sunglasses while running

Importance of Running Sunglasses

• UV Protection: Wearing sunglasses while running helps protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and other eye conditions. "Running aside, macular degeneration runs in my family. The opthamologist told me the one best preventive thing that I can do that will make the most difference is to always wear sunglasses when I am outside unless it is pitch dark."
• Comfort and Visibility: Sunglasses can improve your visibility by reducing glare and keeping sweat, rain, and cobwebs out of your eyes. "I definitely recommend wearing them. Get some cheap ones with UV protection and the added bonus is it keeps the rain out of your eyes during crappy weather and keeps cobwebs out of your eyes if you run trails."
• Reduced Eye Strain: Wearing sunglasses can help reduce eye strain caused by squinting in bright conditions. "I always wear sunglasses when it is bright. All the UV is rough on the eyes. And squinting all afternoon is no fun."

Recommended Running Sunglass Brands and Models

• Goodr:

  • Pros: Affordable, lightweight, comfortable, and come in various fun colors. "Goodr. Keep my ray bans for when I’m not running, hiking or in the ocean. Everything else, Goodrs that I have zero qualms about messing up."
  • Cons: Some users report issues with the lens coating scratching easily. "Fuck Goodr. Cheap garbage that has a lens coating which scratches off if you just look at them funny."

• Oakley:

  • Pros: High-quality optics, durable, and offer excellent performance. "I love my Oakley radar glasses, I’ve had them for 15 years at this point."
  • Cons: Can be expensive and may scratch if not cared for properly. "Oakley polarized Half and Flak jackets depending on which car I take and if I’m running from home. They do scratch easily though but I also don’t baby my sunglasses."

• Roka:

  • Pros: Lightweight, stay put during runs, and are durable. "Love my Roka’s. Super good quality. I’ve dropped them so many times and they don’t have a scratch on the lens yet."
  • Cons: Can be pricey. "Roka. They’re perfect. Look nice, can wear casually and for running, light, don’t move at all, and don’t get scratched up. I’ve had mine for years. Only thing I’d change is the price."

• Tifosi:

  • Pros: Good balance of price and quality, stay put, and don't fog up easily. "I bought a pair of Tifosi Rails to bike in a few years ago and I love them. I wear them running, biking, skiing, hiking, you name it."
  • Cons: Slightly more expensive than Goodr. "Tifosi. Just slightly more $ than Goodr, but much better quality IME."

• Knockaround:

  • Pros: Affordable, comfortable, and don't bounce or slide. "Knockaround sunglasses. Premium Sports, I have 3 pairs. I use 2 regularly and the third less so because it doesn't really match my outfits lol."
  • Cons: May not be as durable as higher-end brands.

Considerations for Runners with Glasses

• Prescription Sunglasses: For those with poor vision, prescription running sunglasses are a great option. "I invested in some prescription sport sunglasses and I love them! They were spendy, but I wear them a lot, especially for driving."
• Transition Lenses: These lenses adjust to different light conditions, making them versatile for both sunny and overcast days. "I use transition lenses. I usually run early morning or pag pagabi na + the races are usually early morning too, so I feel like sports glasses would be unnecessary."
• Insert Options: Some running sunglasses allow for prescription inserts, which can be a more affordable alternative to fully prescribed lenses. "Rudy project. They have frames with slots for prescription lenses."

Additional Tips

• Fit and Comfort: Ensure the sunglasses fit well and do not bounce or slide during your run. "I run in Oakley EVZero™ Blades with polarized lenses. I like how light they are on my face. Barely notice them."
• Polarization: While not strictly necessary, polarized lenses can reduce glare and improve visibility, especially when running near water or on reflective surfaces. "I do all my runs while fishing, so it makes a big difference dealing with the glare."
• Care and Maintenance: Properly caring for your sunglasses can extend their lifespan. "I take pretty good care of mine and keep them in a case if I have to travel with them, otherwise they live right by the door."

Communities for Further Questions

• r/running
• r/runningfashion
• r/glassesadvice

These communities are great places to ask for more personalized recommendations and share your experiences with other runners.