Working out regularly can make you stronger, more flexible, and overall healthier. But if you like to work out outside (we’re talking to you outdoor runners, climbers, and cyclists), it’s crucial to take the proper precautions. This includes protecting your eyes—the best sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays without getting in the way of your workout, same way sunscreen protects your skin.
But where should you start your search? Here are our top sunglass recommendations.
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The Best Sunglasses - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
- Best Sunglasses for Men: Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses
- Best Sunglasses for Women: Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses
- Best Polarized Sunglasses: Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
- Best Fishing Sunglasses: Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
- Best Running Sunglasses: Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses
- Best Cheap Sunglasses: Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses
- Best Sunglasses for Golf: Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
- Best Cycling Sunglasses: POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses
What to Look for in Sunglasses
When shopping for the best sunglasses, there are a number of factors to keep in mind:
- Lens interchangeability: Many pairs of sunglasses come with different lenses that you can swap out. Different lenses are built for different types of light, allowing you to run in all different seasons.
- Fog resistance and water protection: Special lens coatings help you maintain visibility even in inclement elements.
- Protection: When exercising outside, both UVA and UVB protection is crucial.
- Weight: The last thing runners and cyclists want is a pair of heavy sunglasses that weigh them down or cause discomfort.
- Secure fit: Ultimately, you want sunglasses that stay in place even during vigorous activity. You don’t want to have to stop and adjust your glasses mid-workout.
Best Overall - Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: Standard, large
- Frames: Metal
- Polarized: Yes
Ever since the Top Gun era, aviator sunglasses have been a fan favorite for their classic style. The Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses are not just stylish, but also a high-quality and protective option for anyone who enjoys outside exercise.
Designed to shield your eyes from glare and UV rays, these aviators also happen to be lightweight and comfortable. Nose and temple pads keep the glasses securely in place, and the robust metal frame holds up during plenty of workouts.
PROS
- Comfortable fit
- Polarized lenses with great UV protection
- Lightweight
- Stylish
CONS
- Higher price point
BUY: Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
Best Sunglasses for Men - Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: Metal
- Polarized: Yes
For stylish and functional sunglasses that have a masculine feel, consider the Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses. Everything about them, from the lens size to the gunmetal finish, conveys a sense of ruggedness.
SuperThin lenses give you a clear view but also ample protection from the sun. Nose and temple pads provide a snug, secure fit, while the lightweight frames are comfortable even after hours of wear.
PROS
- Lightweight and comfortable
- SuperThin lenses for a clear view
- Snug and secure fit
- Multiple lens tints available
CONS
- Only comes in one size; might not fit everyone
- Higher price point
BUY: Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses
Best Sunglasses for Women - Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: Steel
- Polarized: Yes
Though technically a men’s product, we think the Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses are a stylish option for women, too. These sunglasses offer robust steel construction and fit comfortably around the nose and ears. The oval shape is timeless, and the lenses themselves offer a decent amount of UV protection. Note that there are a couple of color options available, and both are chic and subtle.
PROS
- Durable steel frames
- Timeless style
- Multiple color options
- Comfortable fit
CONS
- No sizing options available
- Other sunglasses offer superior UV protection
BUY: Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses
Best Polarized Sunglasses - Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: Evolve (bio-based)
- Polarized: Yes
Polarization is what allows your sunglasses to block out UV rays while still offering a crisp, clear, colorful picture of the world around you. The Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses excel in this regard.
Made with ChromaPop lenses, these sunglasses allow for vibrant vision while also keeping damaging rays out of your eye line. Additionally, we like these sunglasses for their lightweight frames, and for the snug-fitting nose pads.
PROS
- ChromaPop polarization
- Lightweight frames
- Snug-fitting nose pads
CONS
- No sizing options available
- Not as damage-resistant as other sunglasses
BUY: Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
Best Fishing Sunglasses - Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: Evolve (bio-based)
- Polarized: Yes
For long days on the lake, we recommend the Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses. ChromaPop polarization protects you from glare while also giving you a sharp, vivid view of the water.
Also note that the lenses are coated with special, protective layers, offering you an added layer of protection from water and from oil. The impact-resistant lenses offer 100 percent UV protection.
PROS
- ChromaPop polarization
- 100% UV protection
- Special coatings offer added protection
- Impact-resistant
CONS
- No sizing options available
- Not as highly recommended for runners
BUY: Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
Best Running Sunglasses - Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: O-matter
- Polarized: Prizm-style lenses
The Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses are designed to provide sleek, secure, and comfortable protection for runners. The prizm-style lenses offer robust UV protection, and interchangeable lenses allow you to adapt to different seasons or lighting conditions. A three-point fit system also allows you to get just the right level of optical alignment.
PROS
- Extended-vision shades allow for clear, vivid vision
- Lightweight but durable frames
- Secure nose and temple grips
- Polarized lenses available
CONS
- Not everyone will like this more contemporary style
BUY: Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses
Best Cheap Sunglasses - Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: Plastic
- Polarized: Yes
Quality sunglasses don’t have to break the bank. Case in point? The stylish and lightweight Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses.
Though the frames are just plastic, they’re surprisingly durable and impact resistant. And the lenses offer sufficient polarization to keep your eyes protected. For less than $40, this price point is hard to beat.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Surprisingly durable and impact-resistant
- Bright, fun, stylish color options
- Modest price point
CONS
- Great value, but not as high-quality as other options
- No interchangeable lens options
BUY: Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses
Best Golfing Sunglasses - Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes:One Size
- Frames: O-Matter
- Polarized: Yes
Looking to hit the golf course? These sunglasses are well-suited to a morning spent on the golf course.
Polarized lenses reduce glare and eye fatigue, while XL sizing accommodates larger faces. The lenses are impact-resistant, and the O-matter frames are both comfortable and durable. We also recommend these for cycling, running, and hiking.
PROS
- Polarized lenses reduce glare
- XL sizing
- Impact resistant
- Comfortable, lightweight fit
CONS
- Not as recommended for those with smaller faces
BUY: Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
Best Cycling Sunglasses - POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses
SPECS
- Sizes: One Size
- Frames: Grimalid
- Polarized: N/A
The POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses are a great option for your next long bike ride. There are a few reasons for this. First, the lenses are glare-resistant, UV-blocking, and designed to repel both fog and grime. Additionally, the frames are lightweight and shatterproof.
Plus, nose and temple tips do an outstanding job holding these glasses in place, even when the road gets a little rocky.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Shatterproof
- Fog- and grime-resistant
- A wide array of colors to choose from
CONS
- No sizing options
- The fit around the nose can sometimes be a little loose
BUY: POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses
FAQs About Sunglasses
Which sunglasses are the best: UV or polarized?
While polarized glasses are better for minimizing glare, UV-resistant ones are better suited for protecting your eyes from harmful rays.
How can you tell the quality of sunglasses?
To ensure the most robust level of protection, look for sunglasses that are labeled as 100 percent UV-resistant.
Is 100% UV protection the same as polarized?
No, the former denotes protection against harmful rays, while the latter is more about reducing glare. Some sunglasses come with both.
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