Best Running Sunglasses 2025

The best running sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and save the muscles in your face from tensing or squinting, all while keeping you looking stylish and comfortable for post-run coffee with friends. Most of all, when you put on a pair, you can get yourself into the mood to crush your run.

Once you’ve found the best running shoes and the best running clothes for you, these do-it-all sunnies will perfectly round out your running kit. They sport year-round versatility to protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays as well as keep dirt and debris out of your eyes when you're cruising through trails or running head-first into the rain, snow or wind.

From trail to brewery, these top running sunglasses for men and women are as functional as they are stylish.

Quickly check out our tried and tested picks for the best sunglasses for runners or scroll below to read more about the best sunglasses for running:

• Best Affordable: goodr running sunglasses
• Best for Marathons/ultra running: Tifosi Crit
• Best for Trail Running: Tifosi Svago
• Best for Large Faces: goodr BFG
• Best for Small Faces: Tifosi Swank

[This is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Gear 2025. Find all the best running clothes and accessories from the top brands for all situations.]

Why do runners wear sunglasses?

Runners and outdoor athletes wear sunglasses and eyewear to protect their eyes and reduce glare.

Along with blocking harmful ultraviolet rays from damaging the eye, a pair of running sunglasses help prevent the muscles in the face and eye from tensing or squinting when hit by light, wind, rain, snow, debris or dust.

That’s why a reliable pair of sunglasses to run in are one the best running accessories for anyone looking to exercise outside.

What sunglasses to wear while running?

When it comes down to finding the best sunglasses for runners, the right pair will be lightweight, protective and secure. They should not bounce or slip down the bridge of your nose or be too tight around your temples and ears.

The type of lens will depend on the time of day and condition you are running in. On bright, clear days with plenty of sunlight reflecting off the asphalt, snow or water, you’ll generally prefer a darker or more tinted lens with UV400+ protection that is also ideally polarized. As you transition into low light conditions whether it be overcast or under tree coverage, look for lenses that are lighter in color and help enhance the contrast of the terrain you are navigating.

As you’re deciding what sunglasses to wear while running, also consider whether you have a large or small face shape and what type of coverage you would like from your shades. For example, a triathlete or cyclist may prefer a wrap-around design for extra protection on the sides from light, wind, stray branches or debris.

Most are also unisex so they can be used as running sunglasses for men and women.

These budget-friendly shades check all the boxes to be your go-to pair of running sunglasses. Every pair of goodr sunglasses have UV400 protection and no-slip coating that keeps them from bouncing or sliding down your sweaty brow—all starting at $25. Plus, most have polarized lenses.

These lightweight sunglasses are super versatile and can be used for other activities like hiking, commuting and golfing as well. The goodr Bunker Bioptic even features golf-specific lenses that enhance HD contrast. With dozens of fun colors, styles and lenses to choose from, you'll want a different pair for every outfit.

Over long miles, you want distraction-free comfort and performance from your running sunglasses. The Tifosi Crit shades have a super lightweight frame and wrap-around lenses for maximum coverage and a secure fit.

Ideal for endurance sports like marathons, ultra running and triathlons, the Smoke Fototec lens adjusts to changing light conditions and has 100% UVA/UVB protection. Plus, an adjustable nose and earpiece let you dial in the fit so you can focus on your run.

Italian for fun, the Svago’s look just as good at the coffee shop as they do at the trailhead.

These running sunglasses offer terrific value for the price. They come with polarized polycarbonate lenses that are scratch-resistant and shatterproof, so you won’t have to worry about rogue branches and overgrown trails messing with your shades. And to withstand the wear and tear of trail running, the round lenses are encased in stylish and ultra-durable Grilamid TR-90 frames.

Your running sunglasses shouldn’t irritate you during your run. Goodr gave the BFGs wider frames, longer arms and bigger lenses to complement big heads. Most pairs have polarized lenses to cut glare and knock out harmful UV rays, designers added silicone rubber inserts into the nosepiece and temples in all their BFG models for a comfortable, no-slip fit.

Functional performance and retro-style at an affordable price, the Tifosi Swank sport sunglasses look great on a variety of head shapes, including those with small heads. Their lightweight frame and no-slip fit keep them snug and comfortable as you're bouncing along on your run.

Plus, each pair is equipped with shatterproof, scratch-resistant lenses in a spectrum of popular colors, meaning they’ll be your go-to glasses for as long as you can hold onto them.

How We Picked the Best Running Sunglasses

The best running sunglasses for you comes down to personal preferences. Fit, features and style all play a role in finding the right pair. But there are things that set some sunglasses apart from the rest.

We picked the best running sunglasses to run in based on a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, details and our own top-sellers lists. With all of that in mind, we picked running sunglasses that lived up to our own personal (and professional) expectations.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We’re confident this gear is some of the best you’ll find, but we don’t want you to get stuck with running shoes or gear that don’t work for you.

That’s why we offer our Happy Fit Guarantee.

Our return policy means you have 60 days to put your gear to work. Wear it, run in it, wash it. If you’re not satisfied with the way it looks, fits or performs, we’ll take it back within 60 days and give you a full refund.

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