I am an always-sunglasses-on person in the summer. I’ve had the same pair of white Oakley Radars (like a cop) since junior year of high school. I begged my parents to let me get this pair on eBay. Somehow they’ve made it through 18 years of training, vacations, car rides, and moves.
But there are way more running options now than I had in high school, and they go well beyond the Oakleys, Nike wraparounds, and triathlon leftovers we used to have.
Despite the plethora of options… my Explore feed, and any scene-y running event I seem to attend, is full of Oakley Eye Jackets. Often with a bandana.
It is ubiquitous amongst the large city run clubbers and influencers, marketing campaigns, and even has my friends hitting me up to see if they’re “worth getting.” And I get why they ask. In a simple search for “running outfits” on Instagram, easily 1 in 5 posts featured some variation of the Oakley Eye Jacket Redux. Probably an equal number of EVO SLs.
I challenge you to resist the algorithm and find a pair that better suits you.
The Oakley Eye Jacket Redux itself isn’t bad, and it cannot be blamed for becoming a hype-y moodboard staple. It’s just become the de facto choice for running sunglasses in a way that’s crowding out better alternatives that fit different faces and functions. There are a dozen other models from Oakley I’d suggest instead, and a dozen other brands where you can get something that’s same-but-different, or completely freaked.
A quick note before the list: I’m going to cover every brand I’ve ever mentioned in the newsletter that actually makes running-grade sunglasses I’d wear. The categories I’m sorting on are full coverage (wrap, side coverage, lower-lid clearance), good looks (because I care), and what I’ll actually pay for. I’m skipping the cycling-first brands except where they’ve crossed over.
There are a few features to keep an eye on that do make a difference when it comes to sunglasses. 100% UVA/UVB protection should be a given here.
Stability: they can’t bounce around or slip. I will lose my mind. This is a low bar.
Full coverage: I prefer wraparounds and blades to the more lifestyle oriented shades. These look fast and can be sort of a lot, but I’d rather have the coverage and look like Robocop. Crow’s feet be damned.
Polarization: Less solar flare and glare. Not required, but nice, especially near water, bright white sidewalks, or lower sun settings. Downside is that it can interfere with more modern watch screens.
Zeiss lenses / good glass: This isn’t all that critical but can make a difference on the trail and judging depth. You get less lens distortion and better contrast. You’ll also get some anti-fog capabilities which is very important. Smith has ChromaPop™, Oakley has Prizm™, etc.
Photochromic lenses: I use transition lenses far more than single-tint. My Alba VZUM, POVEC C1, and Smith Bobcats are on heavy rotation between running and cycling near dawn or dusk, or in mixed trail/road. The convenience of not switching between a low-light and bright-light pair outweighs the slight loss in peak tint where I live. In Boulder or Flagstaff you might want a full black + polarized option.
The Oakley Eye Jacket Redux are the running sunglasses du jour. If you’re interested in something that says “I want these, but I’m trying to avoid looking like everyone else,” look no further.
Ridar Sport Fever — all the way from Korea. Similar cup shape but not as blocky as the Eye Jackets. Also, less expensive. They tend to be more universally flattering since they fit a bit larger. If they weren’t based in Korea, these would be the new Eye Jacket.
Alba Optics ANVMA ($150) — some bug-eyed wraparounds for ya.
Vintage Eye Jacket ($85?) — I prefer the rounder soft shape. Piet x Oakley collab and Braindead both look really cool. Double check on eBay for fakes though.
Oakley Straight Jacket ($163) — the SATISFY edition was the most recent retro of this silhouette. You will look ex-military in these if you’re wearing them outside of running.
Bonzer Perry ($130) — not the same wraparound style, but cute round shape with rubber bridge for a no-slip fit.
The Rayon Vert Wormholes are expensive, super light, and super out of stock. Zeiss glass, batch-dyed. The drawstring is built right into the arms, so there’s no awkward bit on the ears.
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These are the classic running sunglasses with wraparound coverage to keep your eyes protected.
Takeyoshi Altitude Master ($295) — super clean wrap sunglasses. This red tortoise colorway at Windthrow looks sick.
MAAP Fuse ($210) — offers a giant cat-eye wraparound.
Ridar Peak, Radi, Jog — wraparound style. Jog is a more traditional thicker frame, while the Peak and Radi have a more organic, rounded shape.
MAAP Fuse, Ridar Peak, Ridar Jog
Briko has some freaky-deeky retro models. The brand is mostly skiing and cycling, and I haven’t tried these myself.
Robbe Reddinger looking handsome here.
The Goodr Bug G glasses look pretty good and are $35 so it’s a cheap way to experiment. The Oakley MUZM Scars have a bit of retro while still being totally functional. If you want to channel your inner soul-patch, butt-rock-singing, white-Monster-drinking self, these Oakley Fuel Cells will do the trick.
Blades are always in style and make you look like a hardo. They keep out the haters, drivers, and people trying to kick you off the track. They also have the best coverage. Rocking blades off-piste makes you look like a cop or veteran, so you’ll need to swap em out post run.
Oakley Radar EV Path — I’ve had the same pair for 18 years. I have replaced the nosepiece and ear socks but that’s it!
POVEC C1 ($249) — These are marginally heavier than my photochromic Alba Optics, but can instantly shift from dark to light modes because they’re electrochromic. Requires a charge but lasts super long. The first of their kind made for sport. These run darker than any other photochromic I own so are amongst the most useful.
Alba Optics Mantra or Delta ($237,84) — I have a photochromic pair that I wear all the time. They do not fold, which is great for cycling but annoying for travel. Superior coverage. The Delta has foldable arms. The VZUM also has a cool SAYSKY edition plus this wicked red one made with the store Machina Libera
District Vision Junya Racer ($295) — practically deserves its own section. It’s been on the face of superstar Harry Styles and comes in a number of colors.
100% x Currently Running Hypercraft ($159) — angular blade style with a medium fit that works well on both small and large faces. This collab version has the best colors IMO.
Sweet Protection Shinobi Rig ($190) — I know them from skiing and cycling. If their glasses are like their helmets, they’re top quality. These have a sharper more angular look, similar to the 100%.
POVEC C1, Junya Racer, 100% Hypercraft, Shinobi Rig
For women and folks with smaller faces, the giant blades don’t always work.
Oakley M(2) Frame ($82 on sale) — Classic, slimmer than the Radar, but the arms don’t bend. Makes it less convenient to store, but nice for putting on top of your head. The M2 frame is updated and often cheaper.
Oakley Cybr Zero ($257) — Smaller geometric blade with a futuristic look. These are photochromic too so they’ll take you dawn to dusk. As worn by Harry Styles for Runner’s World…
Koharu Eclipse ($315) — the next slimmest blade after the M2. The rounded frame edge lends itself to an interesting look.
These can feel flimsy, so they need extra care.
SunGod Ultras ($215) — super light, solid optics, and good style choices. I have the air ones and they fit well and play nice when I run and bike. Lifetime warranty on repairs.
100% A2 ($139) — new to the game. I know them from cycling, but they came from motorsports. Very modern, aggressive look. Swappable nosepads. Upcoming collab with Currently Running.
Tifosi Vogel SL ($40) — I haven’t worn these, but they’ve got good reviews. A good budget-friendly blade.
The Soar Cubitts Cirrus are 19 grams and made of pure titanium with Zeiss glass. At $375, that’s a bargain for what is an engineering feat. The fit works well because of spring loaded titanium wrap and a bit of grooving on the nose bridge. Watch the video to hear Tim Soar explain the design choices himself.
DV Koharu Eclipse PAF — these basically do nothing but are sick looking. Nearly transparent.
Smith Bobcats ($257) — closer to a goggle, but not so huge that they overpower. Worth a try on. Photochromic lens as well so works from dawn to dusk.
District Vision Nagata Speed Blade ($295) — similar goggle-like aviator translation. These run smaller so work well on a variety of face shapes.
Goodr OG ($30) — these get a bad rap for scratching, which they do. You get what you pay for. Still a good budget option.
Smith Shoutout — polarized, ChromaPop glass. People love ’em forever.
District Vision Linto Rider — a nod to heritage cycling glasses, made in partnership with Saddle Cyclery
Oakley very much owns the space and has so many options for running sunglasses. Not only do they have a great set of blades, but an incredible history of sick-looking experimental shades worn by the likes of Ato Boldon, Blade, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise). The brand is so big though that you end up sorting through a lot of “OK” options to get to the good stuff.
Radar EV Path — I’ve had the same pair for 18 years. I have replaced the nosepiece and ear socks but that’s it!
M(2) Frame ($82 on sale). Classic, slimmer than the Radar, but the arms don’t bend. Makes it less convenient to store, but nice for putting on top of your head. The M2 frame is updated and often cheaper.
Vintage Eye Jacket ($85?) — I prefer the rounder soft shape. Piet x Oakley collab and Braindead both look really cool. Double check on eBay for fakes though.
Eye Jacket Redux ($250). Retro silhouette. I don’t love it but plenty of people do. It’s often featured in their collabs. The Cinelli x Oakley Redux from a few years ago is one I actually liked. Distressed, weird, funked out. Made me miss late 90s cycling fashion. Plenty of them are on sale on eBay for far less.
Vintage Whiskers or Juliets — Freak it and go full Matrix. Careful with fakes. No nose gripper so might slide around.
Early 2000s Gas Cans — Grab your fitted and your Monster. White Gas Cans are coming back. These will probably slide around on your nose.
Over the Top — the iconic over the top sunglasses worn by Ato Boldon and also in Spy Kids. Will run you about $2500.
District Vision was founded in 2016 by Tom Daly and Max Vallot, focusing on sport and wellness, and used to be based in New York. Now they’re based in LA and infuse more Eastern spirituality and wabi-sabi design into their work. Their silhouettes are unique (at least for running) and often striking. They’ve done cool collabs with everyone from Tracksmith to Korean neo-gorp brand Post Archive Faction.
Koharu Eclipse Tortoise / Blue Mirror ($365). One of the best looking pairs and one of the best colorways IMO.
Junya Racer ($365). The classic silhouette. Smaller, sportier. Sits higher on the nose bridge.
PAF Junya Racer ($280 on Grailed). The clear “lichen” collab. Scalloped edges on the lenses, doesn’t block much sun, but looks sick.
One of my favorite multi-sport sunglasses brands. Italian brand based near the Dolomites, with an emphasis on cycling and climbing frames. Full coverage on almost all of their glasses and a wide variety of colors.
Delta VZUM ($237). Nice wide blade lens, their classic version. Arms do not bend on this so a little more awkward to store, but fewer things to break. I have the photochromic version and wear them quite a lot.
Delta Lei VZUM ($249) — newer version with cutout lens and bendable arms.
SATISFY does a yearly Oakley chapter around June, working with a distinct silhouette that bucks the normal trend.
SATISFY x Oakley Eye Jacket Matte Olive ($230). Two colorways. The matte olive is the one.
SATISFY Oakley Straight Jacket ($194). Older chapter. Olive colorway. Smaller frame.
SATISFY Oakley Plantaris ($217). These look insane with the nose piece.
These are only available on eBay and Grailed these days and will cost you an arm and a leg.
NYC-based brand, 3D-printed frames made in the US, Zeiss glass lenses. They’ve collaborated with Bandit on some pairs as well. They aren’t owned by Luxottica so that’s a plus. The cost seems to be a bit of a head scratcher since 3D printing is often used for cheap prototypes. I haven’t tried these so YMMV.
Shadow ($285) — smaller sized blades with full wrap coverage.
Bandit x Research Studio Foam ($250) — $225 for members. Almost an aviator like look, funky arm shape adds some visual interest.
Bandit x Research Studio Stride ($228) — $190 for members. Classic Flak Jacket style wraparound.
Not a frequent newsletter mention, but the brand has earned its slot in the overall eyewear conversation with great ski goggles and cycling eyewear. Great optics and anti-fog, photochromic options, and a zillion silhouettes.
Bobcat ($217) — comes in a million colors, goggle like feel to it and gives 70s movie star. Fits on the smaller side so great for people with smaller faces. $257 for the photochromic option.
Sliders ($197) — sport wrap version with a different vibe to it. Comes with 3 interchangeable lenses. Medium fit, full coverage.
This Korean brand is emerging as a challenger in the space, but has less visibility given it’s an Eastern brand. Their Fever sunglasses have made the rounds on Instagram. A brand to watch. Haven’t tried these yet. Tons of frame colors and lens tints.
Fever ($120) — your best bet for an Oakley Eye Jacket replacement. Cute colors including some transparent frames in pink.
Peak ($135) — more lifestyle-tuned cat-eye model
Savanna ($120) — blade style
Cycling has been doing eyewear better than running for the better part of a decade. Risks are higher, and glasses are worn for full days.
Rooted in motorsports, 100% made waves in cycling and already sponsors FDJ-Suez and Lidl-Trek. The A2 and Speedcraft are their best models for running.
A2 ($139) — the newest running blade from 100%. A bit smaller than the Hypercraft with a stylized raised bridge.
Hypercraft ($159) — the flagship model with a clean geometric shape to it.
UK brand that started in road cycling. Also popular in the rowing scene. The Ultras Air model is super light and tuned for running.
Ultras Air ($214) — slimmer profile blade with a photochromic option. These have served me well for running and cycling. The blade style feels a bit flimsy because it’s just a pair of arms, but that makes it so light. No bounce and super clear optics.
Ultras ($201) — larger blade style, similar to the Air. Custom color options.
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