Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. As the days get brighter and trail adventures become more demanding, eye protection becomes a critical piece of your gear. We’ve tested an assortment of lightweight, durable and flexible frames that are effective at keeping your eyes safe in the face of dust, glare and eye strain, while keeping you looking good, too.
Zeal Optics Brewer ($179-$239)
We always appreciate sunglasses that are equally suitable for casual use but provide high performance needs for trail running and other outdoor activities. This new model from Zeal checks all those boxes, with a Midwestern aesthetic and large frame size that provides optimal coverage on bright days. The Z-Resin frames are constructed from a minimum 45% castor oil content, and are very lightweight and pliable while maintaining excellent durability. Camloc hinges lock the temples in place whether they are open or closed, which keeps them from rubbing against the lenses when they are stashed in a pocket before sunrise. Porous ProFlex rubber at the temples and nose pads becomes tackier with sweat, to hold the frames in place with activity. Plant-based Ellume polarized lenses block 99.9% of glare, provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and reduce high-energy blue light while being fully impact resistant, and have a hardcoat, scratch-resistant coating for further protection. Ellume technology filters specific wavelengths to improve color contrast, which is helpful for depth perception on the trail. There are four different lens colors with differing visible light transmission (VLT) ranging from a 9% to 25%, and the Brewer is also available in a photochromic Auto Sun option that adjusts its VLT from 15% to 28% depending on light conditions. This model can be made to accommodate prescription lenses online or through localized Zeal dealers. Available at www.zealoptics.com.
ROKA Bandera ($225)
Ultrarunners will recognize this model name, inspired by the epic 100k trail race in Texas. The Bandera has a large retro-design frame style to provide full coverage from desert sun, but is made with ultralightweight construction to ride comfortably, and performance features that meet the demands of distance runners. Frames are constructed from lightweight and highly flexible TR-90 nylon, which are chemical and sweat-resistant and have high-impact strength. We were impressed by how minimalist these glasses feel in relation to their large size. There are no perceptible pressure points at the nose or temples; this is part of ROKA’s FloatFit technology of design and materials to maximize comfort and stability. The FloatFit system also includes non-slip GEKO pads at the nose and temples that get stickier as you sweat, along with precision-tuned spring hinges and multiple nose pad sizes available to create the perfect fit for your face. Polarized C3 (color, contrast, clarity) lenses provide high-definition optics and have premium coatings for resistance to scratches and abrasions, fog and water formation, oil buildup and reflective glare. Bandera glasses are available in seven frame colors with four different lenses with VLT values ranging from 11% to 16%, and you can customize your own frame and lens combination if you don’t like the stock options. They can also be converted to prescription glasses for an additional cost. Available at www.roka.com.
Smith Optics Truss ($197-$227)
This debut model is the first of Smith’s new Ulterior Collection, designed to combine Y2K aesthetics and adventure-ready performance technology that serve double duty for activity and everyday wear. This is a medium-sized frame with large lenses and a cutout bridge for central ventilation, with a removable TPU bridge piece that can remain as a design accent with minimal weight. Frames are made from a durable bio-based Evolve compound with a minimum castor oil content of 55% and combined with adjustable temples and hydrophilic Megol nose pads and temple tips that increase their tackiness with sweat or moisture. These are the flattest frames in our test group, with a very mild curvature and more perpendicular temples. All lenses with the Truss model feature Smith’s ChromaPop technology that actively filters out specific light ranges to create higher saturation, better contrast in subtle terrain features and reduced eye fatigue over extended periods outdoors. They also include smudge and moisture resistant coatings for clear visibility and easier cleaning. Non-polarized lens options have additional ventilation slits around the periphery, while the polarized versions occupy the entire frames. One photochromic lens has a variable VLT of 12-58%, while the other lens options offer an expanded range from 10% on the low end (polarized black) to 51% (low light rose). All are available at www.smithoptics.com.
Julbo Shield ($180-$250)
Specifically designed for mountain environments, this model features a sleek rectangular frame style with removable side shields to block peripheral light on snowy summits or other high glare environments. The shields are easily installed or removed, and for regular trail conditions we prefer to keep them off to maintain peripheral awareness. This is a large frame model in the Julbo lineup, with air flow vents incorporated into the frame for ventilation. Flexible, shock-absorbing grip inserts on the bridges and soft rubber on the curved temples further secure the overall fit and stability. There are several different lens options to choose from here. Spectron 3 and 4 lens options block a very high percentage of light, with VLTs of 13% and 5%, respectively. The other models are offered with Julbo’s outstanding REACTIV performance photochromic lenses that have an impressive range of VLT depending on external conditions and are specially crafted for enhanced contrast or light amplification. The largest range of VLT is the REACTIV 0-4 lens which fluctuates from 4% VLT in bright conditions to 86% VLT for low light. The transition time for tinting transition usually takes somewhere between 30 seconds to one minute, which is fast enough that we don’t feel the need to remove the lenses when things get shadier under heavy tree cover. All Shield models also have an external oil-repellent coating and interior anti-fog coating in addition to 100% UV protection. Available at www.julbo.us.
Vuarnet Racing 05 ($240-$330)
Vuarnet has steadily increased its athletic and performance line over the past couple of years, and the Racing 05 is the newest model designed for all mountain activity. One key distinction for Vuarnet, among the larger category of performance glasses, is their use of mineral glass lenses rather than using synthetic materials; this adds a bit of weight to the glasses, but allows a number of quality features to elevate their durability and performance. Mineral glass is made from 100% natural materials and has natural distortion-free purity for optical precision. Vuarnet lenses undergo an extensive manufacturing process that makes them inherently scratchproof with exceptional impact resistance. These lenses also provide ultra-high-definition visual clarity, and the highest level of solar protection, which is ideal in high altitude settings. There are several different lens options to choose from with the Racing 05, each with different specific technologies such as polarization or photochromicity. We tested the Skilynx version which has a 10% VLT rating, maximum glare protection and significantly improves depth perception while increasing contrast in overcast conditions. Frames on the Racing 05 are crafted from bio-based nylon with a wraparound curvature that makes them sit close to the face, with a relatively short vertical height, making them easy to wear under a hat. One quirk of this model is that peripheral vision is blocked by built-in frame shields, which makes them exceptional for preventing glare on snow or water, but less effective for everyday use and driving. Available at us.vuarnet.com.
Bollé Victus Pro ($150-$280)
The classic sports profile of this model indicates its versatility for multiple activities from high output running and cycling to lower intensity outings like hiking or golf. Half-rim nylon frame construction provides maximum ventilation, with a wide grip zone at the temples and adjustable nose piece for a personalized fit. Frame technology includes a Fit-Tec system with 3-axis rotating temples that dynamically adjust to movement for a secure fit while eliminating pressure points against the head. Thermogrip compound at the temples and nose maintains a stable fit when you start to get sweaty, and these glasses stay in place very well for their minimalist design profile. Wide lenses and a wraparound curve give extended coverage from glare and dust. The Victus Pro has a wide variety of lens technologies available, from essential protection to polarized and photochromic options, at various price points. Five of the nine frame styles can accommodate prescription lenses as needed. A couple noteworthy lenses are a Phantom clear photochromic lens with a functional VLT range of 15-90%, and two models with Volt+ high-contrast polarized technology that boosts color differentiation and depth perception. Bollé claims that the Volt+ technology enhances color perception by up to 30% while maintaining a natural white point, and from our experience, there is a noticeable increase in vibrancy in all light conditions while maintaining optical clarity. Available at www.bolle.com.
Bollé Euphoria ($170)
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include one of the most recognizable styles in ultrarunning, made famous by Cocodona’s overall winner, Rachel Entrekin. This round pilot frame design was inspired by the mountain environment and wears well on both bright, sunny afternoons as well as cloudier evenings. The lens is Bollé’s Volt+ ultraviolet polarized category 3, featuring high-performance polarization which eliminates distracting reflections from surfaces like water or roads. The technology was developed using AI to evaluate over 20 million color combinations, resulting in a patented formula to “boost colors all at once without compromising visual balance.”
An oversized nylon matte frame includes a white face frame with blue and red accents on the temples, offering a modernized retro look. The curved temples with snap hinges keep the frames secure, as the Euphoria also includes Thermogrip at the temples and the nose, as well as a metal top bar accent and integrated side shields with a perforated pattern. These frames offer a sophisticated style with optimal functionality that allows them to be worn for miles across the trails without compromising vision, as well as keeping our eyes protected. Available at www.bolle.com.
Goodr Sonic G ($45)
These new frames from Goodr are a wrap style with ventilated lenses built specifically for athletes, to reduce moisture buildup and increase coverage. Similar to Goodr’s popular Bolt G frames, the Sonic G offers a slightly narrower fit and a softer, curved silhouette along the top, with “no slip grips” at the temples as well as across the nose for reduced slippage while on the run. The slight curvature of the frames pulls them back and secures them in place for maximum stability on the trails.
Polarized, wraparound lenses offer excellent protection on the trails while also keeping eyes well-covered and protected, all at a lower price point. We found these worked great for running over smooth single track while protecting our eyes from direct sun. The Sonic G comes in three fun colors or an all-black version. Find them at goodr.com.
SunGod Classics 4 Pro ($134-$148)
A brightly-colored wayfarer style, the SunGod Classics 4 Pro includes 8KO nylon lenses – a material that’s a form of transparent polyamide which makes the lenses more shatter-proof and offers up to 70% greater clarity with complete UV protection. The Classics 4 Pro are lightweight and provide a stable fit, with new performance arm fins that are softer and more secure than the previous version. We’ve been wearing the Classics 4 Pro on the trails and appreciate their comfort along with their ability to stay in place when things get really sweaty. The frames are 100% recycled T90 (plastic waste) which provide a softer feel across both the nose and ears. New Grip-Lock nose pads offer increased stability, while the Pop-Lock Screwless snap hinges create an ease of use and durability on the run. There are six colors to choose from, but we’re fans of the limited-edition Courtney Dauwalter pattern with cracked gold across the aqua frames and gold lenses. Per SunGod, Courtney’s take on the design is: Pressure reveals power, and the moment the cracks start showing isn’t the moment you break. Courtney Dauwalter wore the SunGod Classic 4 Pro during her recent win at the Hardrock 100. Need we say more? Find them at sungod.co.