While we’re well into the summer season, it’s never too late to purchase a new pair of protective eyewear, especially since they can and should be worn all year long. Even during the winter months, the sun can still wreak havoc and cause long-term damaging affects to your peepers. So it’s important to invest in sunnies that provide comfort and performance technology while you’re out playing sports or just catching rays. Here are some of the best sunglasses options for an active lifestyle.
All-Star Sunglasses
These frames and models will stay in place and provide all-day protection from the sun. Run, cycle and hit the beach in style!
1. Show Stopper
These wayfarer style Hobie Dogpatch Special Edition were revamped this season to be brighter than ever. Choose between blue, pink, purple, red or yellow frames with a reflective polarized lens for a color explosion that will protect those baby blues. ($90; hobiepolarized.com)
2. Ocean Front View
With a hydrophobic lens, head strap and built-in float (in case they fall in the water), surfers, kayakers and paddle boarders have plenty to love about the adidas Tycane Pro S. Choose between two sizes, then adjust the frames to fit your head, clipping in the temples so the grips fall into place comfortably. They fit perfectly under a hat, too. ($204; adidas.com)
3. Aviator Status
Smith Optics Audible frame was created with an activity in mind. Featuring a ChromaPop polarized lens that allows you to see colors more vibrantly and clearly, the glasses are ideal for playing a sport like tennis. The temples and nosepiece have a non-slip grip so they won’t fall off in high winds. ($269; men’s, women’s, smithoptics.com)
4. Sustainable Frames
Go green! The Revo Heading are partially made of castor bean seed oil so you have double the reason to feel good about putting them on. Thanks to water-specific lens technology, you’ll be able to see color better in the ocean making spotting schools of fish a cinch when out on the fishing boat. And don’t worry about getting splashed — it will roll right off the lens for clear sight all day. ($189; revo.com)
5. Pro Rated
Channel your inner Vincenzo Nibali (you know, the 2014 Tour de France champ) in the Oakley Special Edition Tour de France Radarlock Path. While a bit pricey, the shades are custom built for elite cyclists going high speeds, with surge ports in the frame and venting in the lenses (to create airflow and eliminate fogging). Choose a nose pad that fits best and don’t worry about slippage while you sweat; the frames actually grip more when wet. ($330; oakley.com)
6. Sporty Chic
If the “bug look” is what you crave but you plan to be running around all day, check out the Bolle Solden. The curvy frames are designed to fit the lines of a women’s face and stay in place. Bonus: The close-to-face fit doesn’t allow any rays to peek in. ($100; bolle.com)
7. Lightly Lifted
Want a pair of glasses that will make you feel good? The Spy Angler glasses have “happy lenses” designed to keep harmful rays out, but allow long-wave blue light to get in. These waves are said to promote serotonin in the brain and make the wearer feel uplifted. We’re feeling inspired just thinking about the sunshine! ($110; spyoptic.com)
8. Feminine Fit
Calling all ladies! Whether you have sensitive ears or just like super lightweight frames, the Women’s Under Armour Marbella Shield sunglasses are for you. They feature the company’s patented ArmourSight lens, which provides 20 percent more undistorted peripheral vision — great when playing softball or running. Plus, the adjustable nose grip gives a personalized fit. ($95; underarmour.com)
9. Two-Tone
Be ready for lots of compliments with these seafoam tortoise and dark grey Zeal Optics Kennedy frames. The unisex frames are a perfect fit for those who don’t want to sacrifice fashion for fitness. While they are a bigger style, they provide full coverage while out stand up paddleboarding. ($139; zealoptic.com)