The Best Running Sunglasses: See Clearly & Run Faster

It’s every runner’s worst nightmare: you’re near the end of a marathon, but the sun is blinding you so you can’t even make out the finish line. You just want it to be over, and you’re dealing with an extra nuisance that’s ruining the experience—the sun!

Running sunglasses are a must-have piece of gear for serious runners. Whether you prefer the road, trail, or track, running shades protect your eyes from debris and help keep you focused on the path ahead. 

Maybe you’ve never tried them because you thought they’d be too floppy and slide off your nose, or you stopped wearing them because they didn’t fit right. Either way, we suggest tying up your laces as we take a deep dive into the key features of the best running sunglasses so you can finally purchase a pair that works for you.

Key Features for Running Sunglasses

UV Protection Lens

Unless you’re running on a treadmill, your eyes are exposed to UV rays while running. Squinting may just seem like a temporary annoyance, but UV rays cause long-lasting damage to your eyes slowly over time.

Excessive UV exposure can lead to harmful eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and eyelid cancers. It can even cause keratitis, which is a short-term condition that lasts for up to 24 hours. Keratitis symptoms include eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and more.

Protect your eyes from long and short-term UV complications with 100% UV-blocking running sunglasses. Sunglasses do not automatically come with this level of protection. Be sure to check the label or product description to ensure the specs offer 100% UV protection or are rated UV 400 (which means they block UV rays up to 400nm in length). 

Polarized Lenses

Many runners have scarred knees, elbows, and more because they’ve tripped over plenty of sidewalk cracks, tree roots, or even other runners. Running sunglasses can be helpful because they allow you to better read the terrain due to tinted lenses that block sunlight.

When shopping for running sunglasses, look for lenses that offer polarization. This feature blocks glare by only letting vertical light pass through the lens. Glare comes from horizontal light, so your eyes are protected from overwhelming brightness.

It’s also helpful to look for sunglasses that offer shatter-resistant lenses. Always store your sunglasses in a carrying case when you’re not wearing them to prevent scratches. However, occasionally dropping your sunglasses is inevitable, so shatter-resistant lenses protect your purchase. To learn more about different lens option, check out our purchasing guides for lenses. 

Lightweight Fit 

The best sunglasses should improve your focus while running. So you don’t want a pair that feels heavy on your face, causing discomfort during a long run and ruining the experience. Instead, look for running sunglasses that have simple frame shapes and made of acetate. 

An environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic, acetate is made from pulp wood and cotton. It’s an extremely lightweight material that’s easy to adjust to create a custom fit. It’s hypoallergenic as well, making it one of the best choices for people with sensitive skin.

Best Running Sunglasses for Running Style 

Sunglasses for Trail Running

Trail running often means long courses out in the mountains, so you need a pair of sunglasses that will feel lightweight and secure all day long. For an affordable pair of running sunglasses, try Jacob from WMP Eyewear. These $45 sport frames are a mix of lightweight polycarbonate and metal, and you can adjust the arms if you run them under warm water for a more secure fit.

The large lenses offer coverage for your entire eye, so you’re protected from almost every angle. Plus, they’re polarized and offer 100% UV protection. 

Running Sunglasses for City Routes

Runs in the city are typical for a day after work when you want to fit some training in before the sun goes down. Save money and purchase a pair of running sunglasses like Emerson. These cool frames are feasible for both the office and run club after work. Emerson looks good on most face shapes as well, so it’s a safe pair to purchase online.

An oversized square aviator, Emerson is made of lightweight acetate with polarized, 100% UV-blocking lenses. Available in six different frame color and lens variations, there’s an Emerson for everyone.

Running Sunglasses for Casual Joggers

Not everyone wants to run fast, and casual jogging is a great option for an outdoor exercise. Joggers don’t need the top-of-the-line running sunglasses for world-class athletes (those are overpriced anyway!). You just need to protect your eyes while working on your fitness. 

For casual jogging, wear a simple silhouette pair of acetate sunglasses such as Wesley. These adjustable, lightweight frames still have polarized and 100% UV-blocking lenses, but also look great with any casual outfit. Try out one of the four cool frame colors: Arctic Blue, Crystal Brown, Black, and Frosted Saguaro Green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Prescription Lenses in These Running Sunglasses if I Need Corrective Eyewear?

Yes, certain running sunglasses from WMP Eyewear are available in prescription lenses as well. Both Emerson and Wesley are available as prescription sunglasses, and you can find all the styles and colors under the men’s prescription sunglasses section. 

When buying prescription shades, there are three lens colors to choose from: green G15, amber, or grey. Amber is the best color for trail running because it improves depth perception. For all other runners, either grey or amber would be the best choice. If you want to learn more about lens colors, be sure to read one of our buying guides.

Are There Any Specific Frame Materials That Are Particularly Suitable for Running Performance?

Acetate and polycarbonate are two great materials that are particularly suitable for running performance. They both are lightweight so your face won’t feel heavy after a long run or uncomfortable during it.

An extra benefit to acetate is that it’s an extremely flexible material. If you order acetate sunglasses and they feel too tight or loose in the arms, you can run the frames under warm water and then bend them inwards or outwards. This ensures that the sunglasses won’t slide down your face while running.

Can I Use These Polarized Running Sunglasses for Other Outdoor Activities Like Cycling or Hiking?

Yes, these running sunglasses can be used for all kinds of outdoor activities, including cycling and hiking. For hiking, be sure to bring the carrying case in your backpack with you to store your shades if you decide to take them off in shady spots. For cycling, choose a pair of acetate sunglasses so you can adjust the arms inwards if needed to fit better under your helmet. With WMP Eyewear, you can score multifunctional frames at affordable deals.