What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Sunglasses

• Fog-Resistance: Some well-made sunglasses have an anti-fog coating, which can be especially helpful in hot, humid environments and during more intense physical activity. Keep in mind that the lenses shouldn’t come into contact with your cheeks—this can be uncomfortable and may lead to fogging.
• Shape: Sports sunglasses are available in various styles, including wraparound, full-frame, half-frame, and rimless designs. Some pairs are better-suited for certain faces, notes Lease. Also, consider how your sunglasses will work with your other equipment. For example, straight temples allow a seamless fit when worn with a helmet, says Lord.
• 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: The non-slip rubber on the nosepiece prevents them from sliding down.
• Protection: 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 suitable choice for activities such as water sports, golf, and tennis. Water-resistant coatings are also beneficial if you're engaging in activities near or in water.
• Lenses: Different-colored lenses 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, says Lord.
  

How We Tested the Sports Sunglasses

To find the best sports sunglasses, we tested a dozen options from popular, trusted brands, wearing them while playing tennis, at the beach, hiking, long-distance running, and more. When testing sports sunglasses, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.

• Fit: Lord notes that well-fitting sunglasses won't move, slide down, or leave marks on your face when you take them off. When we first try on the sunglasses, we note the style 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 assess the quality of the sunglasses in terms of their 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 deduct points if the sunglasses exhibit significant signs of wear and tear by the end of the testing period.
• Features: Are the sunglasses polarized? Does the brand claim to have any other special features, such as an anti-fog or water-resistant coating? If so, we ensure that we test these claims.
• 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 key categories. Based on how well the sunglasses perform, 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 with experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand which key features to look for in a high-quality option. Although we choose products independently, expert advice influences our decisions.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are polarized sunglasses better for sports?

Polarized sunglasses work well for sports that require reduced glare and improved clarity. They're ideal for outdoor sunny activities, including cycling, water sports, and running.

Are expensive sunglasses actually better?

Pricier sunglasses aren't necessarily better than their more budget-friendly counterparts. When shopping, look for options with features that support the activity you're doing, such as an anti-fog coating, UV protection, polarized lenses, and more.

Which is better, UV or polarized sunglasses?

UV protection and polarized lenses serve different purposes and you may want to consider options with one or both features. UV protection blocks harmful rays from the sun, while polarized lenses reduce glare and improve clarity, especially in very bright conditions.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, marathon runner, and writer for Verywell Fit, 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. For this roundup, she hands-on tested several options while hiking, running, playing tennis, and more.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

Sarah Felbin is a Verywell Fit writer 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.

For this article, both authors looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.