Whether you're into running, cycling, hiking, tennis, or beach volleyball, protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential. UV radiation levels are typically higher during summer, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun is higher in the sky. This can cause surfaces like water, sand and pavement to reflect the sun’s rays, which can intensify exposure. You can read more about the importance of UV protection here. Wearing sunglasses for summer sports not only helps to protect your eyes from UV rays, but they can also improve visual comfort and performance in bright conditions, as well as shield your eyes from dust and dirt. Keep reading for top tips on how to choose the best sunglasses for summer sports. 

Prioritise 100% UV protection 

Great for: All sports 

Regardless of the sport you are doing, it is important that your sunglasses offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Long-term exposure to UV rays can contribute to eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration. At Boots Opticians, every pair in our collection has complete UVA and UVB protection. 

Smart sunglasses for sports and style 

Designed for those who want to stay connected on the go, these innovative frames integrate tech features seamlessly into everyday wear — perfect for travel, outdoor adventures, or active summer days on the court, track, or trail. 

The Ray-Ban Meta collection blends classic Ray-Ban design with advanced technology, offering hands-free AI interaction, photo and video capture, calls, and music streaming — all without compromising style. For athletes, this means being able to capture your training runs, track progress through voice commands, or take a quick call mid-ride without missing a beat. 

Meanwhile, Nuance Audio Glasses provide an open-ear listening experience, delivering natural, clear sound without the need for earbuds or a prescription. Whether you’re cycling through traffic or running by the coast, open-ear audio lets you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying motivational playlists or real-time coaching feedback. 

Try polarised lenses to reduce glare 

Great for: Road cycling, sailing, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, running, fishing, and golf. 

Glare from sunlit water, sand, and pavement can reduce visibility and cause eye strain. Polarised lenses minimise this glare, improving contrast and clarity. They're ideal for sports like running near water, road cycling, or beach games. Read more about how to protect your eyes from sand and saltwater here. 

Durable sunglasses for outdoor conditions 

Great for: Trail running, tennis, hiking, mountain biking, and obstacle races. 

When choosing your sunglasses for outdoor activities, you want to try to find ones that are built to withstand harsh use, especially to help ensure a fall during trail running or a hit from a tennis ball. Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses are a great choice for active environments, providing both safety and lightweight wear. 

Prescription sunglasses 

Great for: All sports 

If you wear corrective lenses, look for sports sunglasses that can accommodate your prescription or offer insertable lens options. This can help ensure you perform at your best outdoors, with optimum visual clarity. Find out more about our prescription sun lenses and prescription polarised lenses here or browse our full range of sunglasses. 

Try wraparound frames for a secure fit and wide coverage 

Great for: Cycling, mountain biking, running, tennis, cricket, and beach sports. 

Wraparound sunglasses provide better coverage compared to traditional sunglasses. They also offer a snug fit, which is great for fast-paced sports where you are constantly on the move. The curved shape helps shield your eyes from sunlight coming in from the sides and offers better protection from dust and wind. You may want to explore these styles from Oakley, which are popular performance models. 

Choose comfortable materials to improve comfort and performance 

Great for: Long-distance running, triathlons, cycling, hiking, tennis, and football training 

When it comes to activities like long runs and rides, you may want to opt for thin and lightweight lenses that are both durable and scratch-resistant. Look out for adjustable nose pads, rubberised grips and flexible frames as these features can help prevent slipping even when sweating in the heat. Lightweight materials can help to reduce pressure points on your face, which can help you to keep focussed on your activity for longer periods of time. Try high-performance brands like Nike, Puma, and Oakley which offer designs made specifically for sports use. Plus, lightweight lenses can help improve comfort and performance. These thin and light lenses are both durable and scratch-resistant, too. For more top tips on how to keep your eyewear free from scratches and smudges this summer, read here. 

Try anti-fog sprays for clear vision 

Great for: HIIT training, outdoor gym workouts, cycling, and endurance running. 

Sweat and humidity can cause your lenses to fog up, especially during high-intensity workouts in the summer. Try to carry anti-fog wipes like these ZEISS AntiFOG Kit and Wipes to keep your vision clear throughout your activity. 

Use sweat-resistant frames when taking part in intense activity 

Great for: Intense cardio, tennis, running, CrossFit, and spin sessions outdoors. 

Sweat-resistant or hydrophobic frame materials can help to maintain grip and comfort, as your frames are less likely to slip off your face. Hydrophobic lens coatings can help to repel water, oil and smudges, which you may encounter during outdoor sporting activities. Find out more about our hydrophobic Protect Plus coating (Enhanced Single Vision package), as well as our branded lenses from Essilor and ZEISS. 

Try photochromic lenses 

Great for: Trail running, mountain biking, golf, hiking, and outdoor obstacle courses. 

If your sport takes you through varying light environments, such as trail running or cycling where you might experience shaded paths and open roads, photochromic lenses like these Light Reactive Lenses, are a smart choice. These lenses adapt to changes in light, darkening in sunlight and when in darker lighting environments, returning to clear, which provides seamless protection without the need to switch glasses. This makes them both a convenient and stylish option as you can choose your lens colours, too. If you prefer a bold style with great sun protection, check out mirrored lens options from our Transitions® XTRActive® Style Mirrors range, which are available in four vibrant colours. 

Looking to visit ski destinations over summer?

If you are looking to visit ski destinations during your summer holidays, you can find top tips and advice on sunglasses for winter sports here. 

For further advice on finding the right sports sunglasses for summer activities, come and visit us in store by booking with us online today.