Explore the best sunglasses for running at FramesDirect and discover frames designed specifically for runners. We offer an array of styles from performance eyewear brands in this collection, including Oakley, Nike, Wiley X, and others. Choose from a variety of features: Extended lenses offer better eye coverage, and increased air ventilation keeps your sunglasses from fogging up in changing temperatures or in moist, humid environments. Customize your sunglasses with lenses in a rainbow of tints that offer clear vision for running in any conditions.
The last thing you need when you're 'in the zone' is a pair of shades that slide down your nose when you sweat, or lenses that offer poor optics or don’t protect your eyes from the sun. The best sunglasses for you—whether you’re an impassioned or recreational runner—are the ones that offer a comfortable, stable fit; that protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB radiation; that offer polarization if you need it; that feature lightweight but sturdy performance frames and lens materials; and that look good on you.
Opt for a snug, but not too-tight fit so your sunglasses don’t bounce up and down with every stride—because if your running sunglasses are uncomfortable, you probably won’t wear them. Many runners prefer sporty wraparound shades for the face-hugging fit they offer.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage your eyes, even on overcast days. Choose running shades that come with UV protective lenses, and consider a wraparound design for extra protection in the periphery. Maui Jim sunglasses feature award-winning UV protection the distance runner will want to consider. But even the budget-minded recreational runner will find attractive prices on shades from makers like Ironman with UV protective lenses at FramesDirect.
This feature is less important than the first two, but if you run on paved roads, the light that bounces off of them on bright days can cause distracting glare. If you run on the beach, glare from the sand and water can be irritating. Opt for polarized sunglasses for running if this is an issue you encounter routinely—polarization will help your eyes relax, which in turn will help you stay focused on beating your personal best instead of squinting through optical discomfort. And adding a mirror coating can further reduce glare.
Other scenarios, including trail running, emphatically call for polarized sunglasses. Distinguishing nuance in the colors of roots and other ground cover can help you stay upright and on your feet. And for changing conditions, you might even consider Transitions® lenses that darken or lighten in response to sunlight.
Look for sunglasses made from lightweight materials, with shatter-proof and scratch-resistant lenses—polycarbonate is a great option. Many lenses come equipped with special coatings to prevent oil and sweat from your skin from clouding your vision; others include anti-fog properties. Also think about how light it is outdoors when and where you normally run. Brown, grey, and green lenses work well in normal to bright conditions. But if you often run at dawn, dusk, or in the shade, consider an amber or red tint.
And look for performance frames in your running shades. Grilamid and injected nylon are hypoallergenic thermoplastics that are flexible, featherweight, and durable. You’ll find these and other technical materials in the best sunglasses for running, along with wraparound or semi-rimless lens profiles that help keep the shades lightweight.
If you’ll wear your running sunglasses in other settings, look for frames you really love. While the best running sunglasses often come in wrapped or other sporty styles, many are available with all the performance features you need for running, but in more conventional shapes you won’t mind wearing anywhere—explore our offerings to find the best running shades for you.
The Problem:Your headwear interferes with your eyewear.
The Fix: Look for sleek, low-profile temples with wide, grippy tips.
The Problem: Dirt, dust, or other debris is everywhere on your favorite running routes.
The Fix: Consider sunglasses that meet the ANSI Z87.1 rating for impact resistance.
The Problem: Your lenses fog and your glasses slip when you’re crushing it in the humidity.
The Fix: Opt for vented sunglasses and proprietary frames and lens materials made to resist rain and sweat.
Look for specialized running sunglasses with material on the bridge and temples that becomes grippier as you sweat, keeping your frames in place. We love Oakley sunglasses for their patented frames materials, engineered to help them stay put, and some styles feature ventilation to allow moisture to dissipate as it builds.
The Problem: Depth perception is an issue on shadowy roads or wooded trails.
The Fix: You need polarized sunglasses that boost clarity and help you differentiate colors.
If you’re a serious runner, you’ve probably already plunked down some serious cash to take care of your feet, and justifiably: You know the right shoes can make or break a great run. But your vulnerable eyes deserve the same uncompromising attention. The best running sunglasses will protect them not only from dust and dirt, but from the harmful overexposure to UV rays that can lead to certain kinds of cancer and to macular degeneration.
Print and online running publications offer excellent recommendations for the best models of running sunglasses; FramesDirect.com carries the most popular and road-tested of the bunch. We offer some of the best options in runner's sunglasses endorsed by experts, the styles preferred by serious athletes who really pack on the miles. Browse our impressive collection of sunglasses for runners and find all the performance features you need.