REVIEW: Trail Running Sunglasses

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Summer trail days increase the importance of eye protection from dust, glare and eye strain. Good trail running glasses have lightweight construction, comfortable fit and durable but flexible frame construction so they can be stuffed into a pack without the risk of breaking. We tested the following models this spring, all of which meet those criteria and more.

Knockaround Fast Lanes ($35) & Seventy Nines ($35)

We were surprised to learn this company has been around over 20 years, and a little bummed we didn’t know about them sooner. Knockaround is a San Diego-based brand dedicated to making affordable stylish sunglasses with a level of quality to support a wide variety of outdoor activities. You’ll never be able to say they don’t have any styles you like, because there are literally hundreds of different models and colors available; for example, the Fast Lanes model we tested has 20 color options. They are intended for medium to large faces and have a Wayfarer frame design that is equally suitable for post-run happy hours as they are for miles on the trail. Fast Lanes are from the standard sport collection, featuring lightweight plastic frames with rubberized non-slip nose pads and impact-resistant polarized lenses.

For smaller faces, the Seventy Nines proved to be a stylish and solid choice for runs along the river or casual summer outings. It can be tough to find smaller frames that fit right, and we were excited that the Seventy Nines’ frames were built with a solid and sturdy plastic and fit snug without bouncing. With seven stylish color combinations to choose from, wearing them felt like being transported to the beach each time we put them on.

Knockaround uses post-consumer materials for frame construction, and is a plastic neutral company that partners with certified B Corporation 4ocean to remove a pound of plastic from oceans, rivers and coastlines for each pound they manufacture. Because Knockarounds are so affordable and come in so many varieties, it’s easy to collect a few different styles and colors to meet every mood. Available at www.knockaround.com.

Glade Townie ($59–$69 depending on lens)

With origins in mountain sports and culture, Glade has extended its technology and design ethos from ski goggles to sunglasses specifically built for running as well as mountain biking and fishing. The Townie combines “mountain town local” vibes with material construction comparable to glasses that cost twice as much. Lightweight frames are made from injection-molded Rilsan G850 RNEW, a compound that contains 45% bio-based content from castor oil sources. The frames are accented with grippy nose and temple inserts and have a sleek profile above the ears, so they slip easily under a hat for improved stability. Townies are available in two frame sizes: the standard is 143mm across and is good for small to medium faces, while an XL version adds another 3mm of height and 6mm of width. Polarized lenses on the Townie have impressive impact and scratch resistance and dual-sided treatments that repel water, sweat and oils. Five different lens options are available, each constructed with 50% recycled content, and each paired with its own frame color. Four of the five lenses have VLT (Visible Light Transmission) levels of 13–15%, and a photochromic option has a range of 10–30% depending on light conditions. One touch of flair we like is the cozy sleeping-bag style puffy case that comes with each pair. Available at www.shopglade.com.

Vallon Ventures ($123)

Vallon’s namesake is in the alpine region of Verbier, Switzerland, where the company was inspired to create eyewear that accommodates skiing, cycling, running and touring through the nearby Vallon d’Arbi. The company’s approach is to apply modern technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices to classic frame silhouettes to create styles that are both new and familiar. They have also committed to cleaning 1kg of plastic waste for every pair of glasses sold, and have removed 185,000kg from more than 11 countries to date. The Ventures frames are made from a new Bio-TR90 compound that is super lightweight and composed of 45% bio-based materials. It has similar strength and flexibility as standard nylon frames, and a glossy finish that is extremely comfortable over long outings, combined with spring hinges for durability and silicone nose pads to grip them in place. This model features Vallon’s polarized V52 performance lenses that have outstanding optics; they have a high ABBE value (52), which indicates minimal visual distortion and better clarity in a variety of light conditions. Six frame options come with a different lens color, which range in VLT from 9–16%, making them well suited for bright conditions and glare you might encounter in high mountain environments. All lenses also have excellent impact resistance along with 100% UVA/B protection. Available at www.vallon.com.

Zeal Optics Howland ($179)

Probably the most advanced company in this group when it comes to sustainable manufacturing, Zeal Optics excels at incorporating plant-based materials into both the frame and lenses of their product lineup. The Howland is a medium-large rectangular frame model with distinctive keyhole opening at the bridge. Frames are constructed from a Z-Resin compound that consists of a minimum 45% castor oil while staying impressively durable and lightweight. Spring hinges maintain a comfortable fit, while a porous ProFlex rubber injected into the temples and nose pads becomes tackier as your skin begins to sweat. Plant-based Ellume polarized lenses are fully impact resistant and have a hard, scratch-resistant coating for further protection. Ellume technology filters specific wavelengths to enhance the way you see naturally occurring colors—in particular, reds, greens and blues are noticeably more vibrant. Improved color contrast is also helpful for depth perception on the trail, especially when travelling under tree cover. These lenses also block 99.9% of glare, provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and reduce high-energy blue light. Three frame color options each have a different Ellume color lens, ranging in VLT values from a 9% dark grey option to a 14% copper lens. Available at www.zealoptics.com.

ROKA Braker 2.0 ($205)

One of our favorite all-purpose sunglasses from last year was ROKA’s Barton 2.0, and this season’s new Braker 2.0 has the same aesthetic with a slightly shorter frame height that is easy to fit under the brim of a trucker hat. As with the Barton 2.0, the Braker 2.0 sees subtle construction updates such as custom fabricated stainless steel spring hinges that act as suspension components. These are part of a larger FloatFit system that holds the frames in place during all manner of activity. Three different sized nose pads are included to fine tune the fit, and advanced GEKO grips at the temples get more secure with moisture. Frames are constructed with lightweight injection-molded TR 90 nylon that are chemical and sweat resistant, with stainless steel core wires in the temples for durability and a customized fit. Polarized C3 lenses deliver great optical clarity with bright sun exposure and have VLTs ranging from 9–16%. All lenses have premium coatings for resistance to scratches and abrasions, fog and water formation, oil buildup and reflective glare. Braker 2.0 glasses come in eight prefab frame/lens options and if none of those are to your liking, you can customize your own frame and lens for an additional $15. They can also be converted to prescription glasses for an additional $70. Available at www.roka.com.

Smith Optics Resolve ($197–$227, depending on lens)

The photochromic lens version of the Resolve has been our most frequently used all-purpose model this season, thanks to their efficient adjustment to changing light conditions and a super lightweight feel that is almost imperceptible. They are a wraparound style, but not obnoxiously oversized—they are classified as medium for fit and coverage which makes them easy to fit under a hat and allows for good air flow to prevent fogging. Minimalist frames are made from an Evolve compound that raises the bar for bio-based materials, with a minimum content of 55% castor oil (comparatively, most other brands have a 45% minimum) while remaining extremely durable. Bio-based Megol compounds at the temples and nose pads provide additional grip with sweat and the pads at the nose are adjustable for a custom fit. Very slight ventilation slits between the frame and the top of the lenses further optimize airflow. On the non-photochromic models, Smith’s trademark ChromaPop lenses enhance optics by filtering crossover wavelengths between blue and green and red hues, creating greater definition, natural color and clarity. Four different ChromaPop lens options have VLT values of 10–15% depending on the color, and the photochromic lenses have a massive adjustment range of 20–85%. Available at www.smithoptics.com.

Vuarnet Racing 02 ($265–$325 depending on lens)

The brand most associated with European cool has expanded its product line from snow sports to year-round alpine activity. As you might expect from its origins in snow mountaineering, Vuarnet’s lens technology is outstanding, featuring mineral glass lenses that provide ultra-high-definition vision and the highest level of solar protection. Mineral glass has natural purity that makes it free from distortion and is often used in cameras, telescopes and other equipment that demands high optical precision. Vuarnet lenses are made from 100% natural materials and undergo a 17-step manufacturing process to ensure exceptional impact resistance along with being inherently scratchproof. The Racing 02 has several additional lens technologies as options, such as photochromicity or bi-mirror treatments, for enhanced glare protection. Glass lenses maintain their integrity and clarity far longer than plastic-based lenses, but the one downside is that they are heavier than plastic polymer lenses and this is noticeable with the Racing 02. Bio-nylon frame construction helps to provide a secure fit, thanks to adjustable temples that can be customized to your head shape, but we found ourselves tucking the temples inside the brim of a hat to prevent bouncing. The frames also have a pronounced curvature that functions well for full wraparound coverage but makes them sit much closer to the face than others we have tested. Available at us.vuarnet.com.

Comparison Table