Our Favorite Expert-Tested Sunglasses for Running (2024)

Sunglasses make a statement. Look no further than today’s Olympic marathoners, track athletes, and ultrarunners who don their typical minimalist equipment, but with fashionable eyewear that always pops. And it’s not just the pros who love their shades. Many recreational runners invest in sunglasses from some of the industry’s most well-known brands including Oakley, Smith, Costa, Spy, Adidas, and Nike, to name a few.

While a good-looking pair of performance sunglasses can be expensive, there are lots of options all along the price spectrum. Plenty of professional runners nowadays are wearing $25 shades, but still manage to look like a million bucks. For instance, Emily Sisson competed in the 2020 Olympic 10K in a pair of her husband’s Goodrs. Molly Seidel wears the Tifosi Swank when she trains and races. And most recently, Dakotah Lindwurm ran the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials in this Rinkuolyo pair.

Whether you spend a modest amount on your shades or prefer to splurge, the sunglasses available now deliver not only style, but substance. A decent pair, regardless of price, should shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful radiation; protect you from bugs, sticks, dirt, and debris; and improve clarity with reduced glare and brightness.

As far as trends go, popular designs lean toward shield styles with rubberized temples and interchangeable sizing for nose pieces. Some brands such as Pit Viper, the self-proclaimed makers of “expressive eyewear,” are tapping into a revival of 80s-inspired neon and other bright color combos that are definitely eye-catching. Hey, if anyone can pull off this bold a look, it’s a runner.

Above all, don’t neglect sunglasses when you train and race, and don’t forget about style either. Here’s a look at our picks for the best sunglasses of 2024 for runners.

• Best Overall: HyperCraft Sunglasses
• Best Interchangeable Lenses: Oakley Radarlock
• Best Value: Goodr OG
• Best Design-Your-Own: Knockaround Premiums Sport
• Most Affordable Rx: Tifosi Swank

Personal style counts, but functionality, fit, lens type and quality, tint, and price will guide you in finding the right balance for your running needs. It’s also possible that a singular pair of sunglasses won’t meet all of your requirements. In fact, when it comes to sunglasses, most runners own more than one pair—even if the lenses can conveniently switch out based on the conditions of the day.

Runner’s World has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1966. Our essential recommendations, including all kinds of running shoes, are selected based on data and insights gathered by our test team, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. In 2024, the Runner’s World test team includes Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate and test editors Amanda Furrer and Morgan Petruny.

For this roundup, Petruny reviewed available options in the marketplace and balanced that with a thorough evaluation of the current selections in this story. She oversaw the final choices for sunglasses based primarily on testing by herself and the team, along with her deep industry knowledge of the category. All of this was further bolstered by writing and additional testing, research, and support from me, Aaron Bible.

I started trail running in college in northern Colorado, which set off a decades-long obsession with dirt paths and human-powered movement of all kinds. I’ve contributed to publications including Backpacker, Men’s Health, Gear Junkie, 5280, and Elevation Outdoors, covering every aspect of the outdoor industry. And I’ve ticked off numerous 10Ks and half marathons over the years, and nowadays love to take my kids along for the fun. When I’m not hammering away on a keyboard, I’m hammering out miles on the trails surrounding my home in the Pike’s Peak region of Colorado. Follow along for more of my adventures on Instagram at @definitelywild.

I’ve tested dozens of pairs of sunglasses across runs, functional strength training, cycling, fishing, climbing, hiking, skiing and more—often testing many of the same brand’s newest models year after year. I have tested functional eyewear for more than two decades year-round, across the country, and all over the world in varying climates and conditions.

Each year and each season I’m amazed at the sheer number of introductions, new brands, and incremental technological innovations. I’ve also done extensive research with product line managers, ophthalmologists, engineers, and marketers about the technical considerations, materials, lens tech, and science behind performance eyewear. There’s rarely a run or a ride I do that I’m not testing a pair of sunglasses.

In addition to my testing and research, and that of the Runner’s World test team, I also factored in the efforts of previous writer Caitlin Giddings. Some of her recommendations still stand in this most current list of top performers. All of our combined endeavors bring you the best sunglasses of 2024.

Stylish and extremely functional, the 100 Percent HyperCraft Sunglasses are ready for any condition. Proprietary UltraCarbon tech frames deliver sturdiness yet remain lightweight and sleek. The high-contrast polycarbonate, aerodynamic interchangeable lenses provide near wrap-around protection and visibility without the bulk. Plus, this motocross-inspired brand’s coatings and lens treatments resist scratches, water, dirt, and oil.

But most of all, we love these sunglasses for their versatility, including a clear lens option for night runs, shooting sports, or other activities that require protection in low light.

Oakley’s wide lens selection and history with interchangeable lenses is hard to beat. The Radarlock Path glasses offer a secure and comfortable fit. They’re designed to stay higher up on the face, preventing slippage off of the nose. The Switchlock Technology makes changing out lenses simple, giving you the option to choose polarization or even prescription depending on your needs.

For an all-around lens option, go for the Prizm Road Lens at 20 percent light transmission with increased contrast. These transition from dappled trails to a daily neighborhood jog with ease. And if you want even more choice, Oakley glasses are fully customizable online.

We have been fans of Goodr shades since the company launched in 2015. They’re affordable, well-built, polarized, don’t bounce, and come in a ton of fun colors. The original model magically fits a lot of different head sizes comfortably, but opt for the BFG if you have a larger noggin. That style comes with a wider frame and larger lenses, plus longer arms and silicone inserts at the nose and temples, for a more comfortable fit. (It’ll cost you $10 more, but it’s still a bargain.)

The only drawback: More light can leak in around the edges of the OG’s frame compared to the BFG model. At $25, though, these sensible shades won’t be a liability when you’re traveling or if you toss them into your gym bag. That’s one of the reasons why you see so many runners rocking them.

Some runners love customizing their shades. Those with the need to create may want to look at the Knockaround Premiums, an incredible value at under $40. The sturdy build and rubberized nose bridge help these sunglasses stay secure on your face. The nose and temple pads are soft, yet grippy, made of a thermoplastic compound that resists sliding—even after you get all sweaty.

Test editor Morgan Petruny is a fan. “I love the Knockaround Premiums,” she says. “I find that they fit better than the Goodr OGs if you have a narrower face or smaller head, like I do.”

And with their polarized, impact-resistant lenses and UV400 protection, the Knockarounds are also true to their name—these are durable enough to to withstand drops and scrapes.

Not all running sunglasses have to look outwardly sporty—nor do they have to cost as much as a pair of new shoes—to offer top performance at fast paces. (Just ask pro-runner Molly Seidel, who wore a pair of the Tifosi Swanks when she qualified for the Olympics at the 2020 Marathon Trials.)

The Swank’s Grilamid TR-90 frame feels slightly rubberized on the temples and nose bridge, helping these glasses to stay snug without bouncing or slipping, even if you’re sweating through strong gusts of wind. The polycarbonate lenses won’t fog up during humid lunch runs and they’ll resist repeated drops on the pavement, although they’re not scratch-proof. Thanks to the rainbow of color options, the Swank can still look cool even if it does have a few nicks.

Always introducing new models, Roka has a lineup that runs the gamut from aviator to wraparound shield styles. Additionally, the company’s level of personalized customer service has never let us down.

The SR-1X’s grippy nose piece secures the fit with its Geko technology while customizable Titanium core wires allow you to adjust the temple pieces. Exclusive to Roka shades, Geko is an elastomer that has a slightly soft, almost sticky feel. You’ll find it used in all the places sweaty frames are likely to slip or pinch—the nose piece, temple pads, and arms, according to Petruny.

While the SR-1X are not especially new, they remain one of Roka’s all-time best sellers, and we consider these to still be a solid pick.

We awarded the Method Seven Silverton Trail 26 running sunglasses a spot in our Gear of the Year for 2024. This top-shelf brand calls itself a “specialty optics” company—which is tough to argue, according to our test editors.

With design specs suitable for cannabis growers and pilots, two professions with discerning visual standards for shades, these sunglasses are for anyone who operates under dynamic conditions with bright light and glare.

The M7s are specifically built for the terrain found on the famous Hardrock 100 Endurance Racecourse (located in Silverton, Colorado, which is also home to pro ultrarunner and Method Seven athlete Avery Collins).

According to Runner’s World testers, these sunglasses refine the polarization and visible light transition (VLT) of its lenses to the precise needs of technical trail runners who may face quickly changing weather conditions. Test editors found these sunglasses to be noticeably crisper and clearer for discerning between undulations on rocky singletrack, shadows cast from heavy tree canopies, and glints of sun through clouds and rain.

The Trail 26 polycarbonate lenses are light and durable with anti-fog, anti-scratch, and hydrophobic coatings. Wrap-style frames are made from a lightweight aircraft-grade polymer with slip-resistant nose pads and temples.

If you like the style and generous coverage of Smith’s famous Reverb, the brand’s Flywheel sunglasses take things a step further with a full-on throwback skier vibe that spans even more of your face without blocking the view with excess framing.

The frames, made from a durable plastic resin with comfortable rubber nose pads, won’t slide around even after you start sweating. Even better, they won’t feel heavy on your face. The polycarbonate, wraparound lenses feature the brand’s “ChromaPop” technology, which filters out color distortion and provides more clarity. Choose from a variety of different frame colors and patterns and lens colors. Smith offers lots of interchangeable retro options for this style.

Something tells me you’ll be seeing this modern Goodr style at your next run-club meet up. Full coverage shades are all the rage, and the Wrap G frame shape personifies the trend while still allowing you to sneak by on a budget. You’ll find that this is essentially customizable to your personal style, with insane names like “Look Ma, No Hands” and “Scream If You Hate Gravity” leading to an almost cult-like following for the budget brand.

Mirrored, polarized, anti-fog lenses give you the discretion and intense style you deserve no matter your pace, with UV400 level protection. The grip-coated frame is made to prevent slipping while sweating and the removable (comes with two sizes) rubberized nose piece allows for a precision fit.

Furrer tested a super-extravagant pair from Tracksmith x District Vision called the Kazu Tourer, and we are here for it. Created as a splurge-worthy, ultra-stylish option for discerning runners, the Kazu features a unique Italian alpine- and moto-inspired frame style.

As much a work of art as a piece of performance running gear, they’ve got ventilated lenses with integrated side shields, designed to reduce errant rays and glare. They are also highly versatile—which is good, given the price tag—yet still purpose-built for discerning runners. Coming in at $315, these may not be your first choice, but those who appreciate long-lasting style and quality over fleeting fashion trends will definitely pay attention.

The Kazu Tourers are designer sunglasses built for runners. “I like the big lenses’ aviator style, and the soft curves of the frames that make these shades look fashionable for wearing off the run,” says Furrer. “The lenses aren’t too dark to see through indoors, and I like how the nosepiece can be tightened so the glasses stay somewhat secure as you run. (However, my nose bridge is slightly flatter, so I wish the piece was a bit more accommodating to my nose type.)”

According to Furrer, unlike other sunglasses, the ends of the tips point upwards, which can cause them to get stuck in your hair sometimes. Another consideration is the face-to-glasses size ratio. “My face, though wide, is relatively small,” she added. “I felt like these sunglasses were a lot of frame and lens for my face to handle while running.”

Article One might not be on your radar yet, but it should be—especially with the brand’s new Active line. The Avalon is styled for everyday wear, yet it has all the capabilities of running shades built for demanding athletic performance. (Article One recently partnered with Nikki Hiltz, a nonbinary transgender professional runner. In celebration of Pride Month 2023, all proceeds from the Avalon sunglasses benefited the nonprofit organization Stand with Trans.) The angular frame of these sunglasses works well on any face shape and transitions seamlessly from the roads and trails to the poolside or a postrun brunch.

Sunnies in the Article One Active line are made with a patented acrylic resin called Hexetate, which the brand says provides improved flexibility, shape memory, and durability.

My own tests proved a pair of these to be virtually indestructible. They’re bombproof under less-than-ideal treatment. They feature CR39 polarized lenses with a backside anti-reflective coating, as well as adjustable nose pads and rubber temples. The spring hinges help prevent breakage and ease pressure on the head for long wear. The “virtual try-on” room on the Avalon website is truly sophisticated, so go play around on there.

In classic aviator style with stainless-steel frames and polycarbonate lenses, the Tifosi Shwae takes pole position this season for best aviator. And for just $35, you’re getting massive bang for your buck. The polarized lenses are shatterproof and scratch-resistant and feature UV400 protection with visible light transmission (VLT) from 11-to-17 percent depending on your tint choice.

Another performance feature that comes with this enduring look is Tifosi’s “Glide” technology. These frames are designed to slide on easily and stay put during strenuous activities by using tangle-free nose pads and hydrophilic rubber that increases grip as you sweat.

Review These Tips From Expert Aaron Bible Before Buying Your Next Pair of Sunglasses