If you have an active lifestyle and are finding your current pair of sunglasses isn’t quite up to the task, then it’s time to choose a new pair of shades specifically designed to support your chosen sport or activity. Whether you’re into tennis, running, cycling, or swimming, our guide covers the features you need to look out for when picking your new pair of sunglasses.
Best Sunglasses for Cycling
When choosing the best sunglasses for cycling, the three key elements are fit, features, and style. Comfort is a vital factor of the first: you should be able to wear the shades on even the longest of rides without them pinching or putting pressure on your nose, face, or ears. Getting a great fit is paramount, so look for options that are flexible with adjustable nose pads.
Polarized lenses with an anti-reflective coating can help protect you from glare and enjoy a safer ride. Be aware that some tints are better for certain conditions than others, and you may want to keep a few pairs of shades (or interchangeable lenses) on hand during your ride, so you can switch them up to suit different conditions or riding environments. For example, yellow and orange lenses are particularly for haze and fog, while brown and amber lenses are great for reducing glare, and green lenses can increase contrast.
Best Sunglasses for Running and Hiking
If you love to run, then you’ll need to make sure that the sunglasses you choose fit securely enough so that they don’t bounce about on your face as you’re pounding the pavement. As with cycling glasses, you may also want to consider frames that incorporate specifically tinted lenses to enjoy the safest and most comfortable run possible. Durable frames are a must, too, that can withstand even the longest distance of run or hike.
It’s a good idea to consider glasses that will protect your eyes (from debris, dust, insects, etc.) as you run – wraparound styles are particularly good in this regard and also serve to block sunlight from all angles, guarding both your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and the delicate skin around them. And if you need corrective lenses? No problem; there’s a wide range of prescription sunglasses available that can be adapted to your requirements.
Best Sunglasses for Swimming and Other Watersports
While goggles remain the best choice for swimming (and prescription goggles are available if needed), sunglasses with a strap tend to be the best choice for other types of watersports – and durability and shatter resistance are a must.
Water reflects up to 80% of the light that hits its surface, meaning that shades with optimum UVA and UVB protection are vital. Look for sunglasses that offer UV400 protection, which blocks nearly 100% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light rays. Polarized lenses are also a good option to further reduce any annoying glare from the water, which can cause eye strain, headaches, and even dangerous visual impairment. Consider, too, lenses that feature a hydrophobic and anti-smudge coating to repel any water that hits them and keep them clear of smears and grime.
Best Sunglasses for Playing Tennis
While most sunglasses frames are made from plastic or metal alloys, pro tennis players tend to opt for shades with nylon frames due to the latter’s lightweight, durable, and flexible nature. Polarized lenses that offer maximum UVA and UVB protection are essential, too.
To help support your gameplay, think about options that offer extended view – this denotes a taller lens construction designed to give you a wider field of clear vision – and lenses that enhance contrast so that you can more easily distinguish the ball from the surface of the court, no matter what the weather conditions happen to be.
Tennis is a high-impact, frenetic game, and therefore it’s crucial to choose sunglasses that offer a secure fit. Make sure that any frames you choose not only fit properly but will be able to stay in place even in the face of sweat and moisture.
Sunglasses to Fit Your Active Lifestyle
If you enjoy a certain sport or generally love to be active outdoors whenever possible, a great pair of sunglasses specifically designed for your chosen activity can help you enjoy your day to the maximum. Use the guide above to get the perfect shades that’ll enhance your performance and ensure a more comfortable ride, run, swim, or game!