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When I first started running with regularity, I never considered the need to protect my eyes from sunlight. A backwards cap was all I needed to protect my neck, and I’d be off, squinting away as I trundled on tarmac and trails.
These days, though, I can’t leave the house for a run without sunglasses on my face in the summer months.
It was an eye-opening experience the first time I protected my eyes while charging through my local park. Not only were my eyes sheltered from UV rays, but my visibility improved greatly and I no longer had to deal with midgies flying into my eyeballs – it was pure bliss.
At first, I just wacked on any old shades that I could find in my drawers. However, over time I realised that it would be worth investing in some that were suited to exercise.
There are several key features to consider when selecting the right running sunglasses. They can range from how they fit on the bridge of your nose, to whether they are bounce-free enough as you go galavanting for miles on roads in your local area.
Here at Daily Mail Sport, we have listed seven of what we believe are the best running sunglasses on the market right now, taking into consideration value for money, durability, and attractiveness, among other factors.
The best running sunglasses to buy now
How we test & why trust us
We’ve tried and tested several pairs of running sunglasses to make sure you can cut through the vast amount on offer to find the best pair for you. If you’re an avid runner you’ll know making the experience as streamlined as possible is key – the best running sunglasses are more than your go-to pair you wear to the pub garden.
Therefore, we’ve evaluation the best running sunglasses based on performance, materials, style and price, as well as considering how comfortable they feel and how long they last. We try them on runs and races, and use our expert knowledge to recommend you the very best buys.
The best running sunglasses – tried and tested
Tifosi Vogel XC Sunglasses
Product Specs
- MaterialLightweight and flexible Grilamid TR-90
- Weight24 g
What we love
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PriceGreat value for money
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PerformanceFeatherweight comfort and scratch resistant lenses
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StyleTimeless design
Review
We all love a bargain, don’t we? With the Tifosi Vogel XC’s, you get premium sunglasses for just £55, which quite frankly is a steal. In fact, at the time of writing they are on sale for £41.24.
Personally, I don’t want to feel like I have sunglasses on my face while I’m running, even when I do. The ‘featherlight comfort’ of these frames makes you forget you are even wearing them; they don’t bounce, and their rubber nose grip ensures a perfect fit for all face shapes and sizes.
They are also extremely reliable. The lenses are scratch-resistant and despite being frameless they are incredibly robust. You can rock these on your runs for many summers for years to come.

Oakley Radar® Plate
Product Specs
- Weight28 g
- MaterialO-Matter™
What we love
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StyleStylish enough to wear when not running
-
PerformanceExcellent eye coverage and a secure fit
Review
When I was growing up, Oakley’s were the sunglasses that everybody seemed to want. It was them against Ray-Ban’s. They have always been versatile, being fashionable enough to wear on holiday while having all the necessary features for running.
You’ll need to dig a bit deeper into your pockets to secure their top-notch Radar Plate shades, but what you’ll get are high-quality sunglasses that provide excellent eye coverage and a secure fit. There is no chance these are falling off your face with the grip they have.
Oakley’s reputation for durability speaks for itself; these are tough shades that you will not need to replace for a long time. Personally, I think they are one of the most stylish sunnies about, too. You’ll look chic as you stride around in these bad boys.
3. Best frameless running sunglasses: Oakley Radar Ev Path

Oakley Radar® EV Path®
Product Specs
- MaterialLightweight O Matter™ frame material with ellipse metal icon accents
- Weight29 g
What we love
-
StyleFrameless, stylish design you could wear all day
-
PerformanceAvailable with Prizm™ and prescription lenses
Review
You may have already guessed that I am a fan of Oakley’s – guilty.
Not too dissimilar from the Radar Plate, the Radar Ev Path provides unparalleled durability, a great fit, and the frames don’t interfere with your eyesight. You can use your peripherals while also getting superb protection from UV rays.
Now, where they differ is in their appearance. While they have similar features, the Ev Path has a more rugged look, which is more funky and just as fashionable. They are rough around the edges, but not in a way that affects comfort. The sharpened design also allows for an extended range of view in the upper peripheral region.

Van Rysel Adult Cycling Glasses Perf 500
Product Specs
- Weight33 g
- Material80% Polyamide
What we love
-
PriceSuper affordable
-
StyleModern sleek design
What could be better
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PerformanceNothing special
Review
Decathlon has been making waves in the running industry for years, primarily with accessories such as running vests and a range of clothing items. Now they have an in-house pair of sunglasses to rival the best about.
The Van Rysel cycling sunnies are both ultra-modern and affordable. At just under £35, they are incredibly affordable, despite being some of the most sturdy and lightweight glasses on the market.
Like many of the best running sunglasses, they also feature a bottomless frame, which helps provide clear visibility during runs. Also, did I mention that they look cool? I think I did, but I will say it again. If you’re a fashionista, then these are for you.
5. Most lightweight sunglasses: Koo Nova

Koo Nova
Product Specs
- MaterialFrameless with Zeiss® toric nylon lens
- Weight21 g
What we love
-
StyleLots of stylish colour options to choose from
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PerformanceVery lightweight for streamline running
Review
Next up, we have the Koo Nova. They sound cool and they are cool; you will look the bees’ knees rocking these sunglasses while running your favourite routes.
They are on the expensive side, with the Condor cycling website pricing them at £169, but if you have the money, then they are entirely worth it. The best feature is that the glasses’ 21g weight – equivalent to 21 paperclips, according to Google – means you barely notice they are on your face. It’s quite impressive.
They are shatterproof, well-fitted, and the lenses are both groovy and effective due to their anti-reflective nature. If you love funky colours, too, then you will have lots of options to choose from with the Koo Nova’s.
6. Best photochromic running sunglasses: Rudy Project Propulse

RUDY PROJECT Propulse
Product Specs
- Weight26 g
- MaterialAcetate (plastic)
What we love
-
PerformancePhotochromic lenses
-
PriceGood value for money
What could be better
-
StyleNot the most stylish
Review
If you are a professional runner who just wants sunglasses for pure performance and nothing else, then the RUDY PROJECT Propulse sunglasses may just be the ones for you.
Now, that’s not to say they aren’t stylish. Everybody has their own taste and these may fit your unique fashion sense. However, the main selling point for these sunnies is that they have photochromic lenses.
The lens can quickly change from clear to dark, depending on the time or terrain, making these glasses suitable for all seasons, weather conditions, and landscapes. They are also flexible, making them suitable for anyone and everyone, and they fit securely when molded to your head shape.
7. Most stylish running sunglasses: Adidas Dunamis

Adidas Dunamis
Product Specs
- Weight28 g
- MaterialInjected material
What we love
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StyleOn-trend, fashionable
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PerformanceAerodynamic due to their innovative lens
Review
This wouldn’t be a running accessories review without an item from Adidas, would it now?
The German sportswear manufacturer is arguably the best in the game when it comes to running products, specifically clothing. They also produce some mean running trainers, too, with their Adizero EVO SL Shoes flying off shelves everywhere.
When it comes to making sunglasses, they aren’t too shabby either, as you’d expect. Their Dunamis shades are arguably the most fashionable pair of glasses available; you could easily see these being worn by stylish youngsters in clubs and at festivals.
Nevertheless, they are more than just cool. They are also high-performance glasses that provide great coverage for the eyes, while also being incredibly aerodynamic due to their innovative lens flare feature at the bottom. They are expensive at £180, but they are worth it for looking trendy while running fast.