When it comes to lacing up your sneakers and stepping outside for an al fresco sweat session, there’s one piece of gear that runners can take from cyclists: epic sunglasses. How do we put this? Hmmm. How about this: they’re an every-season essential that will have a mega-impact on your running experience.
Whether you’re chasing a PB on a sweltering hot Californian day, battling the frozen elements in the middle of a Minnesotan winter, or you’re about to pound the pavement on a chilly, gray, overcast afternoon; putting on a pair of sunglasses is going to protect your precious peepers from all the harmful UV rays created by that big ball of burning gas in the sky – rays that are ready to cause some retinal damage even when the sun’s hiding behind a thick layer of cloud.
And that’s just the start.
You see, not only will rocking a pair of sunnies protect your eyes, but they will reduce an unnecessary tension in your face and neck and shoulders that’s caused from squinting as you take on a new trail in blinding sunlight. It sounds crazy, but just that kind of tension can throw off your form, affect your performance and leave you aching more than a broken heart. The question is: how do you find the perfect pair of running sunglasses for you.
From comfort to performance, here is our essential guide to picking the right shades for you:
Block Out All The Nasty Stuff
Even when it looks gloomy outside, those nasty UV rays are able to strain your eyes. Sure, clouds are enough to reduce some of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, but they don't block all of them. What’s more, these rays can bounce off all sorts of surfaces meaning they can get to you from all angles. That’s why you want to find a pair of sunglasses that fits your face shape.
In that sense, wraparounds are your best friend. Whether the sun is high in the sky, there’s a lot of glare from the setting sun or the light is bouncing off the snow as you run, you want protection from as many angles as possible. Of course, UV rays aren’t the only nasty stuff you need to block out. There’s gnats, midges, dust, dirt, dense fog, heavy rain showers and glare, all of which can be kept out of your eyes by the right pair of sunglasses, keeping your vision top-notch.
POLARIZATION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE!
When it comes to keeping your eyes safe, polarized lenses are the G.O.A.T. You see, while normal sunglasses are good at darkening the light that comes into your eye, polarized sunglasses are coated with a special chemical that blocks the sun’s most harmful rays as it passes through. This is especially important if you’re into running on roads or in the snow because polarized lenses are designed to cut out the glare that gets reflected off the road and cars and ice, allowing you to focus more on your run.
The way polarization does this is through its vertical filter that only lets some of the light to pass through. But because almost all glare is actually horizontal light, polarized lenses simply swat this away like a nightclub bouncer dealing with fake IDs.
UV PROTECTION IS VERY IMPORTANT!
Here’s the deal: polarized lenses are the real deal. But they’re only part of the peeper protection package. The other ingredient in the sunglasses special sauce is UV blocking lenses. Not tint, mirrors or dark coloration, but lenses with a rating of UV400 or higher. Translation: lenses with a UV400 rating are able to block over 99% of those nasty UV rays, which is pretty badass. But what does that actually mean? Well, it means your sunglasses will be able to block out any UVA and UVB light rays with a wavelength up to 400 nanometers.
But here’s the best bit: all of Humps Optics’ sunglasses, from our iconic Flight Deck series to our non-slip Vintage Slims to our wraparound Raptor series, have 100% polarized lenses with a UV400 rating. And because this UV protection is built into the actuallens, it won’t fade or disappear over time.
WHERE PERFORMANCE MEETS PRACTICALITY
No two runs are ever the same. The technicality of the terrain, the conditions outside, the route around the park, there’s so many factors that have a say when you’re running – and you need your sunglasses to perform every. single. time. That’s why we focus on four key factors when designing each of our sunglasses: fit, comfort, performance, and aesthetics. And by making these four pillars our priority, we’ve been able to make sure the lens technology and frame materials we use meet each of our requirements.
The reason for this is simple: when picking a pair of sunglasses to rock while you’re running, you want to make sure they won’t bounce with every stride you make, won’t slip off when you’re hunched over at the finish line trying to suck in air to counter that stitch, won’t squeeze the side of your head, and won’t look ridiculous when you look back at the mid-run selfies you added to your IG stories.
No. What you want is sunglasses that stay put no matter how technical the terrain, feel comfortable from start to finish (and beyond), enhance your vision, create a crisp image, and look totally-freakin’ badass (no matter how much of a hot sweaty mess you might be). That’s the Humps way of designing sunglasses.
OUR TOP LIFESTYLE PICKS...
- BEST ALL AROUND -
BLACKJACK
Polarized UV400 | 25-Grams | Zero-Bounce | Lifetime Warranty
These are the OG sunglasses for anyone that lives an active lifestyle. Boasting a wider range of vision and a slight wraparound style that’s synonymous with sports shades, the Blackjacks give you an enhanced level of protection and clarity when running, while the 25-gram ultra-lightweight frames are made out of durable recycled plastics for a strong yet comfy finish. And talking of comfort, the 5-barrel metal fish-head hinge means you get a more secure fit without any heady pinching, as well as an extra layer of durability. Oh and, as with all our sunglasses, the polarized lenses are rated UV400 and scratch resistant.
- MOST DURABLE -
ROUNDERS
Polarized UV400 | 15-Grams | Zero-Bounce | Lifetime Warranty
These may not look like your typical running sunglasses, but they’ll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about running gear before you’ve even reached the 1K marker. Lightweight? Check. Polarized? Check. Durable? Checkity-check-check. In fact, despite weighing just 15-grams, you can bend them, fold them or twist them, and they’ll just bounce back to their original shape. The aims, the bridge of the nose, these frames are made out of signature memory metal meaning you can chuck them in your bag, or even stamp on them mid-run, and they’ll be as good as new when you pop them back on your face.
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT -
AGENT
Polarized UV400 | 16-Grams | Zero-Bounce | Lifetime Warranty
Breaking news: not all running sunglasses have to look outwardly sporty to bring you top-level performance no matter how far or fast you plan on pushing yourself. That’s what the Agents are. Boasting a classic round-frame style and matte-black finish, these 47mm, 16-gram ultra-lightweight frames are made with a 3-barrel fish-head hinge so that they can stay snug to your face without bouncing or slipping or even being noticeable no matter how sweat is dripping from your brow or how windy the conditions get. What’s more, they offer an incredible layer of protection to your eyes, while allowing enough air in to prevent any fogging up in humid temperatures, and are designed to survive multiple drops without so much as a scratch appearing. Multiple color options available.
- MAXIMUM COVERAGE -
RAPTOR SERIES
Polarized UV400 | 35-Grams | Zero-Bounce | Lifetime Warranty
It’s time to unleash your adrenaline because the Raptor series boast a full-coverage, anti-fog, scratch-resistant, UV400 polarized mono-lense with the ultimate sporty look. In short, they’re for the go-getters, tarmac-chasers, running-shoe-lacers, trail-tackling, PB-grappling runners that have the words 'Need For Speed' tattooed on their soul. They’re the heavy-hitting lightweight shades that don’t slip, bounce or cause any drag – and because they fit so closely to the brow, they keep sweat out of your eyes even on the most hot n’ sticky runs. What’s more, the ergonomic nose bridge prevents these sunglasses from slipping on sweaty faces or getting tangled in your hair when you put them on your head.
- BEST FOR TRAIL CLARITY -
GOLDEN HOUR
Polarized UV400 | 25-Grams | Zero-Bounce | Lifetime Warranty
Specifically geared toward runners, the Golden Hour frames are the ideal companion for trail runners and long-distance joggers. Weighing just 25-grams, the recycled plastic frames have a slight wraparound shape to give you an enhanced level of protection against glare, while the 5-barrel hinges provide a super-comfy yet secure fit. But the real piece de resistance of these frames are the polarized UV400 lenses. Giving your vision an orangey tint, these were designed to amp color and clarity, giving you a crisp, clear and vivid view even on those toughest trails; the kind that go from dense shady spots to unadulterated sunlight on repeat.
- ALL DAY VERSATILITY -
SUNSEEKER SERIES
Polarized UV400 | 18-Grams | Zero-Bounce | Lifetime Warranty
Bridging the gap between fun and function, personality and performance, these might just be our favorites. Weighing just 18-grams, they’re as lightweight as they are stylish, while the 3-barrel fish-head hinges mean you get a crazily-comfy fit with no slipping or bouncing. The Sunseekers also come with slimline built-in nose pads, allowing more oxygen to flow through your nasal passage and totally removing the pain of getting sunglasses tangled in your hair. And last but not least, thanks to their shape, these sunglasses are able to stop unwanted light leaking in around the edges of the frame. Simply pull ‘em on, push your performance to the limit and relax knowing that these non-slip, scratch-resistant, 100% polarized sunglasses come with a lifetime warranty.
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