Running is one of the best exercises you can do, especially in the mornings. It’s not only healthy for your body but your mental state as well.
The sun is a great happy-hormone trigger, but it can also be inconvenient when running. The UV rays can be damaging to the eyes and skin.
Sunscreen can deal with the prevention of skin damage, but what do you use for the eyes? Normal sunglasses aren’t designed to stay put on a face while going for a run. And so, running sunglasses were invented.
If you’re still reading this, it might be a sign your sunglasses are due for an upgrade. Read on to find out why running sunglasses are a great addition and our top four recommendations.
Are Running Sunglasses Necessary?
If this is your first-time hearing about running sunglasses, it’s probably because they’re one of the most underrated gadgets out there. Sunglasses are often labeled as accessories. However, wearing them while going for a run can be necessary.
What to Look for When Buying Running Sunglasses
There are many types of running sunglasses with many options. To fully optimize their advantages, it’s important to choose a high-quality one. Below are some of the most important features to keep in mind while shopping for new running sunglasses.
Scratch-resistant coatings
Scratch-resistant coatings—or anti-scratch coatings—are simply nanoparticles. They’re applied in the form of a film on the plastic lens of the running sunglasses. One great advantage they have is that they neither affect nor distort the lenses’ optical properties.
Anti-fog coatings
Whether it’s rainy, sunny, humid, or windy; running sunglasses are there for you. They’ll not only protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, but they also won’t fog up in high humidity or when it’s raining.
Anti-fog coatings focus on eliminating the surface tension of the lenses. This greatly reduces the attraction between the water molecules and prevents fog from forming.
Polarized lenses
When it comes to light transmission coatings, lenses often come in two categories: polarized and non-polarized.
Polarized Vs. Non-polarized
Both polarized and non-polarized sunglasses offer protection from lights. Non-polarized lenses are coated with a material that filters out a percentage of light. These percentages are divided into four categories, with the fourth being the highest protection.
Polarized lenses are built in a way that filters out glare from reflective surfaces and ambient light. Such an addition is great for a clear view while torching up sunny neighborhood sidewalks.
Photochromic lens technology
This option allows the lens to darken gradually when exposed to UV light. The more ultraviolet radiation there is, the darker it gets.
Temperature also plays part in how fast it can change. Warm summer mornings, for example, will trigger the lenses to change faster than colder seasons would.
4 Reasons Why Running Sunglasses are Essential
In this section below, we’ll directly address why you should get running sunglasses.
Cancer prevention
Being exposed to sun rays is important, but the one-side effect this has is being exposed to the harmful UV-rays it contains. Such rays don’t only cause sunburns, but also increase the chances of contracting skin cancer.
Running Sunglasses with UV protection protects the skin around your eyes—which is very delicate and prone to damage.
Long-term Vision Protection
UV rays also affect the eyes. If you’re a runner, you’ll be spending a few hours per day in the sun. Just as repeating a good habit turns out to be exponentially good, repeating a damaging one can have a spiraling effect.
This constant exposure will eventually result in weakened vision, and in extreme cases, it can evolve into cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Good View of Surroundings
Running Sunglasses (specially polarized ones) offer a clear vision through anti-glare technology. This provides you with a clear view of your surroundings so you can enjoy them. It also helps prevent trampling accidents or bumping into things.
The 4 Best Running Sunglasses Today
Are you curious about running sunglasses and want to buy them? Perhaps you want to replace yours with better models. Not to worry! Below are a few amazing options we’ve curated for you.
Goodr OGS
This pair of twenty-two-gram running sunglasses, with its simple and slick design, is best if you like torching the roadways in sunny weather. Its reflective lenses are made from top-notch dark gray polycarbonate.
It’s also got a 100% UV-ray protection coating. But what does this mean? UV rays have two types; UV-A and UV-B. The latter is the one that causes tanning and sunburns.
However, it’s the second type that’s more lethal. UV-A rays have a longer wavelength, and thus can penetrate deeper into the skin, causing deeper and more permanent harm. And so providing protection from both UV rays exposure is essential.
The Goodr OGS lenses are also polarized. Its frame is made to be a fit-all size, made from flexible polycarbonate with grip coating.
Pros
- Polarized lenses
- Ultimate UV-rays protection
- Durable polycarbonate frame
- Accommodating fit-all design
Cons
- Can be lighter in weight
Roka SR-1X
The Roka SR-1X is ideal for its versatility. You can choose from four different types of coatings, depending on the intensity of the sun.
If you live somewhere sunny, you can get the 9-18% light transmission—which is an impressive category 1. If not, you can choose from three other types of lesser light transmission categories.
Another advantage is its lightweight. Made from a titanium frame and nylon lens, it only weighs between 22-26 grams. While having non-polarized lenses, it has an anti-reflective coating.
Pros
- Has a lot of light transmission options
- Anti-reflective coating on lenses
- Lightweight frame
- Ultimate UV-rays protection
Cons
- Non-polarized lenses
Oakley EVZero Blades
This bright gadget is perfectly designed for complete eye protection. Its lens and frame are both made from high-quality plastic. This is to prevent injury, in case of any accidents.
While its lenses are non-polarized, it allows 11% light transmission, which is a high category three. This degree provides a good amount of protection against light, especially that reflected off water or snow.
Its lenses are made of Plutonite, which is a high-grade polycarbonate material. Not only is it lightweight, but also protects against UV rays and blue light.
The Oakley EVZero Blades is ideal not only for running but also for cycling. Additionally, it comes with every color there is.
Pros
- Plutonite lens
- Ultimate UV-rays protection
- Blue light protection
- Durable polycarbonate frame
Cons
- Non-polarized lenses
Tifosi Swick
These running sunglasses contain shatterproof, scratch-resistant lenses. Made from polycarbonate, they’re polarized, providing glare-free vision. They also provide UV-ray protection, for maximum care.
The Tifosi Swick running sunglasses come in eleven frames and lens colors. Not to mention a medium-large fit, for maximum accommodation.
With a lightweight, plastic frame, it provides a comfortable experience. The Tifosi Swick also contains a hydrophilic rubber nose, to make sure that the sunglasses stay in place.
Pros
- Shatterproof, scratch-resistant lens
- Ultimate UV-rays protection
- Lightweight frame
- Hydrophilic rubber nose for maximum comfort
- Accommodating fit-all design
Cons
- Non-polarized lenses
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that high-quality sunglasses are something you can’t afford to ignore. They don’t only provide unadulterated vision but also long-term skin and vision protection from harmful sun UV rays.
Running sunglasses offer many solutions. They provide you with a safe and enjoyable run, without any unavoidable obstacles. They’re also designed to stay in place and use soft frictionless materials to be as comfortable as they could get.
In short, it’s a great helpful companion to take with you on your morning runs. It’s always wise to invest in your vision.
Also, cyclists endure similar conditions to runners. Feel free to look at some of these cycling sunglasses as potential alternatives.
