Sport sunglasses serve two purposes: the first is health — UV-blocking lenses protect your eyes — and the second is comfort, with lenses suited to different categories depending on your activity. In this article, we give you everything you need to choose the right sport sunglasses.
What do you need to know about sunglasses?
There are different protection categories depending on your needs:
Protection index Category 0: transmits 80 to 100% of solar rays
Protection index Category 1: transmits 43 to 80% of solar rays
Protection index Category 2: transmits 18 to 43% of solar rays
Protection index Category 3: transmits 8 to 18% of solar rays
Protection index Category 4: transmits 3 to 8% of solar rays (not suitable for driving)
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Polarised lenses
Polarised lenses are designed to eliminate glare caused by the reflection of sunlight, making vision through the lenses sharper. They provide:
- Superior visual comfort and maximum protection
- Reduces the effects of glare
- Enhances depth perception
- Better contrast and colour definition
- Reduces eye fatigue
Polarised lenses are recommended for all outdoor activities.
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Photochromic lenses
There are also lenses known as photochromic lenses. Their tint and protection level adjust automatically according to the light. They have the ability to change colour based on light intensity and to shift from one protection category to another (for example from 2 to 3), depending on the environment. If you play sport in all weathers, this is a real comfort: no more need to remove your sunglasses in a shaded area. These lenses have an activation speed of around 30 seconds.
Photochromic lenses are recommended for activities such as trail, running, cycling and mountain biking, as well as water sports.
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UV treatment
Ensures solid protection for your eyes by preventing ultraviolet rays from reaching them. Overexposure to UV could cause optical and skin problems.
There are three types of UV:
- UV-C rays, the most harmful UV rays,, never reach the Earth's surface as they are absorbed by the ozone layer and the atmosphere.
- UV-B rays, which are partially filtered by the atmosphere and only penetrate the superficial layers of the skin. They are responsible for burns and sunburn, and also play a role — like UV-A — in premature skin ageing, and at high intensities UV-B rays are harmful to the eyes.
- UV-A rays, which account for nearly 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. They can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. They are responsible for the immediate tanning effect. They also promote skin ageing and the formation of wrinkles.
You should also be aware that we are exposed to two types of radiation: rays coming directly from the sun, and rays reflected off the surface of water, ground, snow and other reflective surfaces. Snow reflects 80% of solar rays, water 20%, and sand 10%.
Furthermore, altitude also plays an important role: ambient UV levels increase by 10% for every 1,000 metres gained. Finally, the UV400 designation with guaranteed UV protection shields against harmful UV-B and UV-A rays.
Sunglasses for hiking:
For your outdoor adventures, the hiking sunglasses with category 3 polarised lenses are the most suitable for walking. By eliminating the light reflections that affect vision, polarised lenses help reduce eye fatigue and improve visual acuity. They'll make a real difference on your hikes, letting you fully enjoy the scenery with better contrast and colour definition while benefiting from optimum protection. Check out our advice on how to kit yourself out for your first trek.
Sunglasses for water sports:
As on snow, sunlight becomes more harmful when it reflects off water. The glare off the water's surface acts like a mirror, producing an intense brightness that can be dangerous for your eyes.
Whatever water sport you practise, remember to check the weather forecast. At sea, conditions can change rapidly — from clear blue skies to heavy cloud cover. In these conditions, knowing which sunglasses to choose can become a real headache, so opting for photochromic lenses is a smart move.
This highly specific type of lens has the property of darkening in response to the UV rays it receives. When UV exposure on the water is strong, photochromic optical lenses gradually darken over time. Conversely, when light levels are lower, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. In short, they adapt perfectly to varying weather conditions.
Beyond the aggressive UV rays harmful to the eyes, one of the main challenges of water sports is glare on the water. Sunlight creates an endless scatter of bright reflections on the water's surface that can impair vision. Developed to counteract this effect, polarised lenses specifically eliminate the majority of troublesome reflections. They make shapes and colours sharper by enhancing relief and contrast. For all water sports, we therefore recommend category 4 lenses for optimum protection.
Sunglasses for trail/running and cycling/mountain biking:
One of the key criteria when choosing your sunglasses for trail and mountain biking should be lightness and a secure fit on your head, so you barely notice them and remain completely free in your movements during your outings.
It is also important to consider ventilation and to choose sunglasses with front venting and an anti-fog coating. For these activities, opt for photochromic lenses in category 2–3, which adapt to changing environments (indoors, outdoors, bright or low light). Also choose a shatterproof polycarbonate lens to protect you from dust, branches, stones and so on.
Sunglasses for high mountain use:
In high mountain environments, snow and ice strongly reflect light, making its intensity greater and more harmful to the eyes. You need to protect yourself not only from UVA and UVB, but also from UVC and blue light. For this, category 4 lenses are an absolute must.
For this reason, opt for sunglasses frames that are as wraparound as possible and that feature side shields to further enhance their protective function. Finally, it's important to choose a pair of sunglasses with good ventilation to prevent lens fogging.
Sunglasses and ski goggles:
For snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, sledging), the priority is to minimise glare as much as possible and to be able to anticipate the terrain's relief. For ski sunglasses, category 3 or 4 polarised lenses are therefore recommended.
For ski goggles, several criteria should be taken into account for your comfort:
- Foam quality: the thicker it is, the more comfortable it will be and the better it will absorb impacts.
- Lens treatment: opt for a scratch-resistant coating.
- Size: your ski goggles must perfectly follow the contours of your face.
- Good ventilation and an anti-fog coating.
- A good strap that is easy to handle and adjust.
