The Best Sunglasses for Every Activity (Fall 2025)

There is no overall best pair of sunglasses. Each individual and each sport has different priorities, and the final choice is too subjective. But there is a best pair for every activity—which is why our team of almost two dozen testers spent the past few seasons sorting through hundreds of sunglasses to figure out which pair suits each activity best.

Our team took these shades on long alpine climbs, early morning ski tours, afternoon motorcycle rides, dawn patrol runs, camping trips in the desert, and Sunday brewery hopping excursions to find the best sunglasses for every adventure. Here are our 16 favorites.

Update October 2025: We selected new winners in eight categories and updated prices on eight models that are still available and continue to stand out among all the sunglasses we’ve tested.

Best Sunglasses: At a Glance

• Best Under $25: Goodr OG ($25)
• Best for Running: Smith Defy ($197)
• Most Versatile: Zeal Rowen ($179)
• Best When On Water: Ombraz Refugio ($195)
• Most Fun: Pit Viper The Admirer ($70)
• Best Budget Shields: Knockaround Campeones ($55)
• Best Oversized: Glade Stash ($109)
• Best Casual Shades: Vallon Waylons ($129)
• Best Lightweight: Scott Stride ($120)
• Best Ventilation: Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep ($214)
• Best in Mixed Light: Glade Ramble ($99)
• Best Full Coverage: POC Devour Glacial ($300)
• Best Après Glasses: Canada Goose Salar ($200)
• Best for Cycling: Rudy Project Kelion ($268)
• Best Glacier Glasses: Revo Himalaya ($239)
• Best for Swapping Lenses: Tifosi Moab ($80)

Best Sunglasses Under $25

Goodr OG

$25 at REI

$25 at Backcountry

Lens: Polarized, in 13 color options
Frame shape: Sporty square
Fit: Narrow/medium

Pros and Cons
+ Comfortable
+ Complete protection that’s affordable
— Lenses difficult to keep clean
— Lenses easily damaged

Chances are, you’ve seen Goodr’s OG sunglasses on your local running trail, at the pool, or on the sidelines of your kid’s soccer game. That’s no surprise, given their classic frame, dozens of colorways, and a very accessible $25 price tag. Our testers also praised their light weight and the fact that they stay locked in place, even during high-impact activities like running.

“I don’t usually race in sunglasses, but I wore these in the Berlin Marathon,” said tester Jacqueline de Berry. “I thought for sure I would get annoyed by them toward the end of the race and want to toss them away—and I wouldn’t even have minded due to how affordable they are. But they were so comfortable I wore them to the finish, and they helped me score a new PR [personal record].” Another tester logged over 1,000 miles in the OGs and recommended them specifically for squintingly sunny weather. “They can affect your depth perception in the shade, so I only wear them on sunny, non-technical trails,” he says.

Sure, they’re not as teched out as the other sports sunglasses we tested, but they’re incredibly solid all around. If you’re someone with an unfortunate reputation for losing every pair of sunglasses you’ve ever owned (relatable), the OG Goodrs are worth buying in bulk.

Best Sunglasses For Running

Smith Defy

$197 at Smith Optics

$197 at REI

Lens: ChromaPop, comes in six colors
Frame shape: Wraparound
Fit: Medium

Pros and Cons
+ Lightweight
+ Never bounced around
— Not enough coverage for high speeds

Zippy and lightweight, the Smith Defy sunglasses had us feeling fast and smooth on trail runs and city jogs. We loved the clarity of the ChromaPop lenses, which feature a subtle curve that wraps around the face for a sleek fit. “They feel so light on my face, I honestly forgot I was wearing sunglasses,” one tester reported after a long run at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY. The flexible frame, combined with the grippy nose and temple pads, make the Defy shades both secure and durable, trustworthy on bumpy rides and rocky trail runs.

Testers agreed these were also great candidates for ski touring and mountain biking, though a few reported that the coverage wasn’t quite enough for clocking high speeds on the road bike. “If I hit more than 15 mph, my eyes started to water from all the airflow,” one tester reported. We never maxed out the coverage speed on foot, however.

Most Versatile

Zeal Rowen

$179 at Zeal Optics

$179 at SportRX

Lens: Polarized, in two color options
Frame shape: Square
Fit: Medium

Pros and Cons
+ Grippy design won’t fall off your face
+ Seamless transition from trail to town
— Not suitable for larger faces
— Less ideal in low light conditions

We’ve worn Zeal Optics Rowens just about everywhere, from backyard tailgates to long gravel rides in Teton Valley, Idaho. When our team of testers first reached for these square-shaped glasses, we anticipated a solid pair of casual shades, but we didn’t expect just how versatile the Rowens would be.

The non-slip rubber nose and temple pads offer some of the most consistent and reliable grip we found in our test (even on ultra sweaty days). “Literally impossible to shake off your face,” one tester said, after a 3-hour trail run in the Tetons. The polarized lenses allowed for optimal clarity in bright sun, and the shape—square but not oversized—transitioned seamlessly from trail runs to backyard barbecues.

Like all of Zeal’s shades, the Rowen frames are made with a plant-based bio-resin, lightweight and highly durable—which we confirmed when we dropped them off a rocky perch during a scrambly hike in Washington State. “Sturdy and well built,” summed up a tester. “I really felt like I could do anything in them.”

Best Sunglasses On The Water

Ombraz Refugio

$195 at Ombraz

$195 at Angry Catfish Bicycle

Lens: Non-polarized mirrored
Frame shape: Full-wrap
Fit: Adjustable

Pros and Cons
+ High coverage ideal for water and snow
+ Cinchable cord for secure hold
+ Indestructible design
— Can’t swap the lenses
— Armless design is a little awkward at first

We’ve all lost at least one pair of sunglasses to the depths of a river, lake, or pool. So the Ombraz Refugio earned high marks for water-based fun thanks to its ultra-secure, goggle-like fit. Instead of arms that can snap or slide off, all Ombraz shades feature a synthetic, antimicrobial cord that cinches around your head for an adjustable, precise fit.

Testers loved how much they could trust the hold of the Refugio while waterskiing and kayaking. “I know they aren’t going anywhere,” said one who wore them all day on a boat on the Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming. Carl Zeiss lenses offered excellent clarity and cut glare off water, even though they’re non-polarized. The lenses held up well while getting scuffed up on rocky approaches and scrambles, and the nylon frame was just flexible enough to stay intact when stepped on.

But the Refugio doesn’t just shine on water. The high-coverage design features removable nose and side shields, a great option for skiing and alpine environments where glare from snow requires extra protection. Initially, testers were mixed on whether or not they’d fully commit to the armless design, but it was hard to argue against the practicality. “Really great adventure shades,” summed up a tester after a few overnight bike trips in Virginia.

Most Fun

Pit Viper The Admirer

$70–90 at evo

$60–100 at Pit Viper

Lens: Polycarbonate
Frame shape: Heart
Fit: Medium

Pros and Cons
+ Extremely fun
+ No-slip grip nose and temple pads
+ Highly durable
— Too much airflow for fast-moving sports like cycling

You can’t put on the Pit Viper Admirer sunglasses and not have a smile on your face. These heart-shaped beauties unsurprisingly came out on top as our most fun pair of shades thanks to their playful shape and nine goofy color options. The rubber arms and nose pads provided excellent grip and stuck firmly onto our faces while jogging, headbanging at concerts, and skiing spring corn. The heart-shaped lenses provided impressive coverage for extra sunny days.

While most testers reported throwing these on for tailgates and festivals, a few folks took them on ski tours and trail runs and raved about them. “I wore them on a 10-hour ski tour in Grand Teton National Park, WY, and these performed just as well as any speed shades I own,” said one tester. “I honestly forgot I was wearing them until people started giggling on the skintrack.” Giggle away: we’ll be having a good ol’ time in these shades.

Best Budget Shields

Knockaround Campeones

$55 at REI

$55 at Backcountry

Lens: Non-polarized polycarbonate
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons
+ Affordable and high performing
+ Super lightweight
— Not as comfortable as other glasses
— Less effective at cutting glare on water

Unless you’re deep-sea fishing or lake kayaking, you actually don’t need a polarized lens, which helps cut glare from flat, reflective surfaces like water and roads. The Knockaround Campeones come with intentionally non-polarized lenses to allow for more depth perception, higher contrast, and less eye fatigue during non-water-based activities where glare isn’t an issue. (Plus, not having polarization keeps the price down.)

These were our testers’ favorite shields in the lower price bracket. We wore them Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, and road running, and they stayed put on our faces during all of those activities, mostly due to an adjustable rubber nose pad that gives you a custom fit. Plus, unlike some sunglasses that show every morsel of sweat and sunscreen smudged across the lens and require constant cleaning, these stayed mostly clean despite heavy use, thanks to an oil-resistant lens treatment. “I sweat in them all day without dealing with greasy smudges. I call that a win,” one tester said.

Best Oversized

Glade Stash

$109 at Glade

Lens: Photochromic
Frame shape: Full coverage
Fit: Medium/large

Pros and Cons
+ Impressive anti-fog ability
+ Highly durable design
+ Great for mixed light settings
— Can slide down during prolonged mountain bike descents

Testers loved the full coverage and goggle-like feel of the Glade Stash, which we found to be the perfect companion for ski tours and mountain bike rides. The photochromic lenses adapted on the fly, a huge asset while riding bikes in mixed light conditions. “The lenses transitioned super quickly while pedaling between dark forests and open fields,” said one tester after a long mountain bike ride in North Bend, WA. Testers were also impressed with the glasses’ ability to keep fogging at bay during cold, sweaty ski tours.

The only reported downside was that the oversized design slipped down the nose a bit on rugged mountain bike descents. That’s likely due to the medium-large frame size—testers with smaller faces agreed that the Stash felt less secure. Otherwise, the durable, oversized design won over testers for summer and winter activities. “I might even consider replacing my goggles with these for winter ski tours,” one Teton-based tester said.

Best Casual Shades

Vallon Waylons

$129 at Vallon

Lens: Polarized
Frame shape: Round
Fit: Small/Medium

Pros and Cons
+ Classic, timeless look
+ High clarity polarized lenses
— No rubber padding on nose or temples makes it easy for them to slip off

From pedaling through town for happy hour sushi to sunny mountain weddings, the Vallon Waylon was our top lifestyle choice for chilling outside.

Testers found the rounded frame design to be an ideal mix of vintage and classic. “The kind of shades that can fit in anywhere,” said one. Brewery hopping, cragging, riverside picnics—the Waylons blend in and look smart. “These sunglasses make you look like you know how to dress yourself and you have good taste in art and wine—even if you’re a total dirtbag,” said one tester

The Waylons’ polarized lenses provided optimal clarity and proved to be highly scratch-resistant. Even while knocking around in a bag sans sunglass case, the Waylons came away unscratched.

Due to the lack of nose or temple grips, testers reported a little slippage, so we don’t recommend these for super rugged activities—though you could easily get away with hikes or mellow days on the water.

The Scott Stride’s toric lens (shaped like the edge of a donut) didn’t seem noticeable at first, but eventually, we realized we had more peripheral vision than we’re used to without suffering from a bubble-shaped lens that distorts vision. For sports where seeing clearly makes a big difference—like road cycling, mountain biking, and trail running—a toric lens can help you take in the whole picture of the terrain ahead. One tester called them futuristic and praised their non-obstructed view. “The lens provided ample coverage and great clarity in a comfortable, non-slip fit,” he said.

The Stride is built frameless for the fast-and-light crew, like uphill skiers, marathon runners, and backpackers. It tips the scales at a mere 27 grams—you won’t even feel it on your face. Plus, the pliable temples fit perfectly under bike and ski helmets. The glasses come with two lens color choices: a white or a red chrome. The red blocks more intense rays but it’s a little jarring to look through as it makes the world look like it’s been dyed in strawberry Kool-Aid; opt for the white lens if you want a more toned-down, everyday look.

For running, cycling, and other sweaty pursuits, the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep was a true champ. “Great combo of ventilation and coverage for a hard training ride,” said tester Tristan Queen, who trained for the Leadville 100 in these shades. “Good airflow meant I wasn’t getting sweaty eye area syndrome.” (Yes, that’s a thing.)

In mixed lighting through forests or dimly lit roads, the lenses—which one tester called A+ quality—popped color and light without distortion. This is a slight, minimalist option for athletic types who’d rather not wear a massive shield but still want the wind and sun protection of a full-coverage shade.

You know how some full-frame shield sunglasses look like overkill, as if you should only be allowed to wear them while racing bikes in Leadville or sky running in Chamonix? These are not those glasses. The Glade Ramble is built for sport, but has a laid back, under-the-radar vibe. “These are the non-obnoxious version of full coverage glasses,” wrote one tester, while another added: “They strike the sweet spot of good looks and functionality at the right price.” Hitting just under $100, the Ramble has a high-end feel without the sticker shock of pricier glasses.

Testers wore these while skiing Mount Shasta and on a weeklong ski touring trip in Lofoten, Norway, as well as during summer’s mountain biking window. They excelled in variable light conditions: The photochromic lenses transition from light to dark, which means when you’re moving between a forested area where the light is fickle and bright sun, your sunglasses magically adjust as needed to keep your vision clear and comfortable. “I unabashedly have a crush on these glasses,” said Tahoe tester Kate Shaw. This is the perfect shade for runners, cyclists, or skiers who prioritize lightweight, durable, style-forward gear.

The POC Devour Glacial is based on the design of POC’s top-selling Devour glasses, used mostly by downhill mountain bikers, but has additional features that make them more suitable for snow and mountain travel. The Devour Glacial comes with lenses you can swap out, side shields for added protection, and the same color-sharpening lens technology as POC’s ski goggles. Testers wore them backcountry skiing in place of goggles, and they did the job of both breathable sunglasses on the skintrack uphill and goggles for wind protection on the way down. “Why carry more stuff if you don’t have to?” one tester said. “This is the ultimate two-in-one tool.” Even our more skeptical testers were converts: “I would usually never ski down in a pair of sunglasses, but these are not normal sunglasses.”

Since they come with a dark full-sun lens and a completely clear lens, one tester figured: night skiing? She took them on a night backcountry tour under a full moon and the crisp, clear lens and wide field of view were perfect. You’re likely not going to want to wear these shades around town afterward—they look like techy lab glasses. If you want more of an everyday style with similar features, consider POC’s more streamlined Devour instead.

Best Après Glasses

Canada Goose Salar

$200 at Canada Goose

Lens: Polarized, four color options
Frame shape: Panto
Fit: Medium/Large

Pros and Cons
+ Stylish
+ Removable side shields add versatility
— Less ideal for low light conditions

The Canada Goose Salars are begging for an Aperol Spritz. Known for their luxurious puffy coats, Canada Goose dipped their toes into the sunglass game last fall, emerging with unique shapes and a few standout pairs of shades that impressed testers both in style and function. The Salar sunglasses were our favorite après shades this year, with removable side shields and a timeless panto-style frame. Subtle and sleek party vibes are the name of the game with the Salars.

While testers appreciated the look and style of the Salars most, the high-clarity polarized lenses and eye shields also provided all the protection needed for a hike or boating adventure. “Block out tons of light,” said one Idaho-based tester after a few months of paddling and picnicking. The only lens options are pretty dark, so we’d avoid these shades during low-light activities. Other than that, party on.

Best Sunglasses For Cycling

Rudy Project Kelion

$268 at Rudy Project

$255 at A Sight for Sport Eyes

Lens: 11 color options, photochromic available
Frame shape: Wraparound
Fit: Medium/Large

Pros and Cons
+ Impressive coverage
+ Excellent field of view
+ Interchangeable lenses
— Not dark enough for skiing

 

The Rudy Project Kelion sunglasses scored top marks from mountain bikers, road cyclists, and gravel riders for their impressive field of view, protection, fit, and helmet integration. “The optics are insane. Extremely clear, effective photochromic adjustment, and very scratch and smudge-resistant,” one tester reported after a couple hundred miles of gravel and mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest.

Grippy temple and nose pads kept these glasses securely in place during technical bike descents. Testers also appreciated the max-coverage design, noting that even while clocking high speeds, wind never snuck in. The photochromic lenses didn’t quite get dark enough for skiing in the winter, but for summertime, we couldn’t find many faults with these shades.

Revo teamed up with climber and filmmaker Renan Ozturk to help design the Himalaya. These are stylish modern-day glacier glasses with a hint of retro charm that you can wear climbing a high-altitude peak or doing more casual, everyday outings. A removable leather side shield gives you sleek side-eye protection if you want it, or take it off if you’re not traversing glaciated terrain.

The lenses on the Himalaya are polarized crystal glass, offering the elevated visual clarity that only glass lenses can deliver. Our testers wore them skiing around Tahoe, climbing in the desert, and trout fishing local streams, and they earned high marks for performance and clarity in all of those activities, especially on snow and water. “The lenses protected my eyes like a windshield while skiing on a sunny spring day,” one tester said. The chunky frame and burly lenses have a solid go-ahead-and-try-to-break me vibe. One caveat: They’re heavier than other options.

Not everyone wants to spend $250 on a pair of sunglasses that they may leave on the roof of their car. Tifosi gets that. The brand somehow manages to find the sweet spot of high-performing, good-looking glasses that don’t cost more than your monthly phone bill. The Tifosi Moab, which debuted in fall 2024, is one of their higher-end sport shields, but it still runs you less than $80. And it comes with not one but two extra lenses, making it even more of a bargain. We mostly wore the dark lens on sunny days Nordic skiing and running, but a lower-light lens and a clear lens came in handy while running at dusk. “Rarely do I find a lens that shines in all conditions,” one tester said. “I tried these in full sun, low light, and snow—they provided great contrast in all conditions.”

Fit and airflow were remarkably good even as effort and speed increased. One tester complained of fogging during a sweaty backcountry tour, but well-placed vents along the bottom and side of the lens kept everyone else fog-free. Adjustable rubber nose tabs and bendable temples made these shades comfortable on a range of faces. “The Moab is a basic shield, perfect for Nordic skiing, running, or cycling but not so techy that I felt weird wearing it into the post office afterward,” another tester said.

How We Test Sunglasses

• Number of testers: 23
• Number of products tested: 115 (81 in the previous tests this year, 34 this round)
• Countries sunglasses were tested in: U.S., Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Turkey, Japan, Norway, Austria, Italy, Chile.
• Longest bike ride during the test: 68 miles
• Highest elevation achieved while testing: 13,775 feet
• Number of summits while testing: 31
• Number of sunglasses we broke: 5

To determine what we consider to be the best sunglasses of the year, we handed out five or six pairs of sunglasses each to a group of 12 testers based in the Tetons, Pacific Northwest, and Appalachian Mountains, and asked them to wear them for bike rides, trail runs, ski tours, tailgates and everything in between. Throughout the year, testers swap sunglasses, putting them through the wringer on adventures big and small. (11 Lake Tahoe, California-based testers evaluated last year’s models, several of which we retained for this year’s list)

Testing goes on year-round to accommodate all the seasons, with new rounds of products tested several times each year.

Testers with a wide range of backgrounds, ages, outdoor interests, and face shapes put the shades through their paces in both winter and summer conditions–from low-light blizzards to mid-day July sun—while doing everything from running ultramarathons to multi-day river trips. We wore these sunglasses while riding motorcycles through the Appalachian Mountains, guiding the Grand Teton, ski touring in Norway, mountain biking in Squamish, and daily runs, bike rides, and everyday outings in the Tetons and Pacific Northwest.

Testers were chosen based on a diversity of recreational pursuits, but mostly because they’re opinionated about gear and they get outside regularly. Once they’d sufficiently wear-tested products, they filled out in-depth feedback forms where they reviewed characteristics like lens quality, fit, features, and durability.

Meet Our Testers

Our testers are outdoorsy, well-traveled and opinionated folks based in the Teton Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Lake Tahoe. On our roster, we have certified mountain guides, ski instructors, filmmakers, medical students, retired van-lifers, ultra runners, and others, each with their own set of criteria for the perfect pair of sunglasses.