12 best running sunglasses, editor-approved for 2025

The Van Rysel name is part of Decathlon's in-house roster of brands and is making serious moves in the cycling world, which seems to have boosted the brand overall. At just under £40, these are a very good pair of running glasses; they fit securely, they're lightweight (33g), the bottomless frames offer a decent range of visibility and the venting does a fine job of keeping fogging to a minimum. The lens itself is very capable in constant light, but doesn't quite compare to more premium lenses when faced with changing light conditions on varying terrain, but that's only an issue if you're constantly hitting the trails. For the fashion conscious, these will be a hit, too.

A classic shape, polarised lenses and a very reasonable price tag have seen these running specific sunglasses from Goodr become very popular. A decent fit, no bounce and scratch-resistant lenses do make them a great option (especially with clumsier runners), and they come in a bunch of different coloured frames and lenses. If we're splitting hairs, though (which we are), they are a touch on the heavy side.

Great value for technically excellent run-specific sunnies with polarised lenses that deliver precise, natural-feeling vision. They’re extremely comfortable – light, with a broad nose-bridge putting minimal pressure on your hooter but combining with a good hold from the arms to ensure no bounce. They also proved highly durable over extended miles with a few drops and bumps along the way.

Lifestyle aesthetics coupled with some lens craft will appeal to those don't want to go for the traditional wrap around style of running sunglasses and the Koo Cosmo are a great choice. The extra frame weight isn't that noticeable. they don't move about on the face and use the same lenses as the pure running glasses from Koo, the Nova, featured below. Kind on the pocket and you can wear these when not running, too.

For those who like running sunglasses to double as lifestyle ones, the new Actuator from Oakley is a great, premium style. These feel reassuringly robust, without being at all heavy: as soon as they are, you forget about them. They stay firmly put during easy runs and all out sessions, with the (wonderfully named) Unobtainium nosepads keeping the glasses absolutely in place.

The Actuators are a classic shape to suit anyone, and offer the perfect amount of coverage for both running, and lounging by a pool. The lenses themselves are as top class as you'd expect from Oakley, the polarisation really sharpening things up so you have excellent visibility even in the strongest of glare.

With a claimed weight of 21g (our test pair weighed 23g), these glasses from Koo are impressively light and, as such, are a solid option for those looking for slick sunglasses that can be worn for extended periods.

The lack of any frame means your vision is unimpeded and the fit is good once you find the right nose bridge (it comes with two, although they're a bit of a fiddle to fit). Rubber grips on the arms do a nice job of keeping the glasses comfortably in place.

The shatterproof, anti-reflective lenses are excellent and there are a good variety of colours to pick from. One for the weight-weenies out there.

The radar is a classic running sunglass; the shape and fit are tried and tested and always perform brilliantly. This latest version, the advancer, has a slightly different lens shape (it's bigger) and the adjustable nose piece first seen on the flight jacket. The bottomless frame allows for nothing to interrupt your line of sight when out running and the wrap around style gives great coverage.

Popular among cyclists for decades, shield sunglasses have now migrated to the running market. Those looking for understated eyewear, need not apply, but for the fashion-forward looking to make a statement, there’s lots to recommend here. First, the environmental creds are impressive: the Watchtowers’ frames are made from 85% recycled fishing nets that have been fused into a highly durable nylon material, while there’s no single-use plastic in any of the packaging. Second, at 32g, the shades are super lightweight and bounce-free – even when moving at speed. Third, the visibility is absolutely excellent, making these shades you could confidently wear on and off-road. Visually, there’s a Marmite quality to the Watchtower: it’s an outsized statement piece that some will find gaudy. But there’s substance here to match the style – and, at £85, you’re getting a lot of frame for your money.

Look closely this summer and you’ll see these wrap-arounds protecting the eyes of Olympians shooting for glory in Paris. Boasting Oakley’s most extended field of view for unobstructed peripheral vision, the frames are designed to virtually disappear while you go to work. No-slip nose pads and ear socks create a lock-tight fit, front vents prevent fogging and they fit well with running caps and visors.

A strong performer in the frameless sunglasses category, with solid optics, lightweight feel and a comfortable fit, the Rudy Project Astral comes in an abundance of colours and lens combos, so you'll be able to find the ones you want. We tested the Multilaser orange lens during the summer months and it handled bright sunshine well and lifted those slightly darker days. The nose piece is adjustable, so these glasses should cater to most face shapes.

SunGod is a British performance eyewear brand, and the Ultra was its first pair of shades specifically designed for runners. The frameless construction is designed to offer a panoramic view of your surroundings, while their light weight (26g) means they won’t weight you down at all. The shades offer 100% UV protection and the product has designed to offer bounce-free comfort on the run.

We were extremely impressed by their wide-screen clarity, locked-down fit and durable construction. Meanwhile, SunGod’s lifetime guarantee means that if your Ultras break – or you break them – SunGod will repair them free of charge.

Not sure the big and bold SunGod Ultras are your cup of tea? The angular-framed Zephyrs are a more subtle option from the brand, available in a wide range of coloured frames and lenses. Speaking of which, the frames are built from 100% recycled sunglass frames and as a certified B-corp, SunGod's glasses are carbon neutral.

Ultra lightweight at just 25g, we've worn these during numerous races and have been seriously impressed by their secure fit. They're also scratch resistant and provide 100% UV protection.

There are a few unique things about the Seek from Times: Firstly they have no arms are joined by an adjustable band. This acts like a retention strap and takes some getting used to on the fit, but once dialled in they're very secure when out running. The strap almost means you're less likely to loose them as they can just dangle down when not in use. The other unique thing is that they're seemingly unbreakable (and we tried). We've folded them and they flexed back into shape; they're very malleable, which is odd for a pair glasses but seems to work for the Seek. The frame flexibility also helps with the fit. The lens quality is very good, but the round shape won't be to everyone's taste, however there is a square framed model in the works/has been released called the Roam that could appeal. Worth a look if you're after something a little different that still performs.