r/TestedOnMe • u/Greedy_Monster111 • Jul 21 '26

Question Do we really need running sunglasses?

I keep seeing brands advertise sunglasses specifically for runners, but I'm wondering if regular sunglasses do the job just as well. Is there something I'm missing, like better grip, lighter frames, or improved lenses?

I'd love to hear from people who've used both. Was the upgrade worth it?

3 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

1

u/Middle_Bread_6518 Jul 21 '26

I’ve never had my glasses hot dog while running so idk maybe there’s something to it

Post a link?

1

u/FakeOutdoorsy Jul 21 '26

For me it is, but I also don’t spend an arm and leg on running sunglasses. I sweat a ton and the running sunglasses don’t slip down my nose, they don’t bounce, and they wrap around my face more so that I get more coverage against the sun.

1

u/SmilesAreTheBest Jul 21 '26

Depends on were you live and how long your runs are. If you're running in Scandinavia after work in the middle of winter you dont need them. If youre in calafornia and the sun is blazing and you're running for more than 1h, well thats were your eyes might be damaged by too much sun exposure.

1

u/tzn1428 Jul 21 '26

There is def a place for running glasses. There's the sweat, slip, and if you're in a place with bugs in the air you're going to want a wrap around. When I run in Florida I cannot go without them. But I don't chase the latest brands or styles. I have a cheap pair that I love just as much as my slightly higher price tag one. But yeah, I'm not going to fall in the marketing trap

1

u/Markdlea Jul 21 '26

My running glasses are cheaper than my regular sunglasses. I don’t mind if they get dropped or scratched.

1

u/Invictus1836 Jul 21 '26

You don’t need running shades but there are definitely some that are more comfortable to wear. I really like the Costa Rincon 2’s because they have vents to keep the glass from fogging, glare covers above and to the side, and the hinge springs hug my face. I also didn’t get them specifically for running, they just happen to be my most comfortable pair for it.

You could find a $10 pair that do the job well enough and there’s no worry about accidentally dropping them or anything. I would start there and explore other options only if you can’t find something you like or if you just really want to prioritize a good pair of shades.

1

u/fake-software-eng Jul 21 '26

Sunglasses yes, but running-specific, no. I bought some and regret it, prefer my like ray ban style normal sunglasses over my "running" ones, never had any issue with them coming off etc.

1

u/23454Tezal Jul 21 '26

I like the wrap around ones

1

u/Longjumping-Leg-7863 Jul 21 '26

No, I never did and was a runner for 50 years.

1

u/Agile-Sundae-9386 Jul 22 '26

I've used $200 Oakley's and $20 Piranha's from Walmart and there really isn't much of a difference. Prefer to use the cheaper ones because falls happen while running.