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Ombraz are still Robbe’s go-to glasses
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 2024, 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. From shields to armless to traditional faux wayfarers, these our are favorites at the moment.
Dual Lens Protection
Crafted from lightweight, high-impact-resistant TR90 nylon, these frames boast a slight wraparound fit that offers both comfort and superior protection. The dual lens setup features Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lens technology, which makes the outdoors come alive with psychedelic-like vibrancy. Vents in the upper corners of the lenses help dispel heat and moisture buildup, preventing fogging and ensuring clear optics throughout your run.
Classic Styling
The go-to choice for when you don’t want to break the bank, Goodr shades provide comfort and style for on and off the run. Sure, they won’t last a lifetime (unless you’re an earthworm), but they will allow your star to shine bright through the summer days and nights. And if you lose them, well… big deal, just grab another pair for the cost of a few lattes.
Trail Running
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 makes for a crystal clear image, even in changing light, adapting seamlessly to varying conditions. Designed in California, made in Japan and Italy. And damn affordable for what you get in return.
Trail Running
Designed in Colorado with models named after local trails, FKT Gear is the first sunglasses brand (that we know of) to make frames specifically for trail runners. That means you get shatter-resistant, non-polarized lenses that still offer 100% UV protection while adapting to changing light conditions. Throw in some excellent frame style made from recycled nylon and you got glasses that any outdoor enthusiast can appreciate.
Transition Lenses
We just these in and Thomas has been geeking out about the ultra-fast photochromic technology in these shields, which adjusts to changing light conditions almost immediately, providing perfect vision in variable conditions (i.e. trail running). The fit is on point thanks to comfortable, adaptable nose pads. Functionally, you can’t do much better than these.
Armless Comfort
Armless sunglasses– they seem impossible and yet they open up more possibilities than you can imagine. The comfort is top-notch, and because they don’t have clunky arms, you can wear them cycling, swimming, over or under a winter cap, and any other situation. You also won’t lose them. The lenses are made with world-class polarized Zeiss Optics and the TR-90 frames are indestructible. Plus, they’ll plant 20 mangrove trees for every pair you buy.
Full Customization
The Flyfree features a simple lens switch design that makes it easy to switch between the Road Tint lens that blocks harsh light on the track and road or the Max Extreme Lens technology (anti-fog, anti-reflective, hydrophobic, oleophobic). The multiple vents at the top release heat to help with sweat evaporation and the silicone nose pads help lock down the fit. Definitely one of the coolest sunglasses we tested.
Fog Free
If you’re a heavy sweater and need a pair of fog free shades, look no further than the Rudy Project Propulse. These wraparound sunglasses come with massive vents on the front chassis, lens, and temples while the wide lenses offer a deep field of vision.
Simple Solution
They’ll probably hate us for saying this, but Knockaround are basically an elevated Goodr. With rubber nose pads, polarized and impact resistant lenses, and lightweight polycarbonate frames, these are a go-to for getting the job done while offering a touch more durability and quality.
Shields on a Budget
Honestly, if you want decent quality at a somewhat affordable price point, there’s nobody that does it better than Tifosi. The TR-90 frames are ultra durable and come with hydrophilic rubber and adjustable nose and ear pieces for a secure fit. The polycarbonate lenses reduce glare and provide 100% UV protection, which is basically all you need in your running sunglasses.
More Shield Love
Thomas and Meg both loved these shields, thanks in large part to their ultralight weight (27 grams) and Polyamide lenses for crystal clear vision. One of the best features is that the rubber ends of the temple arms are fully adjustable and can bend to best fit your face. They’re not cheap, but you’re getting exceptional quality and performance in return.
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Robbe is the senior editor of Believe in the Run. He loves going on weird routes through Baltimore, finding trash on the ground, and running with the Faster Bastards. At home in the city, but country at heart. Loves his two boys more than anything. Has the weakest ankles in the game.
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