Trail running is my passion. I love the feeling of being out in nature, pushing my limits, and exploring new trails. But one thing I quickly learned is that having the right gear is essential. And for me, sunglasses are right up there with good shoes. Finding the perfect pair for trail running, however, wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
I started out just grabbing whatever sunglasses I had lying around. Big mistake! They either slipped down my nose, fogged up constantly, or didn't provide enough protection from the sun and glare. I realized I needed something specifically designed for the demands of trail running.
One of the biggest issues I faced was finding sunglasses that worked well in varying light conditions. I often run on trails that wind through forests and open areas, so I needed lenses that could adapt quickly. I also needed something durable, as I'm prone to scratching lenses (I'm not the most graceful runner!).
Another problem was fogging. I sweat a lot, and many sunglasses would fog up within minutes of starting my run, especially in humid conditions. This was not only annoying but also potentially dangerous, as it reduced my visibility.
After trying several different brands and models, I finally found a few options that worked well for me. I wanted to share these, in case you are having the same problems!
I discovered that Tifosi sunglasses offer excellent value for the price. Their Fototec lenses are fantastic for trail running because they adjust to changing light conditions. I tried the Rivet Fototec model, and it worked great. The lenses weren't too dark, which was perfect for running in and out of tree cover. They also protect my eyes from branches and bugs, which is a huge plus.
I even have a pair of Tifosi sunglasses with lenses that transition down to clear. I can wear them at night or on very overcast days. They’re not super dark, so they're great for trails where I need to see clearly in low light. The eye protection alone is worth it.
Another brand I've had good luck with is Goodr. They're relatively inexpensive and, most importantly, they stay put on my face. I don't have to worry about them slipping down my nose, even when I'm sweating profusely. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that performs well, Goodr is worth checking out.
I also considered Smith photochromic sunglasses. While they might not be ideal for extremely bright, desert-like environments, they work well for most other conditions. I really liked how they adapted to the light, and I would definitely replace them if I ever lost or damaged my current pair.
While Julbo sunglasses look great on paper, I would advise caution. Although they offer models with clear-to-black lenses, replacing the lenses can be a real headache. If they discontinue the model, finding replacement lenses can be difficult, and even if you do, they can cost more than the original sunglasses.
I found that the lens tint is crucial for trail running. Dark lenses might be fine for open, sunny areas, but they can be too dark when running in the trees. I prefer brown lenses, as they provide good visibility in medium light and overcast conditions. I tried Tifosi Swank with brown lenses, and they were perfect. Also, I can't run in wrap-around glasses because I sweat too much and they fog up. The Swank is also budget-friendly and durable.