I wear sports glasses on every run and these are the 2 best sets I’ve tested

Zenni Optical Zunnies Wrap-Around Sunglasses
(Image credit: Future)

I’ve been running for 10 years and short-sighted for a lot longer than that, so I have tried all kinds of different options for correcting my vision during workouts. I’ve found that the best option for me is prescription sports glasses and sunglasses.

That’s because they offer a more secure fit than regular glasses, which can slip or bounce on the run, and they’re more convenient to use than contact lenses, which also don’t offer as clear vision for me as glasses.

Over the past few years, I’ve tested a lot of different sets of prescription sports glasses and sunglasses, and these are the two sets I go back to again and again.

Rudy Project Rydon Slim

Rudy Project Rydon Glasses

(Image credit: Future)

Both the Rydon and Rydon Slim frames are available with prescription lenses, and they are remarkably thin and lightweight, so you barely feel them on your face when running.

The arms and nose pad are also adjustable, so you can bend them to create a very secure fit on the run, with no bouncing or slipping at all.

I’ve run hundreds of miles with the Rydon Slim glasses over the past couple of months, using photochromic lenses, so they're suitable for training through the winter, when I might be running in the cold and dark as well as in bright sunshine (very occasionally).

Rudy Project Rydon Slim Glasses

(Image credit: Future)

With my prescription, I needed to use the Optical Dock system with the Rydon Slim frames, which is why the lenses have full frames. They’re also smaller than the standard lenses on the Rydon and Rydon Slim glasses, so if your prescription works with the normal lenses, you get better-looking glasses with a wider field of vision.

The Optical Dock is a great option for those with more demanding prescriptions, though, and better than using inserts, in my experience.

Rudy Project Rydon Slim
Rudy Project Rydon Slim: $267 at rudyprojectna.com

These lightweight glasses are available with or without a prescription and have adjustable nosepieces and arms to ensure a secure fit on the run. I've been using them almost every day for the past two months, and the photochromic lenses are ideal for changing conditions and runs after sunset.

Zenni Optical Zunnies Wrap-Around Sunglasses

Zenni Optical Zunnies Wrap-Around Sunglasses

(Image credit: Future)

I’m a big fan of the Zunnies line-up of running glasses and sunglasses from Zenni Optical, with all the models offering great performance and value.

The Wrap-Around Sunglasses have a light frame, and there’s a wide line-up of lens options, including photochromic and different tints and finishes; they work with my high prescription without inserts or smaller lenses.

I’ve used these Zunnies for more than a year, and they have a great fit out of the box, with zero bouncing, but you can also adjust the arms to make the fit even more secure.

I reach for these glasses almost any time the sun shines, and I have particularly happy memories of wearing them when I set my marathon PR in Seville, Spain.

I’ve also tested the rectangular Zunnies and use them as my day-to-day glasses, as well as on the run. If you’re looking for great value and a reliable fit, the Zunnies range is worth checking out.

Zenni Optical Zunnies Wrap-Around Sunglasses
Zenni Optical Zunnies Wrap-Around Sunglasses: $64 at Zenni Optical

These wrap-around sunglasses come in a variety of frame colors and with lots of different lens options for both prescription and non-prescription use. They're a brilliant value for runners who need glasses and have a comfortable and secure fit.


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Nick Harris-Fry
Senior Writer

Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.


Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.


Nick is an established expert in the fitness area and along with writing for many publications, including Live Science, Expert Reviews, Wareable, Coach and Get Sweat Go, he has been quoted on The Guardian and The Independent.

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