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We Tested the 12 Best Sports Sunglasses for Every Outdoor Activity

Game on, glare off

A person wearing sports sunglasses

Verywell Fit / Alexander Huang

Shielding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays while you're outside being active is important year-round. A good pair of sports sunglasses will also keep your eyes safe from impact and shield them from wind, dust, and other debris. When shopping for sports sunglasses, choose a pair that's durable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, says Nicole Lord, vice president of merchandising for Now Optics. Consider how and when you’ll be using them—polarization will reduce glare, for instance, while different lens colors can help you see better in sunny or low-light conditions.

To find the best sports sunglasses, we first spoke with running coaches and cycling coaches to learn which key features every pair should have. Then we tested a dozen frames in the real world, wearing them for around 70 hours total during various outdoor activities. We evaluated each pair's fit, performance, quality, features, and overall value. We also had an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, including what to look for in sports sunglasses, how they should fit, and whether they can boost your athletic performance.

Tip From the Pros

Never wipe your sunnies off with the hem of your shirt—this can cause scratches or smudges that may affect your visibility, says Lease.

Best Men's Overall

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses

Oakley Men's Oo9188 Flak 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
Pros
  • High-quality lenses

  • Durable

  • Lightweight and comfortable

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Plastic lens, acetate frame | Style: Half-frame | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

Oakley's Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses are one of our clear overall winners. We love that the lenses are built to enhance contrast and color for better views—plus, they're polarized to cut glare, reduce haze, and eliminate distortion. During our test, the lenses offered exceptional protection and clarity. The frames felt lightweight and comfortable, while grips on the nosepiece and at the temples kept them in place during sweaty runs (no sliding or bouncing here).

While they have a lightweight, flexible feel, these shades are very sturdy and performed well in our durability test. They also come with a hard zippered case to protect them when not in use. Overall, these sleek, sporty shades are ideal for golf and tennis, but they also work extremely well for walking, running, cycling, water sports, and other activities.

Potential Flaws

  • These sunnies are pricier than most of our other picks, but we think the additional cost is worth it based on how well they performed in our test.

Most Valuable Insight

“These sunglasses are very lightweight, and the contact points are made from a rubber-like material that does not slip when sweating. They have a snug fit, and, despite the smaller lens size, the glasses have great eye coverage.” —Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Women's Overall

Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Sunglasses

Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Wrap Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Shatterproof lenses

  • Rubber pieces grip better as you sweat

  • Vents for airflow

Cons
  • Low-profile lenses aren't as wide

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frame | Style: Wrap, half-frame | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

Our other best overall pick, Tifosi's Tyrant 2.0 Sunglasses, are a lightweight and sturdy option that's ideal for most of your outdoor pursuits. We love that they have a durable nylon frame, shatterproof lenses, and nose and ear pieces made from a comfortable hydrophilic rubber that increases grip as you sweat.

As for features, the polarized lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection from the sun's harmful rays and get lighter or darker, depending on the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to. These sunnies performed well during our sweat test, staying in place even on wet skin. Vents at the top of the lenses help increase airflow and prevent fogging. The glasses also come with a zippered shell case and cleaning bag, to protect your purchase.

Potential Flaws

  • These lenses aren't as wide, meaning they aren't as protective as some other pairs on our list.

Most Valuable Insight

“I really like the fit and lightweight feel of these glasses. They don't pinch my nose, and the arms don't feel too tight on my head, yet they stay in place and are bounce-free.” Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Running

Rudy Project Propulse Sports Sunglasses

RUDY PROJECT Propulse Sports Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Wide, wrap-around lenses

  • Ventilation at lenses and temples

  • Flexible arms

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Doesn’t come with a hard case

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses | Style: Wrap-around | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

Runners need sunglasses that offer excellent protection, but that can also go the distance without slipping, bouncing, or feeling too heavy. Designed for running, Rudy Project's Propulse Sports Sunglasses are our top pick whether you enjoy jogging around your neighborhood or long-distance running. During our test, they were easy to wear, even underneath a running visor. The soft, rubber nose piece and pliable arms provided a snug fit while keeping the shades in place.

We love that the wide, wrap-around lenses provide plenty of protection—more than some others we tested. Ventilation on the lenses and temples also helps prevent fogging and overheating, so you can run uninterrupted longer. Triathletes and marathon runners alike will appreciate their thoughtful design and high-quality construction.

Potential Flaws

  • These sunnies are pricier than some of our other top picks, although we think their runner-friendly features make them worth the investment.
  • Unlike other sunglasses on our list, these don't come with a protective case.

Most Valuable Insight

“These sunglasses are very lightweight and comfortable and provide excellent protection, especially on the periphery. They really block out the sun and wind but are also well ventilated to allow for cooling and to prevent fogging.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Cycling

Oakley Sutro Lite Sunglasses

Oakley Men's Oo9463 Sutro Lite Rectangular Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Excellent coverage

  • Can fit under bike helmets

  • Provide an unobstructed view

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Nylon and Unobtainium, Plutonite lenses | Style: Full frame | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

Our top pick for cyclists, we love Oakley's Sutro Lite Sunglasses because they're versatile, durable, and comfortable for long rides. They’re wide and tall enough to provide good protection from the sun and wind, but still streamlined enough to fit under a bike helmet. During testing, we noticed that the soft rubber nose piece, flexible arms, and lightweight feel makes these shades comfortable enough to wear during daily rides.

The lenses provide exceptional clarity, impact protection, and an unobstructed view—which is critical for riding. They also didn’t fog up during our sweat test. Like other Oakley sunglasses we tested, these shades are clearly built to last and can definitely take a beating. We recommend them for cyclists who value excellent performance and protection.

Potential Flaws

  • These are pricier than most of our other picks. But for avid cyclists, we think their safety features are tough to beat, making them well worth the additional cost.

Most Valuable Insight

“I was really impressed with the lenses and the contrast and clarity they produced. Plus, these sunglasses are really lightweight and comfortable, which is important for long bike rides.” —Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Small Faces

goodr Circle Gs Sunglasses

goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses

REI shop

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Grippy coating

  • Stylish

Cons
  • Comes with a soft-shell case

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate frame, Triacetate cellulose lenses | Style: Full frame | Anti-Fog: No

Why We Love Them

If you have trouble finding sports sunglasses that aren’t too wide for your face, we recommend goodr's Circle GS Polarized Sunglasses. We love that they have polarized lenses that block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, at a budget-friendly price. In testing, they never bounced, pinched, or felt too tight—a grippy coating keeps them in place, even as sweat drips down during a sweltering run.

We also found that the lenses provided a crisp, vibrant view and cut down on glare. If you frequently misplace your sports shades and like to have multiple pairs on hand, these sunglasses are a great option for stocking up. They’re also pretty sleek and can serve double-duty for casual wear.

Potential Flaws

  • We wish these came with a hard-shell case, instead of just a soft microfiber pouch.

Most Valuable Insight

“I have a small face, so I really appreciated the shape and size of these sunglasses. The size felt ‘just right’ for me, and I didn’t notice any bouncing, slipping, or uncomfortable tightness when I wore them.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Men's Budget

TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses

Polarized Sports Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Repel water and oils

  • Scratch-resistant, shatterproof lenses

  • Lifetime warranty

Cons
  • Don't have as many features

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Grilamid TR90 | Style: Wrap, rimless | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

Torege's Polarized Sports Sunglasses are budget-friendly and built to last. During testing, we immediately noticed that the frame felt lightweight and comfortable, and the rubber nose pads kept them in place even during long periods of wear. We love that the scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses provide crystal-clear views with no distortion. They also repel water and oils, which make them a solid choice for water sports or sweat-inducing activities.

Plus, these glasses are durable: We didn't find any scratches or signs of damage after we dropped them, and we noticed that the spring hinges on each arm are strong and flexible. With a lifetime warranty on the frames and lenses, you can be confident you're purchasing shades that are just as tough as they are effective. We're also impressed that they come with a hard, zippered case, which is unexpected at such a budget-friendly price point. If you’re looking for a versatile pair of high-performance shades, these are a great value.

Potential Flaws

  • These glasses don't have a ton of features that other running sunglasses do—but they come at a budget-friendly price point, which we think is a decent trade-off.

Most Valuable Insight

“Finally—a pair of running glasses that perform well and are versatile enough to wear casually. These glasses are lightweight and very flexible, with classic styling.” —Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Women's Budget

Tifosi Swank Sunglasses

Swank Sport Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Lay flat when folded

  • Scratch-resistant, polarized lenses

  • Stylish

Cons
  • Comes with a soft-shell case

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Grilamid TR-90 nylon frame, polycarbonate lens | Style: Full frame | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

Polarized lenses at a budget-friendly price? Enter Tifosi's Swank Sunglasses. These shades have a bounce-free fit, complete with rubber nose pads that prevent them from sliding down your nose (even when wet). We even noticed that they stay put when worn on top of your head or over a visor.

We love that these glasses boast durable, shatterproof, and scratch-resistant lenses, as well as 100% UVA/UVB protection. They also sailed through our durability test, and they're super stylish. We also found that they lay very flat when folded, a plus for those who like to stash their shades in a pocket or pouch during runs, hikes, or bike rides.

Potential Flaws

  • We wish these sunglasses came with a hard-shell case, so we could toss them in our go-to gym bags.

Most Valuable Insight

“I almost forgot that I had these on during my run! I also really like that they’re not very sporty-looking—I would definitely wear them casually.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Hiking

Smith Parallel 2 Polarized Sunglasses

Smith Parallel 2 Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Impact-resistant

  • Comes with two sets of lenses

  • Comes with two cases

Cons
  • Lenses may feel loose

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Polycarbonate, nylon | Style: Frameless | Anti-Fog: Yes

Why We Love Them

For a durable option that pairs well with your go-to hiking shoes, we recommend Smith's Parallel 2 Unisex Polarized Sunglasses. During our test, the polarized lenses offered exceptional visibility and clarity, which proved to be a huge asset when hiking on technical trails. We also love that these frames come with two sets of impact-resistant, interchangeable lenses, so you can switch them out based on conditions and terrain.

We appreciated the sunglasses’ lightweight feel and snug, comfortable fit in testing, making these a nice choice for all-day wear. They're also resistant to fogging and performed well during our sweat test. As for durability, the glasses made it through our drop test without a scratch and feel like they would hold up for long-term use. They also come with a hard zippered case and a soft microfiber pouch to keep them protected when you're not wearing them.

Potential Flaws

  • Since the lenses are interchangeable, some wearers have found that they can feel a little loose in the frames.

Most Valuable Insight

“I really like the lightweight feel and sleek, modern look of these sunglasses. They’re also extremely comfortable and come with two sets of interchangeable lenses, so they’re a nice choice for all-day activities such as hiking, where you may be dealing with changing conditions.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Tennis

Duduma Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Duduma Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Lenses enhance colors

Cons
  • No anti-fog coating

  • May be too small for some

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Polycarbonate frames, plastic lenses | Style: Half-frame | Anti-Fog: No

Why We Love Them

Tennis players need sunglasses that have good protection and clarity, but will also stay securely in place. Bounce-free and lightweight, Duduma's TR8116 Sports Polarized Sunglasses are an asset on the court, and we love their budget-friendly price tag. During our test, the sunglasses’ polarized lenses cut down on glare while also enhancing colors, making it easy to spot a tennis ball soaring over the net.

We were also impressed by the shades’ comfortable fit and grip, noting that they stayed put during a sweaty tennis session. Although we noticed that the lenses did fog up a little from moisture, they cleared up fairly quickly. In general, these versatile shades are a good value and deserve a spot in your courtside arsenal.

Potential Flaws

  • The budget-friendly price means that these shades lack some extra features, like an anti-fog coating.
  • We noticed that they're on a smaller side, so they may be too narrow for people with wide faces.

Most Valuable Insight

“For such an affordable price, I was impressed by the quality and durability of these sunglasses. The polarization is top-notch, and the lenses offer good clarity and protection for playing tennis.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Skiing

Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses

Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses

REI Shop

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Side shades block glare, wind, and snow

  • Sleek, stylish design

  • Perforated for ventilation

Cons
  • Some lens types are very dark

  • No anti-fog coating

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Triacetate cellulose lenses, recycled polycarbonate frame | Style: Full frame | Anti-Fog: No

Why We Love Them

If you prefer to wear shades for skiing and other snow sports, Sunski's Treeline Polarized Sunglasses are our top pick. The minute we opened the box, we were impressed by their cool design. What sets them apart from other shades on our list are Sunski’s Magni-Snap Sidekicks—plastic side shades that shield your eyes from glare, wind, and snow without blocking your peripheral vision. These side screens are perforated with tiny holes for ventilation, and they detach easily when you want to wear the glasses casually.

During our test, the Treeline's rubber nose pads felt comfortable and really kept the sunglasses in place. They also fit nicely under a helmet, hat, or visor—making them a great alternative to goggles, which can be bulky. With a sleek silhouette, these sunnies can easily go from the slopes to après ski drinks at the lodge. We also like that they come with a zippered case to protect them when you need to stash them in your pocket or bag.

Potential Flaws

  • We noted that the Forest lenses are very dark, so they might not be ideal for wearing in cloudy conditions.
  • For the price, we wish these sunnies had an anti-fog coating.

Most Valuable Insight

“I like that they aren’t flimsy and feel very durable. The side screens are a really effective feature and helped to block out light and debris, but they didn’t affect my peripheral vision at all.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Fishing

Knockaround Torrey Pines Polarized Sunglasses

Knockaround Torrey Pines Polarized Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Comfortable

  • Impact-resistant

Cons
  • Heavy

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 99-100% | Materials: Polycarbonate lens and frame | Style: Full frame | Anti-Fog: No

Why We Love Them

When you’re fishing, a high-quality pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes and cut down on the glare. During our test, Knockaround's Torrey Pines Polarized Sunglasses proved to be a comfortable, high-performance option for all-day wear on the water. The extra-wide, impact-resistant lenses provide plenty of coverage without being too bulky. We also like that the arms have spring hinges, for a little give.

The glasses offered a comfortable, snug fit without feeling constricting. During our test, these glasses did an excellent job of blocking bright sunlight and reducing glare. Overall, we like them for fishing, boating, or a day at the beach—and, with a budget-friendly price, you won’t feel too guilty if you accidentally drop them in the water.

Potential Flaws

  • These sunglasses are a bit heavier than some others we tested, so we don't recommend them for running or cycling.

Most Valuable Insight

"I was impressed with the clarity and quality of the lenses. I wouldn’t expect polarization at such an inexpensive price." —Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Kids

Duco Kids Sunglasses

DUCO Sports Polarized Kids Sunglasses

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
Pros
  • Block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays

  • Durable and flexible

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • May start to slip when wet

Key Specs

Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: 100% | Materials: Thermoplastic Elastomer frame, triacetate lenses | Style: Full frame | Anti-Fog: No

Why We Love Them

Whether your kids are playing at the beach or on the baseball field, Duco's Kids Sunglasses can protect their eyes from harmful rays, as well as from sand, dirt, and other debris. The polarized lenses block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays and did an excellent job of reducing glare during our test.

The sunglasses are impact- and scratch-resistant, with a flexible rubber frame that's perfect for active kids who can be rough on their gear. Our 13-year-old tester was impressed by how well the glasses fit and held up during testing. The arms are flexible enough to hold up to bending and pulling, and we love that you get a hard, zippered case with your purchase for better storage and protection.

Potential Flaws

  • During testing, we noticed that these sunnies slipped a little when they got wet.

Most Valuable Insight

“I thought they did a good job in bright sunlight. I could see clearly, and they felt comfortable.” —Brendan Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Compare

Fit Performance Quality Value Features
Oakley Men's Oo9188 Flak 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
Best Men's Overall:
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses
4.5 5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Wrap Sunglasses
Best Women's Overall:
Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Sunglasses
5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
RUDY PROJECT Propulse Sports Sunglasses
Best for Running:
Rudy Project Propulse Sports Sunglasses
5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Oakley Men's Oo9463 Sutro Lite Rectangular Sunglasses
Best for Cycling:
Oakley Sutro Lite Sunglasses
4.5 4 4.5 4.5 4
goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses
Best for Small Faces:
goodr Circle Gs Sunglasses
4.5 4 4 4.5 4
Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Best Men's Budget:
TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses
4.5 4.5 4 4.5 4
Swank Sport Sunglasses
Best Women's Budget:
Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4
Smith Parallel 2 Sunglasses
Best for Hiking:
Smith Parallel 2 Polarized Sunglasses
5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Duduma Sports Polarized Sunglasses
Best for Tennis:
Duduma Sports Polarized Sunglasses
4.5 4.5 4 4 4
Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses
Best for Skiing:
Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses
4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4
Knockaround Torrey Pines Polarized Sunglasses
Best for Fishing:
Knockaround Torrey Pines Polarized Sunglasses
4 4.5 4 4 4
DUCO Sports Polarized Kids Sunglasses
Best for Kids:
Duco Kids Sunglasses
4.5 4 4 4.5 4

What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Sunglasses

  • Fit: Lord notes that well-fitting sunnies won't move, slide down, or leave marks on your face when you take them off. And the lenses shouldn’t have contact with your cheeks—this can be uncomfortable and may lead to fogging.
  • Shape: Sports sunglasses come in wraparound, full-frame, half-frame, and rimless styles. Some pairs are better-suited for certain faces, notes Stephen Lease, CEO and co-founder of goodr sunglasses. Also, consider how your sunglasses will pair with your other equipment, says Lord: "Straight temples allow a seamless fit with a helmet."
  • Material: For all-day wear, you’ll want sunnies that are lightweight and comfortable. If you plan to wear your shades during intense activities, opt for durable materials, like shatterproof plastic. Pro tip: Non-slip rubber on the nosepiece will prevent them from sliding down.
  • Coating: Your sunglasses should provide 100% protection from harmful UV radiation, to prevent eye diseases and other kinds of damage. Polarized lenses help reduce glare and haze, making them a good choice for water sports, golf, and tennis. Anti-fog and water-resistant coatings are also nice to have.
  • Lenses: Different-colored can improve visibility under certain conditions. Gray lenses are ideal for bright, sunny days. Yellow and orange tints enhance contrast in low-light or overcast conditions. Brown lenses reduce glare while improving your visual acuity and depth perception, making them a great choice for cycling and golf, according to Lord.

How We Tested the Sports Sunglasses

To find the best sports sunglasses, we've tested a dozen options from popular, trusted brands for around 70 hours. As we wear them during our workouts and daily routines, we evaluate each pair based on the following criteria:

  • Fit: When we first try the sunglasses on, we note which style they are and how well they fit. Are they comfortable, and do they fit our faces well? Do they need adjusting, or do they sit straight on our noses?
  • Performance: We wear the sunnies casually and during workouts that match their recommended use (like runs and outdoor bike rides). Do they effectively shade our eyes from the sun and reduce glare? Do they block wind, dust, and debris? We also spritz our faces with water to simulate sweat—this helps us test the sunglasses' grip and comfort.
  • Quality: Throughout the testing period, we consider how high-quality the sunglasses feel. We also perform a durability test by dropping the sunglasses from waist height onto pavement, examining each pair for any scratches or cracks. We take points off if the sunglasses show significant signs of wear and tear by the end of the testing period.
  • Features: Are the sunglasses polarized? Does the brand claim they have any other special features, like an anti-fog or water-resistant coating? If so, we make sure to test these claims.
  • Overall Value: To rate each pair's value, we don't check the price until the end of the testing period, after we've evaluated it in all other categories. Based on how well the sunglasses performed, do we think they're priced fairly? We also consider whether we'd recommend them to a friend or family member.

Our Experts

We spoke to experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Lord, explained why wearing sports sunglasses can be beneficial and taught us how they should fit. Although we choose products independently, advice from experts influences our decisions.

  • Nicole Lord, vice president of merchandising for Now Optics
  • Stephen Lease, CEO and co-founder of goodr sunglasses

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be good investments for her readers.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

Sarah Felbin is a writer and editor who’s always diving into the latest health and fitness research. With over 20 years of dance experience, she knows how important it is to find gear that helps you look, feel, and perform your best.

1 Source
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Alebrahim MA, Bakkar MM, Al Darayseh A, et al. Awareness and knowledge of the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the eyes and the relevant protective practices: A cross-sectional study from Jordan. Healthcare. 2022;10(12):2414.