The 11 Best Sports Sunglasses of 2021

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Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays while you're outside being active is important no matter what season it is. A good pair of sports sunglasses will also keep your eyes safe from impact and shield them from wind, dust, and other debris.

With such a wide variety of styles, features, and price tags, it can be tough to choose the right shades for you. We did the research to help you find the right ones for your needs and budget.

Here are the best sports sunglasses on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

Ideal for water or snow sports, it provides 100% UVA and UVB protection and can handle any obstacle with its shatterproof lenses.

Best Overall for Men:

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

The stand-out option for men is polarized to cut glare, reduce haze, and eliminate distortion, and the grips ensure it stays put.

Best Budget:

Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses at Amazon

Affordable without skimping on features, it includes three interchangeable polarized lenses and scratch resistance.

Best Polarized:

Under Armour Igniter 2.0 Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

If anti-glare is a priority, these shades offer polarized lenses and maximum UV protection so you can focus on what matters most.

Best for Cycling:

Smith Men's Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

The pick features interchangeable lenses for different cycling conditions, and its grippy nose pads prevent any mid-ride slips.

Best for Running:

Oakley Men's Half Jacket Sunglasses at Amazon

Complete with the 100% UV protection that devoted runners need, the high-definition optics provide superior clarity and vision.

Best Lightweight:

Tifosi Seek Wrap Sunglasses at Amazon

Despite its lightweight feel, it's made to withstand your toughest workouts and outdoor activities with its shatterproof lenses.

Best for Tennis:

Maui Jim Ho'okipa Rectangular Sunglasses at Amazon

Scratch-resistant and anti-glare, they're designed to be comfortable throughout your match or practice.

Best for Skiing:

Sunski Headland Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon

An essential as you hit the slopes, the polarized lenses cut down on glare and haze and help to reduce eye strain.

Best for Fishing:

Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses at Amazon

Whether you’re out on a boat or by the stream, these polarized shades are ideal for minimizing glare and offering eye protection.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Pros

Sleek design
Lightweight but sturdy
Good for smaller faces

Cons

Low-profile lens is not very wide

Whether they’re hitting the beach or the slopes, women will like the comfort and performance of Tifosi Tyrant sunglasses. The polarized Fototec lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection from the sun's harmful rays while also reducing glare.

The frame is ideal for small- to medium-size faces and the grippy, adjustable ear and nose pads allow for a custom fit, without any slippage. Additionally, the lenses are shatterproof and vented to increase airflow and prevent fogging.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, Grilamid TR-90 Nylon frame | Shape: Wrap, half-frame

Pros

Exceptional lens quality
Durable
Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

Expensive
Too sporty for casual wear

When it comes to all-around sports sunglasses, the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Polarized Sunglasses are a stand-out option for men. The PRIZM lenses are built to enhance contrast and color for better views, and they are polarized to cut glare, reduce haze, and eliminate distortion. The frames are made with Oakley’s proprietary O-Matter frame material for a lightweight, comfortable feel, while the grips ensure that the glasses stay put. These sporty and durable shades are ideal for golf and tennis, but also work extremely well for other activities, including running, cycling, and water sports.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Materials: Plastic lens, Acetate frame | Shape: Half-frame

Pros

Inexpensive
Durable
Lifetime breakage warranty on frames

Cons

May be too small for larger faces

Versatile and stylish, these Torege sunglasses are affordable yet built to last. They come with three interchangeable polarized lenses, so you can see clearly in different light conditions. Made of lightweight Grilamid TR90, the frames won't weigh you down and work well for running, cycling, water sports, and other outdoor activities.

The scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses also block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, while the soft, rubber nose pads provide a secure, grippy fit.

Coating: Polarized, scratch-resistant | Materials: Grilamid TR90 | Shape: Wrap, rimless

Under Armour Adult Igniter 2.0 Rectangular Sunglasses

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
Excellent lens quality
Manufacturer’s lifetime warranty

Cons

Non-hinged nose pad

Polarized lenses are a must-have feature for many athletes, especially for those who don’t want glare to interfere with their performance on the field, court, or golf course. In addition to being polarized, these sporty shades from Under Armour provide maximum UV protection as well as ultimate optical clarity and impact protection.

The UA Storm Lens technology also enhances color retention and repels water, grease, and mud, making these glasses a nice choice for all your rugged outdoor adventures. The lightweight yet durable frames are flexible and feature three-point grip for a comfortable, secure fit.

Coating: Polarized, water-resistant, UV protection | Materials: ArmourFusion frame | Shape: Rectangular—half-frame

Smith Parallel Max 2 Polarized Sunglasses

Pros

Excellent grip
Sporty style
Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

May not work well for small faces

A solid choice for cyclists, these Smith Optics Parallel Max sunglasses are versatile, durable, and comfortable for long rides. The impact-resistant lenses are made of polarized polycarbonate, which cuts glare, and also feature a water- and oil-resistant coating.

These shades come with two interchangeable lenses for different conditions, so it’s like getting two pairs of sunglasses in one. The grippy nose and temple pads ensure that these shades won’t slide down your face as you’re riding, even if you’re drenched in sweat.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection, hydroleophobic coating | Materials: Polycarbonate lens, TR90 Nylon frame | Shape: Rimless

Pros

Sporty look
Comfortable and durable
Excellent lens quality

Cons

Expensive

A tried-and-true favorite among men and women, these sunglasses from Oakley provide the 100% UV protection that devoted runners need. The polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare, while Oakley’s high-definition optics provide superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision.

The sporty frames are so comfortable and lightweight that you almost forget you have them on. Plus, they don’t slide down or get fogged up, even during the most sweat-inducing runs.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Materials: O-Matter and unobtanium, Plutonite lenses | Shape: Half-frame

Pros

Lightweight and Comfortable
Sleek and stylish
Not expensive

Cons

Not polarized

Another popular choice from Tifosi, these affordable shades are lightweight but made to withstand your toughest workouts and outdoor activities. The shatterproof polycarbonate lenses provide 100-percent UVA and UVB protection, help to minimize distortion, and sharpen peripheral vision, while the durable frame resists chemical and UV damage.

The adjustable, hydrophilic rubber temple and nose pad keep the sunglasses in place.

Coating: UV Protection | Materials: Grilamid TR-90 Nylon frame, polycarbonate lens | Shape: Rimless

Pros

Sturdy and durable
Sleek and stylish
Comfortable

Cons

Slightly expensive

Known for their lightweight, attractive sports sunglasses, Maui Jim delivers with these shades that are ideal for tennis and other outdoor pursuits. The scratch-resistant lenses feature PolarizedPlus2 technology that shields eyes from glare and harmful UV rays, while also enhancing colors.

Constructed from lightweight, injected nylon, the frames are designed for extreme comfort and extended wear time. The rubber pads feel comfortable on your nose and also help keep these shades in place, no matter how hard you’re running after the ball. Sleek and stylish, these sunnies can easily go right from the court to an outdoor lunch with your tennis partner.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection, and scratch-resistant | Materials: Nylon frame | Shape: Rectangular—rimless

Pros

Lightweight and flexible
Made from recycled materials
Lifetime warranty

Cons

May be tight on wide faces

For exceptionally crisp vision and UV protection on the slopes, these Sunski shades are a great pick. The polarized polycarbonate lenses cut down on glare and haze, helping to reduce your eye strain, and won’t fog up.

Made from lightweight, recycled plastic, the flexible frame fits comfortably and stays in place. They’re perfect for anyone who wants a stylish, durable pair of polarized sunglasses at an affordable price.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Materials: Triacetate cellulose lens and polycarbonate lens frame | Shape: Full frame

Pros

Lightweight
Good coverage
Inexpensive

Cons

May not be as durable as more expensive glasses

Whether you’re out on a boat or fishing by the stream, these polarized sunglasses from Duduma are perfect for cutting down glare and protecting your eyes against UV rays. The sporty style works for both men and women, and the lightweight frame allows for hours of comfortable wear.

The polycarbonate lenses are scratch-resistant and come in multiple colors. With such an inexpensive price tag, you may want to pick up more than one pair just in case they fall in the water while you’re reeling in a big catch.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Materials: Polycarbonate lenses, plastic frame | Shape: Wrap—full-frame

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
Durable
Inexpensive

Cons

Not adjustable

Whether your kids are playing at the beach or on the baseball field, these Duco sports sunglasses can protect their eyes from harmful rays, as well as from sand, dirt, and other debris. The polarized lenses reduce glare and block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.

The sunglasses are impact- and scratch-resistant and have a flexible rubber frame, so they’re perfect for active kids who can be rough on their gear. Ideal for kids ages 3 to 10 years old, they come in a variety of colors and designs.

Coating: Polarized, UV protection | Materials: Thermoplastic Elastomer frame, triacetate lenses | Shape: Full frame

Final Verdict

All of these sports shades are excellent picks, but the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses (view on Amazon) and Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Polarized Sunglasses (view on Amazon) stand out for their comfort, fit, and overall performance. Both pairs are durable and versatile, with exceptional lens and construction quality.

What to Look for in Sports Sunglasses

Coating

Good sports sunglasses should have 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses help reduce glare and haze, making them a good choice for water sports and activities such as golf and tennis. Other nice-to-have options are anti-fog and water-resistant coatings.

Lenses

Different colored lenses can improve visibility under certain conditions, so make sure to do your research to determine what type will work best for your activities. For example, gray lenses are ideal for bright, sunny days, while yellow ones work better in low-light conditions. Some sports sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses that can easily be switched out based on the conditions or activity.

Shape

Many sports sunglasses offer a wraparound style, which provides a wide field of vision, but there are other types of frames to consider. Whatever you choose, look for an aerodynamic design so that the glasses don’t fog up or overheat.

You also need to decide if you want full-frame sunglasses, where the frame goes all around the lens, or half-frame sunglasses, where the lens is suspended from a band across the brow. Still another option is rimless sunglasses, which have no frames around the edge of the lenses. Some athletes prefer half-frame or rimless for a less obstructed view.

Material

If you plan to wear your shades during intense activities, you should opt for durable materials, like shatterproof plastic. For all-day wear, you’ll want sunnies that are lightweight and comfortable.

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.

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