2017 Running Gear Guide: Sunglasses
Sport sunglasses are better than ever, and offer more options than before.
$275, roka.com
Highlight: Run-specific aviators that stay put
Aviator sunglasses purpose-built for endurance, these stylish frames from Roka feature grippy earpieces and polarized lenses. Like all aviators, they offer decent coverage and a weightlessness that makes them easy to forget about—made more so in the Phantom by a titanium frame. They look great and can go the distance.
$149, zealoptics.com
Highlight: Locked-down fit
These are lifestyle-shaped shades with great coverage that can really do the business. The curved temples seem to grip onto your head like a claw (in a good way). The frame, made of plant-based material, feels sturdily constructed, and the copper lenses offer real versatility for sunny and overcast days.
$170, oakley.com
Highlight: Great optics and a secure fit
The clarity and field of vision on these performance sunglasses from Oakley are truly remarkable. They securely stay put and have a nice tint—not too dark, just right. Along with their comfortable fit and relatively light weight, they bring to mind the cliché about forgetting that you’re wearing them.
$25, playgoodr.com
Highlight: Bargain shades for running
Yes, they look ready for any party, but these shades by Goodr are also decent run-specific sunglasses for an unbelievable price. The frame’s slightly textured finish doesn’t slip or slide when sweaty, and the lenses are polarized to block glare. The temples and lens size both run a little on the small side.
$249, districtvision.com
Highlight: Retro goes high tech
These performance racing frames are inspired by the classic Carrera profile, but District Vision, an upstart New York City company, outfitted this specific version with a trail-running lens that works excellently in changing light conditions. They offer excellent coverage, block wind well, and the earpieces and nosepiece are sticky, comfy and bendable for a custom fit.
$189, smithoptics.com
Highlight: Classic shade with new lens
A women’s-specific sunglass at a reasonable price for performance shades, the lenses of the long-running PivLock have been stepped up to improve clarity and definition. Peripheral visibility is, of course, great, as is the fit: The sticky nose and ear pieces keep the sunglasses put but aren’t too tight.
$395, nike.com
Highlight: Unbelievable fit and feel
“Performance” style sunglasses may not be for everyone, but for those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they’ll like. The coverage and optics on these are remarkable—as is the fit: The temples and earpieces only gently lock onto your head, and yet the bridge feels like it’s hardly resting on your nose at all.
$299, mauijim.com
Highlight: Like wearing nothing
These minimalist, rimless shades feel almost like wearing nothing at all. The earpieces grip oh so gently, yet they stay firmly in place. The HCL bronze lens works in a variety of conditions and offers a bit of warmth. Coverage isn’t amazing, but the tradeoff is
exceptional fit and lightness.