//Best of 23/24

//Best of 23/24

Debbie Gabriel

21 May 24

The Best Sunglasses 2024

Debbie Gabriel

21 May 24
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Sunglasses on the ski slopes not only look great but they’re also essential – not just for having clear vision on the slopes, but also for your eye health. On sunny days in the mountains, which of course are more likely in springtime, clean fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays meaning skiers and boarders are at increased risk of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and seriously eye damage if you’re not wearing shades. Combining snow with altitude further increases the risks of snow blindness (officially ‘photokeratitis’). That’s usually a temporary issue but is still not a risk to be taken lightly, as severe cases can be much more serious. So make sure you not only look great, but also keep your eyesight safe.

We review a selection of the best Sunglasses on the market;

Sungod

SunGod is a UK-based performance eyewear brand with a simple mission: See Better. It started as a crowdfunding campaign in 2013 and became a global leader in performance, community and sustainability. Worn by top athletes and teams, such as Freeride World Tour winners and McLaren F1 Team, who attest to their quality and performance. They are  a certified B Corp and Carbon Neutral brand that gives back to environmental causes. In 2023, it received the King’s Award for Sustainable Development. SunGod aims to See Better with its lenses, actions and business model, along with its partners, ambassadors and customers.

Tempest s RRP from £80

The SunGod Tempests sunglasses are fully customizable performance eyewear that come with a lifetime guarantee and a verified carbon neutral certification. They are unisex and one-size, and they weigh only 27 grams. They have secure pop-lock screwless hinges, which make them durable and easy to adjust. The lenses are made with 8KO® Nylon lens technology, which is tougher, clearer and stronger than polycarbonate. They have 100% UV protection, anti-glare technology, triple layer scratch-resistance and hydrophobic coating.  We found them great clarity and contrast, even in bright or snowy conditions. As well as  good coverage and ventilation, so they don’t fog up or let in any unwanted light.
Instagram: @we_are_sungod 

Messy Weekend, Makalu RRP £65

Named after the fifth-highest mountain in the world, MAKALU is built to keep up with any sportsman. Durable yet light. Handcrafted TR90 frame. Quality anti-scratch lenses. 100% UVA+UVB protection

For Medium-sized faces

  • Frame Width: 145 mm
  • Frame Height: 50 mm
  • Bridge: 15 mm
  • Temples: 144 mm

Messy Weekend, MW Speed RRP £85

Designed with both sport and lifestyle in mind. Built with an ultra lightweight frame with curved temples and silicone nosepads for maximum comfort. Featuring blue polarized lenses with full UVA+UVB 400 protection. Handcrafted TR90 frame. Quality anti-scratch lenses

For wide-sized faces

  • Frame Width: 163 mm
  • Frame Height:
  • Bridge: 30 mm
  • Temples: 130 mm

@MESSYWEEKENDCO

Goodr

Goodr sunglasses are fun, polarised, and affordable eyewear for sports and leisure. They have no slip, no bounce, and no fog features that make them comfortable and reliable. They come in various colours and styles to suit your personality and activity.

Sunnies for runners, riders, and shredders

Do My Own Stunts  RRP: £45 / €55

These wraparound sunglasses are made for the extreme. With anti-slip, anti-bounce and anti-fog features, they offer clear and comfortable vision. The black frame and pink reflective lenses show that you do your own stunts. (Black Frame / Pink Reflective / Cat 3 / VLT 14.1)

Extreme Dumpster Diving  RRP: £45 / €55

Designed for the adventurous. The grey frame and rose non-reflective lenses reduce glare and enhance contrast. The anti-fog coating and polarized wraparound lens ensure clear vision in any condition. Extreme Dumpster Diving is the name of the game. (Grey Frame / Rose Non-Reflective / Cat 2 / VLT 41.9)

BLOC

Bloc sunglasses are high-performance eyewear for sports and leisure. They are made from plant-based plastics that are eco-friendly and durable. They have polarised lenses that block UV rays and glare. They come in various styles and colours to suit your personality and activity.

Twenty-Five X4900 category 4 sunglass RRP £45

The new Twenty Five sunglasses are the ideal partner for demanding activities, engineered to enhance performance and provide total protection.  The distortion free, impact resistant XTR Karbon8 optical class one silver mirrored grey category 4 lenses provide maximum protection against UVA, UVB and other harmful blue light up to 400nm. The non-slip hypoallergenic temple tips are designed for comfort and fit. With enhancing screw-free sports clip hinge, no matter what activities you are doing your vision will not let you down. 

Beck XMB80 category 3 sunglass RRP £40

 

The Beck sunglasses from BLOC are the ideal sunglass for all activities, they are engineered to enhance performance and provide total protection. These glasses are suitable for everyday wear thanks to their durable, lightweight design and Karbon TX bi-core injected structure. Fitted with non slip adjustable nose pads and soft grippy bi-moulded temples are designed for comfort and fit.

Aphex

Aphex is a brand that cares about the environment and your eyes. Their sunglasses and snow goggles are made from plant-based plastics that reduce their carbon footprint. They offer high-quality lenses that protect you from UV rays and enhance your vision. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or cycling, Aphex has the perfect pair for you. Aphex is more than just a brand, it’s a lifestyle.

IQ 2.0 SPECIFICS RRP £89.95

IQ 2.0 SPECIFICS are the ultimate eco-friendly sunglasses. Made from plant-based plastics, they offer high sun protection and contrast. Whether you’re on the slopes or in the city, they’ll make you stand out.

Color : Matt black Biobased plastic frame
Lens :
Polar Grey-Red Black S3
Extra lens cat 1 included

Carry case
Microfibre protection and cleaning pouch

TAURUS SPECIFICS RRP £44.95

TAURUS SPECIFICS are eco-friendly and stylish sunglasses. The biobased plastic frame and oleophobic polarised lens provide complete UV protection and clarity. The unisex and universal mode suits any face shape and occasion.

Frame : TAURUS Nickel Grey // Biobased plastic frame
Lens :
 Polar Gray Ice Blue S3
Low impact carton packaging
Microfibre protection and cleaning pouch

Zeal Incline RRP £125.00

Designed for long days in changing light conditions, Auto Sun’s photochromic technology automatically adjusts from a low-light, bright yellow with a 28% Visual Light Transmission (VLT), to a high-visibility persimmon with a 15% VLT for sunny conditions, while its polarization protects and heightens color, definition, and detail.

Incline is a lightweight, plant-based sunglass with ProFlex rubber inlays and a classic keyhole bridge. It enhances your vision of the mountain scenery and stays secure on your downhill adventures.

Frame Color: Matte Smoke

Lens Color: Horizon Blue – Developed to battle glare, combines our copper base with an exclusive blue mirror.

Lens Material: Ellume Polarized 

Rx Power Range: +3.00 to -4.50

@zealoptics, @zealoptics

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