Oakley is a US eyewear brand for sports and everyday sunglasses. This article looks at Oakley history: who founded the brand, who owns it today, where it comes from and which models you can find at Edel-Optics, from the Holbrook to the Radar EV Path.
Key points at a glance
- Oakley was founded in 1975 by James Jannard in the USA and today belongs to Luxottica (EssilorLuxottica). Nike does not own it.
- The first products were handlebar grips; in 1980 came the O-Frame protective goggle. In cycling the brand became known partly through Greg LeMond.
- Prizm is Oakley’s brand name for lenses with tints tuned to specific uses; according to the manufacturer they are meant to emphasise contrast.
- The shop currently lists models such as Holbrook, Radar EV Path, Frogskins and Sutro.
Oakley history: from a garage start-up to a sports eyewear brand
When did Oakley start, and who is the founder of Oakley?
James Jannard founded Oakley in 1975. According to the company’s story he had only 300 dollars to start with, and the one-man business began in a garage. The first product was not a pair of glasses but a handlebar grip that was meant to get grippier, not slipperier, when wet.
Five years later, in 1980, the first Oakley eyewear followed: a protective goggle called the O-Frame. Its shape served as the model for the well-known logo. In cycling the brand became known particularly through Greg LeMond, three-time winner of the Tour de France. Models such as the Radar EV Path and the Holbrook came later, and they are worn in sport and everyday life alike.
Where is Oakley from?
Oakley is American, with its headquarters in California. According to tradition, the name goes back to the founder’s dog.
Who owns Oakley? Does Nike own Oakley?
Oakley has belonged to Luxottica since 2007. Since the merger with Essilor in 2018 it has been part of EssilorLuxottica. Nike does not own Oakley.
Oakley sunglasses models: what is in the shop
Oakley gives every model a name and a number, for example OO9102 for the Holbrook. This selection is listed in the shop at the moment:
- Everyday and lifestyle: Holbrook, Holbrook XL, Frogskins, HSTN and Latch
- Cycling and active: Radar EV Path, Sutro, Sutro Lite, Eyejacket Redux and Flak 2.0 XL
- Fishing and water: Split Shot
- Others: Sylas, Terraforma, Neoforma, Exchange Sun, Pitchman R and SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0
For what matters with road and trail models, read our guide to cycling glasses; for snow, see how to choose ski goggles.
Finding older Oakley models
Older models are not always available. The inside of the temple usually shows the model name and number, for example OO9102. With that code you can search for the model in the overview.
Oakley lenses: Prizm, polarised and prescription
Prizm is the brand name for Oakley lenses with tuned tints. According to the manufacturer they are designed for specific uses:
- Prizm Road and Prizm Trail are meant to make details on road and terrain easier to see.
- Prizm Snow is designed to bring out contours in the snow more clearly.
- Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections, for example on water. Many models have them, such as the Split Shot.
How strongly you notice the difference of a tint is personal. Some models are also available as prescription frames (RX), for example the Holbrook. With strongly curved sports frames the possible prescription range is limited. What matters is explained in Prescription Lenses for Sunglasses – Guide to Custom Lenses.
What is so special about Oakley sunglasses?
Oakley has focused on sports eyewear for decades and develops frames and lenses for specific uses. If you are active, look at fit and hold. For everyday wear, shape and colour matter more. The Holbrook and the Frogskins are classic everyday models.
Current Oakley sunglasses in the shop
Edel-Optics currently has many Oakley models in several colours, including Holbrook, Radar EV Path and Eyejacket Redux. The overview shows which variants are available right now.
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943805)£118.19 POakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920847)£114.01Oakley TERRAFORMA (OO9530 953006)£109.74 POakley TERRAFORMA (OO9530 953001)£75.97Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943801)£92.26Oakley HOLBROOK (OO9102 9102D6)£111.93 POakley HSTN (OO9242 924207)£105.65Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943826)£92.26Frequently asked questions about Oakley
What is Oakley?
Oakley is a US brand for sunglasses and eyeglass frames with a focus on sport. It belongs to EssilorLuxottica. Models such as the Holbrook and the Radar EV Path are well known.
Are Oakley sunglasses good?
That depends on what you need them for. Check UV protection (UV400, CE mark), fit and the right tint for your activity.
Why are Oakley glasses more expensive than basic sunglasses?
Part of the price lies in development, materials and lenses, such as the Prizm tint. Another part goes to the brand name. It is best to compare models for the same use.
