We chose these sunglasses as the best options for cyclists because they check so many ‘essential features’ boxes. And while no single pair of sunglasses can be all things to all riders, the common denominator among these frames is their unflappable, road-worthy performance.
To choose the best sunglasses for cycling, look for shatterproof lenses, lens coatings that will help you see better, proprietary materials that improve upon prior inventions, and sport-driven technical designs for the most comfortable fit.
The Best Sunglasses for Cycling of the Year:
Few eyewear makers can match Oakley, feature for feature, when it comes to noteworthy performance in sunglasses made for rigorous sports like cycling. We gave the Oakley Kato top honors for best all-around performance simply because of their feature set: Not only do these futuristic shades look sporty, they’re made in Oakley’s proprietary O Matter, a lightweight but durable material made to take a beating and keep on going, mile after mile. They feature nose pads and temples made with Oakley’s grippy Unobtanium and Three-Point Fit, which eliminates pressure points for impressive comfort during long hours of wear. And every cyclist will appreciate the Kato's uncluttered frame design that won’t interfere with a cycling helmet.
Known for their technically advanced eyewear created for life on the water, Maui Jim’s polarized lenses and lightweight design also make for some of the best cycling sunglasses available today. The Maui Jim World Cup (266) combines a wraparound, full-rim frame with lightweight, flexible Nylon construction, and PolarizedPlus2 lenses to make a pair of cycling sunglasses that enhances your vision, and is light, durable, and UV-protective. With unparalleled polarized lens tech and a shape that works well for road cycling, gravel, and mountain biking, the Maui Jim World Cup (266) gets our vote for the best polarized cycling sunglasses this year.
The cyclist who logs serious miles will want to consider the Oakley Flak Beta, our top choice for the best photochromic sunglasses for cycling. The lenses in these shades automatically adjust to the light conditions outdoors, so you can focus on powering up that hill, while your lenses adjust to shadows and bright light. And these frames include Oakley’s other proprietary features: lightweight, stress-resistant O Matter frames; Unobtainium ear socks and nose pads for grippy performance; and the Oakley Three-Point Fit for stability and comfort on the pavement or trail.
Wiley X has supplied ballistics-rated protective eyewear to the United States Armed Forces since the 1980s—your eyes can enjoy the same superior protection in cycling sunglasses. Top honors in this category go to the Wiley X Saber Advanced. And while you probably won’t need to navigate a minefield on your route, you might encounter road grit or other debris: The Saber Advanced meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 high-velocity and high-mass impact standards. These shades offer 100% UV protection, and their wraparound shape promises additional protection from sunlight and debris at the periphery. Bonus points: These cycling sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses so you can optimize them for specific light conditions.
Spy Optics was one of the originators of action sports eyewear, so it would make sense that frames like the Dirty Mo are designed to perform. But the Dirty Mo doesn’t get our vote for the Most Stylish Cycling Sunglasses because their wraparound frames are made with shatter-resistant Grilamid, or because their temples are designed to grip and hold even when you’re hitting top speeds on asphalt or catching air on dirt. No, the Dirty Mo is the most stylish pair of cycling sunglasses this year because it’s a look you can take anywhere, on or off the saddle.
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