Let’s talk sunglasses for sports, shall we? If you’re like Peter (our certified Optical Dispenser) and half the active population, you’re juggling multiple sports and outdoor activities. So here’s the million-dollar question: can one pair of sunglasses do it all, or do you need a sport-specific pair? Spoiler alert: one size does not fit all. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of which lenses and frames will help you shine—on the trail, course, road, or water.
A lens love affair
First, let’s get personal. Peter’s always been a sucker for a classic dark grey polarised lens. Perfect for driving? Absolutely. Fantastic for a casual stroll? You bet. Gray lenses are the MVPs for cutting through glare, and the polarising magic eliminates those blinding reflections off the road. But for sports like running or golf? Meh. Gray lenses can be too dark and low on contrast, making it tricky to see the finer details like trail imperfections or sneaky dips in the fairway. So, what’s the fix? Let’s explore.
Sunglasses for running
If you’ve ever done the “accidental trail tango” because you couldn’t see a root or rock, you’re not alone. Grey polarized lenses were my downfall here, too. Enter rose-colored lenses. Switching to these was a game-changer, helping me spot trail nuances and avoid face-planting. My go-to? The Maui Jim Maui Rose 🔗 polarized lens, paired with their featherlight HO’OKIPA 🔗 frames for a snug, wrap-around fit. Bonus: they look as cool as they feel.
If you’re an Oakley fan, their Prizm Trail 🔗 lens is a solid pick. Models like the RADAR EV Path 🔗 and FLAK 2.0 XL 🔗 serve up wrap-around comfort and sharp trail visibility. Your ankles will thank you.
Sunglasses for golfing
Golfing with grey lenses? It’s like watching a movie in black and white—it works, but you’re missing out. A brown or rose-colored lens delivers the contrast you need to distinguish fairways, fringe, and rough. For my money, Maui Jim’s Maui HT 🔗 (ideal for low-light) and HCL Bronze 🔗 (great for brighter days) are top-tier choices.
Not into Maui Jim? Oakley’s Prizm Golf 🔗 or Prizm Dark Golf 🔗 lenses have a subtle ruby tint that’s both stylish and functional. Whether you’re sinking putts or searching for your ball in the rough (no judgment), these lenses up your game.
Sunglasses for fishing
Fishing demands one thing above all: polarised lenses. Without them, you’ll be squinting into water glare all day. A high-quality polarized lens cuts through the glare, and if it comes with a back-surface anti-reflective coating? Even better. Add a mirror coating on the front for extra flair and functionality. Whether you’re rocking Maui Jim 🔗, Oakley 🔗, or Bolle, you can’t go wrong with their fishing-friendly options.
tSunglasses for cycling
Cycling sunglasses need to check two boxes: wide field of view and top-notch contrast. Oakley’s Jawbreaker 🔗 is a legend in this space. It pairs a comfy fit with the Prizm Road Lens, designed to help you spot subtle changes in the pavement (because potholes are not your friend).
Bolle, on the other hand, serves up options like the B-Rock Pro 🔗 and Chronoshield 🔗 with their versatile Phantom Lens 🔗 range. If you’re riding through variable conditions, Bolle’s Photochromic Lens 🔗 (which adjust to light levels) are a no-brainer.
As you can see, there’s no such thing as the “perfect” sports sunglass—just the perfect one for you and your activity of choice. The good news? Most of these come in prescription options, so you won’t have to squint your way through a trail or tee box.
