How to choose sunglasses for sports activities? A comprehensive guide for the active

When we think of sports gear, we usually think of shoes, thermal clothing, smartwatches. But there is one item that is still underestimated, although it is of great importance - sunglasses. They not only protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, but also affect the quality of vision, comfort and safety.

In this article, I will suggest how to choose the right sunglasses to suit different sports. Some differences are subtle, others crucial - but each can affect your performance and health.

Why does the choice of sports glasses matter?

Our eyes are very sensitive to UV radiation. Prolonged exposure can lead to retinal damage, photokeratite (known as snow blindness) and even cataracts. During outdoor activities, especially in intense sunlight, protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.

But that's not all:

Glare from pavement, water, snow can temporarily blind you - this is dangerous, for example, when riding a bicycle.
Poor contrast and contour vision impair orientation in the field, increasing the risk of injury.
Inadequate lenses can fatigue eyesight and reduce concentration.

Well-fitting sports eyewear improves vision, reduces reaction time, protects the eyes and.... often just make us feel more confident.

Different sports - different needs

Running

Challenges: shock, sweat, changing weather conditions.
Ideal glasses: lightweight, snug-fitting, with flexible nose pads and ventilation.
What's worth having: lenses with UV filter, light tinting and hydrophobic coating.

Tip: Avoid lenses that are too dark - when running in the woods or in the shade, they can reduce visibility.

Cycling

Challenges: speed, wind, insects, sun at different times of the day.
Ideal glasses: covering a large part of the face (side shield), aerodynamic, often photochromic.
What's worth having: interchangeable lenses - transparent for the evening, tinted for the sun.

Interesting fact: professional cyclists often use models with ventilation and anti-fog coating to prevent fogging on climbs.

Water sports (kayaking, SUP, sailing)

Challenges: intense glare, contact with water, possibility of losing glasses.
Ideal glasses: floating frames, strong UV protection, polarized.
What to have: safety cord or head strap.

Tip: Polarization makes a huge difference - you see the water surface more clearly and avoid glare.

Winter sports

Challenges: extreme glare from snow, low temperatures, rapid light changes (e.g., you drive into the woods).
Ideal eyewear: with high UV filter (category 3 or 4), mirrored lenses, scratch-resistant.
What's worth having: non-slip nose pads and temples, anti-fog coating.

Note: UV radiation is much stronger at high altitudes - UV400 filter is an absolute must.

What to look for when choosing?

UV filter

It's not an option - it's a must. Look for the UV400 designation, which blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Polarization

Recommended especially for water and mountain sports. Reduces reflections, improves contrast.

Lens color

Gray - natural color reproduction, universal.
Brown - improve contrast, ideal for changing conditions.
Yellow / amber - for low light, such as running at dawn.
Green - good for very bright conditions.

Shape and fit

Sports glasses should fit perfectly, but not compress. It is good if they have:

flexible, rubberized temples,
adjustable nose pads,
non-slip inserts,
sweat and rain resistance.

Added value - ecology

Some manufacturers offer glasses made from recycled fishing nets, plastic bottles or biodegradable plastics. By choosing such models, you support environmental protection - and after all, it is in nature that we do most of our sports.

In conclusion: glasses that help you see more