Best Sunglasses For Running Outdoors?

Do you want to protect your eyes while running outdoors?

Footwear, apparel, and GPS watch you invest in as a runner are great, but protecting your eyes  and choosing the best sunglasses for running outdoors is just as important as safeguarding your feet.

If runners can learn one thing from cyclists, it’s to don a pair of sunglasses before an outdoor sweat session, and not only during the summer. 

No matter if the sun is behind a layer of clouds or hidden behind a chilly breeze, sunglasses are still a great companion when you want to keep your eyes protected from the damaging UV rays. 

It can be difficult to find a pair that balances protection with comfort, so we examined the leading models to see which do the job best.

There’s More to It than UV Rays

Ultraviolet light can damage eyes both on cloudless days and when the sky is gloomy. Choose sunglasses that offer the best protection for your unique face shape, because UV rays can hit from all directions. 

All lenses offer relief from the common seasonal irritations, but wraparound lenses offer the best coverage from side to side. 

Our testing revealed that each model on this list is excellent at blocking out sunlight from earlier sunsets in the fall, allowing us to see clearly in the summer even in the wake of gnats and intense sun, cutting through fog and cutting through pop-up rain showers in the spring.

Tint and Polarization Are Important.

While running on roads during the day, polarized sunglasses can make running more comfortable, since they reduce glare reflected off the road surface and cars, but they can be used in low-light or off-road situations to prevent UV rays from getting through. 

(Although many still believe that a darker tint results in better protection, this may not be the case.) Choose high-quality sunglasses that meet UV400 standards, then consider tint. Rose-colored lenses can increase contrast on technical terrain, and if you run along hot asphalt, you might prefer a less dark lens to cut down on the intensity of the sun.

Polarized sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes from glare and UV rays. These glasses will help you see clearly, no matter what time of day it is. You’ll be able to run with confidence knowing that these glasses are protecting your most important asset – your sight!

The polarized lenses in these sunglasses reduce glare by filtering out light waves that bounce off reflective surfaces like water, snow, or pavement. They also block harmful UVA and UVB rays which can damage the retina and cause cataracts. And they’re lightweight so you won’t even notice them on your face!

Sunglass Selection

Sunglasses selection, however, is a highly personal decision. You may prefer shades with polarized lenses or frames that allow for changing out lenses depending on the light condition.

The style of glasses you choose could be determined by the shape of your face. For example, runners with small faces often find it difficult to find glasses that fit.

FullScope Sports has a variety of polarized sunglasses in various colors and styles for both children and adults.  FullScope Sports Pro-Formance sunglasses are built for world-class professional runners, which are designed by Athletes for Athletes. With an extended view in the upper region, the sunglasses offer clear clarity and enhance colors that stand out.

For children we recommend FullScope’s polarized kids sunglasses. Besides being UV and polarized protected, the lenses reduce glare, eliminate reflected light, and make the scene much clearer and softer.

Summary

All runners need running sunglasses that shield their eyes from UV rays in an appropriate way that won’t distract them from their running. The sun comes out on bright days, but it also exists when it’s damp and cloudy. Your eyes are important, and it’s never too early to start protecting them. Protecting your eyes from the sun is not as obvious. Your eyes are exposed to UV rays throughout the day, from as early as 8 am, until as late as 11 pm. 

Eyes must also be protected from physical hazards such as stray branches, flying insects, and occasional bits of flying debris. 

When choosing your sunglasses keep in mind that the best sports sunglasses will keep your shades in place despite how much you sweat. They will offer full protection to your eyes and they will resist fogging up. In other words, the best running sunglasses are not the same as sunglasses you would wear for a walk in the park.