Many of the most popular sports happen in the great outdoors. Let’s face it: as great as it is to enjoy the bright sunlight, it can lead to issues with vision and clarity. To combat this, you need sport sunglasses.
Adding your prescriptions to high-quality sport sunglasses is a tremendous benefit. If you want to enjoy your sports and outdoors, you must be able to see clearly. We rounded up some of the best prescription sport sunglasses in the game, making us want to head outdoors.
Take a look to see if one of these could be a match for you.
What To Look For In Prescription Sport Sunglasses
Before you jump into our list of the best prescription sport sunglasses, here are a few of the things to keep in mind.
Performance Driven Designs
When purchasing prescription sport sunglasses, find something specific to your sport. Running sunglasses and fishing sunglasses are not the same.
Depending on your sport, you must keep fit, durability, and resistance to impact in mind.
Pay close attention to specific concerns with lighting and blind spots and how that plays into the glasses you choose.
Lens Technology
There are a few key terms to understand when it comes to lens technology.
- Polarising lenses minimize light reflections and enhance vision in water sports and skiing
- Photochromic lenses can adapt to changing light conditions
Frame Material and Comfort
Most athletes are looking for a combination of lightweight and durable frames. In addition, the sunglasses need to be comfortable for extended play and practice sessions. Pay close attention to comfort when wearing helps and sports headgear that can play into the ability to position the sunglasses properly.
Customizable Prescriptions
Prescription sport sunglasses are available for a variety of sports. Cyclists, runners, and court sport enthusiasts find that the prescriptions help protect against changes in color saturation and provide improved vision.
Secure Fit and Grip
Sport grip rubber nose pads and more of a wrap-around style will ensure your sunglasses stay on. Athletic eyewear should be sized appropriately so as not to interfere with performance. There’s nothing worse than lining up for a big shot or play and your glasses are starting to slip.
UV Protection
The UV technology offered in many prescription sport sunglasses should allow for 100% protection from UVA and UVB light. Protecting yourself from UV light will help prevent specific issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, etc.
User Feedback and Reviews
Sunglasses can be tricky to purchase. Unless you are experienced in research, the styles, technology, and performance can all start to look the same. Reading customer reviews and testing from valued sources is a smart thing to do before you purchase a pair.
Pay close attention to reviews from people who play the same sports you do. Prescription sport sunglasses can be very sport specific.
How Much Do Prescription Sport Sunglasses Cost?
Prescription sport sunglasses range from around $75 to more than $500. The brand you choose and the quality of the lens and material will play into the total costs you pay for your sunglasses.
Best Overall Prescription Sport Sunglasses: Adidas Sport SP0019S
If you need a general pair of sport sunglasses for all of your sporting needs, the Adidas Sport SP0019S sits at the top of our list.
We love these because of their lightweight and versatile feel. They also have flexible frames to be more comfortable for hiking, cycling, and even running.
The rimless design provides minimal obstruction. Non-polarised technology is good when lighting conditions vary, and clear vision is a must. For water sports, you may want to look at a polarised model.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
SP0019/S |
Black |
Full Rim |
Shield |
Acetate |
No |
The Adidas Sport SP0019S 02A model is an exceptional value for money, offering a remarkable blend of style, functionality, and durability. Designed with top-notch materials, these eyeglasses are strong and sturdy, ensuring they withstand the rigours of intense sporting activities. You can pick up a pair from our partner Pretavoir for as little as $81/£64.
Considering the robust build, advanced lens technology, and trendsetting design, the Adidas Sport SP0019S 02A offers excellent value for its price point.
Runner Up: Serengeti Sport Lupton
The Serengeti Sport Lupton sunglasses are another great versatile option for all sports needs. Lenses that feature UV protection are ideal for sunny conditions. Serengeti incorporates eco-friendly and sustainable materials into its products, another plus.
The Serengeti Lupton stands out as a rimless sunglasses frame, offering wearers an uninterrupted field of vision. The absence of a traditional frame border allows for a sleek and minimalist design, ensuring that the lenses seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment.
This rimless construction eliminates any obstructions in the line of sight, providing users with a clear and unimpeded view.
The Lupton's rimless design is a testament to Serengeti's commitment to combining style with functionality, offering a modern and sophisticated eyewear option for those who prioritize an expansive and uninterrupted visual experience.
This lens is polarised. Making it a strong choice for fishing and water sports enthusiasts. Lastly, the nose pads here feature a soft rubber that does not wear as you get more physically active.
Serengeti's lens technology is unique for its combination of photochromic adaptability, Spectral Control filtering, and the resulting benefits of exceptional visual clarity and reduced eye fatigue.
The brand's commitment to innovation, comfort, and style has earned it a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, and those who prioritize visual performance in their eyewear.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
Lupton |
Matte Black |
Rimless |
Wraparound |
Acetate |
Yes |
The Serengeti Sport Lupton is priced at $119/£108 represents an outstanding value for money proposition, especially when considering the innovative lens technology incorporated into the frames. The investment in this eyewear goes beyond a mere accessory; it is a commitment to experiencing the world through cutting-edge optical advancements.
Best for Court Sports: Nike Valiant M
When you think of sport sunglasses, Nike probably comes to mind. The thing that really stands out about the Nike Valiant M is the fit. They incorporated a curved lens that dims bright sunlight and provides optimal vision.
Whether you are playing tennis or pickleball, the Nike Valiant M stays in place without slipping.
When hand-eye coordination matters, you want something that keeps that relationship as if you were not wearing sunglasses. We love how lightweight and durable the Nike Valiant M is; this is a pair you can hold on to for quite some time.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
CW4642 |
Matte Black |
Full Rim |
Square |
Acetate |
No |
Best for Running: Oakley Holbrook Metal OO4123-07 Prizm Polarised
The Oakley Holbrook are our favorite prescription sport sunglasses for running. When running, comfort, fit, and overall weight are so important. The lightweight sheet metal frame combined with the unobtainium ear socks and adjustable nose pads are the perfect solution for runners.
You can wear these all day long if you need to. They hold up well with sweating and everyday wear. Oakley included their Prizm Lens technology to help control light transmission.
Here's a breakdown of the key features:
-
Prizm Technology: Prizm is a proprietary lens technology by Oakley designed to enhance color, contrast, and visibility in various environments. Prizm lenses are fine-tuned for specific activities and conditions, providing wearers with improved visual acuity and a more vivid perception of their surroundings.
-
Sapphire Tint: Prizm Sapphire lenses are characterized by their blue-tinted color, known as "Sapphire." This tint is carefully calibrated to enhance certain colors while reducing others, optimizing visual clarity and contrast. The Sapphire tint is often chosen for its versatility, making it suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
-
Polarized Protection: Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare caused by reflections, particularly from surfaces like water, snow, or roads. The polarization technology helps to minimize eye strain and enhance visual comfort, making them particularly beneficial for activities such as driving, water sports, and snow activities.
As we keep moving through our best prescription sports sunglasses, you’re going to see Oakley come up a few times. They do an excellent job for athletes.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
OO4123 |
Matte Gunmetal |
Full Rim |
Square |
Lightweight Metal |
Yes |
Best for Water Sports: Bolle Brecken 12626 Polarised
Floatable sunglasses are key when participating in water sports. The Bolle Brecken 12626 Polarised features an anti-reflective treatment to reduce glare and improve clarity. The lens material is a durable polycarbonate to ensure less damage if they fall off during activities.
The Oleophobic treatment also repels oils to ensure the sunglasses remain clear. With the HD Offshore Blue Polarised lens, lightweight fit, and floatable technology, the Bolle Brecken is made for those long days out on the water.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
Brecken |
Matte Black with Grey |
Full Rim |
Square |
Acetate |
Yes |
Best For Golf: Oakley Flak 2.0 OO9188 Prizm
The Oakley Flak 2.0 is one of the most well-known sport sunglasses. There are many different modifications and style changes you can choose with the Oakley Flak, but we love this semi-rimless frame for golfers.
When looking down at the ball, having no obstruction is key. Combine that with the Prizm Lens Technology, and it’s easy to find your golf ball and focus on the task at hand. The Oakley Flak 2.0 is lightweight and durable, so keeping them on throughout one of those 5 hour rounds is not an issue.
Rory McIlroy, the acclaimed professional golfer, is frequently spotted wearing Oakley Flak sunglasses, adding a touch of style and functionality to his on-course appearance. The Oakley Flak series is renowned for its sporty design, cutting-edge technology, and suitability for high-performance activities, making it an ideal choice for athletes like McIlroy.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
OO9188 |
Polished White |
Semi Rimless |
Rectangle |
N/A |
No |
Best for Cycling: Oakley Sutro Lite OO9463 Prizm
The Oakley Sutro Lite Prizm is a stand out option for cyclers. In fact, the glasses themselves were designed by cyclers. The style here is bold, but the protection from the elements and enhanced vision sets them apart.
We liked the greater field of view you get from the Semi-Rimless design. Whether in a city or out in the woods, you will have a clearer image of the terrain in front of you.
Prizm Lens Technology combines with your prescription to improve contrast and color the entire time you have the Oakley Sutro Lite-on.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
OO9463 |
Matte Carbon |
Semi Rimless |
Rectangle |
Acetate |
No |
Best for Fishing: Spy Cyrus Soft Matte Black Polarised
Although we have to admit that the Spy Cyrus Soft Matte Black Polarised are not floatable, they still have all the other technology you need for a day out on the water. The proprietary Happy™ Lens Technology is designed to keep you alert with the proper color and contrast.
In addition, these are polarised to block surface glare. The overall feel is lightweight; you can keep them on all day, and it won’t cause fatigue or discomfort. When fishing, UV protection is a must; the Spy Cyrus has 100% UV Protection.
|
Model Number |
Frame Colour |
Frame Type |
Frame Shape |
Material |
Polarised |
|
Cyrus |
Soft Matte Black |
Full Rim |
Square |
Acetate |
Yes |
Popular Prescription Sport Sunglasses Brands
We pulled together our favorite prescription sport sunglasses across a variety of sports. However, many of these brands have more products to offer. Here are a few of the top brands to look for when considering prescription sport sunglasses.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Once you get your new prescription sport sunglasses, make sure you maintain them properly. Sport sunglasses tend to take on a little more wear and tear than traditional fashion sunglasses. These are some of our best tips to keep them in great shape.
- Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle lens cleaner to keep your lenses clear
- Always use a hard case when you can, and don’t leave the sunglasses in the car when temperatures start to increase
- Rinse with clean water after using near saltwater or after sweating to help avoid corrosion
- Tighten screws from time to time
- Clean nose pads regularly to remove oils and dirt
- Don’t leave your sport sunglasses on your head as they can scratch or be more prone to fall off and become damaged
Thanks for reading and we hope you found it helpful. If you are looking for more information on Sports Eyewear check out more articles here.
