Don't Start a Run Without Sunglasses Boasting These Features
Have you been enjoying running lately? Well, you’re not alone. More than 50 million Americans now run or jog in their free time, and Gen Z are becoming fascinated with marathons. Why? Running—and preparing for running events—is a great way to add structure to your life, make significant lifestyle changes, and even find a community you can call your own.
The best part is how simple it is to start running. You can run anywhere you like, regardless of your fitness level, and you only need minimal equipment. That includes running shoes, a watch or pedometer to track your progress, and maybe some AirPods to keep yourself going with your favorite music or podcasts.
But what about sunglasses? After all, you’re most likely to run outdoors in great weather, exposing you to the sun and other elements that can harm your eyes in the short and long term. However, you’ll also be more active than the average sunglasses wearer, meaning you can’t just wear any old pair you have at home.
That said, you won’t want to start a run unless you’re wearing sunglasses that boast the following features:
Lens protection
Of course, your sunglasses’ primary job is to provide 100% protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which can gradually increase your risk of developing cataracts as you age. Any pair labeled with a guarantee or “UV400” can adequately shield your eyes. However, if you’re going to be running, your sunglasses have to do more than just that.Whether you’re running in urban or rural areas, shiny surfaces like roads, buildings, water, and snow can reflect sunlight and overexpose your eyes to glare—and can potentially cause a temporary blindness-causing condition called photokeratitis. To prevent that, look for polarization on top of UV protection. Polarized sunglass lenses use chemical filters with molecules that line up in a specific way, allowing them to block glare from passing through.
Models like the Rudy Project’s Propulse check all those boxes and more. Though its lenses provide both polarization and UV protection, they’re also designed to suit runners. The Propulse’s unique base-8 curvature provides full wraparound coverage that protects more of the eye area. Its interchangeable lens system even means you can switch to a pair that lets you see better in specific lighting conditions—and reposition them so they won’t fog up as you run—without buying multiple frames.
Sunglasses materials
Your sunglasses should also protect you from physical harm. Dirt and debris can fly into your eyes when running fast or in windy conditions, causing irritation and even infections. At the same time, your sunglasses shouldn’t break or shatter when packed in your bag, fall on the ground—or, in the worst-case scenario, get hit by flying objects like balls, especially if you want to run in more crowded areas like parks.That said, you’ll want frames and lenses that are more durable and flexible than your average sunglasses. Instead of traditional metal or glass materials, look for plastic variants like nylon or acetate that are less likely to snap or shatter in transit, as you run, or upon impact.
For a good idea of what to get, consider the Oakley Corridor, a model from the brand’s range of running sunglasses inspired by professional runners. Its semi-rimless frames allow for more physical eye protection that doesn’t sacrifice peripheral vision. The Corridor is made of Oakley’s patented O Matter™ material. That makes it lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for longer—but, thanks to the high mass and high velocity tests it undergoes, it’s also durable enough to withstand physical impacts even on more demanding runs.
Personalized fit
Perhaps more crucially, your sunglasses should securely fit on your face. You don’t want them falling off once you start sweating or causing headaches because they’re too tight. To address this, you’ll want to look at personalized eyewear features instead of opting for one-size-fits-all running sunglasses.Consider things like nose bridge fit, nose pads, and temple arm grips. Nose bridge fit, which comes in high or low (also known as Asian) variants, will help distribute the weight of your sunglasses while ensuring they don’t slide off or touch your cheeks. Both nose pads and temple arm grips can better secure sunglasses on your face without causing pinching or squeezing sensations.
To see how these features translate to eyewear for runners, look no further than the dedicated Zunnies line from Zenni Optical. This collection of running eyewear boasts zero-bounce design features specifically designed for active lifestyles. That includes a universal nose bridge fit and rubber parts, allowing them to stay right where they are, even as you sweat. More crucially, perhaps, these features are fully adjustable, which means you can shift them to follow the unique contours of your face—allowing for the best and most comfortable fit possible from your running sunglasses.
Running is an excellent exercise that can help you upgrade your physique, prevent a wide range of chronic diseases, and improve your overall quality of life. Investing in an excellent pair of sunglasses can ensure you stay comfortable and motivated during your running sessions.
