Best Running Sunglasses Right Now (2025)

Stay Shady

If you plan on living any time in the next couple million years, then you’re probably going to have to deal with the sun. Luckily you’re alive in 2025, a time when eye protection rules. In sand and snow, on roads or trails, a good piece of eyewear is a trusty companion, both for protection and fashion. Because let’s be real– as much as we enjoy keeping out the UV rays, the real reason we’re buying sunglasses is because they elevate our cool status in an instant.

We get a ton of sunglasses sent to us here at Believe in the Run; some of them get tossed in the donation bin almost immediately, while others find themselves on our faces for mile after mile, year after year. Or until we inevitably lose them. Either way, we test them on and off the run so we can give you our favorites in the hopes that you’ll find the best pair for you. From shields to armless to traditional faux wayfarers, from road running to trail running, these our are favorites at the moment.

Our Favorite Running Sunglasses

When Noah Lyles showed up to the Olympics in Paris, there was one pair of sunglasses that he was wearing: the Adidas Dunamis. Unfortunately, it was impossible to procure a pair at the time. That was then and this is now, and the Dunamis are available for you, whether you run the 100-meter in 9 seconds or 9 minutes. These shields combine style and substance, providing full coverage while keeping it relatively light. The ventilation holes are a nice touch while the lenses are crisp and clear. Of course, any good pair of sunglasses need to stay in place on the run, and these stay secure even in the hottest of temperatures.

What we don’t like: Adidas eyewear always seems to be elusive, so pick them up while you can.

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This isn’t breaking news if you’ve been in the running scene for more than six months: for simple, no nonsense sunglasses that stay in place on the run, it’s really hard to beat Goodr. They’re cheap, they do the job, they look good, and you can beat them to hell and not worry about it. While we love perennial favorites like the Wayfarer-ish OG or the simple-but-sweet Circle G style, there’s something about the Bug G that hits us in that sweet spot. The wrap design secures perfectly the face, while the style itself is something fresh and different (or old and the same if you lived through the ’90s). Either way, it’s a great pair of sunglasses at a price point that can’t be beat.

What we don’t like: If you run in these, sweat will eventually peel off the lens coating. They’re single season sunglasses (though they do have a 1-year warranty).

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We’ve been wearing Smith sunglasses for years around here. The Shift Mag has always been a big favorite, and has been on this list in the past. Point being, you’re really not going to go wrong with a pair of Smith sunglasses. The thing with shield sunglasses is that you can’t really wear them outside of running unless you want to look like a grade-A cyclist, and nobody wants to aspire to that. Thats where the Seeker comes in.

This model combines seamless style with high-level performance, offering a wide array of versatility both on and off the run. The kicker is that it was designed with feedback from Anton Krupicka, a legend in the ultrarunning space and an avid bikepacker. So while you have a standard looking set of eyewear, the pilot style lenses also give a bit of shield action for snow and cycling. Bonus points for the included paracord leash so you never lose them.

The lens quality is crazy good with the Chromapop technology, and the adjustable temples are great for getting that perfect fit. If you’re gonna spend some money on some eyewear, there are far worse ways to do it.

What we don’t like: Nothing, really.

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There’s plenty of cheap gas station sunglasses out there. There’s plenty of expensive, high-end sunglasses out there. But you know what’s hard to find? A really solid pair of running sunglasses for $40-$75. Somehow, Tifosi is one of the only brands doing it, and they do it really well. While we’d recommend pretty much any of their sunglasses, the Shumo is their newest model, one that combines both sport and style. It features a bit larger lens than the typical sunglasses, which in turn provides greater protection from UV rays and all the elements. It’s also a great fit for larger heads, so if you got a double-wide dome, then this would be a great fit for you.

What we don’t like: Not quite as sleek as some other models on here, but that’s just a style preference.

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Armless sunglasses– at first glance, they seem impossible bordering on gimmicky, but once you’ve experienced them, you won’t go back. The comfort is top-notch, and because they don’t have clunky arms, they open up more possibilities than you can imagine. You can wear them cycling, swimming, over or under a winter cap, and any other situation. You also won’t lose them.

I’ve been wearing these for the past four years and without a doubt, they are still my go-to sunglasses for the majority of my runs. I’ve worn them for everything from the coldest days of winter to a 50K trail race to the hottest days of summer. They’re great for travel, easy to put in your pocket, and pretty much indestructible. I’ve never felt the need, but you can pick up a pair of nose pads if you need a more customizable fit. You can also add on side shields for winter sports.

The lenses are made with world-class polarized Zeiss Optics and the TR-90 frames are strong and durable. Plus, they’ll plant 20 mangrove trees for every pair you buy. 

What we don’t like: If the paracord gets soaked in sweat, well … that’s kind of gross.

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The first time we tried Method Seven, we were sold. This specific frame is incredibly lightweight and the lens clarity is, quite frankly– stunning. The company makes specialized lenses for commercial pilots who fly directly into the sun on repeated flights and from that expertise, they created the Trail 26 lens, with the lowest haze rating of any hydrophobic, anti-glare, and anti-scratch coated lens.

It is very hard to find a pair of sunglasses that works well on trails because of the changing light conditions. The Silverton Trail26 was made exactly for this– for rendering roots, dirt, rocks, stream crossings, and steep technical descents. They’ve pulled it off. We’ve worn this in all kinds of conditions and it’s been flawless throughout. It also helps when real runners test it, like ultrarunner Avery Collins, who tested the lenses over 1,000 miles of running.

On top of all of that, these are designed in California, made in Japan and Italy. For the price point, it has to be one of the best pair of sunglasses you can buy.

What we don’t like: If the paracord gets soaked in sweat, well … that’s kind of gross.

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While most running sunglasses win us over almost immediately, the Vinco Terra was a little bit different. Although its presence on this list would make you think this is a reliable pair of shield-style polarized shades, the Terra is more like contrast-enhancing eye protection. It’s not so much designed to knock out the sun entirely as to make it easier to pick out rocks, sticks, and mud while you’re bombing down the trails on a bike or on foot. And, on that front, Vinco’s flagship shades do their job.

On a more technical front, the Vinco Terra sunglasses are as impressive as they are light — and they only weigh 27 g for the smaller size. Each pair is handmade in Italy with frames made from a Lignatura bio-resin, and the wraparound style offers pretty much total coverage from dirt and debris, even if you stumble while out on an adventure. Just keep in mind that you might need a pair of windshield wipers if you wear ’em out on a rainy, muggy afternoon.

What we don’t like: The full shield style can be bulky when traveling and while they have great contrast in shady conditions, they’re not the best on super bright days.

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One of our biggest issues with cheaper sunglasses it that they get absolutely destroyed by the salt pouring out of our sweaty foreheads during a hot summer workout. Whether you’re yacht rocking or race-day rolling, Knockaround gives you an extra layer of protection from the elements by specifically designing these lenses to resist salt degradation.

It’s not just bells and whistles, though. They nail all the basics with grip points behind the ears, on the nose temples, and even on the outside end tips of the arms. That means you’re getting a secure fit for any activity. At $50, these are some of the best quality sunglasses you can buy if you’re on a budget.

What we don’t like: Nothing, really.

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I’ve personally worn these sunglasses for two marathons and I can attest that they have one of the best combinations of clarity and security. They’re not polarized, so you sacrifice something in the way of glare, but when it comes to colors loud and clear, Sungod hits the mark.

They’re very secure and can take a beating, including loads of sweat and grime. Sungod is very intentional about keeping their products carbon neutral and they’re a Certified B Corp that gives back 1% to environmental causes, so you can know you’re doing something good.

Also, a lifetime guarantee? That’s few and far between.

What we don’t like: While the clarity is outstanding, the non-polarization can add glare, so maybe just stay away from shiny objects

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