The Best Sunglasses for Outdoor Workouts

Working out regularly can make you stronger, more flexible, and overall healthier. But if you like to work out outside (we’re talking to you outdoor runners, climbers, and cyclists), it’s crucial to take the proper precautions. This includes protecting your eyes—the best sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays without getting in the way of your workout, same way sunscreen protects your skin.

But where should you start your search? Here are our top sunglass recommendations.

Why Trust Us?

ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.

The Best Sunglasses - Our Top Picks

By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.

• Best Overall Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
• Best Sunglasses for Men: Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses
• Best Sunglasses for Women: Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses
• Best Polarized Sunglasses: Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
• Best Fishing Sunglasses: Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
• Best Running Sunglasses: Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses
• Best Cheap Sunglasses: Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses
• Best Sunglasses for Golf: Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
• Best Cycling Sunglasses: POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses

What to Look for in Sunglasses

When shopping for the best sunglasses, there are a number of factors to keep in mind:

• Lens interchangeability: Many pairs of sunglasses come with different lenses that you can swap out. Different lenses are built for different types of light, allowing you to run in all different seasons.
• Fog resistance and water protection: Special lens coatings help you maintain visibility even in inclement elements.
• Protection: When exercising outside, both UVA and UVB protection is crucial.
• Weight: The last thing runners and cyclists want is a pair of heavy sunglasses that weigh them down or cause discomfort.
• Secure fit: Ultimately, you want sunglasses that stay in place even during vigorous activity. You don’t want to have to stop and adjust your glasses mid-workout.

Best Overall - Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: Standard, large
• Frames: Metal
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

Ever since the Top Gun era, aviator sunglasses have been a fan favorite for their classic style. The Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses are not just stylish, but also a high-quality and protective option for anyone who enjoys outside exercise.

Designed to shield your eyes from glare and UV rays, these aviators also happen to be lightweight and comfortable. Nose and temple pads keep the glasses securely in place, and the robust metal frame holds up during plenty of workouts.

PROS

• Comfortable fit
• Polarized lenses with great UV protection
• Lightweight
• Stylish

CONS

• Higher price point

BUY: Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses

Best Sunglasses for Men - Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: Metal
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

For stylish and functional sunglasses that have a masculine feel, consider the Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses. Everything about them, from the lens size to the gunmetal finish, conveys a sense of ruggedness.

SuperThin lenses give you a clear view but also ample protection from the sun. Nose and temple pads provide a snug, secure fit, while the lightweight frames are comfortable even after hours of wear.

PROS

• Lightweight and comfortable
• SuperThin lenses for a clear view
• Snug and secure fit
• Multiple lens tints available

CONS

• Only comes in one size; might not fit everyone
• Higher price point

BUY: Maui Jim Soal Polarized Sunglasses

Best Sunglasses for Women - Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: Steel
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

Though technically a men’s product, we think the Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses are a stylish option for women, too. These sunglasses offer robust steel construction and fit comfortably around the nose and ears. The oval shape is timeless, and the lenses themselves offer a decent amount of UV protection. Note that there are a couple of color options available, and both are chic and subtle.

PROS

• Durable steel frames
• Timeless style
• Multiple color options
• Comfortable fit

CONS

• No sizing options available
• Other sunglasses offer superior UV protection

BUY: Ray-Ban Rb3546 Round Sunglasses

Best Polarized Sunglasses - Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: Evolve (bio-based)
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

Polarization is what allows your sunglasses to block out UV rays while still offering a crisp, clear, colorful picture of the world around you. The Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses excel in this regard.

Made with ChromaPop lenses, these sunglasses allow for vibrant vision while also keeping damaging rays out of your eye line. Additionally, we like these sunglasses for their lightweight frames, and for the snug-fitting nose pads.

PROS

• ChromaPop polarization
• Lightweight frames
• Snug-fitting nose pads

CONS

• No sizing options available
• Not as damage-resistant as other sunglasses

BUY: Smith Outback ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses

Best Fishing Sunglasses - Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: Evolve (bio-based)
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

For long days on the lake, we recommend the Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses. ChromaPop polarization protects you from glare while also giving you a sharp, vivid view of the water.

Also note that the lenses are coated with special, protective layers, offering you an added layer of protection from water and from oil. The impact-resistant lenses offer 100 percent UV protection.

PROS

• ChromaPop polarization
• 100% UV protection
• Special coatings offer added protection
• Impact-resistant

CONS

• No sizing options available
• Not as highly recommended for runners

BUY: Smith Barra ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses

Best Running Sunglasses - Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: O-matter
• Polarized: Prizm-style lenses

CHECK PRICE

The Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses are designed to provide sleek, secure, and comfortable protection for runners. The prizm-style lenses offer robust UV protection, and interchangeable lenses allow you to adapt to different seasons or lighting conditions. A three-point fit system also allows you to get just the right level of optical alignment.

PROS

• Extended-vision shades allow for clear, vivid vision
• Lightweight but durable frames
• Secure nose and temple grips
• Polarized lenses available

CONS

• Not everyone will like this more contemporary style

BUY: Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Sunglasses

Best Cheap Sunglasses - Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: Plastic
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

Quality sunglasses don’t have to break the bank. Case in point? The stylish and lightweight Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses.

Though the frames are just plastic, they’re surprisingly durable and impact resistant. And the lenses offer sufficient polarization to keep your eyes protected. For less than $40, this price point is hard to beat.

PROS

• Lightweight
• Surprisingly durable and impact-resistant
• Bright, fun, stylish color options
• Modest price point

CONS

• Great value, but not as high-quality as other options
• No interchangeable lens options

BUY: Knock Around Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses

Best Golfing Sunglasses - Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes:One Size
• Frames: O-Matter
• Polarized: Yes

CHECK PRICE

Looking to hit the golf course? These sunglasses are well-suited to a morning spent on the golf course.

Polarized lenses reduce glare and eye fatigue, while XL sizing accommodates larger faces. The lenses are impact-resistant, and the O-matter frames are both comfortable and durable. We also recommend these for cycling, running, and hiking.

PROS

• Polarized lenses reduce glare
• XL sizing
• Impact resistant
• Comfortable, lightweight fit

CONS

• Not as recommended for those with smaller faces

BUY: Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses

Best Cycling Sunglasses - POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses

SPECS

• Sizes: One Size
• Frames: Grimalid
• Polarized: N/A

CHECK PRICE

The POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses are a great option for your next long bike ride. There are a few reasons for this. First, the lenses are glare-resistant, UV-blocking, and designed to repel both fog and grime. Additionally, the frames are lightweight and shatterproof.

Plus, nose and temple tips do an outstanding job holding these glasses in place, even when the road gets a little rocky.

PROS

• Lightweight
• Shatterproof
• Fog- and grime-resistant
• A wide array of colors to choose from

CONS

• No sizing options
• The fit around the nose can sometimes be a little loose

BUY: POC Aspire Cycling Sunglasses