Gear
Summer Shades
June 21, 2011By Mihira Lakshman
Following our review of retro-style running fashions, it’s worth mentioning that only Corey Hart should wear his sunglasses at night. But for daytime running, there are a wealth of options to suit different tastes: from fashion eyewear to sunglasses you must have on the start line, manufacturers are offering something for all types of runners and personalities. Most lenses come in a variety of different shades, which is important since trail-running requires a lighter tint than running directly under the sun on a road loop.
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Adidas
Adizero L a170 - $229.95
The Adizero name isn't just attached to racing shoes, Adidas has extended the product line to include high-performance eyewear. The Gebrselassie of sunglasses, the AdiZero L is a lightweight frame, excellent for racing or long training sessions. The nose pads are adjustable, in two positions, allowing the frame to sit more comfortably on your face, even when sweating. The ergonomically curved arms are designed to keep stress off the temples, and the quick-release hinges prevent easy breakage. The arms can also be adjusted in three positions. The interchangeable lenses come in a variety of tints and finishes to suit different conditions.
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Oakley
Fast Jacket - $250
Oakley's new SwitchLock lever mechanism, which is located on the sides of the frame, redefines the notion of easy-lens-changes. A simply flick of the SwitchLock lever allows runners to quickly swap lenses depending on conditions. To take advantage of this quick-change feature, the Fast Jacket comes with a second set of lenses. Optical quality is typical Oakley (crystal clear and smudge resistant), while the midsize lenses provide plenty of protection from sun, wind and dirt.
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Ryders
Hex - $59.99
Available in many different colours and lenses, Ryders' Hex frame offers a mix of value, fashion and performance for all runners. The medium-fit, lightweight frames offer excellent protection from sun and wind. Rubber pads on the nose and temples prevent slippage while running. The interchangeable polycarbonate lenses offer 100-per-cent UV protection, available in photocromic and photo-polar styles. The Hex frames come with three different sets of lenses - pink, orange and clear - in each style for various lighting conditions.
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Nike
Ignite - $130
A sturdy, fashionable frame with wrap-around lenses, the Nike Ignite is practical for running or an afternoon date on a patio. The ventilated rubber nose pads prevents fogging, the pooling of sweat and any associated slippage in the front, but the lack of rubber pads on the temples could pose some issues during long, sweaty workouts. The polarized lenses are crystal clear with no glare in a variety of different lighting conditions.
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Draft - $190
Bolle
With full coverage lenses and lightweight a frame, the Draft sunglasses are a great choice for fast racing or easy training. Bolle's lenses offer exceptional optical clarity while the addition of grippy nose-pads and temple-inserts assure the Drafts stay in place even during hot and humid running conditions.
