A pair of Oakley sunglasses can set you back about $100-$300, which is quite a lot for something that will inevitably get damaged by debris or faded by the sun every time you run. It is branded running accessories like these that cause people to assume running is an exclusive, expensive hobby. However, while a good pair of running sunglasses should be suitable for different terrains and weather conditions, running in style and comfort doesn’t have to break the bank.
You will be glad to know that there are other exciting brands that can give Oakley a run for their money. And with all the different brands of sunnies available on the market, runners will surely want to weigh their options before committing to a pair. Let’s chat about some of the different brands of sunglasses that can be just as good an alternative to Oakley sports sunglasses.
Goodr Sunglasses
This Australian-owned retailer offers a great range of fun designs to choose from. These polarised sunnies protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing eye fatigue while boosting visual contrast and comfort. Not only do Goodr sunglasses come in all sorts of patterns and colours, but they also feature a no-slip, no-bounce nose bridge. They only cost $25-35, making them some of the most affordable running sunglasses in Australia! You could keep a few on hand to switch between, and always wear the one that matches your mood or outfit of the day! These Aussie-owned sunnies are quickly becoming a household name.
Nike Tailwind Sunglasses
Retailing for $180-210, the Nike Tailwind features a semi-rimless sports style designed to allow for better airflow between your face and the frame. These are lightweight, have a reflective tinting and minimal bounce, and filter out UVA and UVB rays while you are out running. Their square frame and angular lens design are suitable for medium to larger face shapes. They are not only appropriate for running, but can also be used as casual wear to suit different lifestyles. Coming from a well-recognised international brand, these are widely available to purchase in Australia.
Hawkers Blue Acid Training Sunglasses
These sports sunglasses have a wraparound design to allow for an increased field of view and eye protection. Their rubber nose pants and temple groups help to minimise slippage. They are Category 3 lenses with UV400 protection, designed to not get foggy when you work up a sweat. They can also be worn with a helmet if you are out cycling. As another more affordable option, these retail for around $50 in Australia.
Quay Let It Run Polarised Sunglasses
Quay has a cult-like following on Instagram, being brand that is known for its fashionable and playful sunglasses that are made for everyday wear. From their polarised range comes Let It Run which is designed to help reduce glare and sit comfortably on the face. They are lightweight and feature a curved, rectangular frame. You can purchase a pair for $75 on their website. While they only offer 4 designs of running sunglasses, they have a wide range of fashionable frames for daily wear.
Bolle Bolt 2.0 S
Retailing for $100-180 at various eyewear stores online in Australia, the Bolle Bolt 2.0 are a re-envisioning of their signature Bolt design for smaller faces. They are made with a TR90 nylon frame that is lightweight and flexible, while their signature Thermogrip rubber provides increased stability. They have been given anti-fog, anti-scratch, oleophobic, and hydrophobic treatments to prolong the life of the sunglasses. The Phantom lenses are made to adapt your vision to different lighting conditions and a high-contrast filter to improve colour and depth perception.
Sungod Sierras
Sierras are the newest addition to Bolle’s range of flexible plastic sunglasses. Their signature 4KO lenses are designed to provide optimal clarity and contrast. The lenses are also scratch-resistant, filter out UV light, and are said to survive the most extreme of conditions. You also have the option to change out the lens if it gets damaged or just for fun. Retailing for $135, these are some lightweight sunglasses that you want to invest in and keep for a long time.
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic
This well-known luxury brand of Italian/American sunglasses offer a great selection of styles in a reimagining of their Wayfarer range. Retailing for around $160-190 online, these sunnies have a smaller frame and softer square frame shape than the original. These polarised lenses can block up to 99% of reflected light that enables you to run comfortably without having to squint.
Sunwise Peak Sport Sunglasses
As part of the UK brand Sunwise’s Sports and Outdoor range, these sunnies are designed with a half frame for an uncompromised view. Retailing for around $50 in Australia, these have standard rubber nose pads and sleeves for a comfortable and secure fit. While not specifically designed to wear when running, these sunglasses come in a selection of polycarbonate lens colours to choose from.
Julbo AERO Blue Zebra
If your preference is for something even more fancy than Oakley’s, these semi-rimless Julbo AERO sunglasses come in a variety of colours. These provide good ventilation and manage to stay fog-free for the duration of your run. Their Zebra photochromic lenses can quickly change from Category 2 to Category 4 when you are in differently lit environments, providing you the ideal vision in a range of UV conditions. As these have quite a technologically advanced design, they retail for around $250 a pair.
How To Decide Which Sunglasses Suit Me?
While there are many different brands of running sunnies on the market, you should choose the pair of sunglasses that fit best into your lifestyle. Whether you decide to purchase a few different styles of affordable sunglasses for different occasions and outfits or choose to invest in a particular brand, make sure to get the ones that provide the necessary eye protection, UV filters, polarisation, grip, and lightweight comfort so you can stay focused on running.