How to Choose Running Sunglasses
Running sunglasses are a vital accessory when it comes to running outside, as your eyes need as much protection from the sun as your skin. However, when choosing which sunglasses to buy for running, there are a number of important features to take into account.
First and foremost, sunglasses need to be comfortable when it comes to running, and we also recommend purchasing sunglasses with UV protection. Additionally, you need to consider how well the sunglasses cover your eyes, as well as lens tint and other features.
This guide from Discounted Sunglasses will help you choose the perfect pair of running sunglasses that will make you feel unstoppable.
Quick Picks
UV Protection for Running Sunglasses
The main purpose of sunglasses is to both protect your eyes against harmful UV rays and help you to see better on your run. For this, we recommend buying a pair of sunglasses that block out at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
When out running, we also recommend a pair of wrap sunglasses that protect your eyes from all angles. This is because UV rays can hit your eye at any angle, so wrap sunglasses offer the best protection.
Lens Tints and Coatings
Sports sunglasses come in a range of different tints and coatings and are suitable for different running environments. Whether you run in the morning, evening, alongside water, or even in overcast or windy weather, there are a pair of sunglasses perfect for every condition. The main different types of lens tints include:
- Polarised tint – This type of tint is a good all-round lens that reduces glare and improves clarity of vision. Polarised lenses are ideal if you regularly run near water, as the lens will reduce glare on water, as well as cars and tarmac.
- Yellow tint – Many people think that dark sunglasses are the best for improving vision, but this is not always the case. Yellow lenses can help sharpen the clarity of your running environment. They are ideal for low-light conditions such as overcast days or around dusk as they filter out darker blue light.
- Dark tint – Dark tints play a similar role to yellow tinted glasses, as they can sharpen the appearance of your surroundings in particularly sunny or good weather.
- Clear tint – Although clear glasses are not necessarily a tint or coating, they can be beneficial for shielding your eyes from wind and debris in particularly dusty or urban areas.
- Mirror coating – This type of coating is particularly beneficial on extremely sunny days as the reflective surface will reflect light from your eyes and reduce glare. As well as being beneficial in generally sunny weather, mirror coated sunglasses are particularly good in wet or snowy conditions where light reflected off the snow or wet surface can create intense glare
Key Features for Running Sunglasses
While UV protection is vital, along with comfort and how well they protect your eyes, sunglasses have a lot of other features that should be considered - particularly if you are using them to run in. Each runner has different requirements and may not necessarily need all these features. However, it is good to take some of the following features into consideration:
- Anti-fogging lenses – This feature keeps a clear screen for your vision, ensuring your sight of the road ahead is not clouded or obstructed by fog or condensation on the lens.
- Scratch resistant – Having scratch resistant sunglasses for running may not be necessary for all running environments, but may be useful in particularly rough terrain such as cross country running.
- Changeable lenses – As mentioned, there are a whole variety of lenses, tints and coatings that are perfect for different running environments. Some sports sunglasses offer interchangeable lenses that can be switched out to suit your running environment. This feature allows you to use one frame for all environments, instead of owning a pair of sunglasses for every single running condition.
- Adjustable nose pads – Comfort is key when it comes to buying a good pair of running sunglasses, particularly for long distance running. Adjustable nose pads can be a vital feature to help you find the right fit that is comfortable to you.
- Lightweight frames – While sunglasses aren’t exactly going to weigh you down, some manufacturers develop lightweight frames to maximise comfort
Buy Running Sunglasses
Discounted Sunglasses stock a wide range of sports sunglasses from top brands like Nike and Oakley that are ideal for running. Our selection covers different tints and styles, including the wraparound style.
Take a look at our sports sunglasses section and use our filter options to find the right sunglasses for you.