Trail running is my passion. But finding the right gear can be tricky. One thing I've learned is how important good sunglasses are. Not just any sunglasses will do. You need something that stays put, protects your eyes, and doesn't break the bank. I've tried a lot of different options, and I'm excited to share what I've learned about choosing the best sunglasses for trail running.
I used to grab whatever cheap sunglasses I could find. Big mistake! They’d bounce all over the place, fog up, or simply fall apart after a few runs. I even tried some expensive brands, thinking that would solve the problem. While they were definitely better quality, I still wasn't completely satisfied. I needed something durable, comfortable, and affordable. One of my biggest frustrations was constantly taking my sunglasses off and putting them back on when the light changed on the trail. Photochromic lenses seemed like the perfect solution.
I decided to try Goodr sunglasses. I’d heard good things about them, and the price was right. I liked that they were polarized and seemed to fit my face well. Plus, they were cheap enough that I wouldn’t be too upset if I scratched them up. My first pair had a mirrored coating, and I quickly learned a valuable lesson. After a few runs in the rain and with plenty of sweat, the reflective coating started to flake off. It was pretty disappointing. I contacted the company, and they sent me a replacement. Unfortunately, the same thing happened again! I realized that the mirrored coating just wasn't durable enough for my trail running adventures.
I learned that I needed to be more careful cleaning my lenses. Now, I just wash them with a tiny bit of dish soap and water. That seems to do the trick without damaging the coating (or lack thereof, in my new pairs!). I stick to the non-mirrored versions now, and they've held up much better. They're still my go-to for most runs.
While I was happy with my non-mirrored Goodrs, I still wanted to explore other options. I came across Knockaround sunglasses, and I liked the brand's style and the way they looked on me. They were a good alternative, but I kept searching for something even better. That’s when I stumbled upon Cinily Lenses while searching for polarized sunglasses that offered both style and functionality. I was specifically looking for something with diopters because I need vision correction. That’s when I found a pair of wooden sunglasses that caught my eye.
I decided to give them a try. They're called "Wooden sunglasses Men's glasses with diopters minus Polarized sunglasses for men polarizing glasses with prescription custom MYOPIA 100 / other color". It's a mouthful, I know, but they are fantastic. I was a bit hesitant about ordering glasses online, especially with a prescription, but the process was surprisingly easy. The link to Cinily Net is there if you are curious, the wooden frames are lightweight and comfortable, and the polarized lenses make a huge difference on sunny trails. Plus, I can actually see clearly, which is a major bonus! The ability to customize the prescription was a game-changer for me. No more blurry trails!
Based on my experiences, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing sunglasses for trail running: