Sports Sunglasses
Sports sunglasses that stay put and see clearly when you are running, riding and training, with lightweight frames and contrast-boosting lenses. Our range features Oakley and Smith.
Look for a light, gripping frame that will not bounce, impact-resistant lenses with wide coverage, and a lens tint matched to your sport, whether that is road, trail or water. For everyday wear and driving, see our lifestyle sunglasses, and keep your sunglasses scratch-free with a case from our eyewear accessories.
Try a few frames with your helmet or cap at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about sports sunglasses
What makes sports sunglasses different?
Sports sunglasses are built to stay in place and protect your eyes while you move fast. They use lightweight frames with rubberised nose pads and arms that grip when you sweat, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, and a wraparound shape that blocks wind, dust and light from the sides. Many have vents to stop fogging and lens tints designed to boost contrast for specific sports like road cycling or trail running.
Which lens is best for cycling?
For road cycling, a contrast-enhancing lens in a rose, red or bronze tint helps you pick out road texture, potholes and debris, while a grey lens suits very bright days. Riders often prefer non-polarised or lightly polarised lenses so they can spot wet or oily patches on the road. Larger, shield-style lenses give a wide field of view in the riding position and keep wind out of your eyes.
Which lens is best for trail running?
Trail running moves you between bright clearings and shady bush, so a lens that boosts contrast in mixed light helps you spot roots, rocks and changes in terrain. Lenses designed for trails, such as Oakley Prizm Trail, are tuned for this. A lighter tint is useful for forested tracks and early or late runs. Good venting stops lenses fogging when you slow down on climbs.
How do I stop sports sunglasses from fogging up?
Fogging happens when warm, moist air from your face meets a cooler lens, especially when you stop moving. Frames with vents and lenses with anti-fog coatings help, as does choosing a frame that sits slightly off your face to let air flow. Keep moving air across the lens by pushing your sunglasses down your nose briefly at stops, and keep lenses clean, as oil and dried sweat make fogging worse.
Will sports sunglasses fit with a cycling helmet?
Most sports sunglasses are designed to work with helmets, but fit varies. Check that the arms sit comfortably under or over the helmet straps and that the top of the frame does not hit the helmet's front edge, which can push the sunglasses down. Thin, straight arms usually work best. If you can, try your sunglasses with your helmet on, or check the brand's helmet compatibility guidance.
Are shield or dual lenses better for sport?
A single shield lens gives an uninterrupted, wide field of view with no frame in your line of sight, and offers maximum coverage from wind and debris, which is popular for cycling. Dual-lens sports frames look more like everyday sunglasses and are often more versatile for running, golf and casual wear. Both use impact-resistant lenses, so choose by the coverage you need and the look you prefer.
Do sports sunglasses need to be polarised?
Not always. Polarised lenses are great for water sports, golf and anywhere glare is a problem, but some cyclists and skiers prefer non-polarised lenses so they can see wet, oily or icy patches that polarisation can hide. Contrast-enhancing non-polarised lenses are popular for road and trail. If you mostly run or ride on the road, a high-contrast non-polarised lens is often the better pick.