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The 11 Best Sunglasses of 2025

We've tested over 100 pairs of sunglasses — from men's and women's shades to frames optimized for sports, cycling, and your wallet — to find the market's best eyewear.
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Best Sunglasses Review (No matter where you roam, what your style, or what you like to do, there's a pair of sunglasses we've tested for you.)
No matter where you roam, what your style, or what you like to do, there's a pair of sunglasses we've tested for you.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Our Top Picks

By Maggie Nichols, Rob Gaedtke, Jeremy Benson, and Zach Wick  ⋅  Apr 18, 2025

The Best Sunglasses


Whether you need sunglasses for daily wear or ones that stay secure during your next run, the right pair ensures comfort and protection.

Since 2017, our gear experts have tested over 100 top sunglasses for every sunny adventure. We've rigorously evaluated cycling shades, sports performance sunnies, stylish high-end glasses, and budget-friendly options. From kayaking at the equator to dog sledding at the North Pole, mountain biking through forests, climbing granite cliffs out west, and driving across the US, we've worn them worldwide through countless experiences.

Our men's team agreed that the Kaenon Burnet Mid is the best overall pair of sunglasses. Its blend of comfort, superior lens performance, and multiple sizing options makes it our go-to choice.

The Ray-Ban Erika is our top choice for ladies, offering an all-around dialed lens and a versatile frame that complements all different types of face shapes and personal styles.

Our review team has tested and ranked women's sunglasses and sunglasses for men — with plenty of unisex pairs, too. In the process, we rounded up budget sunglasses, and we've also tested sport sunglasses for multi-sport disciplines. From the trail to the beach to your best friend's wedding, we're here to help you find the perfect pair.

Editor's Note: Our sunglasses review, updated April 18, 2025, revamps the award section better to guide you to the perfect pair of shades.


Best Sunglasses for Women


Ray-Ban Erika


REASONS TO BUY
Excellent lenses with superb gradient
Very comfortable
Style is versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly loose on top of your head

Who it is best for: The Ray-Ban Erika is a stylish, high-performance option that flatters various face shapes and styles. Thanks to their oversized, softly rounded wayfarer-style frames and lightweight feel, they suit wearers with both small and large facial structures. This is a great choice if you need sunglasses that transition seamlessly between casual and polished looks while still offering solid sun protection.

Why we love it: It has crisp, clear optics and subtle gradient lenses—dark at the top for sun protection, lighter at the bottom for visibility in mixed lighting. The semi-flexible metal bows are comfortable during long wear, and though we didn't test the polarized version, it's available in a wide array of lens and frame color options. While we were initially thrown off by the slight purple hue in the grey lenses, testers found it improved contrast without skewing color perception. The result is a pair of sunglasses that feel premium in performance and aesthetics.

Should you buy it? If you're looking for versatile sunglasses with excellent optical clarity and a universally flattering design, these are worth the investment. While they sit a little loose when perched on your head and come at a higher price, they deliver consistent performance and standout style. For added glare protection, consider opting for the polarized version. These sunglasses strike a rare balance of comfort, visual quality, and timeless design.

The Erika on a variety of GearLab testers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Sunglasses for Men


Kaenon Burnet Mid


REASONS TO BUY
Top-notch lenses
Very secure fit
Cover much of the face
REASONS TO AVOID
Sporty vibe isn't for everyone
Pricey

Who it is best for: The Kaenon Burnet Mid is ideal for men seeking high-performance sunglasses with superb clarity, enhanced contrast, and excellent color retention. It is available in mid and XL sizes for a comfortable, secure fit. However, some may find their sporty style less suitable for formal or casual settings.

Why we love it: Through years of testing, we keep loving the brown and grey lenses, which deliver exceptional clarity and contrast with minimal back reflections, even in harsh lighting, making them the least distracting among tested pairs.

Should you buy it? Despite their higher price and sporty aesthetic that may not appeal to all, these are a worthwhile investment for their top-notch performance.

A glimpse into the testing of sunglasses across multiple face shapes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Value for Casual Glasses


CAMP Eyewear Trail


REASONS TO BUY
Good performance across the board
Cool style
Great comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Can slip when sweaty
Style offers less coverage

Who it is best for: The Camp Eyewear Trail is perfect for all genders seeking budget-friendly, casual sunglasses with a stylish wayfarer design, featuring real wooden bows and blue lenses that offer slight contrast, ideal for those who prioritize comfort and value over polarization.

Why we love it: The clear blue lenses, sleek finish, flexible hinges, and unique wooden bows enhance its style, making it a top pick for casual wear among our testers.

Should you buy it? Despite the glossy finish causing slippage when sweaty and gaps around the medium-sized lenses allowing sunlight in, the Trail is a great value. Other options offer a more universal fit for those less concerned about weight.

The Trail out on the trails of Tahoe with multiple testers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Value for Sport Frames


Sunski Treeline Polarized


REASONS TO BUY
Broad coverage
High wind compatible
Extremely light
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller fit
Lower quality lenses

Who it is best for: The Sunski Treeline Polarized is ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of various ages and face sizes seeking affordable, polarized sports sunglasses with removable side shields for enhanced protection in reflective, high-speed, or debris-prone environments, doubling as protective shop glasses.

Why we love it: Its lightweight 28-gram frame, comfortable all-day fit, and versatile side shields offer superior wind, debris, and reflection protection. These are a standout value for sports-capable sunglasses.

Should you buy it? Despite lower-quality lenses and frames that may appear small on medium or large faces compared to premium options, the Treeline's budget-friendly price and women 's-specific frame make it a compelling choice.

The Treeline worn on multiple members of the GearLab testing team.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best on a Tight Budget


Shady Rays Classic Timber


REASONS TO BUY
Solid eye protection
Versatile, comfortable style
Outstanding warranty program
REASONS TO AVOID
Unimpressive case
Woodgrain pattern may wear off

Who it is best for: The Shady Rays Classic Timber is perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking lightweight, stylish wayfarer sunglasses with grey or brown lenses and woodgrain-patterned plastic frames, available in two sizes, ideal for casual wear.

Why we love it: Their well-executed style, lightweight design, and intriguing woodgrain patterning are complemented by a reliable warranty that enhances its value through a great replacement program.

Should you buy it? The Timber offers exceptional value, despite the woodgrain pattern wearing off in high-traffic areas and coming with only a basic microfiber bag for minimal protection. However, lens and frame combinations are limited.

To get multiple opinions on comfort, we had a big chunk of the GearLab team test out the Classic Timber.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Performance on the Water


Costa del Mar Rinconcito


REASONS TO BUY
Great for high glare and in bright light
Comfortable yet secure
Phenomenal coverage
REASONS TO AVOID
Sporty look
Expensive

Who it is best for: The Costa del Mar Rinconcito is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, such as kayakers and anglers, who need high-performance sunglasses with dark, polarized lenses that block 100% of blue light and offer a secure fit with rubber nose pads for on-water activities.

Why we love it: Its crisp, flawless polarization minimizes glare, minimal back reflections in harsh lighting, and large, slightly wrapped lenses provide excellent coverage, maintaining its top spot for water-based performance over several years.

Should you buy it? Though their sporty look and high price may not suit those seeking versatile sunglasses for casual and formal settings, the Rinconcito excels for water sports, but these are not cheap. There are more budget-friendly options that scored in the same range.

The Rinconcito worn by many of the GearLab crew around Lake Tahoe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Timeless Style


Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic


REASONS TO BUY
Classic style is versatile
Look great on pretty much everyone
Strong and durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy slant leaves the top open
Quite hefty

Who it is best for: The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic is perfect for style-conscious individuals of any gender seeking versatile, durable sunglasses that complement casual beachwear and formal attire, with a timeless wayfarer design that suits diverse aesthetics.

Why we love it: Its iconic, 70-year-old style remains chic. The robust construction with thick frames and seven-barrel hinges, and its ability to look good on everyone, enhances any outfit from swimsuits to wedding wear.

Should you buy it? Despite their heavier 45-gram weight and forward-slanting design that reduces coverage, these offer unmatched style and durability, though budget-friendly alternatives provide similar aesthetics or performance at different price points.

For sunglass testing, we brought in a bunch of the GearLab team in order to get multiple opinions on comfort and fit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Sports Sunglasses


Oakley Sutro


REASONS TO BUY
Outstanding coverage
Excellent lenses work for multiple sports
Durable frame
REASONS TO AVOID
Not great with helmets
May be too narrow for wider faces

Who it is best for: The Oakley Sutro is ideal for athletes with medium-width heads who engage in running, cycling, snowboarding, and mountain biking, needing sunglasses with maximum coverage and wind deflection that pair well with higher-profile helmets.

Why we love it: Its oversized shield style provides crystal-clear lenses, full coverage, and wind protection at high speeds. It has a solid frame that stays secure during intense activities, making it a top pick for versatile sports performance.

Should you buy it? Though the inflexible, narrow frame may cause pressure points on wider faces and feel bulky under low-profile helmets, our testers usually reach for these for sports.

The Sutro shown on a number of the test squad.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Mix of Style and Performance


Pit Viper The Son of Beach Exciters


REASONS TO BUY
Adjustable arms
Complete eye coverage
Sharp lenses
Wild look
REASONS TO AVOID
Very heavy
Zero flex in the frame
Logo in view

Who it is best for: The Pit Viper The Son of Beach Exciters is perfect for adventurous individuals seeking bold, performance-driven sunglasses with adjustable arms for a custom fit, ideal for those who prioritize durability and clarity in dim and bright conditions.

Why we love it: The low-reflection lenses resist scratches, and adjustable-length arms ensure a snug fit. We love the wild style that outperforms many big brands, delivering a unique blend of form and function.

Should you buy it? Despite the logo occasionally obstructing peripheral vision and the heavy, inflexible frames, the Exciters offer great value for style and performance.

The Pit Viper shown the GearLab Sunglass Squad.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Crossover Sunglasses


Kaenon Clarke


REASONS TO BUY
Great fit and function for most uses, faces, and styles
Excellent lens color and contrast
Durable, lightweight frame
REASONS TO AVOID
Minor back reflections
Too general to excel at any one thing

Who it is best for: The Kaenon Clarke suits both narrow and wide faces with its versatile, lightweight design. It performs well for activities like trail running and casual wear, without focusing on a specific sport or fashion style.

Why we love it: Its secure, comfortable fit, low weight, and matte finish ensure stability during trail runs and bike rides. The timeless shape remains a go-to for its exceptional versatility over the years of testing.

Should you buy it? Some testers noticed slight back reflections in bright light, and the Kaenon Clarke lacks bold style or sport-specific features, but its reliable all-purpose design makes it a solid choice. More budget-friendly options provide a similar style and function with slightly lower performance.

The Clarke shown on multiple gear testers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Sunglasses for Cycling


Smith Wildcat


REASONS TO BUY
Two lenses included, with excellent clarity and color
Comfortable
Superb coverage
REASONS TO AVOID
No dust protection
Clear lens scratches easily

Who it is best for: The Smith Wildcat is perfect for cyclists of all face sizes seeking high-performance sunglasses with interchangeable lenses, adjustable nose pads, and a flexible frame for a secure, comfortable fit during various riding conditions.

Why we love it: The two easily swappable lenses, including the Red Mirror option, offer superb protection, enhanced contrast, and sharp definition. Its soft, flexible frame with rubber contact points ensures stability during extensive cycling tests.

Should you buy it? Though the breathable fit allows more dust in dusty, close-following rides compared to goggle-like alternatives, it's a top choice for most cycling scenarios.

Read more: Smith Wildcat review

We tested the Wildcat with multiple sunglass experts to get various opinions on fit and style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

How We Tested


We have spent years testing and retesting sunglasses to evaluate which ones are best for specific uses. As detail enthusiasts, we've broken our sunglasses testing into five separate categories of glasses: men's and women's (which both include many unisex models), cheap, sports, and cycling. We have collectively spent thousands of hours wearing and testing these glasses in every possible activity and location we could. We wore them at the equator on the Galapagos Islands, in the sunny Caribbean, and through cloudless Sierra Nevada Mountain hikes. We wore them dog sledding at the North Pole in spring (sun and snow!), mountain biking patchy trails at twilight, running single track through the desert, road tripping across the country, and paddling across hot summer lakes. We've packed these sunnies in checked luggage, tossed them on car floors, pulled them out of the bottoms of backpacks, and rescued them from watery graves. We are sunglass experts.

From the Caribbean to Iceland and from the North Pole to Lake Tahoe, we've spent thousands of hours testing sunglasses in all kinds of environments, all types of situations, and on a wide diversity of faces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Why Trust GearLab


As extensive as our lineup of sunglasses is, our testing bench is equally impressive. Several of our senior review editors are in charge of testing all the different types of glasses. Maggie Nichols has been wearing glasses since she was four years old and has been a professional backcountry guide for over 15 years. She is obsessed with protecting her eyes as she works and adventures outdoors in some of the sunniest places on the planet, from the African savannah to mountaintops almost 2 miles high. Rob Gaedtke does just about everything there is to do outside. From crushing Ironmans and marathons to rafting, climbing, golfing, and snowboarding, he's always on the go with his favorite pair of shades. Jeremy Benson is an obsessive year-round cyclist and author of two outdoor guidebooks. As a former sponsored ski athlete and current outdoor junkie, he has an unbridled passion for the best sunglasses for every adventure. Zach Wick is an avid cycler of all types, having spent 18 years as a competitive road and mountain bike racer. With a background in outdoor product design, he has an eye for top-quality products. Each of our main testers pulled in the help and critical eyes of a host of friends, family, and coworkers to help test and evaluate these sunglasses.

Now that you've found your perfect shades, get out there and go on...
Now that you've found your perfect shades, get out there and go on an adventure!
The Smith Forefront in Matte Cement worn with Smith Pivlock V2...
The Smith Forefront in Matte Cement worn with Smith Pivlock V2 sunglasses.
Testing sunglasses on sunny Caribbean beaches.
Testing sunglasses on sunny Caribbean beaches.
We've tested sunglasses across the country and around the globe, doing everything outdoors to find out which ones are the best.

Why Should I Invest in (Potentially Expensive) Sunglasses?


Just like a great winter coat, the perfect button-down shirt, or an excellent pair of shoes, there are three types of sunglasses: the ones that look good, the ones that work well, and the ones that look good while also working well. While the right pair of sunglasses can bring your look up a notch, they're also a very important protective gear that you should never leave home without.

UV rays damage your eyes as well as your skin. UV exposure can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye-related cancers. An ever-increasing body of evidence implies we should all protect our eyes better. This is especially true for those who spend extended hours outdoors, as additional protection against high-energy visible light (HEV or blue light). Even if you're stepping out into the backyard with the dog, a blast of bright light can be painful and potentially eye-damaging. Reflected light off surfaces like water and snow, pavement, and other objects compound the amount of light your eyes are trying to cope with, making polarized lenses ideal for blocking out this unwanted additional glare. With all the reasons to wear sunglasses quite literally staring you in the face, let's go through how to decide which sunglasses are right for you.

sunglasses - sunglasses do far more than just look good - they're an important...
Sunglasses do far more than just look good - they're an important part of protecting yourself from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

How to Pick the Best Sunglasses for You


Before even considering the style or intended activities you have for rocking your new shades, it's helpful to review the many materials and features manufacturers put into their products. Understanding each attribute's benefits and best use will help determine if a pair of glasses is right for you.

sunglasses - think about what kinds of activities you want to do while wearing...
Think about what kinds of activities you want to do while wearing your sunglasses, and let our reviews help you narrow down which pair is right for your lifestyle.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Lens Selection


Below, we discuss what you need to know when weighing the different lens considerations in the sunglasses market, from materials to coatings to lens color.

Material


As the name implies, early glasses exclusively used glass lenses. Today, sunglasses (and regular eyeglasses) use four common materials for the lens:
  • Glass: Often offers the best clarity available. It is naturally scratch and chip-resistant but not impact-resistant. Glass lenses are heavier than their synthetic competitors and can shatter with enough force.
  • Polyurethane: This synthetic material offers exceptional impact resistance while maintaining excellent clarity. It is also flexible and lightweight, making it appealing for high-intensity activities. However, it typically has a higher price tag.
  • Polycarbonate: Another synthetic material with good impact resistance and decent optical clarity. Poly lenses are also lightweight and typically more affordable than polyurethane, though they are less scratch-resistant.
  • Acrylic: This mass-produced material is inexpensive and commonly found in budget glasses. It is less durable and has some of the lowest optical clarity, sometimes causing image distortion. However, it is lightweight and far less expensive than polycarbonate lenses.

Coating


Beyond just the material of the lenses, many manufacturers enhance their products with additional coatings. For non-glass lenses, select a scratch-resistant coating. Even if you are an avid case user, plastic lenses easily pick up scratches — from blowing dust or even being wiped on a t-shirt. A scratch-resistant coating is one of the most important features to ensure the continued usability of your sunglasses over time. Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings are a nice touch, particularly if you plan to use your glasses for more intense activities involving sweat and water. These coatings help repel water (hydro) and oil (oleo) from your hair, eyebrows, and fingers.

sunglasses - having the right lenses is very important to your eye comfort and...
Having the right lenses is very important to your eye comfort and health, whether you're spending hours kayaking across the lake or just hanging on the beach.
Credit: Jason Peters

A mirrored coating on lenses can help reduce additional light from entering your eyes. It can substitute for lenses that lack polarization or even just as a style additive. Anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lenses is less common, but it makes a huge difference for any pair worn slightly away from your face. Without this coating, it's easy to see the reflection of your face or even your eyeball staring back at you. Anti-fog coatings are also uncommon but exceptionally useful for close-fitting glasses in which you plan high-output activities like running, hiking, or biking.

Color


While there are many colors you might get your lenses in, the two most common are grey and brown/amber. Grey lenses typically offer minimal color distortion and are often darker than other colored lenses. Brown and amber lenses increase the contrast of what you see, though the exact nature of this increased contrast depends on the specific lens. These often do better in variable and medium light conditions than gray lenses, but sometimes suffer in bright conditions.

sunglasses - there are many coatings and colors you could get your new lenses in...
There are many coatings and colors you could get your new lenses in. We can help take out the challenge of deciding which combo is right for you.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Frame Considerations


Sunglass frames are important for more than just their looks. Several attributes help certain types work better in specific situations. Consider getting nylon frames if you're looking for lightweight, durable frames. They offer a great blend of strength and flexibility, which makes them great for high-intensity sports. Other plastic frames, including acetate, boast low weight, high functionality, and reasonable durability for casual uses. Though they're often less flexible than nylon frames, plastic frames cost less and come in an astonishing array of colors. Some use recycled and renewable materials.

Checking the hinges of your potential new glasses is a very important consideration. Some sports glasses increase their secure fit by having bows that grip more effectively, then offset this added pressure by including flexible hinges. These flex hinges can overextend, helping them to be more comfortable — especially on wider faces — and add durability to the overall frame construction. Even standard barrel hinges deserve some attention. Though they can't overextend, there are better and worse constructions here, too. More barrels generally make a more secure hinge less likely to loosen over time. Five is a good number, though we tested many with just three and a few with seven. No matter how many barrels you end up with, ensuring you can get a small screwdriver to tighten or loosen them is a must, as they may loosen over time.

sunglasses - it's important to make sure whatever glasses you choose have frames...
It's important to make sure whatever glasses you choose have frames that fit securely and comfortable on your face, whether you're climbing a route or reading a book in the hammock.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Consider the other touch points of your potential new glasses on your face. All sunglasses will rest on your nose and above your ears; some may touch your eyebrows or cheeks. Consider sunglasses with adjustable nose pads if you have a narrow or wide nose. On the other hand, if you often place your sunglasses on the top of your head when going indoors and have longer hair, those free-floating nose pads are likely to get caught. If you're looking for sunglasses to wear while you sweat, consider the material used to make the nose pads. Glossy plastic and heavy materials will likely slide on your nose if wet. Instead, look for a matte finish, embedded rubber nose pads, and lightweight glasses. And if you're the type of person who often needs to bend the bows of your glasses to get them to fit your head or sit straight on your face, plastic bows are much more challenging to reshape than metal.

When choosing frames, you'll need to consider your face shape to get the desired coverage you want. If you often wear your sunglasses with a hat, you should not consider top-down coverage. But if you find yourself hatless at midday, ensuring you can minimize the space between your eyebrows and your glasses will prove far more comfortable for your eyes. Getting side and bottom coverage to protect your eyes is also important for anyone outdoors. While larger lenses are an obvious fix, smaller lenses can be just as effective with the right frame curvature. Look at the base curve before committing — a higher number means the pair is more curved to fit your face. Your typical pair of gas station or music festival wayfarers is about a base curve of 6. Some fashionable glasses look almost flat, with a base curve of around 4. Sportier models that wrap around your eyes almost as well as goggles typically advertise a base curve of about 8.

sunglasses - finding the right frames to add coverage when you need it most -...
Finding the right frames to add coverage when you need it most - from exploring a new city to having a snowball fight in the woods.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Sunglasses for Every Use


In a perfect world, you could find a single pair of sunglasses to wear to brunch, on trail runs, touring European cities, and kayaking at sunset. While those sunglasses can exist, depending on your style, it's much more common to have two pairs of sunglasses — one you love to wear when you're dressing up or just lounging around and another with the sports performance you need for your preferred activities. No matter what you wear sunglasses for, there are some useful tips to remember while shopping around.

sunglasses - nothing puts sunglasses to the test quite like running the san juan.
Nothing puts sunglasses to the test quite like running the San Juan.
Credit: Shayna Gaedtke

Casual and Everyday Sunglasses


Are you mostly looking for a solid pair of sunnies for everyday wear? You know, the ones you can put on to drive to the store, hang out at the beer garden, or wear to all those outdoor weddings this summer? Choosing the best everyday sunglasses has much to do with whether you like how they look on your face — but that's not all you should consider.

When investing in casual shades, regardless of cost, check if they will protect your eyes. Check that the lenses have 100% UV protection (most do), and consider if you're going to be driving in them or if you live in a place that gets snowy. If that's the case, you'll want polarized lenses to help keep your eyes comfortable no matter how much glare surrounds you. Grey lenses are popular and often block out more light than other color lenses. In contrast, brown/amber lenses enhance contrast and are typically easier to wear in variable lighting conditions, such as partly cloudy days and golden hours.

sunglasses - even when you're shopping for style, don't forget that the job of...
Even when you're shopping for style, don't forget that the job of your sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

If buying a pair online, read about the frames' size to ensure they fit your face. Look to testimonials to see how they fit other people's faces to help gauge how they might look on yours. Consider adjustable nose pads, flex hinges, and overall size. And look into the return policy of whatever pair you choose, just in case you don't like them.

Once you have your sunnies in hand, test them thoroughly before the return period ends. Wear them when you're sweaty and do jumping jacks to see how comfortably they stay put. Wear them outside when the sun is directly overhead or coming at you from the side to check if their coverage and fit offer the protection you want. Golden hour- just after sunrise and just before sunset- can be some of the most challenging times of day for sunglasses, so see how yours do. And don't be afraid to return them and try something else if they don't work for you.

We have three reviews that cover casual sunglasses: men's sunglasses, women's sunglasses, and cheap sunglasses. Belo, we highlight the overall scores for each sunglass category. Check out each review for more details about how each sunglass model compares.




sunglasses - if you're still sacrificing quality function for the sake of style...
If you're still sacrificing quality function for the sake of style, you've got the wrong pair of sunglasses.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Sport Sunglasses


If you've got the looks covered, and you're on the hunt for a set of specs for running/climbing/hiking/paddling/golf, etc., there are other considerations you'll want to keep in mind while you search. We highly recommend getting polarized lenses for sports that involve exceptional glare and light exposure, like water sports, snow sports, or climbing. This added layer of protection will lighten the strain on your eyes by cutting out glare from the sun bouncing off of water, snow, or rocks. Consider other light wavelength protection if your chosen sport has you outside for extended hours. HEV or blue light blockage is particularly useful around the water for activities like paddling or fishing.

Certain lens coatings are helpful for specific sports as well. An oleophobic coating helps reduce oil on the lenses, which is handy for glasses worn close to your face. A hydrophobic coating is useful if you plan to be around the water or splashed a lot, as it helps water droplets to roll more easily off the lenses. If you want to run in your new shades, consider an anti-fog coating to prevent your lenses from clouding too much. A quality anti-reflective coating on the backs of the lenses is something we highly recommend, as it helps reduce back reflection.

sunglasses - lens protections and frame fit are both very important when...
Lens protections and frame fit are both very important when selecting the right sports sunglasses for your lifestyle.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

When it comes to quality performance from your frames, think less about their style and more about how well they fit and stay put. Many sports-oriented specs have embedded nose pads and even temple grips to help them stay in place. Check their weight to see if they are as light as your intended use requires. Frames made of nylon are often flexible, offering a secure fit. Flex hinges are useful, too, both for possible impact and for comfort over an extended period. Check their base curvature to see how face-hugging your potential new shades will be, and consider the overall size of the lenses to gauge their coverage. If you often wear a hat or helmet while you're out, keep that in mind when looking at the bow dimensions and lens height of any potential glasses. And, of course, when you get them, put them to the test to ensure they perform how you need them to.

Our detailed sport sunglasses review scores each model on the key purchase decision metrics. Below, we highlight the overall scores of the models we tested. However, we have more detail on those scores in the full reviews.


sunglasses - it's hard to get used to the look of full shield sunglasses, but...
It's hard to get used to the look of full shield sunglasses, but they will win you over once you see how they perform.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Cycling Sunglasses


If you need a pair of glasses specifically for biking — whether on the road or the trail — there are a few additional considerations beyond what you might require for other sports. Adding coverage is usually a plus for cycling shades because you'll have more wind in your face than in many other sports. Look for this not just in the size of the lenses but also in their curvature and shape, particularly on the outsides of the lenses and in the center, between your eyes. When considering a close-fitting pair with large lenses, ensure they have an anti-fog coating. Without this added layer, a goggle-like fit will likely start fogging as you sweat your way through your ride.

sunglasses - added coverage is a must for wind and dust protection while biking.
Added coverage is a must for wind and dust protection while biking.
Credit: Zach Wick

If you're a road biker, lenses with polarization are best to help minimize glare off the road. If you often find yourself riding among the trees, you may not want the polarization, as it can sometimes disguise the rocks and bumps you need to see in the path. For mountain bikers, it can also be advantageous to have two sets of lenses — one meant for bright days with a high VLT and one meant for cloudy or overcast days that offer wind and dust protection without cutting down much, if at any, low light. Some pairs come with two lenses right out of the box, and others offer interchangeable lenses.

When evaluating the frames, try on potential pairs with the helmet you'll wear while riding. Take it to the store if shopping in person. Low-riding helmets can be limiting with cycling shades, which tend to be larger on your face. Be sure to buckle your helmet as you would when riding to see how the straps fit over the bows of the glasses. Check how well they stay secure on your face by jumping. Carefully consider the comfort of the bows over your ears, especially while wearing your helmet, to make sure the fit is just right.

Our review of cycling sunglasses considers all the above factors. We detail which models performed best in which metric and how price and value factor in. Below, we chart the overall score of our cycling sunglass test suite, but the full review has much more detail to explore.


sunglasses - we've tested all types of sunglasses in all kinds of conditions.
We've tested all types of sunglasses in all kinds of conditions.
Credit: Jason Peters

Conclusion


There are thousands of possible sunglasses on the market to choose from. As many of these are also style accessories, seemingly endless models are available at any given moment. Yet they are also essential to the continued health of your eyes. No other article of clothing may have quite the same high-level combination of fashion and protection as sunglasses. By testing hundreds of pairs of sunglasses and evaluating their performance, fit, and looks, we can help you find the ideal pair for your lifestyle, vibe, and wallet.

Maggie Nichols, Rob Gaedtke, Jeremy Benson, and Zach Wick