Sports glasses and sports sunglasses must do two things: sit firmly and filter UV radiation. Whether you jog, cycle or skate, this article shows what makes sunglasses sporty and how they differ from a lifestyle model. For the full story see our guide to sports glasses.
Key points at a glance
- Sport is more than leagues and the Olympics. If you jog, cycle or skate, you need sunglasses with UV400 and a secure fit.
- Performance sports glasses have shatter-resistant lenses, a curved shape and non-slip temples and nose pads.
- UV radiation is there all year, not only when it is warm. Snow and wet roads reflect the light.
- Lifestyle models look sporty but shield less from the sides than real sports models.
Sports sunglasses: what makes a pair sporty?
Sporty sunglasses are more than a look. These features set sports eyewear apart from classic sunglasses:
- Shatter-resistant lenses: usually polycarbonate, light and far more resistant than mineral glass.
- Secure fit: rubberised nose pads and temple tips, adjustable on many models.
- Curved shape: keeps out wind, dust and insects.
- The right tint: the lens category sets how much light gets through. Contrast-enhancing tints such as Oakley Prizm are designed, according to the maker, to show details better.
Durable sports glasses: what to look for
Sports glasses last longer when lenses and frame are made of shatter-resistant plastic and the lenses have a hard coating, because polycarbonate scratches easily. Keep them in a case and rinse off sand and dust with water before you wipe them.
Sunglasses for sport: UV radiation is there in winter too
UV radiation has nothing to do with warmth. In winter, under a clear sky, it reaches your eyes too, and after snow or rain the ground reflects even more light. If you run on asphalt or snow in winter, wear sunglasses with UV400 and the CE mark. They also keep wind and dust off.
Sporty sunglasses: sports model or lifestyle?
For high speed or plenty of wind, sports models such as the Oakley Radar EV Path, the Sutro models or the light Flak 2.0 XL fit. For everyday wear and relaxed workouts, lifestyle models such as Holbrook, HSTN or Frogskins are enough. You can see which colours and lenses are available on each model page.
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943805)£118.15 P
Oakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920847)£115.67
Oakley HOLBROOK (OO9102 9102D6)£125.37 P
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943801)£92.23
Oakley HSTN (OO9242 924207)£105.61
Oakley TERRAFORMA (OO9530 953001)£75.94
Oakley TERRAFORMA (OO9530 953006)£120.25 P
Oakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920846)£113.98Frequently asked questions about sports sunglasses
Which sunglasses brands do athletes recommend?
There is no general recommendation. Amateur and professional athletes choose by sport, face shape and light. In our shop you will find sports models from Oakley, for example for cycling and running. What counts is fit, lenses and UV400.
Are there cool sports glasses with prescription lenses?
Many sports sunglasses can be fitted with lenses in your prescription. With strongly curved frames the range is limited. See our guide to prescription lenses for sunglasses.
More about fit, lenses and different sports is in the guide to sports glasses. Cyclists will like our guide to cycling glasses.
