When it comes to running, we often think about shoes, clothes and maybe even our favourite GPS watch. But many people forget one crucial aspect, the sunglasses. Running sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, wind, dust and other particles, keeping your vision clear and your eyes comfortable. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to choose the right sunglasses for running.
Know The Sunglasses Frame Material
Consider the frame material when selecting running sunglasses. The frame material should be light, durable, flexible, resistant to stress corrosion and hypoallergenic. Some of the common frame materials include:
- Nylon Frame: Nylon frames are well-suited for sports and performance activities due to their stability, resistance to breakage and flexibility.
- Acetate Frame: Acetate frames are strong, flexible, hypoallergenic and come in multiple colour ranges.
- Metal Frame: Metal frames are often made with ‘monel’ (an alloy of nickel, copper, and iron), stainless steel, aluminium or titanium.
What About The Lens Material?
The lens material plays a decisive role in the sunglasses’ comfort, safety, functionality and vision quality. Some popular lens materials include:
- Polycarbonate Lenses: These lenses are resistant to impact, provide excellent UV protection and are lightweight, making them perfect for runners.
- Glass Lenses: These lenses offer superior clarity but tend to be heavier and less impact-resistant.
- NXT Polyurethane Lenses: These lenses offer the highest optical clarity and impact resistance.
The Right Lens Tint Matters
Different lens tint serves different purposes and allow various amounts of light transmission. The common types include:
- Grey Tints: These reduce brightness and glare, making them suitable for running in bright sunlight.
- Yellow/Orange Tints: These enhance contrast in hazy, foggy or low-light conditions.
- Amber/Brown Tints: They block blue light and improve contrast and depth perception, which are perfect for partly cloudy or sunny conditions.
- Clear Lenses: Ideal for low-light conditions as they allow the most light in.
Consider The Sunglasses’ Fit
Regardless of how good the frames and lenses are, if the sunglasses do not fit properly, they are not the right sunglasses for you. Ensure the sunglasses fit comfortably on your nose and ears without any pressure points.
They should also sit well on your face, allowing ample ventilation to prevent any fogging.
Conclusion
Sunglasses, while a small part of the running ensemble, play a significant role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable run. They protect your eyes, improve your vision and enhance your overall performance. Remember, the best sunglasses for running will appear and feel as they are not there. Invest in a pair that offers the right fit and optimal protection and see the difference it makes in your next run!
