Running sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement — they actively protect your eyes, and unlike your regular sunglasses, they won’t bounce around your face while doing so. I’ve worn the same pair of sunglasses for the past four months, clocking over 100 miles in them, and here’s they're my go-to all year round.
The glasses in question are the Adidas Kentro sunglasses, which come in a range of different colors to suit every style. I used them for the very sunny London Marathon in April, and have been wearing them during the heatwave as I train for the Frankfurt Marathon this fall.
They stay put
As mentioned above, good running sunglasses won’t slide up and down your nose as you clock up the miles. The Adidas sunglasses have a large nose pad that keeps them firmly in place, and I’ve never had any issues with them moving, even after 26.2 miles.
Despite wrapping around your face, they never went foggy either when I stopped at traffic lights.
They stopped my squinting headaches
I hadn’t quite realised how much I squint on the run until I invested in a good pair of running sunglasses. Constant squinting against the sunlight, even if you’re wearing a running cap, can result in tension across your brow muscles. On a long training run, this persistent strain can cause a tension headache.
Running sunglasses can help filter this light and help you keep your facial muscles relaxed. Eliud Kipchoge said his secret is smiling on the run, as it keeps the body relaxed and can help you run more efficiently. While Kipchoge didn’t say anything about wearing shades, for me, blocking out the sunlight helped me stay focused on my run.
The mirrored lenses protect my eyes from the sun
Lastly, the real reason to invest in a pair of running sunglasses is to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your eyes, so if you spend a lot of time outdoors, sunglasses are a must. A wrap-around lens can also block debris on trail runs, protecting your eyes from scratches.
While the mirrored lenses on my Adidas Kentro sunglasses had mixed reviews with my mates, I love them and wouldn’t be without them for summer miles.
Not for you? Check out our round-up of the best running sunglasses here. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but keeping your eyes as protected as your skin is a must, whatever you’re training for.
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