Shielding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays while you’re outside being active is important year-round. The best sports sunglasses will also keep your eyes safe from impact and shield them from wind, dust, and other debris. When shopping for sports sunglasses, choose a pair that’s durable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, says Nicole Lord, Vice President of Merchandising for Now Optics. Consider how and when you’ll be using them—polarization will reduce glare, for instance, while different lens colors can help you see better in sunny or low-light conditions.
To find the best sports sunglasses, we first consulted with sunglasses experts to determine the key features every pair should have. We then tested a dozen frames, wearing them during various outdoor activities, including tennis matches, beach days, long walks, and more. We evaluated each pair’s fit, performance, quality, features, and value to find the top options on the market.
Tip From the Pros
Never wipe your sunnies off with the hem of your shirt—this can cause scratches or smudges that may affect your visibility, says Stephen Lease, CEO and co-founder of goodr sunglasses.
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Plastic lenses, acetate frames | Style: Half-frames | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want a lightweight, durable, and highly comfortable pair of sunglasses that can handle golf, tennis, water sports, and more.
Why We Love Them
Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses are one of our clear overall winners. We love that the lenses are designed to enhance contrast and color for clearer views—plus, they’re polarized to reduce glare, eliminate haze, and minimize distortion. During our test, the lenses offered exceptional protection and clarity. The frames felt lightweight and comfortable, while grips on the nosepiece and at the temples kept them in place during sweaty runs (no sliding or bouncing here).
While they have a lightweight, flexible feel, these shades are very sturdy and performed well in our durability test. They also come with a hard zippered case to protect them when not in use. Overall, these sleek, sporty shades are ideal for golf and tennis, but they also work extremely well for walking, running, cycling, water sports, and other activities.
Potential Flaws
- These sunnies are pricier than most of our other picks, but we think the additional cost is worth it based on how well they performed in our test.
Most Valuable Insight
“These sunglasses are very lightweight, and the contact points are made from a rubber-like material that does not slip when sweating. They have a snug fit, and, despite the smaller lens size, the glasses have great eye coverage.” —Brad L., Verywell Fit product tester
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![A closeup of the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL on a person's face.]()
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Credit: Verywell Fit
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![The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sitting grass]()
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Credit: Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Style: Wrap, half-frames | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want lightweight, shatterproof sports glasses with great airflow and anti-slip grips that can handle even your sweatiest workouts.
Why We Love Them
Tifosi’s Tyrant 2.0 Sunglasses are a lightweight and sturdy option that’s ideal for most of your outdoor pursuits. We love that they have a durable nylon frame, shatterproof lenses, and nose and ear pieces made from a comfortable hydrophilic rubber that increases grip as you sweat.
As for features, the polarized lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection from the sun’s harmful rays and get lighter or darker, depending on the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to. These sunnies performed well during our sweat test, staying in place even on wet skin. Vents at the top of the lenses help increase airflow and prevent fogging. The glasses also come with a zippered shell case and cleaning bag to protect your purchase.
Potential Flaws
- These lenses aren’t as wide, meaning they aren’t as protective as some other pairs on our list.
Most Valuable Insight
“I really like the fit and lightweight feel of these glasses. They don’t pinch my nose, and the arms don’t feel too tight on my head, yet they stay in place and are bounce-free.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses | Style: Wrap-around | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners who want sunglasses that are lightweight and don’t slip or bounce, even on long-distance runs.
Why We Love Them
Runners need sunglasses that offer excellent protection but can also go the distance without slipping, bouncing, or feeling too heavy. Designed for running, Rudy Project’s Propulse Sports Sunglasses are our top pick, whether you enjoy jogging around your neighborhood or long-distance running. During our test, they were easy to wear, even underneath a running visor. The soft, rubber nosepiece and pliable arms provided a snug fit, keeping the shades in place.
We appreciate that the wide, wrap-around lenses offer ample protection—more than some others we tested. Ventilation on the lenses and temples also helps prevent fogging and overheating, allowing you to run uninterrupted for longer. Triathletes and marathon runners alike will appreciate their thoughtful design and high-quality construction.
Potential Flaws
- These sunnies are pricier than some of our other top picks, although we think their runner-friendly features make them worth the investment.
- Unlike other sunglasses on our list, these don’t come with a protective case.
Most Valuable Insight
“These sunglasses are very lightweight and comfortable and provide excellent protection, especially on the periphery. They really block out the sun and wind but are also well ventilated to allow for cooling and to prevent fogging.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Plutonite lenses, carbon frames | Style: Full frames | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for cyclists who want a sleek pair of sports sunglasses that fit comfortably under a bike helmet and provide excellent wind and sun protection.
Why We Love Them
Our top pick for cyclists, we love Oakley’s Sutro Lite Sunglasses because they’re versatile, durable, and comfortable for long rides. They’re wide and tall enough to provide good protection from the sun and wind, but still streamlined enough to fit comfortably under a bike helmet. During testing, we noticed that the soft rubber nose piece, flexible arms, and lightweight feel make these shades comfortable enough to wear during daily rides.
The lenses provide exceptional clarity, impact protection, and an unobstructed view—which is critical for riding. They also didn’t fog up during our sweat test. Like other Oakley sunglasses we tested, these shades are clearly built to last and can definitely take some heavy use. We recommend them for cyclists who value excellent performance and protection.
Potential Flaws
- These are pricier than most of our other picks. But for avid cyclists, we think their safety features are tough to beat, making them well worth the additional cost.
Most Valuable Insight
“I was really impressed with the lenses and the contrast and clarity they produced. Plus, these sunglasses are really lightweight and comfortable, which is important for long bike rides.” —Brad L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Triacetate cellulose lenses, polycarbonate frames | Style: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those with smaller faces who want budget-friendly sports sunglasses that are stylish and grippy enough to stand up to sweaty high-intensity workouts.
Why We Love Them
If you have trouble finding sports sunglasses that aren’t too wide for your face, we recommend goodr’s Circle GS Polarized Sunglasses. We love that they offer polarized lenses that block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, all at a budget-friendly price. In testing, they never bounced, pinched, or felt too tight—a grippy coating keeps them in place, even during very sweaty runs in sweltering weather.
We also found that the lenses provided a crisp, vibrant view and reduced glare. If you frequently misplace your sports shades and like to have multiple pairs on hand, these sunglasses are a great option for stocking up. They’re also quite sleek and stylish, and can be worn with casual wear.
Potential Flaws
- We wish these came with a hard-shell case, instead of just a soft microfiber pouch.
Most Valuable Insight
“I have a small face, so I really appreciated the shape and size of these sunglasses. The size felt ‘just right’ for me, and I didn’t notice any bouncing, slipping, or uncomfortable tightness when I wore them.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Thermoplastic lenses, nylon frames | Style: Wrap, rimless | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for exercisers who want a budget-friendly pair of sports sunglasses that are scratch-resistant and repel water and oil.
Why We Love Them
Torege’s Polarized Sports Sunglasses are budget-friendly and built to last. During testing, we immediately noticed that they felt lightweight and comfortable, and the rubber nose pads kept them in place even during long periods of wear. We love that the scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses provide crystal-clear views with no distortion. They also repel water and oils, making them a solid choice for water sports and high-intensity, sweaty activities.
Additionally, these glasses are durable: We didn’t find any scratches or signs of damage after dropping them, and we noticed that the spring hinges on each arm are both strong and flexible. With a lifetime warranty on the frames and lenses, you can be confident you’re purchasing shades that are just as tough as they are effective. We’re also impressed that they come with a hard, zippered case, which is unexpected at such a budget-friendly price point. If you’re looking for a versatile pair of high-performance shades, these are a great value.
Potential Flaws
- These glasses don’t have a ton of features that other sports sunglasses do—but they come at a budget-friendly price point, which we think is a decent trade-off.
Most Valuable Insight
“Finally—a pair of running glasses that perform well and are versatile enough to wear casually. These glasses are lightweight and very flexible, with classic styling.” —Brad L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Style: Full frames | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for budget-conscious exercisers who want a pair of durable, stylish sunglasses that stay in place, even during high-intensity workouts.
Why We Love Them
Polarized lenses at a budget-friendly price? Enter Tifosi’s Swank Sunglasses. These shades feature a bounce-free fit, complete with rubber nose pads that prevent them from sliding down, even when we’re sweaty during our long-distance runs. We even noticed that they stay put when worn on top of our head or over a visor.
We love that these glasses boast durable, shatterproof, and scratch-resistant lenses, as well as 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. They sailed through our durability test, and they’re super stylish. We also found that they lay very flat when folded, a plus for those who like to stash their shades in a pocket or pouch during runs, hikes, or bike rides.
Potential Flaws
- We wish these sunglasses came with a hard-shell case, so we could toss them in our go-to gym bags.
Most Valuable Insight
“I almost forgot that I had these on during my run! I also really like that they’re not very sporty-looking—I would definitely wear them casually.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames | Style: Frameless | Anti-Fog: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for avid walkers and hikers looking for a durable, impact-resistant pair of sports sunglasses with exceptional visibility.
Why We Love Them
For a durable option that pairs well with your go-to hiking shoes, we recommend Smith’s Parallel 2 Unisex Polarized Sunglasses. During testing, the polarized lenses offered exceptional visibility and clarity, which proved to be a huge asset when hiking on technical trails. We also appreciate that these frames come with two sets of impact-resistant, interchangeable lenses, allowing you to switch them out based on conditions and terrain.
We appreciated the sunglasses’ lightweight feel and snug, comfortable fit, making these a nice choice for all-day wear. They’re also resistant to fogging and performed well during our sweat test. As for durability, the glasses withstood our drop test without a scratch and feel like they will hold up for long-term use. They also come with a hard zippered case and a soft microfiber pouch to keep them protected when not in use.
Potential Flaws
- Since the lenses are interchangeable, some wearers have found that they can feel a little loose in the frames.
Most Valuable Insight
“I really like the lightweight feel and sleek, modern look of these sunglasses. They’re also extremely comfortable and come with two sets of interchangeable lenses, so they’re a nice choice for all-day activities such as hiking, where you may be dealing with changing conditions.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Budget-friendly
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Comfortable and scratch-resistant
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Stay in place, even during sweatier matches
Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Plastic lenses, polycarbonate frames | Style: Half-frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Best for tennis players who want comfortable sports sunglasses that stay securely in place.
Why We Love Them
Tennis players need sunglasses that offer good protection and clarity, while also staying securely in place. Bounce-free and lightweight, Duduma’s TR8116 Sports Polarized Sunglasses are an asset on the court, and we also love their budget-friendly price tag. During our test, the sunglasses’ polarized lenses reduced glare while also enhancing colors, making it easy to spot a tennis ball soaring over the net.
We were also impressed by the shades’ comfortable fit and grip, noting that they stayed put during a sweaty tennis session. Although we noticed that the lenses fogged up slightly due to moisture, they cleared up fairly quickly. In general, these versatile shades are a good value and deserve a spot in your courtside arsenal.
Potential Flaws
- The budget-friendly price means that these shades lack some additional features, such as an anti-fog coating.
- We noticed that they’re on the smaller side, so they may be too narrow for people with rounder faces.
Most Valuable Insight
“For such an affordable price, I was impressed by the quality and durability of these sunglasses. The polarization is top-notch, and the lenses offer good clarity and protection for playing tennis.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Block glare, wind, and snow
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Sleek, stylish design that can be worn under a helmet or hat
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Perforated for ventilation
Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Triacetate cellulose lenses, recycled polycarbonate frames | Style: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who enjoy skiing and other snow sports and need serious eye protection from wind, snow, and glare.
Why We Love Them
If you prefer to wear shades for skiing and other snow sports, Sunski’s Treeline Polarized Sunglasses are our top pick. The minute we opened the box, we were impressed by their cool design. What sets them apart from other shades on our list are Sunski’s Magni-Snap Sidekicks—plastic side shades that shield your eyes from glare, wind, and snow without blocking your peripheral vision. These side screens are perforated with tiny holes for ventilation, and they detach easily when you want to wear the glasses casually.
During our test, the rubber nose pads felt comfortable and really kept the sunglasses in place. They also fit nicely under a helmet, hat, or visor—making them a great alternative to goggles, which can be bulky. With a sleek silhouette, these sunnies can easily go from the slopes to après ski drinks at the lodge. We also like that they come with a zippered case to protect them when you need to stash them in your pocket or bag.
Potential Flaws
- For the price, we wish these sunnies had an anti-fog coating.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like that they aren’t flimsy and feel very durable. The side screens are a really effective feature and helped to block out light and debris, but they didn’t affect my peripheral vision at all.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses and frames | Style: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Best for fishing enthusiasts or anyone who needs eye protection while out on the water.
Why We Love Them
When fishing, a high-quality pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes and reduce glare. During our test, Knockaround’s Torrey Pines Polarized Sunglasses proved to be a comfortable, high-performance option for all-day wear on the water. The extra-wide, impact-resistant lenses offer ample coverage without being overly bulky. We also appreciate that the arms feature spring hinges for a slight give.
The glasses offered a comfortable, snug fit without feeling constricting. During our test, these glasses did an excellent job of blocking bright sunlight and reducing glare. Overall, we like them for fishing, boating, or a day at the beach—and we especially appreciate their budget-friendly price.
Potential Flaws
- These sunglasses are a bit heavier than some others we tested, so we don’t recommend them for running or cycling.
Most Valuable Insight
“I was impressed with the clarity and quality of the lenses. I wouldn’t expect polarization at such an inexpensive price.” —Brad L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Materials: Triacetate lenses, thermoplastic frames | Style: Full frames | Anti-Fog: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for kids who need a durable pair of sports sunglasses that can stand up to bending and pulling.
Why We Love Them
Whether your kids are playing at the beach or on the baseball field, Duco’s Kids Sunglasses can protect their eyes from harmful rays, as well as from sand, dirt, and other debris. The polarized lenses block 100 percent of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays and did an excellent job of reducing glare during our test.
The sunglasses are impact- and scratch-resistant, with a flexible rubber frame that’s perfect for active kids who can be rough on their gear. Our 13-year-old tester was impressed by how well the glasses fit and held up during testing. The arms are flexible enough to withstand bending and pulling, and we appreciate that you receive a hard, zippered case with your purchase for safe storage and protection.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, we noticed that these sunnies slipped a little when they got wet.
Most Valuable Insight
“I thought they did a good job in bright sunlight. I could see clearly, and they felt comfortable.” —Brendan L., Verywell Fit product tester
What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Sunglasses
- Fog-Resistance: Some well-made sunglasses have an anti-fog coating, which can be especially helpful in hot, humid environments and during more intense physical activity. Keep in mind that the lenses shouldn’t come into contact with your cheeks—this can be uncomfortable and may lead to fogging.
- Shape: Sports sunglasses are available in various styles, including wraparound, full-frame, half-frame, and rimless designs. Some pairs are better-suited for certain faces, notes Lease. Also, consider how your sunglasses will work with your other equipment. For example, straight temples allow a seamless fit when worn with a helmet, says Lord.
- Material: For all-day wear, you’ll want sunnies that are lightweight and comfortable. If you plan to wear your shades during intense activities, opt for durable materials, like shatterproof plastic. Pro tip: The non-slip rubber on the nosepiece prevents them from sliding down.
- Protection: Your sunglasses should provide 100% protection from harmful UV radiation to prevent eye diseases and other kinds of damage. Polarized lenses help reduce glare and haze, making them a suitable choice for activities such as water sports, golf, and tennis. Water-resistant coatings are also beneficial if you’re engaging in activities near or in water.
- Lenses: Different-colored lenses can improve visibility under certain conditions. Gray lenses are ideal for bright, sunny days. Yellow and orange tints enhance contrast in low-light or overcast conditions. Brown lenses reduce glare while improving your visual acuity and depth perception, making them a great choice for cycling and golf, says Lord.
How We Tested the Sports Sunglasses
To find the best sports sunglasses, we tested a dozen options from popular, trusted brands, wearing them while playing tennis, at the beach, hiking, long-distance running, and more. When testing sports sunglasses, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.
- Fit: Lord notes that well-fitting sunglasses won’t move, slide down, or leave marks on your face when you take them off. When we first try on the sunglasses, we note the style and how well they fit. Are they comfortable, and do they fit our faces well? Do they need adjusting, or do they sit straight on our noses?
- Performance: We wear the sunnies casually and during workouts that match their recommended use, like runs and outdoor bike rides. Do they effectively shade our eyes from the sun and reduce glare? Do they block wind, dust, and debris? We also spritz our faces with water to simulate sweat—this helps us test the sunglasses’ grip and comfort.
- Quality: Throughout the testing period, we assess the quality of the sunglasses in terms of their feel. We also perform a durability test by dropping the sunglasses from waist height onto pavement, examining each pair for any scratches or cracks. We deduct points if the sunglasses exhibit significant signs of wear and tear by the end of the testing period.
- Features: Are the sunglasses polarized? Does the brand claim to have any other special features, such as an anti-fog or water-resistant coating? If so, we ensure that we test these claims.
- Value: To rate each pair’s value, we don’t check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other key categories. Based on how well the sunglasses perform, do we think they’re priced fairly? We also consider whether we’d recommend them to a friend or family member.
Our Experts
We spoke with experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand which key features to look for in a high-quality option. Although we choose products independently, expert advice influences our decisions.
- Nicole Lord, vice president of merchandising for Now Optics
- Stephen Lease, CEO and co-founder of goodr sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polarized sunglasses better for sports?
Polarized sunglasses work well for sports that require reduced glare and improved clarity. They’re ideal for outdoor sunny activities, including cycling, water sports, and running.
Are expensive sunglasses actually better?
Pricier sunglasses aren’t necessarily better than their more budget-friendly counterparts. When shopping, look for options with features that support the activity you’re doing, such as an anti-fog coating, UV protection, polarized lenses, and more.
Which is better, UV or polarized sunglasses?
UV protection and polarized lenses serve different purposes and you may want to consider options with one or both features. UV protection blocks harmful rays from the sun, while polarized lenses reduce glare and improve clarity, especially in very bright conditions.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A certified personal trainer, running coach, marathon runner, and writer for Verywell Fit, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be good investments for her readers. For this roundup, she hands-on tested several options while hiking, running, playing tennis, and more.
Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
Sarah Felbin is a Verywell Fit writer who’s always diving into the latest health and fitness research. With over 20 years of dance experience, she knows how important it is to find gear that helps you look, feel, and perform your best.
For this article, both authors looked over the test results from our Lab to help compile our top picks.
