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Oct 23, 2024

6 Best Cycling Sunglasses of 2024 | Tested & Rated

Looking for the best pair of cycling sunglasses? We've researched over fifty models before purchasing 19 of the best to test and compare side-by-side. Our selection has an emphasis on cycling

Looking for the best pair of cycling sunglasses? We've researched over fifty models before purchasing 19 of the best to test and compare side-by-side. Our selection has an emphasis on cycling performance both on and off-road, where wind protection and coverage are key. The vast majority of our testing took place on the bike, but we also tested these glasses in a variety of sports, including trail running and backpacking. The right pair of sunglasses can make or break your ride, so we developed five key metrics on which we scored each model: lens quality, fit and comfort, eye protection, frame quality, and performance in the field. Performance across these categories determined which models earned our recommendation.

A pair of top-ranked sunglasses is just one part of a great cycling kit. Whether you're into mountain biking or road cycling, our experts have recommendations for you. Of course, we've also tested and reviewed the top men's sunglasses, the best women's sunglasses, and our favorite cheap sunglasses as well as the best sport sunglasses.

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. While we loved almost every mile in these shades, they may be lacking in dust protection. Due to the slightly off-the-face fit and excellent breathability, the dust found its way behind the shield and into our eyes. Aside from this caveat that presented itself exclusively in group mountain bike rides, these are the best cycling sunglasses in this review. We highly recommend them for cycling on any terrain.

Read more: Smith Wildcat review

The Tifosi Sledge offers the best value of any cycling sunglasses we tested. With a selection of three high-quality lenses, you have high-performance lenses in any light condition for a great price. Each lens provides sharp, distortion-free optics and 100% protection from UV rays. Unlike some of our other budget selections, we couldn't detect much, if any, reduction in optical quality compared to the most expensive glasses we tested. 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.

While the close-wrapping fit gives much-welcomed security at higher speeds, they were prone to fogging when we stopped along the trail. We never had fogging issues while moving, but we quickly learned to remove and stow them on our helmets during mid-ride breaks to avoid steaming up. It's great to have swappable lenses, but the lens-swapping process is a little bit annoying. These qualms aren't enough to dissuade us from giving the Sledge our recommendation for riders looking for some versatile shades at a reasonable price.

Read more: Tifosi Sledge review

The Pursuit was originally designed for ski mountaineering, but they worked incredibly well on the bike. With a massive windshield-like design and unique side shields, they offer unparalleled protection in a sleek yet robust package. The photochromic lens provided excellent optics in various lighting conditions, and the frame was comfortable despite being heavier than others tested. The frame is constructed using Smith's Evolve material, a 53% bio-based injected polymer, which we found sturdy but flexible enough for lens swaps to be a breeze. It has hinged nose pieces that are easily adjustable between two positions and arms coated in a soft, bio-based thermoplastic called Megol. They ship 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, this model is not inexpensive. Most of the 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

The 100% S2 provides excellent coverage while minimizing fogging. The large, high-coverage lens sits far enough off the face to allow consistent airflow, even at low 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 particularly well for larger faces. 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 keeping the lens free of fog. The downside to the excellent ventilation is that the circulating air behind the lens can bring dust and debris. At higher speeds, you can feel air movement behind the lens, and we found that these glasses don't do a great job of protecting your eyes from dust when following close behind another mountain biker. Regardless, dust ingress isn't usually an issue unless you're riding in 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

The Oakley Sutro is a popular model that not only performs but looks good doing it. Due to their somewhat unique styling, they have become popular with many people 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. Our testers loved these glasses for road and gravel rides and moving at higher rates of speed.

While we loved almost everything about the Sutro, they weren't perfect. Testers with 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 over time. We also found that they didn't manage sweat quite as well as some other options. These are excellent cycling sunglasses with plenty of style and crossover appeal. For better ventilation, check out the Oakley Sutro Lite Prizm Trail Torch review.

Read more: Oakley Sutro Prizm review

The Eclipse is a high-coverage frame with a 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.

With no coatings or replacement lenses, the optics are not as high quality as other, more expensive options in the review. This option is an excellent choice for riders on a budget or those looking to build up their quiver of sunglasses to have options for different conditions and riding kits.

Read more: Blenders Eclipse Review

When Oakley introduced the Blade in 1986, we bought em. Long before we ever thought to test sunglasses, we'd been testing sunglasses. Our testers have owned dozens of pairs of cycling sunglasses over the years and are passionate about protecting our eyes and optimizing our vision, also, looking cool. We've officially been testing the best cycling sunglasses since 2021. We've done our research with over 30 different pairs purchased and reviewed. Every year, we update this review, researching the best options on the market and then 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 car windows, we 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 for hours, and considering the opinions of many testers.

Our testing test comprises three 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 work for Cervélo as a graphic designer and US Demo Coordinator.

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 the lens quality, coverage, and field performance metrics for cycling sunglasses. Additionally, we compared our overall performance score for each model against its price to determine which models offer 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 sacrifice a bit regarding lens quality but bring serious value. Likewise, the Tifosi Sledge is among the least expensive models in the test, with performance that rivals the more expensive competition.

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 a variety of 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 any sign 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.

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, 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 adjust the fit between small and large heads adequately. 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.

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 of their lenses 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 didn't encounter any 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.

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 will 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.

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, it's useless.

To assess each model's field performance, we simply used them. A lot. We took each model on countless hours of bike riding, trail running, hiking, and even some backcountry skiing to get a well-formed picture. 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 any of these sunglasses. We had some trouble with the 100% Glendale's larger fit on some smaller-headed testers. They found that the nose piece would slip down when the going got rough, and they would need to reach up and adjust. 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.