate that particular prescription, too. Depending on the strength of your prescription, some sunglasses with larger frames may not be suitable.

UV Protection: "Look for a label that says 100% UV, UV400 protection, or blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays. These lenses provide the best protection from harmful UV rays," explains Dr. Saini.

Fit: A snug fit is crucial to prevent dreaded slippage during intense workouts. Consider the style of frames that typically fit your head and nose as a guide, but opt for adjustable models and those with grippy coatings on the nose and ear pieces when possible. Some brands even allow you to 'try before you buy', meaning you won't be charged for ordering a pair until you choose to keep them.

Weight: Lightweight is a must for running sunglasses in order to minimize discomfort and reduce the chance of the frames bouncing or shifting during your run. Look for materials like nylon or polycarbonate that offer a lightweight yet durable construction.

Additional features: Certain lens features such as anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings can greatly enhance the visibility and durability of sunglasses. Anti-fog coatings help prevent condensation on the lenses, ensuring clear vision even during intense workouts or in humid conditions. Scratch-resistant coatings, on the other hand, keep your sunglasses in excellent condition for longer, maintaining their clarity and protecting them from everyday wear and tear.

Price: Set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. While it's important to invest in quality sunglasses, you don't necessarily have to break the bank. There are plenty of great options available at different price points (like those from Tifosi Optics and Goodr).

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What Are the Benefits of Wearing Running Sunglasses?

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection whenever you are outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your eyes, according to Dr. Saini. More specifically, sunglasses with '100% UV protection' or 'UV 400' can help you safeguard your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

"Ultraviolet light is present whenever the sun is out and is not blocked by clouds. Ultraviolet light is high energy and can damage your eyes," he explains.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to various eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis, which can significantly impact your vision and long-term eye health.

"Taking steps to minimize exposure to ultraviolet light around your eyes is important for eye health and preventing disease."

One easy step? Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection anytime you're outside, not just while running.

Running sunglasses are designed to make your outdoor running experience feel and look good. Less distractions, better performance, right?

Polarized vs. Photochromic Lenses

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and pavements.

"Some runners might like using polarized lenses; they help reduce the glare bouncing off reflective surfaces like water or roads," says Dr. Saini. "But not all polarized lenses are UV blocking, so make sure to look for the 100% UV protection label.

Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, automatically adjust their tint based on the surrounding light conditions. They darken in bright sunlight and become clearer indoors or in low-light conditions, helping you adapt to whatever weather you encounter on your trek. As with polarized lenses, keep in mind that not all photochromic lenses are 100% UV protective.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected the Best Running Sunglasses

For the past several months, (and more casually, for years), Men's Health's Fitness editors have been putting top-rated running sunglasses to the test. Experts including MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., and Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless running sunglasses through the wringer to evaluate their fit, comfort, durability, functionality, and, of course, price. The list above represents our honest picks for the best running sunglasses of 2023.

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