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I wouldn’t wear my Ray-Bans when I’m out for a ride for one reason: they’re not designed for it. If your helmet doesn’t have a tinted visor or drop-down sun visor, then motorcycle sunglasses are perfect for keeping squints at bay. There are a couple of things that separate motorcycle sunglasses from the rest. They need to be shatterproof, UV resistant, and preferably have anti-fog lenses. I’d also opt for a pair with a breathable foam lining if you use an open-face helmet, and look good enough to wear even when you’ve hit the kill switch.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Bobster Capone Sunglasses
- Best Value: Epoch Eyewear Foam Black Sunglasses
- Honorable Mention: Tifosi Vogel SL Sport Sunglasses
- Best Polarized: Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses and Accessories Bundle
- Best for Wind: Motorcycle Padded Glasses Sunglasses Set of Two
Our Methodology
When creating a list of the best motorcycle sunglasses, I wanted to find pairs that were both good-looking and protective. They needed to be from a trusted brand to ensure they wouldn’t fall apart in a few weeks. It was also important to me that the sunglasses I chose were safe. The last thing you want is for your sunglasses to be the thing that injuries you. Sunglasses that have UV protection and are not shatterproof were immediately eliminated. The Drive strives to only recommend safe and reliable products.
Best Motorcycle Sunglasses Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Bobster Capone Sunglasses
These super dark sunglasses have a smoked-out finish on the polycarbonate lenses. They have classic styling that makes them cool enough to wear when you are not on the bike. A neat microfiber lens cleaner comes with the sunglasses to keep them safe when you are not wearing them.
It isn’t just good looks with these lenses, though; they meet ANSI Z80.3 CE safety standards and are 100 percent UV protective. The anti-fog coating keeps the lenses clear so you can always see. What makes them stand out is they are perception lens ready, so you do not have to sacrifice style just because you wear glasses.
One drawback of these sunglasses is that they lack side protection or foam backing. Unfortunately, this leaves your eyes exposed to wind and airborne debris.
Best Value: Epoch Eyewear Foam Sunglasses
Not everyone wants dark, smoked-out lenses, and that is where these sunglasses come in. They have multiple lens options that are shatterproof polycarbonate and provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and plenty of peripheral vision. These durable frames meet ANSI Z87.1 safety standards.
What I like about these sunglasses is the cushioned foam lining, making the glasses super soft against your face. There is a photochromic lens, that darkens as needed. I also like the red lenses will make everything seem sharper, and you’ll have clearer vision when looking at objects at a distance. The low-profile design of these sunglasses makes them universally compatible with helmets.
The red color can distort some colors, making it hard to distinguish some of the objects in front of you. The temple tips on the arms can also slip around on your head.
Honorable Mention: Tifosi Vogel SL Sport Sunglasses
Tifosi sunglasses are popular all over the world, and for good reason. The shatterproof polycarbonate lenses offer 1005 protection from UVA and B while also weighing only 26 grams. At the time of writing this, a pair costs about 40 bucks, so you can’t deny the value.
The Vogel comes in six different colors with tints optimized for outdoor sports performance. The arms and nose pieces are covered in hydrophilic rubber so they won’t slide around, no matter how sweaty you get. It’s hard to beat all of this performance for the price. If I didn’t wear prescription glasses, I’d buy a pair for every day and an extra to keep in my glove box for emergencies.
Best Polarized: Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses and Accessories Bundle
These sunglasses are perfect for someone who doesn’t want to look like they are wearing another piece of motorcycle gear. They have classic wayfarer styling and eight mirrored lens designs that give you that cool guy image. They have the basic features you’d expect, including 100 percent UVA, UVB, UVC protection, and an ANSI Z87.1 safety rating.
What makes them stand out are the additional features. HDO Technology reduces glare and distortion to reduce eye fatigue and better visual accuracy. In addition, XYZ Optics gives you better peripheral vision, making it safer to see on the sides while riding.
Unfortunately, that cool styling means you sacrifice some protection. The open sides, top, and bottom leaves your eyes exposed to wind and debris. They are also expensive, which can be a problem for someone on a budget or who breaks their sunglasses.
Best for Wind: Motorcycle Padded Glasses Sunglasses Set of Two
This pair of two glasses solves an age-old problem. You’re out riding during the day in your sunglasses, then the sun sets, and your sunglasses are too dark. Wear the smoke-tinted sunglasses during the day and the clear lenses at night.
Both pairs come with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards. The glasses also have thick, vented EVA foam to seal the glasses to your face. Thanks to the padded nose pieces and shaped arms, you’ll find these glasses comfortable to wear all day. The sunglasses also have additional protection, including UV400 protection.
The downside of these glasses is the thick foam lining. It can make these glasses feel hot on your face. They also do not have an anti-fog coating so the foam seal can contribute to fogging and condensation.
Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Glasses
My top pick for the best motorcycle sunglasses is the Bobster Capone Sunglasses because they have a great style and are safety rated, prescription-ready, and anti-fog.
For a more affordable option, I suggest the Epoch Eyewear Foam Black Sunglasses because they offer you improved vision while also protecting your eyes from the sun. They are also comfortable to wear.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Technically, you can physically wear a pair of regular sunglasses while riding. However, this isn’t the smartest option. Regular sunglasses are not designed to wear with a helmet, making them uncomfortable. They also lack safety ratings, making them a safety risk should something unexpected happen while riding.
A: ANSI refers to the American National Standards Institute, which certifies different types of safety gear and, in this instance, safety glasses.
A: While polarized lenses are great for riding during the day, they can be less effective at night. The polarization adds visual clarity and contrast, but the tint makes them too dark. Wearing dark lenses at night reduces visibility, making riding more dangerous.
A: On bright days, you should wear dark-tinted glasses. When riding at dawn or dusk, yellow sunglasses are the best for eliminating glare around the headlights of oncoming cars and enhancing contrast. Anyone who rides at night should wear clear lenses that let as much light in as possible.
A: Foam padding around the edges of motorcycle glasses increases protection against airborne debris, and is particularly useful when riding in dusty or windy conditions.