Buying Sports Sunglasses: Polarized, UV400 and Photochromatic Explained

Sports glasses are sold with a series of terms that no one explains. Below is what they mean and which ones actually matter to you.

UV400: this is the minimum

UV400 means that the lens blocks radiation up to 400 nanometers, so virtually all UVA and UVB. This is not an extra but a basic requirement. A dark lens without a UV filter is even worse than no glasses: your pupil opens and more radiation enters. All our glasses have UV400.

Polarized: against glare

A polarized lens filters light that is horizontally reflected from road surfaces, water, snow, and car windows. The result is more contrast and less glare. For cycling, running along water, and hiking in open terrain, the difference is significant. The downside: on an LCD screen or a bike computer display, the image can become dark at certain angles.

Photochromic: self-tinting

A photochromic lens reacts to UV light and darkens in the sun and lightens in the shade. Ideal if you go from forest to open field, or if you start early in the morning and end in full sun. Note: behind a car window, it works less effectively because the window already blocks UV.

Frame: aluminum or plastic

Aluminum is sturdy and feels high-quality, plastic is lighter and more forgiving if you sit on it. More important than the material is the fit: rubber nose pads and slightly curved temples keep the glasses in place when you sweat.

Smart glasses: what do you choose?

An audio glasses plays music and conversations via open speakers, so you can still hear traffic and your surroundings: safer than earbuds. A camera glasses or AI glasses films from your peripheral vision and can translate live, handy for travel and content. A photochromic smart glasses combines audio with a self-tinting lens.

Per sport

Running: light frame, polarized, sturdy grip. Cycling: large lens surface and good ventilation to prevent fogging. Walking and hiking: photochromic, because the light constantly changes. Gym: actually no glasses, but an audio glasses if you want to keep your phone in your pocket.

View the full range in Sports Glasses.