How to Choose Running Sunglasses
August 10, 2026
You run regularly, but your current sunglasses just aren't keeping up: they slide, they fog up, or they don't really protect your eyes during a run. Choosing running sunglasses takes a bit more thought than picking a pair for everyday wear, between UV protection, lens type, and fit.
Rest assured, there's no single perfect combination, just a few key criteria worth knowing to find what suits your routine. This guide walks through them one by one, so you can shop with confidence.
What you’ll find in this article
Why wear sunglasses for running?
Wearing sunglasses for running isn't just about style. They offer several benefits that matter to any runner:
- Performance: Running sunglasses cut down glare and sharpen your vision, helping you keep your focus on the road or trail.
- Safety: They protect your eyes from debris, insects, wind, and harmful UV rays. That lowers the risk of eye injury. They also help you read the ground ahead, so you're less likely to trip. A root can catch you off guard fast!
- Comfort: A well-fitted pair reduces eye strain and helps prevent headaches caused by intense light and squinting for long stretches, while also shielding your eyes from windy conditions.
6 things to consider when choosing running sunglasses
Six things set a good pair of running sunglasses apart from an everyday pair. You can browse the prosport glasses collection to see these criteria applied to real models.
1. UV protection
The first thing to look for is protection against UVA and UVB rays, especially important during a long effort in direct sun. Look for the UV 400 standard: every pair of New Look sunglasses meets it.
2. Lens type: polarized or photochromic
Polarized lenses cut down glare and work particularly well for runs under bright sun. Photochromic lenses, on the other hand, adjust automatically as light conditions change, an advantage on routes that shift between sun and shade. Neither type is inherently better: it comes down to the conditions you run in most often.
3. Lens colour
Lens tint also affects how you perceive your surroundings:
- Ruby or magenta lenses: better depth perception, useful for reading a trail's terrain.
- Grey lenses: ideal for daytime running in bright light, they keep colours true to life.
- Amber lenses: improve visibility in low light.
- Brown lenses: boost contrast between colours.
- Green lenses: offer good clarity and help with terrain perception.
Psst! Your personal taste matters too. Every colour works, it's just a matter of which one catches your eye.
4. Fit and comfort
Frames that slide or pinch quickly become a nuisance over a long distance. Look for a shape that fits your head well, with temple tips made of rubber that stay in place even when you sweat.
5. Durability and ventilation
Durable materials like polycarbonate hold up better against impacts and scratches that come with sport use. Good ventilation, meanwhile, prevents fog from building up on your lenses.
6. Style
Performance criteria don't rule out picking a pair that feels like you. Frames that match your style make you want to wear them on every run.
Can you add prescription lenses to running sunglasses?
If you wear prescription glasses day to day, you don't have to choose between clear vision and protection suited to running. Many sport frames can be fitted with prescription lenses, either built directly into the frame or through a removable insert that clips inside the sunglasses.
The right option depends on the frame you choose and your prescription: not every frame supports this equally well. An optician can review the available options with you based on your prescription and point you toward the most stable solution for physical activity. This page on sport frame lenses breaks down the options available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best running sunglasses
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Find the perfect running sunglasses for you
Choosing the right pair of running sunglasses can genuinely transform your experience, combining protection, comfort, and performance. The right choice depends mostly on your usual running conditions and your personal preferences, more than any single universal formula.
Shop online to explore models built for sport (you can even try them on virtually), or book an appointment at a New Look store for a professional opinion and, if needed, to talk about adding prescription lenses to your next pair.
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