Running Sunglasses Really Are Worth It (Plus a Few You Should Try)

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I learned the value of running sunglasses one summer, on vacation. I left my family’s hotel room early one sunny morning in my running shoes, realized I hadn’t packed my usual sun visor, and grabbed my driving sunglasses from the car instead. Should be fine, right? But as soon as I started to sweat (which was immediately), the glasses slid down my nose. If you’ve ever seen that video of the squirrel sliding down the greased bird feeder pole, that’s pretty much what was happening on my face with every step. 

When I returned home, I bought myself a pair of $25 Goodr sunglasses. I took them for a run on an equally sweaty day, and they didn’t slide down my face at all! I’ve since gotten to try a pair of Nathan running sunglasses, and they’re fantastic as well. 

What to look for in running sunglasses

I had heard of running sunglasses for a while before that fateful vacation run, but never quite understood what was so running-specific about running sunglasses. So here’s a rundown of the design features that tend to make them worthwhile. Specifics vary by brand, but look out for these: 

A grippy coating or surface. Look for rubbery nose pads (they may be hidden, so look closely) and a non-slick surface on the inside of the temple.

Appropriate sizing. Too big and they’ll slide off despite the grip. Goodr, for example, is a good fit on my relatively small head, but they also offer a BFG line for people who need a larger fit.

Light weight. The heavier something is, the more it can bounce. Being light is a plus here.

Polarized lenses. When sunglasses are polarized, they filter out light that has bounced off horizontal surfaces. That means less glare from water and road surfaces—in theory anyway. Not everyone loves polarized lenses, so try them out and see what you think.

Scratch-resistant lenses. Running sunnies are for utility, not so much for fashion, so you’re probably not going to baby them. Some brands, like Knockaround, advertise the durability of their lenses. I’ve seen complaints on Reddit that Goodr lenses scratch more easily than others, but I haven’t noticed that on my own pair, which are over a year old now. 

Whichever you choose, protect the lenses by carrying them in a protective sleeve when you’re not wearing them (many brands come with a microfiber sleeve). When you try them on, remember to try them with the other accessories you might also wear on a run—like a hat or visor, a headband, and your headphones. And then enjoy your secure-fitting sun protection.