You could be forgiven for thinking running sunglasses are pure aesthetics. Don't get us wrong: we understand the need to look good. Especially when the accessory in question can cover your pained, sweaty face in the latter stages of your run.
Do not be mistaken, though, these are an utterly crucial tool. A good pair can help you see better, worry less about dust or dirt and keep you from squinting or straining your eyes.
Quality sunglasses that are specifically designed for running are also tested for comfort, meaning they should stay glued to your face, allowing you to put in the hard work without worrying about slippage or bounce.
Below, we run through our top picks for you to consider. We've tried to pick a pair for every budget, as well as ensuring that all of the glasses claim to offer 100% UV protection.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a pair that'll work well in the bike and run, take a look at our reviews of the best triathlon sunglasses.
Best running sunglasses
Koo Nova
- £190 / $220
Like the Sungod Ultras, the Novas have been designed for trail runners but they coped very well across both cycling and running.
The lens offers more than adequate coverage, keeping any wind and dust at bay.
Clarity is also good, and the photochromatic tech allows you to wear them in a range of lighting conditions, though regular tinted competitors here fare a little better in bright, direct sunshine.
While comfortable, I found the fit around the nose to be looser than I'd like, even after switching nose pieces. Of course, fit is subjective.
I also found the arms to be rather long, so they clashed with one of my helmets, but this will likely depend on what helmet you wear.
I'm a fan of the style, but would love a hard case to be included, too.
Verdict: Stylish and great lens, but for this price we want perfection.
Score: 80%
Weight: 21g
Visible light transmission: 11.5-73%
Special features: Super lightweight, photochromatic lenses, hydrophobic coating
Sungod Ultras
- £190 / $230
As the Ultras are designed especially for runners, the lens isn’t quite as ‘oversized’ as some others on the market that also target other sports.
Despite that, I found the size and shape more than adequate to offer decent coverage against wind, bugs and sunshine.
These sunglasses are available with multiple different lenses, but I opted for the 8KO Iris Smoke, a photochromatic option slated to adjust to light conditions.
In practice the lens looks see-through, but it promises a VLT of between 16-43%.
In testing, it offered adequate protection in most conditions, though with bright, direct light ahead of me I did find myself squinting slightly. In all other conditions, clarity and protection are excellent.
Fit was also exceptional, feeling secure throughout run testing (and even a few rides, too), while there are four nose bridges to choose from for an optimum fit.
Verdict: A high price, but for that you get high-quality performance.
Score: 85%
Weight: 26g
Visible light transmission: 16-43%
Special features: Photochromatic lens, multiple nose bridges
Oakley Radar EV Path
- £183 / $221
We live at a time when oversized lenses are more and more common in running sunglasses, but there still is a place for smaller optics, particularly if larger options don't suit your face shape.
The Radar EV Path sunglasses fall into the latter category and, despite being using a slimmed down lens, there's decent coverage while running.
Vents at the top help fend off any fogging, while the Prizm Sapphire lens featured here helped create a more vibrant picture and made details on the road or trail a little easier to pick out in a hurry.
The category three lens has 12% VLT (visible light transmission), which means it dealt with bright light well, but things can get a bit dark when you run on a cloudy day or venture through woodland.
Fit is another high point. I noticed zero movement during test runs, with the rubber-feeling arm grips keeping the sunglasses in place well.
It's comfortable, too, while you get two nose pieces to choose from to ensure you achieve a good fit.
There are a couple of minor negatives, though. For one, that is a very steep price. Secondly, on occasion I found the sun would squeeze through the vents at the top of the lens and into my eyes.
See our full Oakley Radar EV Path review for more.
Verdict: Fit well and lenses deliver a great viewing experience.
Score: 84%
Weight: 28g
Visible light transmission: 12%
Special features: Prizm lenses boost clarity, Unobtainium earsocks
Koo Supernova
Aside from looking like a prop from the set of Blade Runner or Tron in this colourway, Koo's Supernova glasses aim to offer premium protection.
They feature an anti-reflective coating on both the front and the back of the lenses, which the brand states reduces glare.
They’re also stated to be impact resistant, which Koo puts down to a nylon toric lens material from German glasses specialists Zeiss.
The frameless structure offers an improved field of vision and the nose pad is interchangeable, designed to help the glasses adjust to a variety of face shapes and sizes.
Read our full Koo Supernova review for more.
Weight: 21g
Visible light transmission: 12% (turqouise lenses)
Special features: Anti-reflective coating, frameless lens, changeable nose pad
Oakley Hydra
Industry giant Oakley are no strangers to the world of running glasses. One of the brand's lines, the Hydra, pays homage to '90s surf style, harking back to the classic Oakley Razor Blade.
The Hydra features a semi-rimless frame and various neon colour options, a design which probably wouldn't look out of place on a young Dennis Rodman or Gwen Stefani. There’s also a nod to the brand’s heritage with the Oakley B1B logo at the temples, which fronted the brand from 1975-1993.
In terms of tech, the Hydra is also said to feature a 56% plant-based frame, as well as Oakley’s Prizm lens, designed to enhance colour, contrast and detail, which has earned rave reviews on these pages before.
Weight: 90g
Visible light transmission: 12% (Prizm Sapphire lens)
Special features: Bio-matter frame, Prizm lens technology
Goodr Ogs
If you’re looking for a pair of running sunglasses but don’t fancy the streamlined wraparound design, the Goodr OGs aim to solve your problems. The frames are reminiscent of Ray-Ban’s classic Wayfarer, but come with the twist of some added running tech.
The OGs are said to feature a no-bounce frame, which claims to offer a secure and comfortable fit. Goodr says that this is achieved by a special grip coating, which helps to keep the glasses in place while you sweat.
Weight: 22g
Visible light transmission: Unspecified, described as category 3
Special features: Casual design, polarised
Bollé Bolt 2.0
Bollé says the Bolt 2.0 sunglasses utilise the first sunglasses lens designed by AI, with the latter used to test a series of lens combinations.
Reportedly, this allowed for a 30% improvement to the colour enhancement and improved depth perception based on previous models, a feature Bollé calls 'Volt '. However, you'll need to pay a little extra to get this enhancement.
The Bolt 2.0s also feature Bollé's 'thermogrip', a type of rubber grip that the brand says is engineered to become grippier when in contact with water or sweat. The grips run at touch points across the temples, ears and nosepieces.
Weight: 28g
Visible light transmission: 13-29% (depending on lens choice)
Special features: Polarised, Thermogrip, Volt
Sunwise Evenlode
Sunwise’s Evenlode sunglasses are a budget option that aim to be useful for a variety of weather conditions. The glasses come with three interchangeable lenses: clear, for no light protection; yellow, for low light; and smoke mirror, for strong light.
They're said to be impact resistant and feature a high optical clarity, with a wraparound style designed to keep them secure while on the move.
The glasses also feature rubber nose pads and ear rests, which are said to offer improved comfort, as well as flat arms to fit under a running cap or hat.
Weight: 40g
Visible light transmission: Variable (category 0-3)
Special features: Interchangeable lenses with three options included
Adidas Injected
- Buy now from Sports Shoes (£159.99)
This pair of running sunglasses from Adidas are made using a T90 (thermoplastic) material, which is said to be both durable and flexible.
The lenses are interchangeable and feature a quick-change system, which Adidas states aims to allow you to switch to different light conditions without interrupting your run. There’s also an adjustable nose pad, designed to ensure the sunglasses fit comfortably.
With the aim of increasing visibility, Adidas includes nine airflow holes across the top bar, which are designed to direct air down onto the lenses and act as an anti-fog system.
Weight: 25g
Visible light transmission: 13.5%
Special features: Quick-change lenses, adjustable nose pad, anti-fog system
Oakley Half Jacket 2.0
Another option from Oakley, the Half Jacket 2.0 features a more classic, inconspicuous design.
They feature Oakley’s impact protection lenses, which are also said to be removable, allowing you to switch to a different lens if the weather or terrain demands it.
They’re also available with polarised lenses or a prescription, while padded earsocks and nosepads aim to improve comfort throughout your run.
Weight: 21g
Visible light transmission: 11%
Special features: Polarised, interchangeable lenses
Kalenji Runperf 2
This pair of running sunglasses from Decathlon's Kalenji brand aim to provide many of the features found on top range glasses for a budget price.
The Runperf 2s are said to feature a ventilated lens to avoid fogging, with a mono screen and wraparound design stated to provide wider peripheral vision and comfort.
Kalenji says the nose pad is adjustable, allowing you to find the right fit for your face shape. They also feature grip on the bridge and arms, designed to prevent slippage while running.
Multiple designs and lens choices are available.
Weight: 26g
Visible light transmission: 8-18%
Special features: Anti-fog system, adjustable nose pad
What should you look for in a pair of running glasses?
- UV protection: Ensure the running glasses provide 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Lens material: Look for lenses made of polycarbonate or another durable material that's is shatterproof and impact resistant.
- Fit and comfort: Measure your face's dimensions and ensure you're choosing glasses that fit securely and comfortably on your face without slipping or becoming uncomfortable. Adjustable nose pads can be a good way to avoid any unwanted pressure or red marks.
- Ventilation: It's a good idea to find running glasses with proper ventilation to prevent fogging. Vents or anti-fog coating can help to avoid this.
- Visible light transmission (VLT): Check the VLT percentage, as this figure refers to the amount of light that can pass through the lenses of sunglasses. The percentage can vary between 80-100%, for indoor use or cloudy days, 12-43% for glare reduction in stronger sunlight; or under 8%, for extreme conditions. For running, anywhere between 8-42% is a good benchmark, but it's worth considering your specific needs and the weather you're likely to be running in.
