Running & Jogging

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging

The Best Running Sunglasses

Protect your eyes with these running sunglasses

By Christine Luff, About.com

Updated July 12, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Protecting your eyes from the sun while you're running is important no matter what season it is. You can't go wrong with any of these top running sunglasses.

Adidas Gazelle Polarized Sunglasses

Adidas Gazelle SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Adidas Gazelle Polarized sunglasses are specifically designed with runners in mind. The ultra-light and flexible SPX frame features TRI.FIT temples that let you adjust the angle of the lenses and temples. An optional Rx insert can convert the Adidas Gazelle into prescription running sunglasses. The Quick-Change lens system allows you to change the lenses, based on conditions.
Compare Prices

Oakley Half Jacket Polarized Sunglasses

Oakley Half Jacket SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
Many runners swear by Oakley's top-selling Half Jacket running sunglasses. They offer the 100% UV protection that you need, and they're also comfortable and lightweight. Half Jackets also feature interchangeable lenses, so you can adapt them to different light conditions.
Compare Prices

Nike Odeon Sunglasses

Nike Odeon SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
Nike Odeon running sunglasses feature a rugged yet ultra-light frame with a lens design that minimizes fogging. The silicone nosepads are comfortable and will help prevent slippage. The high-impact, high-quality lenses are distortion-free and provide 100% UV protection.
Compare Prices

Rudy Project Rydon Sunglasses

Rudy Project Rydon SunglassesPhoto courtesy of Rudy Project
A favorite brand among runners, Rudy Project blends cutting-edge ergonomic features with advanced materials to create these super-lightweight, versatile, high performance sunglasses. The Rydon running sunglasses' Quick Change Technology allows a rapid lens replacement to adjust to any light condition (additional lenses sold separately). Another great feature is the sunglasses' no-slip nosepiece, which can be adjusted with two soft interchangeable, aerated Megol rubber pads for a perfect fit. The soft Megol temple end-pieces can be fully adjusted 360-degrees by applying gentle pressure for ultimate comfort without pinching.

Bolle Bolle Vigilante Sunglasses

Bolle Bolle Vigilante SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
The frames of Bolle Bolle's Vigilante running sunglasses are made of nylon, so they're lightweight and flexible. They also include rubber nose pads and temple tips to provide ultimate comfort and security while you're running. The sunglasses' polycarbonate lenses are also super lightweight and exceed ANSI requirements for UV protection. The scientifically engineered coating on the backside of the lens eliminates backside glare to reduce eye strain.
Compare Prices

Oakley Thump Pro 512MB MP3 Sunglasses

Oakley Thump Pro SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
If you love listening to music while you run, but hate those annoying dangling wires from your iPod, you may want to try these shades. With a built-in sound system, the Oakley Thump Pro Sunglasses brings 120 songs to your ears, while also providing UV protection for your eyes. These sunglasses weigh less than an iPod or MP3 and can play up to six hours of music on one battery charge. The lenses are impact-resistant and wrap around to provide optimal peripheral vision. The sound system is compatible with several music programs, including Windows Media Player, WinAMP, and iTunes. The sunglasses also come with a USB cable so you can download music from your computer.
Compare Prices

Smith Toaster Slider Sunglasses

Smith Toaster Slider SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Smith Toasters's lightweight frame and stylish design make it a popular choice for runners, especially those with smaller faces. Smith's interchangeable lens system utilizes distortion-free lenses to provide precise optical clarity and maximize coverage while minimizing peripheral exposure to sun, wind and glare.
Compare Prices

Adidas Shield Sunglasses

Adidas Shield SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Adidas Shield sunglasses feature polycarbonate, zero distortion polycarbonate lenses, zero distortion, as well as traction grip on the temples to prevent slippage. The completely rimless, one piece lens is sleek and stylish, making these running sunglasses perfect for wearing before and after your runs.
Compare Prices

Oakley Minute Sunglasses

Oakley Minute SunglassesPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Oakley Minute Sunglasses deliver wrap-around protection like big sunglasses, but they do it in a smaller package. These sunglasses are perfect if you have a smaller face and find that most running sunglasses are just too big on you. These stylish shades are a great choice for runners who want to wear their running sunglasses all day. The shatterproof Plutonite lenses have a glare-reducing Iridium coating and feature a tint that's ideal for bright conditions.
Compare Prices

Explore Running & Jogging

About.com Special Features

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Running & Jogging

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging
  4. Shoes/Apparel/Gear
  5. Top Running Sunglasses - The Best Running Sunglasses

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.