Published on: March 6, 2024

Person running outdoors wearing a black athletic outfit and oakley meta sunglasses

What are running sunglasses?

One of the most popular sports participated in worldwide, nothing beats taking in the fresh air while running on a clear, sunny day. While these conditions are the perfect chance to take in the scenery surrounding you with a little dose of vitamin D, running on a sunny day requires the right eyewear to keep your eyes protected while enhancing your performance. We don't suggest you reach for your designer shades or your favourite metal fashion frames after you tie your sneakers, luckily, there are hundreds of sunglasses for men and women designed specifically for running by understanding the requirements this high-intensity sport requires.

Running sunglasses generally feature a wraparound frame that sits flush on the face, which ensures that they don't fall off during high-speed movement. Wraparound sunglasses not only sit on the face comfortably and securely, but they also offer more coverage than other shapes due to their lens and frame that wrap around the face, covering your peripheral vision. Shield sunglasses are also a popular choice for runners as their single-lens provides a more expansive viewing area uninterrupted by a nose bridge, you'll often find shield styles in semi-rimless frames as they don't obstruct line of sight and improve ventilation.

Many running sunglasses also feature polarised lenses that reduce glare reflected off of surfaces like the road, water and passing cars. Glare not only irritates the eyes, but it can also hide detail and colour which can be essential when running. Obstructions on the road mustn't be hidden by blinding glare, which is why many runners prefer to wear polarised sunglasses while giving their eyes the best protection against UV rays. To make things easy, we've recommended five running sunglasses you should consider buying before your next marathon.

Oakley Encoder

The Encoder sunglasses by Oakley is a sports-performance shield style with a progressive wrap design that is built for multiple sports categories. Designed with hat and helmet functionality in mind, this innovative shield will sit comfortably on your face without getting in the way, allowing you to focus on what's in front of you. Offering excellent coverage and an enhanced field of view, this Encoder excels in performance, while its design offers a unique and undeniably cool futuristic look. The Encoder has ultralight O-Matter™ temples with large Unobtanium ear socks and nose pads for maximum grip and comes in a variety of Prizm™ lenses to enhance your visual experience.

This Encoder features Oakley's signature Prizm 24k Gold lenses, a bronze-based tint that warms while brightening colour and contrast, the Prizm 24k Gold lens is optimised for bright light conditions. Meaning, these Oakley running sunglasses are a great everyday lens, especially when running on bright, sunny days.

Oakley - Encoder

Bolle Bolt 2.0 S

Bolle's classic sport favourite reimagined, the Bolt 2.0 S sunglasses stay true to the original but with the latest in technology and design to enhance performance. The Bolt 2.0 S features the highest grade TR90 nylon frame for extra lightness and flexibility and Thermogrip rubber for stability and grip, combined with adjustable nose pads so you can find your perfect and most comfortable fit. With high-intensity training in elevated movement in mind, the Bolt 2.0 S features an oleophobic treatment that resists oil deposits, like fingerprints on the lens, and a hydrophobic treatment that acts as an anti-fog coating, so you're never distracted when training your hardest.

The Bolt 2.0 S with a Phantom Photochromic Polarised 85% lens offers increased visual clarity combined with Bolle's exclusive photochromic technology which adjusts to the light conditions around you. This lens tint changes from a category 1 to 3 in less than 30 seconds, allowing you to keep your sunglasses on no matter how dark or light your surroundings get. Combined with polarisation, this running style is an all-rounder.

Bolle - Bolt 2.0 S

Oakley BiSphaera

The Oakley BiSphaera sunglasses boast Oakley's lightweight O-Matter frame, these sunglasses not only provide enduring comfort but also feature a flexible and durable design. Engineered with Unobtainium nose pads and temples compatible with hats and helmets, they offer a secure, slip-free grip, enabling you to achieve peak performance seamlessly. The semi-rimless design allows for an extended field of view, and an overall contemporary aesthetic. They are the ideal choice for everyday athletes seeking a perfect blend of style and functionality, ensuring unparalleled performance.

Featuring Oakley's signature lens technology, the Prizm Road lenses will enhance visual colour definition and are ideal for medium light conditions. Not running along a road? Explore a large variety of coloured lenses and frames for every need, positioning the BiSphaera as the new rival for the Oakley Flak 2.0. They are the ideal choice for everyday athletes seeking a perfect blend of style and functionality, ensuring unparalleled performance.

Oakley - BiSphaera

Maui Jim Ho'okipa

Maui Jim is known for its state-of-the-art polarised lens technology and ultra-light frames. It comes as no surprise that the Ho'okipa is a favourite style for running due to their barely-there weight and exceptional comfort. Featuring a semi-rimless, wraparound shape, the Ho'okipa sits on the face comfortably but securely, while its semi-rimless features allow for a greater viewing area that isn't obstructed by a frame. Maui Jim's colour-enhancing polarised lenses will protect your eyes on the track or trail while the high-contrast lenses allow you to see in more detail. As runners eyes are often exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, it's essential that your eyes are protected by quality lenses which is why Maui Jim is the perfect choice for your next run.

Maui Jim - Ho'okipa

Two people running outdoors with bolle running sunglasses

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses are one of the most popular sports styles on the market due to its exceptional design innovation. This style features an oversized and flexible frame chassis that caters to a wide range of head sizes, the Flak 2.0 XL is suitable for medium to extra-large heads. Although sporting an edgy frame design with thick temples, this Oakley style is extremely light and comfortable due to the brand's signature O Matter frame material, making them perfect for running. The semi-rimless design allows the lenses to extend lower with more coverage without having the bottom of the frame obstructing your line of sight so you always know what's in front or below your feet.

The Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses also feature a three-point fit system where pressure and weight are evenly distributed to the main points on your face being your nose bridge and the end of the temples that sit behind your ears, this increases wearability and all-day comfort. This colourway of the Flak 2.0 XL is recommended for running as it features Oakley's Prizm Road lenses, a lens specifically designed for sports like running, cycling and driving. The Prizm Road lens enhances vision in both bright light and shadows, while the lens tint colour increases colour contrast and detail to help spot subtle changes on the road.

Oakley - Flak 2.0 XL

Szade Fast Lane

For those who are new to running, Szade Fast Lane could be your perfect choice. Competitively priced under $60, this shield silhouette boasts a ventilated rimless design, combining flexibility, shatter proof technology and a lightweight construction into one. The black sustainable polycarbonate frame is designed in Melbourne, Australia and crafted using recycled materials sourced from a variety of pre and post consumer plastic waste sources. Embrace the fast-paced lifestyle in this eco-friendly frame fitted with reflective UV400 lenses made from high quality polycarbonate for ultimate clarity and protection.

Ideal for the everyday runner and trend-setter, the Fast Lane is not only applicable to running. Transition from running, to streetwear, to festival outfits in the Fast Lane.

Szade - Fast Lane