Explore the best glasses for running at FramesDirect and discover frames designed specifically for runners. Lenses in a rainbow of tints and unbeatable performance features enhance vision while running in any conditions. We offer an array of styles from athletic eyewear brands, including Oakley, Nike, and Wiley X.
To select the best running sunglasses, consider the conditions in which you normally run (wind, cold, sun, etc), the time of day, and any issues you've had with running sunglasses in the past. Use these markers to find shades that suit when and where you run, plus provide the most secure, comfortable fit. Look for glasses recommended for running and enjoy both eye safety and improved vision. The best sunglasses or eyeglasses 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 look good on you.
Opt for a snug, but not too-tight fit so your glasses don’t bounce up and down with every stride—because if your running glasses are uncomfortable, you probably won’t wear them. Many runners prefer sporty wraparound sunglasses 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 glasses 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 glasses in other settings, look for frames you really love. While the best running glasses 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 sunglasses and eyeglasses for you.
The best way to keep your frames from slipping when you run is to select frames that fit your face, adjust easily with movement, and have non-slip technology like Oakley’s Unobtainium nose pads and temple socks that become grippier when wet.
Yes, wearing sunglasses while running is recommended because they not only protect the health of your eyes by blocking harmful UV rays, but also they keep out grime and dust on windy days. Professional athletes and Olympians have been seen on the track and road in specially designed athletic shades, some of which are even featured in our list of the best sunglasses for running.
You can run with aviator glasses on, but they are not the best option for people who run avidly and over long distances. True aviator frames feature teardrop-shaped lenses that sit away from the eyes and do not hug the face, causing them to slip down the nose while you move. Instead of aviators, we suggest opting for a pair of aviator-inspired frames with a shield-style lens and a wraparound profile, to hug your features and provide maximum coverage while you hit the pavement.
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.