Sport Sunglasses for Summer
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It is crucial to protect your eyes when you’re cycling, running, or hiking out in the Summer sun. And we need a pair of sunglasses that can keep up. Making performance the number one requirement, which is why we look for high performing design elements like optical clarity, comfortable no slip nose and temple grips and lightweight durable frames.
Whether you’ll be spending your Summer hitting the roads on two wheels, cruising the single tracks, hiking your favorite backcountry trail or enjoying the beach life, this selection of sport sunglasses excel with their clarity, comfort and durability.
Julbo FURY – REACTIV Performance Lenses
When you’re constantly pushing your body to the limits, it’s obvious that your eyes need top performing optics. Julbo has finely tuned their Fury sunglasses to meet the needs of all athletes. Theses sunglasses provide maximum field of view so you don’t miss a thing, no matter what bold pursuits you undertake. These sporty shades are equipped with REACTIV Performance lenses that deliver superior clarity and have photochromic technology (cat. 1 to 3 – visible light transmission rate: 17% – 75%), meaning that they get darker or lighter to match changing light conditions and therefore adapt to any time of day and to the terrain. The sleek, aerodynamic frame of the Fury is weight-balanced to eliminate bounce and it grips comfortably and tightly thanks to the Air Link Temple system while the frame design avoids conflict with helmets and headwear. MSRP $229.95 www.rei.com/julbo
Bollé Chronoshield
See the road ahead like never before with the aerodynamic Bollé Chronoshield Sunglasses. Whether you’re cycling, running, or just trying to stay fast in the outdoors, these speed shades keep you at the front of the pack with optimal visual acuity. The Chronoshield deliver excellent coverage in a wrap style frame with shield style lens technology and ventilation that eliminates potential fogging issues. The Bolle lenses are treated with anti-smudge, anti-fog, and anti-reflective coatings delivering precise optical clarity. The goggle-esque design isn’t just for looks though, as the cylindrical shield lens paired with the minimalist frame gives you an extra-large field of vision, providing uncompromising clarity and protection whether you’re charging hard on the bike, or just cruising down trail. MSRP $234 bolle.com
Roka Matador
One of Roka’s most radical designs, the Matador sunglasses are built for speed, comfort, and uncompromising optical excellence. The Matador weighs in at just under a single ounce, meaning you won’t even notice they are on your face while enjoying the protection and clarity they provide. The C3 7-base cylindrical single lens provides a wide field vision while protecting your eyes from wind and debris coming up from the trail. Roka used C3 optics to enhance color and contrast so you can spot every pothole or protruding root you encounter during your ride, while front and backside advanced lens coatings help resist moisture, abrasions, reflections, and fog. The Geko nose and temple pads provide a comfortable and consistent grip, even in the presence of perspiration, while holding the lenses in precise optical alignment. The Matador lens can be easily interchanged with any of Roka’s ten 7-base cylindrical lenses to meet the needs of every condition. MSRP $195 roka.com
Rudy Project Propulse – IMPX2 Photochromic
Tailored with running in mind, the Rudy Project Propulse sunglasses feature an interchangeable dual lens design that keeps weight incredibly low while offering a wide field of vision and complete coverage for your eyes. This version of the Propulse offers Rudy Project’s most versatile durable lens, the ImpactX-2 using photochromic technology for varying light conditions. The lens shifts from clear to red when exposed to sunlight so you can comfortably wear these sunglasses in any lighting environment. The nose pads are fully adjustable and thanks to its ultralight wraparound geometry, the Propulse delivers a comfortable and secure natural compression fit. With features such as the unique vent controller system, total comfort fit, the ImpactX-2 lenses and the adjustable nosepiece, the Propulse is an absolute masterpiece. MSRP $184.99 rudyprojectna.com
EyeBuyDirect Prescription Sunglasses
If your vision is too poor to go without a prescription….fear not we have you covered. Wearing your standard prescription eyeglasses on a bright day leaves your eyes exposed to bright and harmful sunlight. Prescription sunglasses correct your vision while at the same time minimizing damage caused by the sun. They are indispensable for anyone who needs vision correction and EyeBuyDirect offers some great options at affordable prices. Prescription sunglasses are almost a prerequisite for anyone with active lifestyles as they make outdoor activities much easier and a whole lot more enjoyable when you can see everything clearly. A variety of lenses and coatings can be added to the sunglasses offered by EyeBuyDirect, such as glare reducing polarized lenses, gradient tints that are darker at the top, or even a mirror coating to complete your style. If you want to try for an all in one (indoor/outdoor) eyewear piece, consider transition lenses (aka photochromic), these work by adding a special layer to the glasses that dynamically lightens and darkens depending on your environment. The convenience of having sun protection along with your prescription in one frame is absolutely prudent for any outdoor adventurer. And EyeBuyDirect delivers quality glasses through easy online ordering and offers name brand glasses from Oakley, Ray Ban and Rflkt as well as many other quality frames. MSRP Varies eyebuydirect.com
Wiley X Omega – Captivate Lenses
The Wiley X Omega sunglasses are great for coverage from harsh sunlight. Their lightweight wraparound curvature combines with thicker temples to keep your eyes shaded at all times. The Captivate lenses deliver optical clarity by eliminating confusing light, these lenses provide greater visibility and heightened vision, allowing you to see details that are typically missed with the naked eye for decreased eye fatigue. The wraparound frame has a saddle bridge to keep a snug fit even if you happen to break a sweat. This wrap design offers lasting protection from the sun, while the temple arms keep the Omega in place no matter how rough and rugged the adventure. MSRP $160 wileyx.com
Tifosi Sledge
Oversized styling and premium materials define the Sledge as an ergonomic performance sunglass for cyclists and endurance athletes. Vented lenses improve airflow while the adjustable temples designed with hydrophilic rubber increase grip as you sweat ensuring a perfect, stable fit. Perhaps the biggest name in high quality affordable active eyewear – and with good reason – Tifosi has a long history of offering up superb products at reasonable prices and the Sledge sunglasses are no different. These performance shades are made from a combination of a lightweight Grilamid frame and include three interchangeable polycarbonate lenses (smoke, ac red and clear) – each of which features clever ventilation cut-outs that improve air circulation and prevent fogging. Sledge caters to comfort and drives performance allowing these shades to stay snug on your face. MSRP $69.95 tifosioptics.com
Smith Optics Caravan MAG
From singletracks to city streets, the Smith Optics Caravan MAG provides dependable versatility and protection. These sunglasses offer two lens options for different lighting conditions so your eyes are protected while giving you greater definition, more natural color, and invaluable clarity. The Caravan Mag allows you to quickly swap the base lenses with the included low-light Ignitor ChromaPop lenses with unbelievable ease thanks to its MAG technology. The Caravan MAG features a classic, rectangular silhouette for an adaptive look, while the Evolve lightweight and durable frame provides a pressure free feel and fit. The hydrophilic megol temples and nose pads keep these shades securely on your noggin, even when you’re breaking a sweat. MSRP $259 smithoptics.com
Julbo Spark
Boasting a shape reminiscent of current women’s eyewear trends, the Julbo Spark blends lifestyle design with Julbo’s iconic performance features, making these a fantastic go to shade for everything from daily commutes to sporting adventures. Julbo’s optic technology delivers crisper, more vivid views of the world around you, and the Spectron 3 lenses eliminate glare from the sun rays and the refracted light on wet or shiny surfaces. Julbo’s frame material delivers ultralight comfort, and the technical bridge and temples keep the Spark in place through the roughest and rowdiest excursions. MSRP $129.95 www.backcountry.com/julbo
Bollé Falco
The Bollé Falco takes a bold design and throws in HD polarized, anti-scratch, and Phantom lenses for a truly iconic pair of shades. These polarized sunglasses cut down on glare from shimmering surfaces, allowing you to focus on your activity or simply enjoy the view with unprecedented clarity. These sunglasses feature a lightweight, durable TR90 Nylon frame that has rubber temples and nose pads for hours of comfortable slip-free wear. No matter what you do outdoors, the Falco is a reliable source for comfort and style. MSRP $120 bolle.com