Top Running Sunglasses Brands to Elevate Your Stride

Running sunglasses are an essential accessory for any athlete looking to enhance their outdoor workout experience. They not only provide crucial protection against harmful UV rays but also reduce glare and improve overall visibility, making runs more comfortable and enjoyable. With various options available, finding the right pair can be overwhelming, but some brands stand out for their quality and performance. Stay tuned to discover our top picks for running sunglasses from leading brands that combine style, durability, and cutting-edge technology.

Illustration of running sunglasses

Best brands of running sunglasses in 2025

Oakley

Oakley is a leading brand in the sunglasses market, particularly renowned for its high-performance and sports sunglasses. As of 2023, Oakley holds an 8.5% market share in the performance eyewear segment and has consistently increased its revenue with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% over the past five years. Approximately 70% of Oakley's sales come from North America, and the brand's Prizm lens technology, introduced in 2014, makes up around 40% of its total lens sales. Oakley's eyewear is especially popular among athletes, accounting for about 25% of the company's total sales. The brand has filed for over 600 patents related to eyewear technology, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the field. For more detailed insights, explore the sunglasses statistics in the United States.

Nike

Nike is a leading brand in the sports sunglasses market, particularly for running sunglasses, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The company's commitment to athlete performance and eye protection is evident in its extensive range of sports sunglasses, which are popular among both professional and amateur athletes. According to market reports, Nike is one of the top companies holding significant market share in the sports sunglasses industry, with North America being a major contributor to its revenue, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The brand's focus on safety, fashion, and performance drives its success, especially with the increasing participation in sports and outdoor activities. For instance, over 76% of Americans participated in at least one sports activity in 2022, further fueling the demand for Nike's sports sunglasses.

Tifosi

Tifosi Optics is renowned as one of the top producers of running sunglasses, known for its high-quality and performance-driven products. The brand is part of a competitive market where the top five companies, including Oakley, Rudy, Nike, and Shimano, hold a combined global market share of 34%. Tifosi Optics contributes significantly to this segment, offering a range of men's, women's, and kids' running sunglasses that cater to both professional and amateur athletes. The global running sunglasses market, which includes Tifosi Optics, was valued at a substantial amount in 2020 and is projected to grow at a notable CAGR during the forecast period of 2022-2027. Tifosi Optics' products are available in various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, reflecting its global reach and market influence.

Smith Optics

Smith Optics is a leading brand in the sports eyewear market, particularly renowned for its high-quality running sunglasses. In 2022, the company introduced 12 new frame shapes, including performance and active series, with a focus on photochromic and glass-lensed products expected to drive growth. The brand's performance eyewear collection saw significant growth, with shields and retro-inspired styles dominating the market. As part of the Safilo Group, Smith Optics benefited from an 18.5% increase in sports product sales in the second quarter of 2013, reflecting strong demand for its sunglasses. With key price points at $179, $219, and $259, Smith Optics caters to a wide range of consumers seeking advanced lens technology and stylish designs.

Roka

ROKA is a standout brand for running sunglasses, offering high-quality, lightweight, and secure frames designed specifically for endurance athletes. With their direct-to-consumer model, ROKA provides great value, such as the Hunter glasses with photochromic prescription lenses available for $265, which is less than the cost of frames alone from traditional opticians. These glasses feature a broad range of visible light transmission (14% to 87%) and transition quickly, taking about 6 minutes to adjust from fully activated to fully inactivated. The lenses are equipped with advanced coatings, including scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, anti-fog, and super-hydrophobic coatings, ensuring optimal performance in various conditions. ROKA's innovative GEKO technology ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even in the most demanding activities. Discover more about ROKA's lightweight sunglasses that redefine athletic eyewear standards.

Goodr

Goodr, founded in 2015 by Stephen Lease and Ben Abell, has established itself as a leading producer of running sunglasses, known for their fun, fashionable, functional, and affordable ("4 Fs") design philosophy. The brand has achieved significant success, selling over 1 million pairs of shades and expanding to over 5,000 retail doors worldwide, with a strong presence in 50 countries. Goodr's products are priced between $25-$35, making them accessible and encouraging customers to purchase multiple pairs. The company has seen a 32% boost in conversions with the implementation of augmented reality (AR) try-on technology. Goodr continues to grow, aiming for a 30%-40% increase in sales annually.

Julbo

Julbo is a renowned brand in the sports sunglasses market, particularly esteemed for its advanced lens technologies such as the REACTIV Photochromic lenses, which adapt to various light conditions. Founded in 1888, Julbo has a long history of producing high-quality eyewear, including running sunglasses that are smudge and scratch-proof, and compliant with ANSI Z87.1 standards. Julbo's products are highly regarded for their anti-fog and anti-reflective coatings, ensuring clear vision in diverse weather conditions. The brand is part of a competitive market where top players like Oakley, Rudy, and Tifosi Optics hold significant market shares, but Julbo's unique technologies set it apart. Julbo's commitment to optical quality and innovative designs makes it a preferred choice among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore more about their collection of Julbo sunglasses on their website.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a leading producer of running sunglasses, known for its innovative and performance-driven products. The company has made significant strides in sustainability, with approximately 40% of its fabrics used in apparel and accessories being made from recyclable materials by the end of 2021. Under Armour's commitment to sustainability includes reducing single-use plastic packaging by 75% by 2025 and implementing circular design principles in at least half of its products by 2027. The brand's focus on material innovations and collaborations with companies like Celanese Corporation to develop high-performing fibers enhances the quality and durability of its sunglasses. Under Armour's products are designed to empower athletes, offering features like UV protection, impact-resistant lenses, and advanced polarization.

Rudy Project

Rudy Project is a renowned brand in the sports eyewear industry, particularly celebrated for its high-performance running sunglasses. Founded in 1985 in Treviso, Italy, the company has been a global leader for over 30 years, distributing products in more than 60 countries. Rudy Project's running glasses are designed with advanced features such as the power flow ventilation system, adjustable ear stems and nosepieces, and ergonomic lenses, ensuring optimal comfort and visual clarity in all weather conditions. The brand is part of a sports sunglasses market that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030, with North America holding the highest market share.

POC

POC is a renowned brand in the sports sunglasses market, particularly noted for its high-quality running sunglasses that offer UV protection, seamless fit with helmets, and enhanced contrast and color definition. The global sports sunglasses market, which includes POC, was valued at USD 4.30 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030, with polarized sunglasses like those from POC anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.4%. POC's products are designed for various cycling disciplines, including mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel cycling, ensuring robustness and visibility. Their sunglasses are popular for their sturdy build and advanced features such as enhanced visibility and ease of use. POC's commitment to quality and innovation makes them a key player in the sports eyewear market.