Sports Sunglasses: How to Choose the Right Pair for Your Sport?
Content Manager
Introduction
For years, regular sunglasses have followed the same design pattern. An aesthetic structure and tinted lenses, which could be mirrored or polarised. Interestingly, for most people, this is fine and acceptable, even at a higher price, until they realise how sunglasses actually behave in different outdoor environments.
Changing lighting conditions, like daytime hiking when the sun plays hide-and-seek from the canopies, realising how badly the sunlight disorients vision during an outdoor swim, or squinting while playing other outdoor sports.
That’s where traditional sunglasses can fall short. Since eye protection is important during outdoor activities, choosing the right pair of sports sunglasses can be a tough nut to crack. This guide helps you select the right pair of sunglasses for your preferred sport.
Sports Sunglasses vs Regular Sunglasses: What Actually Changes?
Sports sunglasses and regular sunglasses can differ significantly in their design and intended use. The tabular comparison below gives a clearer picture:
| Feature | Sports Sunglasses | Regular Sunglasses |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Designed with active movement, stability, coverage and outdoor vision in mind. | Primarily designed for sun protection, glare reduction and personal style. |
| Frame Design & Coverage | Often feature curved or wraparound designs that can provide greater coverage from wind, debris and peripheral sunlight. | Often use more traditional frame shapes and coverage suited to everyday wear. |
| Grip & Fit | May include rubberised nose pads, temple grips or adjustable nose pads to help keep the frame stable during movement. | Fit and grip vary by frame design and material and may not include features specifically designed for high-movement activities. |
| Frame Materials | Often use lightweight, flexible materials (like TR90) designed to provide durability and comfort during active use. | Available in a wide range of materials, including acetate, standard plastics and metal. |
| Lens Durability | Impact-resistant materials such as polycarbonate or Trivex can be used for sports eyewear where impact resistance is important. | Lens materials vary. Standard plastic lenses are lighter and more impact-resistant than glass, while polycarbonate and other impact-resistant materials are also available for regular sunglasses. |
| Ventilation | Some sports designs include vents or anti-fog treatments to help manage fogging during physical activity. | Ventilation and anti-fog features depend on the frame and lens design. |
| Lens Tints & Adaptability | May be available with activity-specific tints, polarised lenses, mirrored finishes or photochromic options, depending on the sport and conditions. | Available with a wide range of fixed, gradient, mirrored, polarised and photochromic lens options. |
In short, regular sunglasses offer style, sun protection and general glare reduction, while sports sunglasses can provide features such as impact resistance, a more secure fit and greater coverage for active use. Choosing the right pair therefore depends on the activity, conditions and features you need.
Which Sports Sunglasses Are Right for Your Activity?
Imagine someone who wears prescription glasses choosing non-prescription contacts for a day. They would struggle to see clearly. Doesn’t it sound absurd?
Similarly, it is important to select sports sunglasses according to the activity rather than buying impulsively.
At Specscart, Actics sports sunglasses are made using TR90, which makes the frames lightweight and flexible. You can select the right pair from the collection without compromising on style and comfort, even when you’re on the field or track. Specscart’s Actics range also includes prescription options on selected styles.
Cycling Sunglasses
Most cycling sunglasses are designed with a wraparound shape that helps protect your eyes from debris, dust, and insects.
Running Sunglasses
Running with heavy sunglasses can cause discomfort. Sports sunglasses for running are generally lightweight and may include features designed to help reduce fogging during activity.
Tennis Sunglasses
Tennis sunglasses are designed for a secure and comfortable fit during movement. Depending on the lens, they can also provide UV protection and reduce glare from bright outdoor conditions.
Football Sunglasses
Football sunglasses with mirrored lenses help maintain vision contrast. Since the glare reflected from the field is filtered through the lenses, you get comfortable vision.
What Should You Look for in Sports Sunglasses?
Choosing sports sunglasses, especially for someone who isn’t familiar with them, can be overwhelming. Without understanding the basics of sports sunglasses, you could end up buying the wrong pair. However, you can easily avoid this by focusing on the points mentioned below, which could help you choose a pair suited to your activity.
Lightweight Construction
For sports sunglasses, lightweight construction can make them more comfortable during extended wear. Ideally, sports sunglasses should feel comfortable rather than heavy or distracting. If they feel heavy on your face, reconsider the frame selection.
Flexible and Durable Materials
Sports sunglasses at Specscart are made using TR90, which is lightweight, flexible and durable. Its flexibility can help the frame withstand everyday movement and use without easily losing its shape. However, no frame material should be considered unbreakable.
Wraparound and Full-Coverage Designs
Sports sunglasses should fit correctly without causing pressure on the temples. With adjustable nosepads and a firm grip behind the ears, your sports sunglasses should not slip when you sweat. All in all, they should stay in place instead of moving or bouncing during movement.
Peripheral Vision Clarity
A wide field of view can be useful when playing sports, particularly when you need to notice movement around you. Wraparound and wider lens designs can provide greater coverage without unnecessarily restricting your field of view.
Are Prescription Sports Sunglasses Worth It?
Yes, prescription sports sunglasses can be a practical choice for people who need vision correction while taking part in outdoor activities. They provide vision correction while also offering features associated with sports sunglasses, depending on the frame and lenses selected.
Wearing prescription sports sunglasses can provide a secure fit, sun protection, glare reduction and impact-resistant lens options. The exact benefits depend on the lens material, tint, coatings and frame design.
Mirrored Lenses
Actics sports sunglasses come with high-performance mirrored lenses. These lenses have a reflective coating that sends some incoming light away from the eyes. Depending on the underlying lens tint and design, they can be useful in bright outdoor conditions by reducing the amount of light reaching the eyes.
Impact-Resistant Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses used in Actics sports sunglasses range are a common choice for sports eyewear because it is lightweight and highly impact-resistant. It can help protect the eyes from impact during active use. However, polycarbonate can still scratch, so a scratch-resistant coating and proper lens care can help maintain the lens surface.
Conclusion
Outdoor sports can make you frenzy, but that doesn’t mean compromising on eye protection and vision clarity. Irrespective of the sport, athletes should prioritise eye comfort to focus on the game and perform at their best.
Since most outdoor sports involve rigorous movement and activity, one should invest in the right pair of sports sunglasses. They should not just offer UV protection, but also ensure a comfortable fit, eye protection, and the right tint that helps manage brightness, reduce glare, and maintain suitable contrast for the activity.
Even prescription sports sunglasses, as stated earlier, can offer these benefits without compromising on vision clarity. You can check out Specscart to find a suitable pair of sunglasses based on your sports and vision needs.
Caution: You may become style obsessed
