When it comes to add-on running gears, sunglasses are essential. If running for long periods in summers is your thing then you need to keep your eyes safe from the adverse effects of UV rays. This is where best running sunglasses for women come in to play.
Now don’t get too serious about the thing that sunlight is going to influence us in a way that it does to vampires that we are going to sizzle up. We are talking about prolonged running times. If you are planning to run for long and continuous basis then you need to protect yourself from sunlight in the long run. Other than UV protection, these sunglasses also keep those heartbreaking under eye wrinkles at a distance. They also prevent dirt and dust to enter your eyes. Then there is sand on the beach and bugs in the summer. There are so many things from which running sunglasses can keep your eyes safe.
Let’s find out what are the best running sunglasses available.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Running Sunglasses 2019
- 2 How to Choose the Best Running Sunglasses
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Running Sunglasses 2019
| Model | Ultraviolet protection | Lens Tint |
|---|---|---|
| RIVBOS Sunglasses | Yes | Polarized, Mirror Lens |
| Rudy Project’s Defender | Yes | Photochromic Lens |
| BLUPOND Sports Sunglasses | Yes | Polarized Titan's – Colored Lenses |
| Halsey Sunglasses | Yes | Polarized, Non-Polarized Lens |
| Julbo Aerolite | Yes | Photochromic & Spectron Lens |
| Penrose Desert Sunglasses | Yes | Non-Polarized Lens |
| Under-Armour Igniter 2.0 | Yes | Plastic, Non-Polarized Lens |
| Costa Polarized Glasses | Yes | Plastic, Polarized Lens |
| Tifosi Wisp | Yes | Polycarbonate, Non-Polarized Lens |
| Sunskis Dipsea | Yes | Polarized Lenses |
1. RIVBOS Sunglasses
Are you searching for a trendy and elegant pair of polarized sunglasses? If yes, then RIVBOS presents the best sports and running sunglasses with remarkable lens clarity. It will protect your eyes from harmful rays during outdoor activities.
The Company uses premium quality material to present a lightweight, durable, stylish eyewear, which has mirror coating and TAX polarized lens. Additionally, it filters the sunlight and protects your eyes from harmful lights as well as it restores the true colors.
RIVBOS particularly designed the running sunglasses that can also be used for all kind of adventures like snowboarding, tennis, golf skiing, motorcycle driving, fishing, and other activities. The lens of the glasses gives reliable protection to your eyes from wind, dust, UB, UV, and insects. This is ideal anti-reflective sunglasses remove the scattered and reflected lights.
Your purchase comes with whole accessories set. These include a pair of glasses, a reliable hard case with a buckle, a cleaning pouch and a cloth, polarized test-card, a head wrap, and an instructing leaflet. Furthermore, the buckle allows you to attach the RIVBOS sunglasses with your belt. A cleaning pouch or a cloth is made of soft material that easily cleans your glasses lens for a clear view.
In some specific places, you will feel the blurred lens that is not showing you a perfect and clear view. For example, some users experienced blurred lenses on the beach due to water and dust as well as others faced blurred lens during jet skiing. Additionally, the manufacturer has used cheap plastic material that presents a non-flexible frame.
Pros
- The tac-polarized lens provides UVA, UVC, and UVB protection as well as protects you from harmful more than 400nm blue light.
- It is accessible in eleven colors that give trendy, cool, and nice look to wear.
- You can use the RIVBOS sunglasses for all outdoor activities because it removes scattered and reflected light to protect your eyes perfectly.
- The unbreakable shatterproof PC material presents the more durable and versatile.
- The company provides you a breakage lifetime warranty on lens and frames.
Cons
- Lens become blurred in some certain places for example in the jet skiing and beach.
- The cheap plastic material lower downs the quality and flexibility of the frame.
2. Rudy Project’s Defender
Rudy Project’s Defender Sunglasses are definitely the best running sunglasses to choose if you wish to have an elegant, durable and, stylish pair of sunglasses. The Defender is a promising pair of sunglasses which never fails to provide style and comfort all in one product.
The Rudy Project’s Defender features a wide range of lenses which can be bought and customized separately. The most popular lens used with this pair is the Impact X2 red photochromic lens which is extremely durable and offers a lot of clarity of vision. These lenses are also curved in a way to cover the entire viewing angle of the eye.
These photochromic lenses are ideal for all conditions. You don’t have to worry about the cloudy weather or sunshine with them. They can be used for both sunny and overcast weather which makes it very versatile as well as reliable. Another major plus point for this product is that it is completely resistant to misting.
You might be wondering that sunglasses may not be the reliable option as they can fell off and crashed while running. The Rudy Project’s Defender provides a small and soft piece of rubber which acts as a cushion at the bottom. This cushioning prevents any and all breaking of the lens in case there is a crash.
Apart from the good things, we did feel that the adjustable nose cushion and the overall frame were a bit brittle and they could break easily. The manufacturers have definitely done a marvelous job creating this pair of sunglasses as they are fully customizable. But, the customizable parts of the sunglasses are brittle and liable to break in the event of a crash or just clumsy handling.
Pros
- The lenses are extremely durable.
- The photochromic Impact X2 lens is perfect for all kinds of weather conditions.
- It provides you with a safe option of a small rubber cushion at the bottom of the lens.
- This product is somewhat customizable.
- The frame is sleek and stylish and not too overdone.
Cons
- The frame on the Defender is brittle and liable to breakage
3. BLUPOND Sports Sunglasses
The BLUPOND Sunglasses pride themselves on providing versatility and durability. This pair of sunglasses can be used for various purposes. Whether you’re going out cycling, running or even going to a shooting range to try out that new weapon, this pair of sunglasses will prove to be the best out there.
The TAC Semi Polarized Titan’s Colored Lenses are very durable and offer clarity from fog distortion as well as blurry night vision. The top notch quality lens provides so much clarity and safety that it’s difficult to find a better or equal match for this lens.
These sunglasses are specially designed to block out harmful light from the sun as the semi polarized material acts as a filter for such light. The BLUPOND also features a Light-Neutralizing feature that basically allows you to expand your field of vision. This can prove to be very helpful in case your eyesight is generally weak and you struggle to see places or objects that are far off.
These lenses can protect your eyes against the harsh UV light from the sun and all the while fending off unwanted glare from the sun. The frames on this product are durable and safe for use. You can rest assured knowing that the frames are made from the highest quality of metal available.
The rubberized support system for added comfort and security is another major feature as it allows you to wear these sunglasses for hours without causing any discomfort to you.
Style is another factor which is very important while looking for sunglasses and we feel that this product lacks in its looks whereas it excels in its features and durability.
Pros
- The rubberized security system provides comfort and security.
- You can wear them for hours.
- Special lens provides protection from UV light.
- They offer a wider range of vision.
- The BLUPOND is durable as it is made from high-quality metals.
- It boasts a shatterproof polycarbonate lens.
Cons
- The style and design of this pair of sunglasses is not one which appeals a lot.
4. Halsey Sunglasses
Roka’s Halsey sunglasses made it in our list of top picks due to their great sense of chic style and comfort. Not only are these sunglasses stylish, but they are also versatile due to the high-end lenses used with these sunglasses. You can use these sunglasses anywhere, even if you are not on a run too and just want to wear them casually.
These sunglasses feature ridges on the ends of the frame to support them behind your ear. This provides extra comfort and reduces the chances of it falling off. You can also think of this as a security feature which doesn’t allow the sunglasses to fall and break easily. So no matter how much sweat you generate or how vigorously you move, these sunglasses will not come off very easily.
The Roka Halsey also prides itself on being extremely lightweight as it is designed to keep comfort in mind. Nobody likes to run a mile with heavy sunglasses as it can become extremely frustrating. The frames are carefully manufactured from lightweight material in order to keep you comfortable.
The C3 lenses used with these sunglasses are durable and remarkably safe to use as well. They are made from a polycarbonate material and are semi polarized to fend off harmful UV light from the sun. These lenses are optimal for all kinds of weather, be it sunny or overcast weather. You will never feel like the weather is taking a toll on your sight with these glasses.
The Roka Halsey does not offer a wider range of vision due to its casual looks. While this may not be a disadvantage altogether, we do feel that this may cause some problems as a wider range is needed when running or biking.
Pros
- The lenses are made to be optimal for any kind of weather.
- A protective coating on the lenses and polarization provides protection from glares and UV rays
- This pair of sunglasses is made to be lightweight.
- The Geko fit offers extra comfort and reduces chances of them falling off.
- They have a stylish design and frame.
Cons
- There’s no wide range of vision with these sunglasses.
5. Julbo Aerolite
The Julbo Aerolite Sunglasses are unique in a way that makes them suitable for runners with a smaller face. The Aerolite is derived from the aero model which offers a comfortable fit with more ventilation and a great amount of freedom.
The frames of the Julbo Aerolite sunglasses are made from premium quality materials. The materials used in manufacturing the frame are light in weight and offer a lot of versatility and durability. The frames are designed in a way that they provide proper ventilation to anyone who wears it.
One of the best features of these sunglasses is the photochromic lens. The photochromic lens is a very beneficial feature for people who like to jog or run in areas where there is some tree shade. While running underneath tree shade, these glasses will clear up and provide clarity as shadows can be particularly dark and difficult to steer through. However, as soon as you step into the sunlight, these lenses will automatically darken to protect the eyes from the glares and UV light.
If you happen to be a marathon runner or an ultra runner, then these will prove to be the best. This is because they are so lightweight and comfortable; you will never notice you are wearing sunglasses even if you tend to bound around a little.
One major downside to the Julbo Aerolite Sunglasses is that there aren’t a lot of lens options available for this pair of sunglasses that can make them undesirable as they can’t be properly customized as some would like them to be.
Pros
- The Julbo Aerolite is light in weight and extremely durable.
- It features a photochromic lens which is perfect for areas with both shades as well as sunlight.
- They are barely noticeable when you are running.
- The ultra-lightweight and sleek design of the Aerolite is perfect for all kinds of runners.
- It offers a lot of clarity even in foggy conditions.
Cons
- They don’t offer a lot of lens options.
6. Penrose Desert Sunglasses
Whether you are looking for running sunglasses to run in a block or you want to run for a long time, Penrose Desert Tort is a great choice for you. Normal sunglasses only protect your eyes from the UV rays; Penrose Desert Tort Sunglasses gives you UV protection up to nM. This is 4X more than a normal pair of sunglasses.
Moreover, the N3 lens technology of the sunglasses blocks the glare from your eyes. Because of this technology, sunglasses give you natural visibility. These sunglasses prevent the reflections coming from the sun.
The lens of the sunglasses has the ability to hold back the high-intensity rays of light. If you are looking for the sunglasses to reduce the glare of the sun and have an optimal amount of clarity, these sunglasses are right for you.
These sunglasses are sturdy and lightweight. No matter what the weather condition is, you can wear these sunglasses all day long.
The cushion nose pad makes the sunglasses light enough to wear with ease and comfort. You don’t feel the pressure on the nose. You can set the glasses on your face and even forget about wearing them. It won’t leave any sore scar on your nose.
The best thing is that they come in a perfect fit. You won’t feel that they are too tight or too loose. While running for miles, you don’t even have to worry about the sunglasses falling down.
The Cam-Action Hinges allow the sunglasses to remain on the face no matter where you wear them. However, they are not too smooth. The hinges are also not durable enough. There is room for improvement.
Pros
- Stylish and unique design.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Comfortable grip gives you great performance.
- Protect your eyes from the UV rays of the sun 4X better than normal sunglasses.
- The nose pad makes it comfortable for you to wear the sunglasses.
Cons
- The hinges of the sunglasses are not too smooth. It is not easy for you to open and close the sunglasses.
7. Under-Armour Igniter 2.0
Under-Armour Igniter 2.0 is the perfect pair for aggressive women runners. They offer you all the amazing features you are looking for in particular sunglasses to have an accurate vision while running.
The lightweight frame of these sunglasses is titanium infused. Because of the polycarbonate and titanium infusion, Under Armour claims that these sunglasses are durable and unbreakable.
The hinges of the sunglasses are cushioned which makes it easier for you to open with ease. They have the ability to absorb the shock of the opening and closing of the sunglasses. The hinges don’t make the sunglasses to lose or too tight.
Under Armour Igniter protects your eyes from the UVA, UBA and UVC rays. You are able to maintain a healthy eye vision by wearing these sunglasses while running. These sunglasses protect the wearer from excessive heat of the sun. They also protect your eyes from the debris and delinquent wind.
These sunglasses are made from ArmourSight lenses. This feature is top-of-the-line because it gives you an enhanced vision. No matter where you are going or how long you want to run, these sunglasses give you the clarity and protection you desire.
Everything about these sunglasses is just amazing except for the plastic frame. The frame is not made from good quality material. Moreover, the sunglasses don’t block the light of the sun to a great extent. It might affect your running performance.
Pros
- These sunglasses make you unstoppable while running because they deliver you excellent clarity.
- Cushioned hinges for easy opening and closing.
- Extremely comfortable on the nose and the temple.
- The quality of the sunglasses is excellent.
- The sleek design makes the sunglasses look stylish and light-weight.
Cons
- The plastic frame is not up to the mark.
8. Costa Polarized Glasses
These sunglasses are designed to provide everything a running enthusiast woman wants. If you love to explore the outside world when the sun is bright, this pair of sunglasses is what you need. They give you complete protection from the sun.
These sunglasses come with an ability to prevent the UV rays from your eyes. They are even better for women who have sensitive eyes. They give you ultimate performance and utmost clarity even on the brightest day of the sun.
If you are looking for sunglasses with a lightweight frame to wear all day long, these sunglasses are the perfect choice for you. Not only you can wear them while running but you can even wear them when you go out fishing with your friends.
The lens of the glasses is green mirrored that prevents the strong glare of the sun. They give you an enhanced vision in different environments. They give you a high-contrast vision in the full sun so you are able to see everything clearly.
All in all, these sunglasses allow you to enjoy your run and live freely while staying in the sun.
However, if you have a small face, they would look too big on your face.
Pros
- They give you a distortion-free vision in the brightest light of the sun.
- You can wear these glasses to have a clear vision.
- The lightweight design of the glasses doesn’t put much stress on your nose and temple.
- They come with an effective UV filter which protects your eyes from the bad rays of the sun.
- Suitable for extended daywear because of their comfortable fit.
Cons
- They won’t fit well if you have a slender face shape.
9. Tifosi Wisp
The Tifosi Wisp sunglasses are interchangeable glasses. You can switch between multiple lenses according to the weather and your surroundings. They are a great choice for outdoor use while running, jogging and hiking.
There are 3 interchangeable lenses that come with sunglasses. These are the smoke and brown lenses, these are best for use in sunny climates, especially on a clear day when the sun is high and intense. It also has a clear lens. This is suitable for areas where lighting is low since it helps to reduce any interference of the already limited lighting.
And the 3rd lens is the AC Red lens. This is a quality lens that has been designed to use in overcast weather. This means that whether it is rain or sunshine, these glasses have got you covered.
They have a solid construction of Grilamid TR-90 frame. This makes it strong, resilient and highly durable. It is even resistant to water, chemical and UV damage. The lenses are shatterproof. So this means that you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.
These sunglasses have a lens that includes a glare guard. This helps to reduce any eye fatigue or any eye damage from direct sunlight. It also has a hydrophilic rubber nose piece and that the glasses are even adjustable at the temples. What more could we possibly want?
The packaging for these sunglasses also includes a zipped, hardcover and a cleaning bag that makes it easier to carry around safely in your purse or bag.
On the downside, the lens peeve is quite small and can be a little uncomfortable to wear.
Pros
- Grilamid frame gives it strength and durability
- Interchangeable lenses make them suitable for all weather conditions.
- Come with 100% UV protection
- Comes with a hard case for safe storage
- Has a hydrophilic rubber nose piece
Cons
- While the sides are adjustable, they may still be a little lost
10. Sunskis Dipsea
The Sunskis Dipsea Tortoise Sunglasses come with a lifetime warranty. This means that as long as you the damage is due to normal wear and tear, Sunskis has got you covered.
The sunglasses have a temple width of 139mm, this points to an ample with that will keep your temple snug while you workout. The nose bridge width of 10mm makes sure that the glasses remain secured to your nasal bridge and don’t bounce while you run or jog.
The lenses include solid polarization. This helps to keep your eyes safe from any harmful rays. The lenses are an aqua mirror and may have a grayish tint.
The package includes, along with the Sunskis Sunglasses, a crafted carrying case. This case helps you keep your glasses safe when you aren’t wearing them. It also helps to protect them from any mechanical damage while they’re in your bag or purse.
Not only this, the sunglasses come with a microfiber cleaning pouch; this pouch contains the essentials for cleaning your sunglasses, wherever and whenever.
The style for these Sunskis is very unique and gives you a very different and fun look. What makes them even better is that they are highly durable, so that you don’t have to worry about accidental fell off and crash. They come in recyclable packaging. This makes them safe for the environment as well.
They are also very light so that you barely realize that you’re wearing them, despite that, they are firm enough that they grip your face and don’t slide off when you start getting sweaty.
Last but not least, you need to be very careful with them around chemicals
Pros
- UV protection
- Highly durable and comfortable design
- They are incredibly light but comfortably snug
- They come with a carrying case and a cleaning pouch
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- May not be water and chemical resistant.
How to Choose the Best Running Sunglasses
There is a huge variety of running sunglasses available for women with different designs shapes, sizes, and colors to match all your needs and requirements. The options are so many that buying the best pair of sunglasses can easily become an eschewing job because you don’t know where to start.
For this reason, we have highlighted some of the important features that you much consider before buying. Let’s have a brief look at each one of them.
1. Ultraviolet protection
This is one of the primary reasons why you need a pair of sunglasses in the first place. Therefore, the UV protection needs to be there in the pair which you are considering to buy.
Your sunglasses need to block out the sun entirely. You need to look for sunglasses with UVA/UVB 98% sun protection. All good quality sunglasses will have this rating. This is going to be a very beneficial feature if you have very sensitive eyes as well. In addition to that, you’ll need those wraparound styled sunglasses. Your eyes will remain safe entirely not partially.
2. Frame shape and design
It is needless to say that your sunglasses should be lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear. They should fit snug as well because you are going to run and they need to stay on your face no matter what you do.
Sunglasses sliding down the noses; is a very discomforting feeling during runs. If you focus on speed a lot then this discomfort will prevent you from reaching your goals. If you run fast your sunglasses will slide down and fall off. Therefore, it is very important for you to invest in a pair that is made of good quality.
You need to see whether your head is round, oval, square or heart and then buy a suitable frame accordingly. Moreover, you can find wrap around, total covers, curved wraps, panoramic and curved temple sunglasses. There are so many styles available to match your face.
3. Lens Tint
Lens tint can prove to be helpful in different weather conditions. Tints provide your vision with the clarity you can either go for dark/color, polarized or mirror.
- Polarized
Polarized tints are slightly expensive as compared to other tints but they do worth the extra cost. These tints can provide you with a bit of improved visual experience during running. This tint reduces glare and sharpens clarity. If you are serious about running and want to clock some mileage then this is the tint you need to go for.
- Dark/color
The dark color tint will make the surrounds a lot more vivid. If you don’t choose polarized then you need this tint for running off-road. If you are choosing between clear or color/dark tint then go for the latter.
- Mirror
If you live in parts where most of the times it’s sunny then you need to go for the mirror tint. The external side of the lens will reflect the sun rays because it has a mirror coating.
4. Weight
This is a no brainer. When you choose a pair of running sunglasses they need to be extremely lightweight. For this reason, all of the running sunglasses are lightweight. But weight will not be a major factor if your pair snug fits well.
However, with that being said some companies also make sunglasses that are extremely lightweight. These sunglasses aim at eradicating the feel of wearing them altogether. But you need to keep one thing in mind that if your pair is not comfortable to wear then being lightweight doesn’t make any sense at all.
5. Durability
Another one of the important features for you to consider is durability. Sports gear needs to be durable because they have to cater to plenty of wear and tear over time. Manufacturers of sunglasses use different types of protective coatings to ensure that these sunglasses can last for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning VLT and what does it do?
VLT means visible light transmission and it is the amount of light that passes through the lenses of an eyepiece to your eyes. You can measure it by the thickness of a lens. Various VLT percentages work for various conditions.
0% to 19% VLT is best for bright and sunny conditions. 20% to 40% VLT is good for regular use while 40% to 80% VLT is excellent for overcast, low light or cloudy conditions. The lenses with 80% to 90% VLT work well at night or dark conditions.
2. Is there any difference between running, glacier and sport sunglasses?
Running sunglasses are for everyday use. These pairs will block the sun rays during your run. On the other hand, glacier sunglasses are suitable for protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare from the snow. The specialized sunglasses will seem to take a lot out of your pocket but will provide you with plenty of value over time.
3. What’s a hydrophobic coating and what’s its purpose?
A hydrophobic coating can keep the wick away and it will keep the moisture off your sunglasses. If you sweat a lot then the pairs with such a coating will be a blessing in disguise. Sweat can make your glasses slip when you are doing the activity and this can be very irritating. Hydrophobic coating can ease things out for you because it won’t let moisture to halt your performance.
4. Can anti-fog and anti-scratch feature prove to be helpful?
These two coatings can also prove to be beneficial. Anti-scratch features will make your sunglasses last very long and they enhance the durability factor of your pair. Anti-fog coatings will be useful if you do a lot of running in humid conditions. These two features will make your pair very expensive but will add plenty of value as well.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, running sunglasses can work extremely well for you to keep your eyes safe when you go for long runs. There are different types of running sunglasses that you can choose according to your preferences and the conditions in which you run. For us, the winner is RIVBOS Sunglasses. These running sunglasses embrace various features that can turn out to be very useful and improve overall performance and longevity.
One thing that we must mention here is that specialized sunglasses do come at a higher price. But they also deliver maximum value by keeping your eyes safe from various elements. If you are also planning for those prolonged running regimes then make sure that you have invested in the right eyewear.
Time to sprint!
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