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Nov 05, 2024

The 16 Best Sunglasses We've Tested for Women and Men

What do you get when you give 51 sunglasses to more than a dozen multi-sport athletes and tell them to find the best in the bunch? This collection of trusty shades. New perk: Easily find new routes

What do you get when you give 51 sunglasses to more than a dozen multi-sport athletes and tell them to find the best in the bunch? This collection of trusty shades.

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}">Subscribe today →.

Sunglasses are a year-round staple, which is why we tested these shades in all seasons. With help from a hardy, mixed-interest test crew based in Lake Tahoe, California, we took these sunglasses for spins during mid-winter ski touring and Nordic skiing, on spring river trips and volcano-climbing missions, and while trail running and mountain biking all summer long. Our 13 testers came back with scratched and fogged lenses, broken frames, and feedback on which shades held up the best. This collection of sunglasses represents our favorites for every type of outdoor play.

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$209 at Bajio

Lens: Polarized glass or polycarbonateFrame shape: Rounded squareFit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons⊕ Cushy rubber temples and nose pad⊕ Temples hinge out for custom fit⊕ Ultra-clear, high definition polarized lenses⊕ Available in a prescription lens⊗ Heavy at 40 grams

Designed for saltwater fishing but versatile enough for everyday and multi-sport use, the Bajio 12 South sunglasses are packed with smart tech without looking, well, techy. They’re cool without trying too hard. And they stay put whether you’re running on the beach or casting a line.

High definition polarized lenses—which come in the polycarbonate we tested or a slightly pricier glass option—have a patented blue-light blocking technology that made our eyes feel rested even after a day of boating on Lake Tahoe in harsh sun. “These lenses are some of the clearest I’ve ever looked through,” one tester said. “They made everything sharper.”

The bridge and arms come with injection-molded rubber pieces for a soft touch, and flexible hinges at the temple made these some of the most comfortable shades in the test on a range of head sizes.

$185-250 at Julbo $163-250 at Backcountry

Lens: Cylindrical photochromicFrame shape: ShieldFit: Large

Pros and Cons⊕ Extremely minimalist feel considering the wide field of view⊕ Pliable rubber temples don’t snag hair⊕ Grippy rubber nose pad stays put⊗ Looks huge on smaller faces⊗ Feel fragile

These are the sunglasses you forget you’re wearing until you walk indoors. Even then, the transition lens adapts so shockingly well from bright light to dim darkness that you don’t need to take them off.

Our testers wore these in a ski-mo race, up a 12,000-foot peak in Yosemite, and while running and Nordic skiing over 100 collective miles. They are invisibly light—a mere 20 grams—with thin, delicate rubbery temples that one tester described as “reminiscent of bird bones.” Testers praised the full coverage that didn’t sacrifice venting, and one called them the “most fog-resistant sunglasses I’ve ever used.”

Testers repeatedly chose the Density (and even fought over who got to wear them) for late afternoon mountain bike rides, early morning trail runs, and ski touring on cloudy days. “This is the only pair of sunglasses I’ve used that I could put on starting a ski tour pre-dawn and wear into the middle of a bright April day, while never fogging—despite lots of uphill slogging,” tester Goran Lynch said.

If you’ve got a smaller face, check out Julbo’s Frequency ($145), which is similar to the Density in lens tech and lightweight feel but in a more diminutive frame size.

Read our full review of the Julbo Density.

$159 at Amazon $159 at Zeal Optics

Lens: PolarizedFrame shape: SquareFit: Large

Pros and Cons⊕ Frame made from plant-based materials⊕ Polarized lens excels on water and snow⊕ Available in prescription lens⊗ The square shape isn’t for everyone

The Whittier won over testers for its simplicity and unique style. It’s got an edgy and angular timeless look to it. But the real reason you’ll keep wearing it is due to its lens quality: The polarized lens out-performed the competition in water sports from paddleboarding to fishing. One tester said, “It cut all glare and made my eyes feel fresh even after a day in full sun.”

A durable, lightweight resin frame made from castor bean oil handled rough use just fine, like being tossed around in a duffel bag on a road trip to the northern California coast. And the fit held comfortably, as one tester reported: “The frame felt secure on my face while paddling on Lake Tahoe, without any pressure or squeezing.”

These aren’t the sportiest sunnies in this bunch, but they’re one of the more versatile. You could wear them for a river float or a hike, then walk around town without feeling like you’re in a pair of high-tech optics.

$35 at Backcountry $35 at Tifosi

Lens: Seven color optionsFrame shape: Basic shieldFit: Medium

Pros and Cons⊕ Lens quality punches above its price class⊕ Affordable enough to buy a few pairs⊕ Snug fit without pinching⊗ Lens too dark for mixed-light conditions

This is the extra pair of sunglasses you store in your glovebox for a sunny day. “While these reminded me of the huge brown sunglasses my nana used to wear, I was surprised by how good they felt,” said tester Jessica Hamilton, who wore the Sanctum on a long run on the Pacific Crest Trail. The cycling-forward style may not be for everyone, but for $35, you get shatterproof shades that won’t disappoint in direct sun.

Testers who wore them biking and running said there were no issues with slippage or fogging. Tester David Anhalt, who wore these glasses while mountain biking, gardening, and sitting in his hot tub, said, “I was impressed by how well they stayed on my face without applying too much pressure. Possibly the most comfortable glasses at this price point I’ve ever worn.” The straight-top frame—made from plant-based castor oil—paired well with hats.

$99 at Glade

Lens: Cylindrical photochromic lens made from 50 percent recycled contentFrame shape: Full frame shieldFit: Medium

Pros and Cons⊕ Lightweight design⊕ Ample ventilation⊕ Comfortable nose bridge with no pressure points⊗ A bit techy for everyday use

You know how some full-frame shield sunglasses look like overkill, as if you should only be allowed to wear them while racing bikes in Leadville or sky running in Chamonix? These are not those glasses. The Glade Ramble is built for sport, but has a laid back, under-the-radar vibe. “These are the non-obnoxious version of full coverage glasses,” wrote one tester, while another added: “They strike the sweet spot of good looks and functionality at the right price.” Hitting just under $100, the Ramble has a high-end feel without the sticker shock of pricier glasses.

Testers wore these while skiing Mount Shasta and on a weeklong ski touring trip in Lofoten, Norway, as well as during summer’s mountain biking window. They excelled in variable light conditions: The photochromic lenses transition from light to dark, which means when you’re moving between a forested area where the light is fickle and bright sun, your sunglasses magically adjust as needed to keep your vision clear and comfortable. “I unabashedly have a crush on these glasses,” said Tahoe tester Kate Shaw. This is the perfect shade for runners, cyclists, or skiers who prioritize lightweight, durable, style-forward gear.

$255 at Rudy Project $240 at Sport Eyes

Lens: CylindricalFrame shape: Wrap aroundFit: Medium to Large

Pros and Cons⊕ One of the most fog-free lenses in the test⊕ Available in prescription lens⊕ Adjustable rubberized nose piece and temples⊗ A little RoboCop-looking

The beauty of a wrap-around lens is they provide good peripheral vision and offer sun protection on the sides of your eyes, almost like goggles. If you’re a Strava junkie with race bibs piled in your garage, these are your new favorite wrap-around shades, designed for multi-sport high performance. Rudy Project’s Kelion shined best on long mountain bike rides and road cycling, but we wore it ski touring, running, and Nordic skiing, too.

“They passed the fog test—I was breathing hard on the skin track and no fog whatsoever,” said tester Molly Street. “The full-coverage style gave my eyes plenty of protection from sun and wind while ski touring.” The sharp, angular look was not loved by all, but everyone appreciated how sturdy and lightweight these plant-based frames felt. Choose between 6 different lens options. Replacement lenses are available for an extra fee.

$292 at Backcountry $292 at Costa

Lens: Polarized glass or polycarbonateFrame shape: AviatorFit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons⊕ Removeable, pop-down side walls for side-eye coverage⊕ Good ventilation even with side walls⊕ Grippy, comfortable nose pads⊗ Glass lenses feel heavy at 39 grams

Costa first made the Grand Catalina back in the mid 1980s, when the classic aviator shape was a favorite for everyone from Hollywood actors to fishing guides. In 2024, the brand reintroduced the model with the same heritage styling but more modern technology, like removable pop-down glacier-glass-style side walls and sweat management channels.

One tester wore them while biking 20 miles into California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, then climbing and skiing the park’s namesake 10,457-foot volcano. “Sun, rain, clouds, full whiteout: We had it all,” she said. “I knew I wanted shades with side coverage for the long day on snow and these felt lightweight, fit snug on my face without pinching, and handled the rain, wind, and low light like a champ. My eyes didn’t feel gassed at the end of a long day like they often do.”

You can choose between glass or polycarbonate lenses. The glass lenses will offer superior optic quality and more scratch resistance, while the polycarbonate option is unbreakable and lighter.

$59 at Backcountry $59 at Blenders

Lens: PolarizedFrame shape: Rounded squareFit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons⊕ Flashy and cool⊕ Lightweight design at just 26 grams⊗ Lenses were easily smudged with fingerprints⊗ No rubber padding on temples or nose bridge makes them less comfortable than others

Who said sunglasses needed to be so serious? Blenders’ Millenia X2 have an “I’m just here for a good time” vibe. We tested the Citrus Blast color—a shiny cotton candy pink frame with a mirrored rose-gold lens—but these glasses come in more subdued colors, too, like black or silver.

Multiple testers said these were the sunglasses they picked for springtime après ski on the deck at Palisades Tahoe, but they held up well in sporting mode, too. “I ran and cross-country skied in these shades and was shocked at how clear the optics were,” one said. “They are equal parts stylish and functional.”

The tint of the polarized lens we tested was dynamic, perfect for bright sunny days, but not so dark that you couldn’t wear them as the sun was setting. The frames fit testers with medium to large faces best, but they’re not so oversized that they look ridiculous on smaller faces.

$195 at Amazon $195 at Smith

Lens: ChromaPop Polarized, comes in four lens tint optionsFrame shape: Classically oversizedFit: Large

Pros and Cons⊕ Durable, smudge-resistant lenses⊕ Excellent glare protection on bright days⊕ Surprisingly light for their size⊗ Too large for small faces

Testers wore the Mono Lake on bright, bluebird days and found the polarized lens offered the best contrast in full sun of any glasses in the test. Their timeless style leans more towards fashion than sport, but they were comfortable and provided effective coverage during activities like boating, coaching kids’ soccer, and hiking with the dog.

“It felt like a casual lifestyle shade, but integrated rubberized nose pieces keep them right where you want them with no pinching or pressure points, making these good for light activity,” said tester Jess Hamilton, who wore them on dog walks in her neighborhood. Another tester wore the full-coverage shades on a sunny road trip to Mammoth, driving past the glasses’ namesake Mono Lake. “I didn’t wear them mountain biking—they’re not really built for that—but I was happy to put them on when I got back to the car,” she said, noting their secure fit and glare-reducing optics.

$202 at Backcountry $202 at Evo

Lens: Choose from 10 color options, including clearFrame shape: Sporty shieldsFit: Small

Pros and Cons⊕ Ultra light for endurance sports⊕ No sweat-induced fogging⊕ Massive rubber nose pads that stay put⊗ Too sporty to wear casually⊗ A little tight at the temples

For running, cycling, and other sweaty pursuits, the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep was a true champ. “Great combo of ventilation and coverage for a hard training ride,” said tester Tristan Queen, who trained for the Leadville 100 in these shades. “Good airflow meant I wasn’t getting sweaty eye area syndrome.” (Yes, that’s a thing.)

In mixed lighting through forests or dimly lit roads, the lenses—which one tester called A+ quality—popped color and light without distortion. This is a slight, minimalist option for athletic types who’d rather not wear a massive shield but still want the wind and sun protection of a full-coverage shade.

$120 at Scott

Lens: Toric-shaped photochromic with interchangeable color optionsFrame shape: ToricaFit: Medium

Pros and Cons⊕ Temples fit multiple bike helmet brands⊕ Never once fogged⊕ Well-sized rubber nose tabs lock them in place⊗ Might look bug-eyed on small faces⊗ Euro styling not for everyone

If a Swiss cyclist and a lab scientist built a pair of sunglasses, they might look like the Scott Torica. The toric-shaped lenses (like a slice off the edge of a donut) curve both horizontally and vertically, offering max peripheral vision, which testers appreciated while on technical singletrack.

These quickly became a few testers’ go-to sunglasses. “I fell for these glasses hard,” said Kerstin Ulf, an avid mountain biker. “With the lens quality in combination with the comfy goggle-like frame, I would regularly forget they were on.” The transitional lenses adjusted gradually to changing light, a boon on early-morning or end-of-day runs and rides. These were the most helmet-compatible of any glasses we tested.

$255 at Huckberry $255 at Mission Workshop

Lens: Polarized, with a low-light optionFrame shape: Vintage navigatorFit: Small/Medium

Pros and Cons⊕ Durable, high-end construction⊕ Great in low-light conditions⊕ Secure, customizable fit⊗ Heavy

Just because your day involves sporty pursuits doesn’t mean you should have to wear sunglasses that look like they belong in the Tour de France. These shades from Article One’s active line are functional enough for moderately serious sporting activities but are styled with a sleek, vintage coolness. After all, celeb Ryan Gosling and elite track runner Nikki Hiltz both wear a pair.

Designed in collaboration with San Francisco-brand Mission Workshop, they wouldn’t be out of place while bike-commuting to a tech job or on a weekend backpacking trip. Springy hinges and adjustable nose pads give you a custom fit. “This is one damn nice pair of glasses,” said tester Kerstin Ulf. “They feel premium on your face.” The lens was clear and bright, even at a sunset concert, one tester reported, while another said her backyard trails had never looked more spectacular.

$125 at Backcountry $125 at Competitive Cyclist

Lens: Three polarized color optionsFrame shape: Rounded squareFit: Medium

Pros and Cons⊕ Unscratchable lenses⊕ Featherweight frame⊕ Snug fit with no bounce⊗ So light they feel like they could break easily

Beachgoers and casual runners looking for a light, sporty shade they can wear throughout the day need search no more. The Ojai hits this magical sweet spot: At $125, they’re high-end enough to have a lavish feel but not so pricy you’ll panic when they go missing. They’re also perfectly unisex and flattering on a wide range of face shapes and sizes.

These were among the lightest frames in the test (at just 24 grams) and felt breezy and whimsical while bike commuting through town and paddleboarding on a high-alpine lake. Runners reported minimal slipping and appreciated the lightweight feel. “This one takes skinny and light to a whole new level,” one tester said.

The Ojai has a boho, casual vibe, like you’re going wine tasting at a hip vineyard, but is sporty enough to pull off scrambling up a big peak. A keyhole bridge over the nose and integrated rubber nose pads make for a comfortable fit.

$279 at Maui Jim $279 at Sunglass Hut

Lens: Polarized superthin glass in five tint optionsFrame shape: Low-key rectangularFit: Medium/large

Pros and Cons⊕ Among the best polarized optics we tested⊕ Long-lasting durability⊕ Comfortably snug fit⊗ Pricy⊗ Heavy

The Flats, by Maui Jim, are not flashy or stylish, per se. They win in practicality. If you’re going fishing or paddling on a lake or ocean, these are the sunglasses you want. The glass lens is scratch-resistant, polarized to cut glare and boost color on water-bound exploits. They work well off the water, too. One tester wore them while roller skating on a mountaintop rink at Palisades Tahoe and while catching crawdads off a dock with his kids. “They gave life alacrity,” he said.

Testers who claimed they don’t usually splurge on expensive sunglasses said these explained why you should. “Ah, so this is why people pay for nice glasses,” said tester Molly Street. “The lenses offered the crispest view I’ve ever experienced in a pair of sunglasses.” A snappy, spring-loaded hinge on the arms hugged the face nicely and, one tester reported, kept them in place while boating on Lake Tahoe.

$175–185 at Backcountry $175–185 at Evo

Lens: Polarized in three color optionsFrame shape: Flip-up shieldFit: Medium/large

Pros and Cons⊕ Highly breathable⊕ Versatile⊗ The look isn’t for everyone

Smith went back to its 1983-84 collection to find inspiration for these one-piece flip-up sunglasses. Why, you ask, would anyone need this feature? Because sometimes you want your glasses securely on your face with the arms over your ears but you don’t want the lenses in front of your eyes.

Case in point: tester Jakob Schiller took these glasses for an early-morning run in Mexico City and was able to flip the lenses up until the sun peeked over the buildings and then flip them down to create needed sun protection after dawn. While the glasses sat far enough off the face to breathe well, testers said sometimes it was nice to flip the lenses up while exercising in order to get a full blast of fresh air.

Yes, the glasses look absolutely ridiculous with the lenses flipped up, but who cares. These days, we’re all out there wearing bright colors, form-fitting tights, and any number of funny-looking gear in order to have fun and feel good.

$25 at REI $25 at Backcountry

Lens: Polarized, in 13 color optionsFrame shape: Sporty squareFit: Narrow/medium

Pros and Cons⊕ Comfortable⊕ Complete protection that’s affordable⊗ Lenses difficult to keep clean⊗ Lenses easily damaged

The OG is Goodr’s best-selling style, and for good reason: Their frame is almost universally flattering, they come in 25-plus colorways, and ring up at a mere $25.

“I don’t usually race in sunglasses, but I wore these in the Berlin Marathon,” said tester Jacqueline de Berry. “I thought for sure I would get annoyed by them toward the end of the race and want to toss them away—and I wouldn’t even have minded due to how affordable they are. But they were so comfortable I wore them to the finish, and they helped me score a new PR [personal record].” Hunsucker, who has logged over 1,000 miles in the OGs, points out that they’re best when it’s super sunny. “They can affect your depth perception in the shade, so I only wear them on sunny, non-technical trails,” he says.

They may not be as high-tech as other lenses, but they’re lightweight, don’t budge, and offer plenty of eye protection for an attractive price. Any athlete with a penchant for losing or damaging sunglasses should consider having a pair or two of Goodrs on hand. —Ashley Mateo

Trying on sunglasses in person is helpful to make sure they fit and flatter your face shape and size. These days, a lot of sunglass brands also offer virtual try-on features online. Your face shape can determine what works best for you. Larger, rounder faces tend to work best with oversized or shield glasses; smaller faces might be more suited to round or wayfarer styles.

Consider what you need from your sunglasses before you buy. Are you wearing them for high-motion sports like cycling or running, or for water sports like fishing or paddling? Or do you need them for everyday use, like driving or walking? Some versatile shades can do all of those things, but others are more specialized. And if you plan to use your sunglasses in low-light conditions, consider a lens suited for that or an interchangeable lens that you can swap out based on the light.

In terms of lenses, you have a few options there as well. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, more durable, and shatterproof, usually designed for high-output sports like running, biking, or ski touring. Glass lenses tend to have superior optic quality but are heavier and can be easier to break. If you plan to wear the glasses on water or snow, spring for a polarized lens, which is usually pricier but helps cut glare significantly better than non-polarized options. Some glasses come with options for lens tint, which is really up to personal preference and where you plan to use the glasses most of the time. Yellow or pink lenses will help boost color and can work well in low-light or on snow. Green and blue lenses cut glare. Gray lenses function well in both low-light and full-sun conditions, while brown lenses can improve contrast.

To determine our favorite all-around sunglasses of the year, a group of 13 Lake Tahoe, California-based testers were handed boxes filled with five to six sunglasses and told to wear them during their normal routines outside. They exchanged them after a few weeks with another set—eventually rotating through all 51. Testing commenced in late January and continued through early September.

Testers—with a wide range of backgrounds, ages, interests, and face shapes—put the shades through the ringer in both winter and summer conditions, from low-light blizzards to mid-day July sun and while doing everything from running ultramarathons to strolling around the neighborhood with the dog. We wore these sunglasses while casting for trout in the Truckee River, Nordic skiing in the Austrian Alps, road-tripping to California’s Lost Coast, and daily runs, bike rides, and casual walks. Testers were chosen based on a diversity of interests, but mostly because they’re opinionated about gear and they get outside regularly. Once they’d sufficiently wear-tested products, they filled out in-depth feedback forms where they reviewed characteristics like lens quality, fit, features, and durability.

Category manager and Outside contributing editor Megan Michelson is a freelance journalist and avid trail runner and skier based in Tahoe City, California. She tested sunglasses on long runs, while ski touring and Nordic skiing, and during around-town outings with her kids. Other key testers quoted here include mountain biker and marketing specialist Kerstin Ulf, Palisades Tahoe ski patroller Jason Mack, Peak Design CFO David Anhalt, Flylow Gear cofounder Dan Abrams, and doctor Jessica Hamilton.

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