What To Look For
The type of sunglasses you need varies depending on what sport you want to do. For cyclists and rollerbladers, glasses that provide more coverage along the sides are key to protect your eyes from dust and insects. Skiers will want to find glasses that cover the eyes and surrounding areas completely. Runners need glasses that are lighter weight and don't slide around too much. Regardless of the sport, the glasses should be tight-fitting and should provide protection against ultra-violet rays.
Common Pitfalls
Not all sunglasses offer the same level of protection against the sun. It pays to double check strength of the lenses. For sports that involve a lot of wind resistance, such as bicycling or snowboarding, glasses that provide more coverage are best. Glasses that are too loose not only irritate the skin, but also obstruct your vision and can cause accidents.
Where To Buy
Manufacturers such as Oakley and Serengeti have sunglasses for every sport, which you can buy online as well as in stores that sell sportswear. Some eye doctors also have a selection of prescriptive sunglasses for different sports and can swap out the lenses for you on the spot. For lower prices, you can check out retailers such as Sunglasses Giant.
Cost
Prices vary by brand, type of lens, type of coating on the lens, and whether you're using prescriptive lenses or standard ones. Some companies offer a glasses with interchangeable lenses for different frames. Plan to spend anywhere between $25 to $200.
Comparison Shopping
In addition to Oakley and Serengeti, Smith Optical and Nike both offer an array of glasses and lens options. Tifosi has a line specifically tailored towards runners. Roxy and Dragon both have sunglasses for surfers. Performance Bike provides a less expensive line of sunglasses for cyclists.
Insider Tips
If you live in an area with changeable weather and are never sure what the light's going to be like, try to find a pair of glasses with interchangeable lenses. You can swap them out easily and have a more enjoyable day outside. Avoid glasses with lenses that automatically adjust to different light settings. Sometimes the time lag impedes your vision and you have more trouble doing your sport.
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