How to stop sports glasses from fogging up

Looking to cut down on lens fog? You can invest in a pair of anti-fog sports glasses that are either ventilated to increase airflow, or they may be finished with an anti-fog coating. If you don’t feel like buying a new pair of glasses, you can try washing your lenses with soap and water and letting them air-dry. The soap should leave a little residue on your glasses, and that residue might help you cut down on lens fog. Just double-check your glasses’ care instructions before washing.

Are contacts better than glasses for sports?

If your goal is simply to see as clearly as possible, it may be preferable to wear contacts (rather than glasses) during sports. Unless your glasses were designed with sports in mind, they may fog up or slip down your face as you play. And in the event of a fall or errant ball, they may even shatter. That said, if your goal is to get added eye protection, to shield your eyes from the sun, or to reduce glare, glasses may be a better pick than contacts. Just make sure to buy a pair of sports glasses (not regular glasses), and make sure those sports glasses have the features you need them to.

Are sports glasses anti-sweat?

Many sports glasses are designed to resist sweat, water, dirt, and other potential debris. Most sports glasses will tell you whether they’re anti-sweat, so be sure to read the product description before committing to a pair.

The 10 Best Sports Glasses of 2023

Protecting your eyes from errant balls, accidental finger jabs, and other forms of impact are some of the reasons you might want to invest in a pair of sports glasses. “Every sports activity requires a different skillset for success, but all sports share a critical need for good vision,” says Dr. Keith Smithson, OD, director of visual performance for the Washington Nationals; team optometrist for the Washington Wizards, Washington Spirit, Washington Mystics, and D.C. United; and sports vision consultant for the Washington Football Team. “Investing in a pair of sports eyeglasses is critical for two key reasons: protecting your eyes and enhancing performance.”

Protection during contact sports is important but you may also want glasses to protect from dust and insects. “At high speeds or in physically demanding situations, a fly to the eye can be all it takes to throw you off balance,” says James Shaffer, veteran snowboarder and gear specialist. Sport glasses can also help you see more clearly by increasing contrast, reducing glare, or adjusting to different light conditions.

We evaluated sport glasses for our roundup based on their durability, fog resistance, UV protection, grippiness of nose and ear pieces, style and fit, available lens tints, and whether the lenses adjust to light conditions.

Here are the best sports glasses on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Tifosi Veloce Fototec Sunglasses at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

SurpassMe Riding Glasses Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Prescription:

Oakley Men's Half Jacket Sunglasses at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Water Sports:

Suncloud Slant Polarized Glasses at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Anti-Fog:

Pyramex Safety I-Force Sporty Dual Pane Anti-Fog Goggles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Kids:

SooGree Kids Sports Glasses at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Baseball:

Rawlings 32 Baseball Sunglasses at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best for Tennis:

HEAD Racquetball Goggles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Biking:

Tifosi Slice Sunglasses at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Running:

Suncloud Sable Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.5

REI

View On Amazon View On REI

Pros

Photochromic lenses
Hydrophilic nose and ear pieces
Cuts down on lens fog

Cons

May be too big for smaller faces
May not get dark enough

Unless you're the type of person who works out exclusively indoors on ellipticals and treadmills, you should invest in a good pair of sports glasses. Affordable and comfortable, Tifosi's Veloce Fototec Photochromic Sunglasses are packed with features that make them our top overall pick. Built with a lightweight nylon frame and grippy rubber details, they're designed to stay on your face even if you start sweating.

They feature lenses crafted with durable polycarbonate (a plastic polymer), which is scratch-resistant and impact-resistant. They're also designed to cut down on lens fog to keep you seeing clearly during games and workouts.

What really sets them apart is the Fototec photochromic lenses that adjust to your surroundings—darkening when it's bright out and lightening when it's dim. This feature replaces the need to have a pair of clear sports glasses and a pair of tinted sports glasses.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: Yes | Polarized: No | UV Protection: Yes | Anti-Fog: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Set of three pairs
Polarized lenses
UV protection
Comfortable silicone padding

Cons

Thick rims may interrupt view
May fog up
May not last very long

The Riding Glasses Set from SurpassMe offers three sports glasses for the price of one—making it incredibly budget-friendly. Included in the set is a pair with gray lenses to cut down on brightness, a pair with yellow lenses to heighten contrast, and a pair with clear lenses to provide ultimate protection. All of them cut down on glare, and since they're crafted with polycarbonate, they're durable and impact-resistant.

With lightweight frames and silicone padding, all three pairs are designed to be comfortable during wear. However, the rims are fairly prominent, so they might interrupt your view. This might not be ideal for every activity (including cycling or running).

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Anti-Fog: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Oakley.com

Pros

Custom prescription available
Three sets of lenses
Grippy nose and ear pieces
Impact-resistant lenses

Cons

May be too small

In addition to protection, sports glasses can also help you see clearly if they're equipped with prescription lenses. Crafted with polarized lenses and an optional prescription layer, Oakley's Half Jacket 2.0 glasses will ensure your vision is clear while you're taking on any activity.

Designed with nylon-infused plastic frames, these lightweight glasses are also durable and comfortable. And since they come with grippy, no-slip ear and nose pieces, you shouldn't have to worry about them slipping off your face when you start moving. Available with three lens options, including a set of polarized lenses that cut down on glare, the glasses are impact-resistant which makes them a good option for contact sports or rougher activities.

Price at time of publication: $172

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: Yes (available) | UV Protection: Yes | Anti-Fog: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Anti-glare, polarized lenses
Hydrophilic nose and ear pieces
Second set of lenses for low light
Multiple frames and styles

Cons

Lenses may scratch easily
Lenses may not be dark enough for particularly bright days

When playing water sports, you have to worry about light coming from the sun above, and the reflection on the water from below. You also have to make sure whatever glasses you choose don't slip off your face, which is why Suncloud’s Slant Polarized Sunglasses—equipped with hydrophilic nose and earpieces—are great for any water sport.

In addition to the grippy features, the glasses become stickier when they make contact with water or sweat, ensuring that they don't slip or slide around. They're also made with lightweight nylon frames that are both durable and flexible.

Made with polarized lenses, they cut down on glare that may be present in the water. Additionally, they come with a second set of Contrast Rose lenses, which are designed for low light. Simply swap them out when it starts getting dark outside.

Price at time of publication: $47

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: Yes (available) | Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Anti-Fog: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Industrialsafetygear.com

Pros

Cuts down on lens fog
UV protection
Adjustable strap
Quick-release design

Cons

Not perfectly clear
No care instructions provided

If all you need is a pair of protective goggles that won’t fog up the moment you start breathing, the Pyramex I-Force Anti-Fog Goggles have you covered while protecting your eyes from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. In addition to lenses that specifically resist fog, the goggles are designed to be scratch-resistant.

They're made from two materials including polycarbonate and acetate which aid in durability and anti-fog properties. The lenses are encased in a lightweight plastic frame, which comes attached to an adjustable strap that you can use to get a snug, secure fit. You also can take advantage of the goggles’ quick-release buckles as you easily slip them on and off your face.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: No | UV Protection: Yes (UVA, UVB, UVC) | Anti-Fog: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Impact-resistant
Cuts down on lens fog
Adjustable strap
Comfortable nose pads

Cons

May need to be adjusted

When kids slip on a pair of sports glasses, they’re usually looking for impact protection. Made with durable polycarbonate lenses, SooGree's Kids Sports Glasses are designed to comfortably deliver just that. They feature anti-fog properties, and since the lenses aren't tinted, your little one should be able to see through them with clarity.

The goggles are crafted from lightweight nylon and they boast a silicone nose pad, which should comfortably sit on your child’s face. The goggles also come attached to an adjustable elastic band, which you can customize until the goggles fit your little one just right.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: No | UV Protection: No | Anti-Fog: Yes}

Expert Advice

“It’s important to schedule comprehensive eye exams for kids and get them in the habit of wearing sports eyewear early. Many youth and children’s teams don’t require eye protection. That’s why it’s important for parents, teachers, and coaches to know the risks and make sure that all young athletes use protective eyewear when they’re at risk for eye injuries. Parents and coaches must also remember to set a good example by wearing eye protection themselves.” — Dr. Keith Smithson, OD, Director of Visual Performance for the Washington Nationals

Dick's sporting goods

View On Walmart View On Dick's View On Fieldandstreamshop.com

Pros

Impact- and scratch-resistant
Grippy nose and ear pieces
UV protection
Repel dirt, oil, and water

Cons

May not be very durable
Not anti-fog

Rawlings’ 32 Baseball Sunglasses are designed to shield your eyes from the sun while giving you a clear view of the field ahead of you. Equipped with durable polycarbonate lenses, these sports glasses protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. The lenses are also finished with a hydrophobic coating to repel dirt, oil, and water—keeping your sight clear while you play.

Designed for impact resistance and scratch resistance, they should hold up to the wear and tear of intense games. Plus, the lightweight frames come with a rubber nose and earpieces that will keep them on your face, in addition to a wraparound design for a secure fit.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: No | UV Protection: Yes (UVA, UVB) | Anti-Fog: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's

Pros

Impact-resistant frames
Shatter- and scratch-resistant
Cuts down on lens fog
Adjustable strap

Cons

No padding on nose piece
May fog up, despite being designed not to

While HEAD’s Racquetball Goggles are designed with racquetball in mind, they're also great for playing tennis and other net sports. Made with durable polycarbonate lenses, they're scratch-resistant, shatter-resistant, and can cut down on lens fog. They are also crafted to hold up to wear and tear in addition to impact.

What makes these goggles truly great for tennis is the adjustable elastic strap that wraps around your head, keeping your goggles snugly in place as you move around. This feature is key for a fast-paced game like tennis, where you need to be able to look around—and run around—without giving it a second thought.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: No | UV Protection: No | Anti-Fog: Yes}

REI

View On Amazon View On REI View On Tifosioptics.com

Pros

Three different lens options
Rimless design
Hydrophilic nose and ear pieces
Cuts down on lens fog

Cons

May be too wide for some
Photochromic

Avid cyclists need a pair of glasses that will give them a clear view of their surroundings without slipping down. Tifosi's Slice Sunglasses are totally rimless, which offers an uninterrupted view of everything in sight. They also come with hydrophilic nose and earpieces that are designed to stay grippy (and get grippier) when wet.

Available with three sets of lenses, they're great for any environment. The Light Night Fototec lenses, AC Red lenses, and Enliven Bike lenses all heighten contrast and make obstacles easier to see—allowing you to navigate roads, trails, and bike paths with ease, and help improve your cycling.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: Yes (available) | Polarized: No | UV Protection: Yes | Anti-Fog: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Academy.com View On Publiclands.com

Pros

Wraparound design
Hydrophilic nose and ear pieces
Polarized lenses
UV protection

Cons

May fog up
Lenses aren’t completely rimless

If you’re a runner, there’s a lot to love about Suncloud’s Sable Polarized Sunglasses. First, they boast a wraparound design, which should give you an uninterrupted view of your surroundings—and a fair amount of protection from dirt and debris. And since the lenses are designed to curve, you shouldn’t have to worry about light sneaking through the sides of your glasses.

Impact-resistant and UV-protective, they should cut down on glare from the sun. Additionally, they're equipped with hydrophilic nose and earpieces, which allow them to stay put even when you're dripping sweat.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Photochromic: No | Polarized: Yes | UV Protection: Yes (UVA, UVB) | Anti-Fog: No}

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a pair of well-rounded sports glasses, Tifosi’s Veloce Fototec Photochromic Sunglasses (view at REI) are sure to deliver. The glasses come equipped with photochromic lenses, which darken when it’s bright out and lighten when it’s dark out. The glasses also come equipped with hydrophilic nose and earpieces, which get grippier when wet. And they’re also UV-protective, anti-fog, and impact-resistant. In other words, they do it all.

What to Look for in Sports Glasses

Lens Tint

When shopping for sports glasses, you’ll typically find two kinds of lenses—clear lenses (like the kind you’d find in eyeglasses) and tinted lenses (like the kind you’d find in sunglasses). If you’re wearing sports glasses to protect your eyes or to improve your vision, you may prefer a set with clear lenses. But if you’re wearing them to shield your eyes from the sun, you’ll likely want a pair with tinted lenses instead.

Style and Fit

Sports glasses are available in a few variations, including eyeglasses, sunglasses, and goggles. Eyeglasses can be great for those looking to improve their vision (particularly when paired with a prescription) or to protect their eyes (when impact-resistant). Sunglasses can be great for those looking to shield their eyes from the sun, and goggles can be great when impact protection is all you’re after.

In addition to finding a pair of sports glasses in a style that meets your needs, you also want to find a pair of sports glasses that fit properly. “You don't want them to be too loose to the point where you worry about them falling off during the action,” Shaffer says. “On the other hand, you don't want them too tight to the point where they cause too much pressure.”

He recommends trying on several pairs when shopping in person, and not hesitating to return an ill-fitting pair if shopping online. And if you plan to wear your glasses with a bike helmet—or some other sports helmet or equipment—be sure to try them on with that helmet to see how they’ll actually fit, Smithson says.

Photochromic or Polarized Lenses

Some sports glasses come equipped with special lenses, like photochromic or polarized lenses. Photochromic lenses are designed to darken or lighten, based on how bright your surroundings are. This feature can be particularly useful if you’re planning to wear your glasses all day long. Don’t want to swap out your glasses every time you step into the shade? With photochromic lenses, you shouldn’t have to.

Polarized lenses, on the other hand, are designed to cut down on glare. These lenses should reduce the glare of the sun—whether it’s shining above you, or reflecting off a wet road or a body of water. This feature can be particularly helpful for those who need to see clearly, and who regularly find the glare of the sun in their eyes.

“Talk to your eye doctor who can help you choose the right eye protection for your specific needs,” Smithson advises.

UV Protection

Tinted sports glasses can help to shield your eyes from the sun. But if you want to protect them from the sun, you may want to invest in a pair of UV-protective sports glasses. Not all tinted lenses offer UV protection, and not all UV-protective lenses are tinted. So double-check the product description before assuming a pair of sports glasses is—or isn’t—UV-protective.

Hydrophilic Details

Some sports glasses come equipped with hydrophilic nose and earpieces. These rubber details are designed to feel grippy when dry—and to feel even grippier when wet. This tackiness should help your glasses stay in place, even when they get exposed to sweat or water. So you shouldn’t have to worry about them slipping down your face.

Fog Resistance

Many glasses fog up when worn during activity because they remain cool, while you get hot—and that causes condensation on the lenses. Since you don’t want to impede your vision while playing a sport, riding your bike, or going for a run, it’s often worth it to invest in a pair of anti-fog sports glasses.

These glasses may be ventilated to increase airflow, or they may be finished with a chemical that helps cut down on lens fog. In most cases, they’ll be clearly labeled “anti-fog” or they’ll tout their ability to “reduce lens fog,” so it shouldn’t be too hard to tell if you’re looking at a pair of anti-fog sports glasses.

Durability

Anything you wear while playing sports or working out is bound to encounter a lot of wear and tear. Many sports glasses boast impact-resistant frames, and many also feature impact-resistant or scratch-resistant lenses. These features can help you save money, since the longer your glasses last, the less often you have to pay to replace them. They can also protect you while you play.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stop sports glasses from fogging up

Looking to cut down on lens fog? You can invest in a pair of anti-fog sports glasses that are either ventilated to increase airflow, or they may be finished with an anti-fog coating.
If you don’t feel like buying a new pair of glasses, you can try washing your lenses with soap and water and letting them air-dry. The soap should leave a little residue on your glasses, and that residue might help you cut down on lens fog. Just double-check your glasses’ care instructions before washing.
Are contacts better than glasses for sports?

If your goal is simply to see as clearly as possible, it may be preferable to wear contacts (rather than glasses) during sports. Unless your glasses were designed with sports in mind, they may fog up or slip down your face as you play. And in the event of a fall or errant ball, they may even shatter.
That said, if your goal is to get added eye protection, to shield your eyes from the sun, or to reduce glare, glasses may be a better pick than contacts. Just make sure to buy a pair of sports glasses (not regular glasses), and make sure those sports glasses have the features you need them to.
Are sports glasses anti-sweat?

Many sports glasses are designed to resist sweat, water, dirt, and other potential debris. Most sports glasses will tell you whether they’re anti-sweat, so be sure to read the product description before committing to a pair.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. That’s why she’s careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. For this shopping guide, she prioritized sports glasses that were crafted from durable, high-quality materials. She looked for options with useful features, like photochromic, polarized, UV-protective, or anti-fog lenses. And wherever possible, she favored glasses that came with multiple lenses or frames.