Why do cyclists wear sunglasses?

While they’re ideal for preventing cyclists from squinting on sunny days, cycling sunglasses also provide protection from harmful UV rays, debris, bugs, wind, and rain. They can also reduce glare and sharpen cyclist’s vision so that they can more easily spot hazards on the road or trails.

What lens color is best for cycling sunglasses?

While lens color can really be a matter of personal preference, gray sunglass lenses are a very popular lens tint for cyclists because they’re effective in different conditions. They also provide anti-fatigue benefits and overall protection from glare, especially off water and wet roads.

The 10 Best Cycling Sunglasses of 2023

Whether they ride on the road or trails, cyclists absolutely must have a good, reliable pair of sunglasses to wear throughout the year. While they perform the traditional function of keeping the sun out of your eyes, cycling sunglasses also provide a barrier to rain, wind, harmful UV rays, and even debris and bugs.

What sets cycling sunglasses apart from other shades is their fit, lens quality, coating, and shape. Many options are versatile and flexible enough to be worn either under or over your helmet. We used these characteristics to inform our list, coupled with features like weight, versatility, ventilation, among others.

Based on our reviews, here are the best cycling sunglasses on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Tifosi Vero Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best Overall for Men:

Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best Unisex:

Tifosi Optics Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Fototec at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best for Triathlons:

Rudy Project Tralyx Cycling Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

Nike Windshield Elite Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best for Narrow Faces:

Tifosi Wisp Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best for Wide Faces:

Oakley Sutro Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best for Road Cycling:

Smith Men's Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

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Best for Mountain Biking:

Oakley Jawbreaker Shield Sunglasses at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sporteyes.com View On Tifosioptics.com

Pros

Great fit for smaller faces
Durable
Lightweight and comfortable
Comes with hard case and cleaning bag

Cons

Too sporty for casual wear

Whether they’re cycling on roads or trails, we named the versatile Tifosi Vero Wrap sunglasses our top pick thanks to their comfort and performance. The lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection from the sun's harmful rays, while also reducing glare. The durable but lightweight frame is ideal for women’s smaller faces and the adjustable ear and nose pads allow for a custom, secure fit.

Additionally, the shatterproof lenses are made from decentered polycarbonate material to eliminate distortion and are also vented to increase airflow and reduce fogging.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Coating: Polarized, UV protection, Glare-guard anti-reflective | Material: Polycarbonate lenses, Grilamid TR-90 nylon frame | Shape: Half-frame}

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Dick's

Pros

Sporty look
Comfortable and durable
Excellent lens quality

Cons

Expensive

With outstanding clarity and glare filtering, these Oakley sunglasses will help to enhance your vision and performance, whether you’re biking on roads or trails.

The PRIZM lenses enhance colors and contrast, so your view is crisp and clear, and they’re also designed for optimal ventilation. With a lightweight yet durable frame and grippy ear socks and nose pads, these shades offer all-day comfort and protection. They’re not cheap, but you absolutely get what you pay for in terms of quality, functionality, and durability.

Price at time of publication: $211

^{Key Specs:
Coating: UV protection | Materials: O-Matter and unobtanium, Plutonite lenses | Shape: Half-frame}

Courtesy of Zappos

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Sunnysports.com

Pros

Exceptional lenses
Durable
Affordable

Cons

Lack ventilation

Those who want a pair of high-quality, durable, but still affordable cycling sunglasses should definitely consider the Tifosi Optics Jet sunglasses. The shatterproof polycarbonate lenses help to eliminate visual distortion, and the glare guard coating cuts down on glare and decreases eye fatigue.

The durable frame and streamlined design also protect your eyes from the elements, while the hydrophilic rubber temple and nose pads make sure these shades stay in place. They’re perfect for cycling, but they’re also a nice choice for triathletes who want a pair of shades that also work well for running.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Coating: UV protection, glare guard coating Material: Polycarbonate lenses, Grilamid TR-90 frame Shape: Half-frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Affordable
Lightweight and comfortable
Lifetime breakage warranty on frames

Cons

May be too small for larger faces

With features not often found in an inexpensive pair of cycling shades, these versatile Torege sunglasses offer a lot of bang for the buck. They come with three interchangeable polarized lenses, for optimal clarity and vision in different light conditions.

The scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses also block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Made of lightweight Grilamid TR90, the frame is lightweight and comfortable for cycling, but also works well for running, water sports, and other outdoor pursuits. The soft, rubber nose pads offer a secure, grippy fit, no matter how sweaty your ride.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Coating: Polarized, scratch-resistant | Material: Grilamid TR90 frame, polycarbonate lens | Shape: Wrap, rimless}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sporteyes.com

Pros

Lightweight
Comfortable and secure
Excellent ventilation

Cons

Expensive

Triathletes need sunglasses that are equally as effective and comfortable for cycling as they are for running. These versatile shades from Rudy Project help triathletes achieve effortless transitions, with no need to switch glasses between your bike and run segments.

The glasses feature Rudy Project’s patented Powerflow design, which uses vents at strategically placed points to increase the airflow and prevent the accumulation of sweat or fogging of the lenses. The lightweight composition means they won’t weigh you down, while the adjustable frame and nose pads ensure they stay locked into place.

Price at time of publication: $195

^{Key Specs:
Coating: UV protection, polarized | Materials: Plastic frame, composite lens | Shape: Half-frame}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Nike.com

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
One-piece lens for superior coverage and clarity
Good ventilation

Cons

Removable nose pad can fall off

These Nike cycling sunglasses are so lightweight and comfortable you may almost forget you’re wearing them during long rides. A streamlined design features innovative ventilation with aerodynamic angles and cushioned comfort.

The temple arms have cushioned and grippy rubber to keep the shades in place, and the floating nose pad helps to optimize airflow and enhances overall comfort. Plus, the curved, wrap-around shield lens provides a clear view and protective coverage.

Price at time of publication: $169

^{Key Specs:
Coating: UV protection, anti-reflective | Materials: Plastic lens and frame | Shape: Wraparound, half-frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Backcountry.com

Pros

Excellent for small and narrow faces
Durable
Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

Too sporty for casual wear

If you have a small or narrow face, you can get a comfortable, secure fit with these glasses from Tifosi. The shatterproof, polarized polycarbonate lenses help to minimize distortion and reduce glare to help improve your visibility and protect against eye fatigue.

You’ll also get 100% UVA and UVB protection. These shades are extremely lightweight and stay in place, so you won’t have to worry about mid-ride adjustments.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Coating: Polarized, UV protection, Glare-guard anti-reflective | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, plastic frame | Shape: Half-frame}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Chainreactioncycles.com View On Chainreactioncycles.com

Pros

Bold, sporty style
Comfortable and durable
Excellent lens quality

Cons

Expensive

If you often have trouble finding cycling sunglasses that don’t pinch or feel too tight, these Sutro shades may be the ones for you. Designed with performance in mind, they feature a bold and versatile style that’s suitable for wide faces. The three-point fit holds lenses in precise optical alignment for maximum all-day comfort and performance.

Oakley’s durable Plutonite lenses provide 100% UV protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays and also offer superior clarity and protection against impact.

Price at time of publication: $173

^{Key Specs:
Coating: UV protection | Material: O-Matter and unobtanium, Plutonite lenses | Shape: Full-frame}

4.7

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Backcountry.com

Pros

Excellent grip
Interchangeable lenses
Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

May not work well for small faces

These Smith Optics Parallel Max sunglasses are durable, lightweight, and comfortable for long rides on the roads. The impact-resistant lenses are made of polarized polycarbonate—which cuts glare—and also have a water- and oil-resistant coating.

With grippy nose and temple pads, you don’t have to worry about them sliding down your face as you’re riding, even if you’re drenched in sweat. These shades come with two interchangeable lenses, so you’ll be prepared for the bright sun as well as for low-light conditions.

Price at time of publication: $139

^{Key Specs:
Coating: Polarized, UV protection, hydroleophobic coating | Material: Polycarbonate lens, TR90 Nylon frame | Shape: Rimless}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Jomashop.com View On Oakley.com

Pros

Exceptional lenses
Durable
Adjustable and comfortable

Cons

Expensive

With Oakley’s PRIZM lens technology, these sunglasses offer the optical clarity and razor-sharp vision that mountain bikers need to spot rocks, sticks, holes, and other hazards when they’re hitting the trails. The lenses and frames are durable and stress-resistant, so they’ll also be protected from any debris that comes flying at you.

Plus, the glasses are adjustable at the temple to three different lengths to accommodate various helmet and head sizes, so you can really get an exact fit. The ear and nose pads are comfortable over the long haul and increase grip with perspiration, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping and sliding down.

Price at time of publication: $233

^{Key Specs:
Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Material: O-Matter and unobtanium, Plutonite lenses | Shape: Full-frame}

Final Verdict

All of these cycling shades are high-quality, reliable options, but the Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses (view on Amazon) and Tifosi Vero Wrap Sunglasses (view on Amazon) stand out for their fit, comfort, and overall performance. Both pairs offer the exceptional lens and construction quality that cyclists need. If you’re looking to spend a little less, the Torege Polarized Sunglasses (view on Amazon) are an excellent value buy and even come with interchangeable lenses.

What to Look for in Cycling Sunglasses

Fit

When shopping for the perfect pair of cycling shades, fit is crucial, since you want a pair that feels comfortable and secure. The best sunglasses for cyclists come with secure nose and temple grips that will hold them in position, even during sweaty, bumpy, or rainy rides. They should also be lightweight, especially if you often spend hours at a time in your bike saddle.

Lenses

Some glasses feature light or dark lenses, so you have to choose your preference and consider the conditions you typically ride in. For example, gray lenses are ideal for sunny days, while yellow ones work better in low-light conditions. Some cycling sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses that can easily be switched out based on the conditions.

You can even get lenses with your eyeglass prescription, so you don’t have to worry about your contacts drying out when riding.

Coating

Good cycling sunglasses should have 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses help reduce glare and haze, but some cyclists prefer not to wear them because they affect their depth perception. If you frequently ride near water or usually bike in very bright conditions, you may want to consider polarized lenses.

Other features that enhance the sunglasses’ durability and your overall comfort are anti-glare and anti-fog protection, as well as scratch resistance.

Shape

Adequate eye protection is also essential, so make sure you look for shades with wide lenses that cover your entire field of vision and shield you from the elements.

Some cycling sunglasses are wraparound style—which provides a wide field of vision—but there are other types of frames to consider. Half-frame and rimless sunglasses also provide a less obstructed view. Whatever you choose, look for an aerodynamic design so that the glasses don’t fog up or overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do cyclists wear sunglasses?

While they’re ideal for preventing cyclists from squinting on sunny days, cycling sunglasses also provide protection from harmful UV rays, debris, bugs, wind, and rain. They can also reduce glare and sharpen cyclist’s vision so that they can more easily spot hazards on the road or trails.
What lens color is best for cycling sunglasses?

While lens color can really be a matter of personal preference, gray sunglass lenses are a very popular lens tint for cyclists because they’re effective in different conditions. They also provide anti-fatigue benefits and overall protection from glare, especially off water and wet roads.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.