Whether you’re a fair-weather runner or an all-seasons pro, we all love a sunny run. And that means that every runner needs a good pair of running sunglasses.

But what should we be looking for in a pair of running sunnies? And can’t we just pop on our regular Ray-Bans? We get expert advice, and share the best running sunglasses that we’ve tried…

Best running sunglasses

• Best for style: SunGod Ultras Air
• Best for best range of light conditions: Tifosi Moab XC
• Best for sun protection: Oakley RSLV Lite
• Best for everyday style: SunGod Classics
• Best for staying put on the run: Rudy Project Turbolence

Running sunglasses buying guide

Why do I need running sunglasses?

Most of us decide to invest in a pair because of glare. As much as we love the sun, frowning our way around our running route trying to see our path is not ideal.

Beyond that, we also know that we need to protect ourselves from the sun’s rays. While we can pop on a good running suncream for our skin, our eyes are sometimes forgotten, but still need protection.

Then there’s the question of hayfever. For those of us who suffer, a big pair of sunglasses can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding pesky pollen getting into our eyes.

Can I just wear my everyday sunglasses?

There are lots of reasons why you might want to invest in some sports-specific sunglasses instead of donning your usual pair. The motion of running can mean that normal sunglasses slip down, or fall off together.

They also may not be designed to handle the impact of running, so may become damaged more easily.

Finally, they might not offer the same amount of protection as sunglasses designed for runners, which is really important if you’re heading out on long or very exposed runs.

What am I looking for when I buy a pair of running sunglasses?

UV Protection

First of all, you want to make sure that they have the right level of protection. Ideally, you’ll be looking for a Category 3 lens, which is certified to UV-400, for full protection.

Fit

Next, we want to think about comfort. This will mean something different to every runner, but you want to make sure that they fit you well and don’t budge when you’re on the move.

Tint

Sports-specific sunglasses tend to come in lots more colourful tints than your everyday styles. This is to help filter out certain types of glare, depending on your sport. Warmer tints like yellow, orange and brown are said to be good for runners.

Polarised vs non-polarised lenses

This is again a personal choice, but it’s helpful to know the difference. Polarised lenses block reflected light, which reduces glare – handy if you’re often running in bright sunlight.

If you’re more of an early morning or evening runner, you might want to stick to non-polarised, as you’ll have better visibility in lower light conditions with these.

Polarised are also generally more expensive than non-polarised, so that might be a limiting factor here!

Design

Again, this will be hugely personal to each runner. That being said, a wrap-around design is worth considering even if you wouldn’t normally opt for a style like this. They’ll offer more protection from sun, wind and bugs, and usually are lighter as they don’t need as much frame around them.

Best running sunglasses

Best for style: SunGod Ultras Air

Technical details

Protection: Category 3
Weight: 24.5g
Lenses: interchangeable
RRP: From £160

What our tester said

“I love Sungod glasses. There, I’ve said it. But the thing is, up until now I’ve mostly resigned myself to testing their Classics range. I decided the running range wasn’t for me as I’ve considered it, a) too elite for slow plodding me, and b) too big for my tiny pea face. Then along come these, and guess what? Daintier than the standard Ultras, they are the ideal size for my pea face and they look incredible, which means that I now couldn’t give two hoots about looking all-the-gear-and-no-idea.

They are super-light, they stay put on sweaty noses, and the wraparound style filters out the sun almost completely. Practically speaking, they work a dream. Aesthetically, they are incredibly cool. Health-wise, you are protecting your peepers amazingly from sun damage. They’re available in 4 colourways, plus the option to build your own bespoke model from their frame and lens selections, including a photochromic option where the lens adjusts by itself to the light conditions. Love them!”

Best for range of light conditions: Tifosi Moab XC

Technical details

Protection: Varies depending on chosen lens (Cat 0-3)
Weight: 29g
Lenses: interchangeable (included)
RRP: £79.99

What our tester said

“Sunglasses have become a must for me when running in the summer months, thanks to a combo of hay fever and worrying about the wrinkles that I’ll be left with if I keep scrunching up my eyes in the sun. Previous pairs I’ve tried slip down, flop around and block some of my vision, which is less than ideal on trail runs. These Tifosi ones have honestly changed the game for me.

They’re so lightweight, I instantly forget I’m wearing them. You can adjust the nose and ear pads, which means I can find a truly comfortable fit for my face. Their rimless design means that nothing gets in the way of my view, and the polarised lenses make the gorgeous colours of my recent sunny trail runs pop even more.

What’s really handy about these is that they come with three lenses, suited to different light levels. You can easily swap between them to find the perfect lens for the conditions you’re facing. I never want to take them off!”

Best for sun protection: Oakley RSLV Lite

Technical details

Protection: Varies depending on chosen lens (Cat 0-4)
Weight: 37g
Lenses: interchangeable (included)
RRP: From £172

What our tester said

“Having a retired optician for a father, I’m well aware that Oakley lenses are superior, and having been cursed with extremely flaky retinas, I’m super serious about protecting my eyes from the sun. These Oakleys are fantastic; the company’s Prizm lens technology makes everything sharper and more colourful, minimising glare and improving visibility, while cutting out 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays.

Mine are black-framed and grey-lensed and designed for bright light. I’ve noticed that, because the lens quality is so high, they still perform well on murky days. Yes, yes, I do look a bit Matrix in them, but I’m channeling Trinity and loving it!”

Best for everyday style: SunGod Classics

Technical details

Protection: Cat 3
Weight: 26g
RRP: From £65

What our tester said

“I have always loved these; a predictable, reliable shape loved also by Courtney Dauwalter, so I feel as though I’m in good company. These can be endlessly personalised with different frame colours, lens colours, as well as little sparkly end bits. Mine – in a black/blue camo if you’re interested – are this summer’s eyewear.

They work as well on the run as they do in a pub garden. My only tiny reservation is that I would have liked the ability to adjust the arms a little as I have a pea head, which doesn’t help matters in terms of slippage. Otherwise, these are fantastic sunnies in an endlessly diverse range of liveries. Take your pick!”

Best for staying put on during the run: Rudy Project Turbolence

Technical details

Protection: depends on chosen lenses (Cat 2-3)
Weight: 32g
RRP: From £159.99

What our tester said

“These feel very different to my usual sunnies with a wide, sporty frame and a lightweight feel. They have a foam panel that means they sit comfortably on my face without budging, and the bridge doesn’t dig into my nose. The arms are snug without being too tight and they really do stay put, even at speed.

However, I’m bothered by the rubber bits on the end of the arms, which get stuck in my hair and end up tugging out strands every time I take them off – it feels as though they’ve been designed for a bald person! That being said, they’re fantastic quality, offer great sun protection and come with a handy strap and heavy duty case.”