The 6 Best Cycling Sunglasses of 2025

Best MTB Sunglasses

Smith Wildcat

Fit: Medium-large | Lens: Two: Chromapop Red Mirror, Clear

The Smith Wildcat tops the charts as a fantastic pair of all-around cycling sunglasses. This large-lensed model offered goggle-like coverage and performed well without fail across all of our test metrics.

We tested the Chromapop Red Mirror lens, which transmits 15% of visible light and offers 100% UV protection. Smith's Chromapop technology increases contrast and definition in bright sunlight without distortion at the edges of your vision.

The Wildcat's fit and comfort are excellent, with a soft, flexible TR90 frame construction that easily adapts to various face sizes. The nose piece has two width settings and adjusts vertically. The Wildcat also includes a spare clear lens for low-light conditions and a rigid, zippered storage case.

“It was hard to find any faults with the Wildcat,” remarked tester Joshua Hutchens. We loved almost every mile in these shades, but on some faces, they create an airflow pattern that pulls air and dust behind the lens. Due to the slightly off-the-face fit and excellent breathability, the dust found its way behind the shield and into the eyes on smaller faces.

Conversely, the airflow keeps your eyes dry, even at low speeds. The dust issue was absent on road rides or when we led the pack on the trails. These are the best cycling sunglasses in this review, and the Chromapop lenses provide stellar contrast on the reds and browns that make up the trails we rode. In her notes, one of our testers wrote, “I highly recommend them for cycling on any terrain, especially on trails with red and brown hues.”

Read more: Smith Wildcat review

Best Value Cycling Sunglasses

Tifosi Sledge

Fit: Large-extra | Lens: Three: Smoke, AC Red, Clear

The Tifosi Sledge offers the best value of all cycling sunglasses we tested. With three high-quality lenses, you get your choice of three high-performance lenses for any light condition at one low price. Each lens provides sharp, distortion-free optics and 100% protection from UV rays.

Unlike some of the other budget sunglasses we tested, it was hard to detect much of a reduction in optical quality compared to the most expensive glasses in our review. The sturdy Grilamid frame fits close to the face, providing excellent protection from wind and debris, and the soft rubber contact points provide all-day comfort.

The close-wrap fit that protects you from the wind can also block airflow, leaving you prone to fogging when stopped along the trail or riding slowly. “I rarely had fogging issues while moving, but quickly learned to remove and stow them on my helmet during mid-ride breaks to avoid condensation,” our tester said.

Swappable lenses provide enhanced value, but the lens-swapping process isn't quick and easy. However, the few qualms we have with these shares aren't enough to dissuade us from recommending the Sledge for riders looking for a versatile pair at a reasonable price.

Read more: Tifosi Sledge review

Best for Coverage and Protection

Smith Pursuit

Fit: Large | Lens: Two: Copper Gold, Clear

The Pursuit was originally designed for ski mountaineering, but they've found their way to the bike market by riders who appreciate their coverage. With a massive windshield-like design and unique side shields, they offer unparalleled protection in a sleek yet robust package.

Tester Joshua Hutchens said, “The photochromic lens provided excellent optics in various lighting conditions, and the frame was comfortable despite being heavier than others tested.” Smith's Evolve frame material uses a 53% bio-based injected polymer, which was sturdy but flexible enough for lens swaps to be a breeze. The hinged nose pieces are easily adjustable between two positions, and the arms are coated in a soft, bio-based thermoplastic called Megol.

These come with a handful of unique and useful accessories, including a second lens, a retainer strap, a nose piece, and a nice zippered pouch to hold it all together.

While the Pursuit earns top marks in all areas, they are not inexpensive. Most other sunglasses in this review come at a lower price point. Finding an option better than this would be hard for riders looking for the best-performing high-coverage frame for trail riding where cost is not an issue.

Read more: Smith Pursuit Review

Best for Fog Management

100% S2

Fit: Large | Lens: Two: Soft Gold Mirror, Clear

The 100% S2 provides excellent coverage while minimizing condensation. The large, high-coverage lens sits far enough off the face to allow consistent airflow, even at slower speeds. Small vent ports at the bottom of the lens also help to promote additional airflow.

“The S2 also offers wide coverage and a versatile fit that should work for various head shapes and sizes, but I found them particularly well suited for my large face,” said one tester. The Soft Gold Mirror lens we tested excels in bright to medium light conditions, and the included clear lens covered us in low light situations.

Excellent ventilation keeps your face cool and dry while protecting the lens from fog. The downside to the excellent ventilation is that the circulating air behind the lens can bring dust and debris. “At higher speeds, I felt air movement behind the lens, and these glasses didn't do a great job of protecting my eyes from dust when following close behind another mountain biker,” a tester noted. Regardless, dust ingress isn't usually an issue unless you ride a group offroad.

Overall, these are an excellent option for anyone who prefers a larger fit and is tired of dealing with fogged-up lenses.

Read more: 100% S2 review

Best For Style

Oakley Sutro Prizm

Fit: Medium-large | Lens: One: Prizm Road

The Oakley Sutro is a popular model that not only performs but looks good doing it. Due to their unique styling, they have become popular with many for riding bikes, casual use, and other activities. In typical Oakley fashion, the Prizm lens provides excellent optical clarity with enhanced contrast and is wrapped in a high-quality, durable frame.

The Prizm Road lens we tested has 20% VLT, and we found it to work well in all light conditions. The large lens provides loads of coverage, protection from the wind, and a massive field of view. “I loved these glasses for road and gravel rides and moving at higher rates of speed,” our head tester said.

“While I loved almost everything about the Sutro, they weren't perfect,” said one tester. Those with larger than average-sized heads loved the fit, but those with wider heads noted that the arms and stiff frame tended to squeeze and cause slight discomfort on longer rides. We also found that they didn't manage sweat quite as well as some other options.

The Prizm Road are excellent cycling sunglasses with plenty of style and crossover appeal. Check out the Oakley Sutro Lite Prizm Trail Torch review for better ventilation.

Read more: Oakley Sutro Prizm review

Best Performance Sunglasses on a Tight Budget

Blenders Eclipse

Fit: Medium-large | Lens: Two: Mirrored, Polarized

The Blenders Eclipse is a high-coverage frame with few frills to impede its success in feeling and looking great on the trail. It provides a generous amount of protection with a comfortable and adjustable fit. It offers performance for all riding styles and might be a great entry-level pair of sunglasses to get you started riding long distances. Our tester wrote, “I felt like these shades had solid coverage for a great price.”

With no coatings or replacement lenses, the optics are not as high quality as some of the pricier options in the review like the Smith Wildcar or Julbo Density Reactiv 0-3. But if funds are tight, the Eclipse is an excellent choice. It's also a great second pair for those looking to build up their quiver of sunglasses to have options for different conditions and riding kits.

Read more: Blenders Eclipse Review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	87	Smith Wildcat Best MTB Sunglasses	$229
	84	Smith Pursuit Best for Coverage and Protection	$315
	81	Julbo Density Reactiv 0-3	$250
	78	100% S2 Best for Fog Management	$180
	78	Oakley Flight Jacket	$246
	76	100% Glendale	$185
	74	100% Speedcraft	$195
	74	Oakley Sutro Lite Prizm Trail Torch	$202
	72	Tifosi Sledge Best Value Cycling Sunglasses	$80
	72	Oakley Sutro Prizm Best For Style	$192
	70	POC Aspire	$220
	69	Scott Sport Shield	$100
	68	POC DO Half Blade	$260
	66	Blenders Eclipse Best Performance Sunglasses on a Tight Budget	$59
	66	Julbo Fury	$140
	65	POC Devour	$250
	64	Roka SL-1x	$210
	63	Tifosi Rail	$80
	62	Oakley Encoder	$265
	59	Julbo Aero	$150

How We Tested

When Oakley introduced the Blade in 1986, we bought 'em. To be totally cliche, we've been testing sunglasses since before it was cool. Our testers have owned dozens of pairs of cycling sunglasses over the years and are passionate about protecting their eyes, optimizing their vision, and looking stylish. We've officially been testing the best cycling sunglasses since 2021. We've done our research with over 50 different pairs purchased and reviewed. Every year, we update this review, researching the best options on the market and selecting new models to add to our line-up. We purchase each pair at retail price then hand them off to our team of testers to do the fun and dirty work. Each pair is subjected to at least a hundred miles on the bike with a mix of trail, gravel, and pavement. We also test them while driving, hiking, skiing, and trail running. We hang our heads out of the car windows and do double-takes in the mirror. After completing our hands-on testing, we compare them using our scoring metrics. This helps us determine award winners and our top recommendations. Not only do we test them hands-on, but we meticulously go through each product, identifying the pros and cons. Our unbiased reviews are formed after riding thousands of miles, comparing notes for hours, and considering the opinions of many testers.

Our testing of cycling sunglasses is divided across five metrics:

• Field Performance (25% of total score weighting)

• Lens Quality (20% weighting)

• Fit and Comfort (20% weighting)

• Coverage (20% weighting)

• Frame Quality (15% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our testing team comprises four experienced riders with years of experience. Jeremy Benson is an obsessive year-round cyclist. He's the author of two guidebooks published by Mountaineers Books, including Mountain Bike Tahoe and Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes California.

A former sponsored ski athlete, Benson has years of experience in product design and testing. Zach Wick has been riding and racing road and mountain bikes for the last 20 years, riding as an amateur road biking elite in his teenage years. He has years of experience in product design, working in a mountain bike brand's test lab, and has developed an astute eye for differentiating quality products and pretenders.

Ian Stowe spent his teenage years racing cross country and cyclocross. He worked for Santa Cruz Bicycles as a wheel builder and continues to work for Cervélo as a graphic designer and US Demo Coordinator.

Joshua Hutchens is a lifelong bike industry wonk. He's led cycling trips around the world and raced nearly every cycling discipline. When he's not testing bikes, he's coaching mountain biking in his hometown of South Lake Tahoe.

Analysis and Test Results

We rated each pair of cycling sunglasses in our test based on five key metrics: lens quality, fit and comfort, coverage, frame quality, and field performance. Each model received a score from one to one hundred in each metric for easy comparison, and the metrics are weighted according to their importance. We heavily weighted cycling sunglasses' lens quality, coverage, and field performance metrics. Additionally, we compared our overall performance score for each model against its price to determine which models offer the best value.

What's the Best Value?

We don't rate the products we test based on price but appreciate a good value. Most sunglasses we tested are high-end models for optimal eye performance and protection. These aren't your ordinary gas station sunglasses, and the sun protection, optical quality, comfort, and durability they provide typically come at a premium. The glasses we tested fall into a wide range of prices. While the more expensive end of the spectrum usually comes with higher-grade materials, we found that, as with many things, price doesn't necessarily reflect value.

With price tags at a fraction of the high-end competition, the Blenders glasses performed admirably in many of our rating metrics. They sacrificed a bit regarding lens quality but brought serious value. Likewise, the Tifosi Sledge is among the least expensive models in the test, with performance that rivals the more expensive competition.

Field Performance

No matter how impressive a model's measurable traits are, it's useless if it can't perform in the field. The field performance metric is the most heavily weighted in our test because it accurately assesses whether a model is worth the price. When using these glasses in the field, we focused on key traits necessary for cycling, like lens fog prevention, lens water-shedding, stability on the face, and sweat channeling. If an expensive pair of sunglasses fog up or falls off your face every time you take it out for a mountain bike ride or trail run, they're useless.

To assess each model's field performance, we simply wore them, mostly in conditions they were designed for but occasionally more. We took each model on countless hours of bike riding, trail running, hiking, and even a few country drives. By the end of our test, we had a clear idea of which models were the highest performers.

The Smith Wildcat, Smith Pursuit, 100% S2, and Oakley Flight Jacket were our favorite models in the field. These models provided enough airflow to prevent lens fogging at low speeds while maintaining coverage and protection at high speeds. However, the adjustable nose piece of the Flight Jacket allowed for the best of both worlds.

The remainder of the models we tested all performed solidly in the field. Overall, we didn't have much to complain about with these sunglasses. We had some trouble with the 100% Glendale's larger fit on some smaller-headed testers. “The nose piece would slip down when the going got rough, and I'd have to reach up and adjust,” one tester noted. A small adjustment of the bendable arm tips helped with the problem, but we still have concerns about the Glendale's fit on smaller faces, resulting in less stability than other models.

Lens Quality

Lens quality is the first thing you notice when donning a pair of sunglasses and is one of the most important things to consider when seeking out new specs. Every model in our test was designed with high-speed outdoor activities in mind, often specifically mountain biking or road cycling. In these settings, a lens must provide sharp, clear optics without distortion and protection from the sun. We used each model in various light conditions to test its versatility and protection. It's important to consider a lens' UV protection and visible light transmission, optical quality, and durability when searching for a good pair of performance sunglasses.

The cycling sunglasses that we tested to protect from harsh sunlight to varying degrees. All models protect from 100% of harmful UV rays but differ in their visible light transmission (VLT). VLT ranged from 12 to 89 percent among the models we tested. Lower light transmission is generally easier on the eyes, but low-VLT lenses are darker and typically only perform well in bright light.

We found that models around the 20% VLT mark, including the Smith Pursuit (7% to 45%), Oakley Sutro (20%), POC Aspire (22%), and Oakley Flight Jacket (20%), performed in the broadest range of light conditions while still providing adequate protection. The Smith, 100% S2, and Tifosi models we tested each come standard with at least two lenses, allowing the user a wider range of viable light conditions without purchasing aftermarket lenses or additional pairs of sunglasses.

All of the models we tested have lenses with quality optics. Deciphering differences in optical quality at this level of performance can be difficult as they are often very minor, but a few models stood out from the pack. Of all the models we tested, the Oakley Flight Jacket impressed us the most. Their spherical lenses combine with Oakley's Prizm and Smith's Chromapop technologies to provide super-clear, distortion-free optics with increased contrast and definition. The cylindrical lenses of the Smith Wildcat and Oakley Sutro feature the same technologies and provide the same high-contrast optics but without the benefit of the spherical shape.

Most cycling sunglass lenses are designed with durability in mind, and almost all of the models in the test included impact-resistant lenses. For the most part, we found that every model's lens stood up to our test. Very few showed signs of wear and tear when we finished testing them. A few models, including Glendale, Speedcraft, and S2, feature anti-scratch coatings on their lenses that work wonders. We were surprised when, after repeated t-shirt cleanings, none of these models had any apparent scratches or imperfections.

Fit and Comfort

While lens quality is an essential piece of the cycling sunglasses puzzle, the fit and comfort of a model carry just as much weight. A high-quality lens is useless if the glasses give you a headache after five minutes. Your glasses must fit your face well and not create discomfort when wearing them for up to ten hours (depending on how hardcore you are). We rated models in this metric based on their fit, versatility, and the comfort of their frame materials. To generate our rating for each model, we had each tester try them out and provide notes on how they fit naturally, whether they could be adjusted correctly, the feel on the face, and if they created discomfort over time. To ensure we got the complete picture of each model, we also recruited the help of friends and family with diverse head sizes.

Midway through our testing, it became clear that one model stood out from the rest. The Smith Wildcat was a unanimous favorite among everyone who tried them on. The Wildcat's TR90 frame construction is soft and flexible and can expand to fit most head sizes without a hint of pressure on the temples. The adjustable nosepiece can conform to most nose shapes, and its hydrophilic rubber contact points are comfortable and grippy and allow the frames to disappear from your thoughts when they're on your face. Similarly, the Roka SL-1x are so lightweight that you can barely tell you are wearing them.

Most of the models we tested offered a limited range of adjustments and a decent range of fit. The POC Aspire, 100% Glendale, and Tifosi Sledge are all comfortable but lack the adjustability to match the top performers in this metric. They all have fixed nose pieces and bendable arm tips for a close contour to varied head shapes. We found this adjustment helpful but insufficient to adequately adjust the fit between small and large heads. These models tended to fit large heads, but small-headed testers struggled to dial them in. We found that models with a nosepiece adjustment, like the Scott Sport Shield could adapt to a broader array of head sizes.

Coverage

The latest trend in cycling sunglasses has been ever-increasing lens sizes. Because brands have been focusing on improving coverage and protection for high-speed activities, many test models more closely resemble goggles than their counterparts from the 1990s and early 2000s. When you're flying down a fast descent on a road or mountain bike, your sunglasses must protect your eyes from the wind and potential impacts from bugs, rocks, branches, or anything else that could be flying through the air. We had a run-in with a broken glass bottle on a road ride that sent tiny shards of glass flying through the peloton during testing. In situations like this, your glasses should give your eyes security so you can stay focused.

To thoroughly rate each model's coverage, we considered the size of their lenses, how closely they wrap to the face, their materials and construction, and their performance at high speeds. We ran each model through a series of downhills on our road, gravel, and mountain bikes in various conditions and tracked their ability to block wind interference.

Most of the models in our test have a very similar lens construction. Each lens is plastic instead of glass, and most are polycarbonate. They all provide impact protection that meets ANSI Z80.3 standards for impact resistance, so we weren't concerned about a lens breaking from a rock strike out on the road. We encountered no situations during testing where a lens failed to protect our eyes or face from an impact.

The Smith Pursuit was the highest-coverage model we tested. Its 166mm wide by 66mm tall lens is the biggest in the test, and the frame's close fit and unique side shields do well to protect the eyes. The Pursuit most closely mimicked the goggle-quality coverage of all the goggle-esque sunglasses we tested. The Tifosi Rail, 100% Speedcraft, Smith Wildcat, Oakley Sutro, and Scott Sport Shield had the next biggest lenses in the test and provided excellent coverage. The Wildcat fit a bit further off the face than the two 100% models and experienced a little more wind interference, but it was nothing serious.

Due to their spherical lenses and close fit, a few medium-lensed models also provided excellent coverage. The Oakley Flight Jacket's lenses aren't exactly small, but at 140x53mm, they weren't among the largest in our test. Despite their size, they offered some of the best coverage in our test. We didn't experience any wind interference at high speed, and we had no concerns about the smaller lenses not protecting our eyes.

Frame Quality

Along with your lenses, the frames of your glasses must stand up to the test of time. When paying a premium for high-end glasses, you hope the frames stand up when dropped on the ground or thrown in backpacks and luggage. You also hope they won't meet their demise the first time you take a dirt nap or asphalt slide on a bike ride.

To assess each model's frame quality, we scrutinized them to see just how much they could take. This involved a lot of flexing, twisting, and squeezing to test each frame's construction limits and ensure that none were too brittle. We also researched the material properties of each model's construction based on the material specs provided by the manufacturer and considered each frame's adjustability and ease of lens swapping.

Our favorite models in this metric included some combination of TR90, Grilamid, and TPU thermoplastic construction. These materials each provide high flexibility and bending strength, good toughness, and low moisture absorption. The Smith Wildcat, 100% Speedcraft, 100% Glendale were our favorite frames. Each of these featured some combination of these high-quality construction materials. Their frames' softness and flexibility gave us confidence that these models would survive just about anything we could throw at them and were made for quick, easy lens changes.

While we didn't like the stiffer, harder nature of Oakley's “O Matter” frame material as much as the Wildcat or 100%'s offerings, we gave the Flight Jacket accolades for its well-thought-out design, including the Advancer nose piece that allows you to adjust the airflow behind the lenses and its multiple arm length options.

A few models had frames made of high-quality materials but didn't score as highly in this metric. The POC Aspire, POC Half Blade, and Tifosi Sledge each feature Grilamid thermoplastic frame constructions, but their frames are harder and less flexible than the Wildcat and 100%'s offerings. It worries us that the frames might snap in a crash or when TSA throws your bag on your next flight, and it also means swapping lenses can be a bit tougher than with some of the more flexible models. These frames also provide minimal adjustment to dial in the fit.

Conclusion

There's much to consider when searching for a new pair of cycling sunglasses. Today, there are so many options that, even if you have a good idea of what you're looking for, the search can be daunting. We did the work (actually, it was a lot of fun) to provide you with the best information possible. We know we've covered most of the bases by measuring each model and comparing them extensively. We hope this review helps you make a decision and leads you to the perfect pair of glasses for your sporting endeavors.