Like any other bit of running gear, the best running sunglasses can truly make your next session a great one. Running sunglasses will protect your precious peepers from the brutality of the sun’s rays (and overall blinding light), while offering a clear, colorful view of what’s ahead of you. Plus, it’s fun to put together whole looks around a pair of sunglasses, knowing you’ve got the proper eye coverage for your run.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all-solution for running sunglasses, either. Every runner is going to want or need something different out of their eyewear. And with so many options on the market, it’s hard to figure out where to begin. But that’s where we come in: We pulled a diverse selection of sunnies to make those daytime runs a little easier on the eyes. Across various price points and functions, we put together this short list of some of our favorite running sunglasses in the game.
The Best Running Sunglasses, According to GQ
- Best Running Sunglasses Overall: Article One x Mission Workshop Sunglasses, $255
- Best Value Running Sunglasses: Goodr OG Sunglasses, $25
- Most Versatile Running Sunglasses: Oakley Radarlock Sunglasses, $270
- Most Comfortable Running Sunglasses: Nike Flyfree Shields, $239
- Best Sunglasses For Hardcore Runners: Tracksmith x District Vision Kazu Sunglasses, $295
- Most Distinctive Running Sunglasses: Furore Helios Sunglasses, $140
- Best Splurge Running Sunglasses: Prada Linea Rossa Sunglasses, $433
- Best Running Sunglasses Under $100: Tifosi Moab Sunglasses, $80
- Best Running Sunglasses for Excellent Coverage: Smith Optics Bobcat Sunglasses, $225
- Best Minimalist Running Sunglasses: Rudy Project Astral X Sunglasses, $205
- Most Stable Running Sunglasses: Roka SR-1X Sunglasses, $200
- Best Mid-Level Running Sunglasses: Research Studios Uncut Sunglasses, $250
Best Running Sunglasses Overall: Article One x Mission Workshop Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Beloved by Ryan Gosling and the winner of our Best Sports Sunglasses of the Year, the Article One x Mission Workshop Sunglasses also receive our top billing here. As we discussed, the aviator-like shades are stylish enough to give you movie-star wattage but also sporty enough to keep you in the pocket of a run. Plus, they’re super durable thanks to the Hexetate construction, which helps them stay resistant to heavy wear and tear—something this writer learned about after accidentally sending them through a spin cycle in the wash. Despite looking like they were toast, the frames popped right back into place, good as new for the next run.
The frames are also supremely comfortable, capable of withstanding a really long run in the heat, and the polarized lenses help to filter out all the unneeded UVA/UAB rays and overall road glare to help you keep your eye on the prize.
Best Value Running Sunglasses: Goodr OG Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Goodr’s whole brand ethos is a good reminder that running shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and that you shouldn’t have to pay and arm and leg for quality running shades. If you’re a person who’s worried about losing sunglasses or simply aren’t ready to make a huge investment in a pair of shades, Goodr’s OG sunglasses draw inspiration from classic Wayfarer-style frames (good for medium face shapes), don’t bounce or slip (something we can confirm from our testing), and have polarized lenses. With fun colorway names like “A Unicorn’s Calamity,” since, you know, it’s an all-black frame, Goodr is a great way to get a good pair of running shades.
Most Versatile Running Sunglasses: Oakley Radarlock Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Oakley is a trusted name in the outdoor sunglasses market, and its Radarlock shades are a perfect example of why the brand has persisted for so long. The lightweight frame, one of the brands best sellers, sits on your face in a way that doesn’t feel too heavy but also doesn’t feel like it’ll fly off in the wind. The temple tips and nose bridge support make these shades feel super cozy, which lets them transition from a run to the beach with ease. Oakley offers many different lens types and frame colors—from basic matte black to eye-catching neons—making these customizable for all kinds of activities, adding a lot of extra value to the frame itself.
Most Comfortable Running Sunglasses: Nike Flyfree Shields
Why We Like It: As discussed in our review of the Shields, it felt like Nike was lagging behind when it came to their running sunnies, but that changed with the Flyfree Shields. Not only do the Shields look cool and offer UV protection, but they’re far and away the most comfortable pair of sunglasses on this list. Thanks to really adjustable nose pads and flexible silicone on the arms, you can bend these (just be sure to do it gently) to ensure they fit you as perfectly as your favorite pair of running shoes. The frame shape has universal appeal, with a wraparound style that’s suitable for all head shapes and sizes. Plus, interchangeable lenses offer an option for low-light conditions if you’re hitting the pavement when the sun’s still not out.
Best Sunglasses For Hardcore Runners: Tracksmith x District Vision Kazu Sunglasses
Why We Like It: When two of the premiere names in the running spaces join forces, it’s like Goku and Vegeta doing the fusion dance or Godzilla and Kong finally teaming up—basically, it’s rad as hell. That’s certainly the case with Tracksmith and District Vision. Any hardcore runner knows these are two of the best in the space, so both coming together to create a pair of running sunglasses means serious business. That’s the Kazu in a nutshell: District Vision’s tried and true commitment to creating the best (and most lightweight) specs around combined with Tracksmith’s design philosophy. These are inspired by alpine-style ski goggles and Ferrari-worn racing goggles, with a slight side shield to block out unwanted sun. If you’re a runner who is obsessed with hitting PRs in style, these are for you.
Most Distinctive Running Sunglasses: Furore Helios Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Furore running shades are really distinctive in their frame construction. The lightning-bolt style stems pop while still managing to be functional. Additionally, there are various lens colors and lens options, so you can snag two pairs and swap around the frames and shades to create a few different styles, allowing for something that feels as personal as you. Plus, they’re nice and lightweight, making them fade away into the background as you run.
Best Splurge Running Sunglasses: Prada Linea Rossa Sunglasses
Why We Like It: If you’ve spent any time spectating a race day, you’ll likely spot a few Prada running frames here and there. The designer’s take on a wraparound-style frame provides really great coverage and protection from the sun, while the rubber (!) frame construction provides a cozy yet supportive fit across the face. The dark grey lenses help to filter out all that bad light from the sun. Normally, with designer shades, you’re paying for the name, and while there’s an element of that which is true here, Prada’s running shades are absolutely in line with other top-tier models on this list—so much so that you might even want to snag a pair for race day.
Best Running Sunglasses Under $100: Tifosi Moab Sunglasses
Why We Like It: The Moab is technically made for cycling, but that doesn’t mean it can’t double a good set of running shades. In fact, in my testing of the Moab, I found that I really enjoyed the full coverage and protection the Moab provides, especially on bright days when the sun is really out and in your face. The rubber nose and earpiece are adjustable, allowing for a customizable fit, while the no-slip grip keeps everything in place. The Moab also comes with interchangeable shades, so you can shift to changing light conditions. All in all, it’s a set of sunglasses that punches well above its weight.
Best Running Sunglasses for Excellent Coverage: Smith Optics Bobcat Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Smith is a beloved brand in the fitness shades space and the Bobcat pulls from the full coverage of the Wildcat frame, but for those with a smaller face shape. What that means for you is that you’re still getting a set of sunglasses with near-goggle-like coverage but one that won’t feel like it dominates your whole face. Additionally, the Bobcat features plenty of venting to keep your face cool when you’re really working, combined with a no-slip fit to keep everything in place. They’re great for trail running when you also need to protect your peepers from dust and dirt. We also really like Smith’s ChromaPop lenses that help to highlight contrast and natural colors while still blocking intense sun rays, meaning you’ll still see all the vibrant details of the outdoors.
Best Minimalist Running Sunglasses: Rudy Project Astral X Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Don’t let the near-frameless construction fool you; the Astral X sunglasses from the Rudy Project are still plenty durable. Normally, a pair of sunglasses like this means you’d need to be precious about them, but the Astral X can stand up to the most intense runs. Plus, the lack of a traditional frame means they’re extremely lightweight but not to the point where a gust of wind will knock them off your face. And, the customizable nose pad allows you to tweak and adjust the frame for that perfectly locked-in feel.
Most Stable Running Sunglasses: Roka SR-1X Sunglasses
Why We Like It: Bouncing is last thing you want your shades doing in the middle of a run. However, Roka’s SR-1X sunglasses avoid that, thanks to a really excellent nose piece and customizable wires in the stems that will help you shape and tailor a customized fit for your needs. If that’s not enough, the fingerprint-resistant and lightweight construction make these a joy to wear, even when the terrain around you is anything but fun.
Best Mid-Level Running Sunglasses: Research Studios Uncut Sunglasses
Why We Like It: These frames from Research Studios boast that they’re uncut, but really, we like to think of them as cut—in the sense that the brand has removed everything from the sunglasses but the essentials. Special lens technology reduces infrared radiation for A-1 visual clarity that’s more comfortable on the eyes. They are then treated with coating. Additionally, the polyamide frame is 3D-printed to make a durable and lightweight frame, which makes these very comfortable to wear. You might not be super familiar with Research Studios, but you should be, as the Uncuts punch well above their price and are well worth the investment.
What To Look for in Running Sunglasses
When it comes to running sunglasses, a lot of it comes down to personal preference, but there is a standard set of guidelines worth considering. In addition to price, the overall weight of the frames is a key one, as it makes sure you feel like they aren’t weighing you down when you’re trying to hit your split times the way you want. Additionally, the overall grip of the frames is key, as you don’t want the shades to bounce up and down through your strides. Interchangeable lenses are nice to have, especially if they’re included in the box. Finally, having polarization is key to block out UV rays while you’re running.
How We Tested
With so many different running glasses on the market, the only way to see how these perform is to take them for a run. We wore each of these in various weather conditions during several outings, including easy long runs, fast trackwork, and quick 5Ks.
