I Ditched Running Sunglasses for Metal Frames—and I'm Not Going Back

2 min readI’VE NEEDED GLASSES since I was eight, when I noticed I couldn’t see the board in Mrs. Pace’s English class. Up to that point, it was the most detrimental thing to happen in my young, charmed life, until I realized how much fun it was to shop for them.The same goes for sunglasses: Meticulously examining these small accessories and deciding what’ll adorn my face for a season has sharpened a neurosis I’m proud of. It’s also given me a calcified aversion to running sunglasses. Why? Because a pair of small metal frames performs just as well and looks a lot less goofy. You needn’t worry if you don’t already have a pair; plenty of our favorite sunglasses brands make them.Metal Frames Outperform Speed ShadesBest Round Sunglasses PickClassic Brand, Modern LookThe amount of speed shades I see on my weekly long runs is surprisingly similar to the amount I see on my daily commute to work—way too many. Jagged, oversized frames in blaring colors promise anti-fog lenses and lightweight materials. You can’t mistake them for anything other than sunglasses made for running.Lenses—whether optical, sunglasses, diving goggles, or safety glasses—can be wiped or sprayed to prevent fogging up on hot, humid runs. Having run the Big Sur Marathon and Vermont Half Marathon in April using one of these sprays, I can confirm they work wonders. Metal-frame sunglasses also use super-lightweight materials like aluminum or titanium to achieve a barely-there feel with unobtrusive designs.The aerodynamics of speed shades can’t be ignored. Josh Kerr recently broke the world record for the fastest mile, sporting Oakley Radar sunglasses with HD lenses and a wraparound silhouette. I’ve never gotten close to running a mile in 3:42:66. I’ve hardly touched anything under seven. Assuming you’re in the same boat, small metal frames hug your face, eliminating bounce at most people’s easy run pace.Point of clarification: I’m not shading anyone who’s bought into the speed-shade craze. Wear what you want, how you want, when you want. If they make you feel faster, that’s enough of an excuse to buy them—when you’re sweating your ass off on a long run or painful workout, perception is reality. I’m just suggesting a sleek alternative that isn’t a one-trick pony.Races are a sea of runners who all blend together in lightweight, moisture-wicking, carbon-plated, anti-chafing, etc. gear. A pair of metal-frame sunglasses is a bit of a zag, and you can still wear them to the bar afterward for that drink you’ve rightfully earned.More of the Best SunglassesBest Sunglasses for Men | Best Eyeglasses | Best Running Sunglasses | Best Sunglasses Brands | Best Polarized Sunglasses | Best Golf Sunglasses | Best Online Glasses StoresDanny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.