12 Best Running Sunglasses That Are Actually Stylish in 2020

Runners don’t need to carry many things—often just a watch, keys, and some hydration will cut it for outdoor runs—but on sunny days, running sunglasses can make a huge difference. They keep you from squinting when confronted with glaring sunlight and, even if it’s cooler or overcast, will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful U.V. rays, which is especially important if you’re covering longer distances. 

The best running sunglasses also offer special features for distance and trail running like photochromic lenses (ones that automatically adjust to the amount of light, which are ideal for running in low-light situations) and durable frames that can withstand wear and tear, along with sizing for narrower face shapes and a slip-resistant grip. 

When choosing a pair of sunglasses for running, you ideally want to find frames that fit your face well and won’t bounce around, Tina Douroudian, O.D., a doctor of optometry in Sterling, Virginia, tells SELF. You also don’t want them to be too tight around your ears because that can lead to headaches.

“For the lenses, polarized lenses will give you the best quality vision by filtering out a lot of bright lights that can be annoying for your vision—especially if you plan to run near water,” she says. Another big consideration is U.V. protection. “Ultimately you want sunglasses that protect 100% from harmful UVA and UVB rays, whether or not they are polarized.”

If you’re on the hunt for prescription sunglasses, you should be extra thoughtful in your selection too, Douroudian says. “I highly recommend shopping for prescription sunglasses in person because not all frames are compatible with all prescriptions, and this does take some education and personal attention,” Douroudian explains. 

Now that you know which boxes to check when shopping, here are 12 of the best running sunglasses, according to runners and marathoners.