Best Motorcycle Sunglasses: Stop the Squint

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 that 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.

Specs

• Frame Style: Wayfarer
• Lens Color: Smoke
• Safety Rating: ANSI Z80.3 CE

Pros

• Anti-fog lenses
• 100% UV protection
• Includes a microfiber pouch
• RX ready

Cons

• No side coverage
• Might not fit helmets with small face opening

Not everyone wants dark, smoked-out lenses, and that is where these sunglasses come in. They have red shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that 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. 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.

Specs

• Frame Style: Sport
• Lens Color: Red
• Safety Rating: ANSI Z87.1

Pros

• 100 percent UVA/UVB protection
• Foam-backed
• Anti-fog coating
• Wide field of vision

Cons

• Red can distort colors
• Temple tips can slip

Sure, these are Harley sunglasses, but they don’t look like typical Harley gear. The only giveaway is a subtle skull detail on the side. You could wear these even if you don’t ride a Harley. They have a solid plastic frame and polycarbonate lens that meet ANSI Z87 safety standards. Patented facial cavity seals eliminate gaps around your eyes for complete protection. What makes these sunglasses stand out is that the seals are removable. You can lock them in place while riding and then take them off when you get to your destination.

Unfortunately, you need a big head to wear these, as they are sized for medium to large heads sizes. These will be too big to be comfortable if your head is on the smaller side. The large solid frame can also block your peripheral view.

Specs

• Frame Style: Wrap-around rectangle
• Lens Color: Smoke gray
• Safety Rating: ANSI Z87

Pros

• Removable foam seals
• Classic skull emblem
• Silver flash coating
• Patented facial cavity seals

Cons

• Fits medium to large heads
• Solid frame blocking peripheral view

The Chap'el Performance Padded Sunglasses are designed to have a snug and secure fit. Their low-profile should ensure that they fit neatly under your helmet. They also stand out for their wind-reducing design, allowing air to flow over and around without pulling on them, reducing stress points. There's also a foam backing that cushions the sunglasses against your face and seals up any holes where wind or dirt could get in. The unique design of the wrap-around polycarbonate lens reduces distortion while increasing peripheral vision. In addition, the red RV lens makes it easier to see while protecting your eyes.

One frustrating aspect of these sunglasses is that while the red lens is supposed to improve clarity, it also can create color distortion. In addition, the frame styling on the arms can also create some issues when fitting them.

Specs

• Frame Style: Sport
• Lens Color: Red RV lens
• Safety Rating: ANSI Z87.1

Pros

• Wind reducing design
• 100 percent UV protection
• No distortion
• Foam-backed

Cons

• Bulky arms can feel uncomfortable in your helmet
• Red lens can cause color distortion

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 often.

Specs

• Frame Style: Classic
• Lens Color: Eight color options
• Safety Rating: ANSI Z87.1

Pros

• HDO Technology
• XYZ Optics
• Three-point fit
• 100 percent protection against UVA, UVB, UVC rays, and blue light

Cons

• Open sides
• Expensive

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. Both pairs 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.

Specs

• Frame Style: Biker goggle
• Lens Color: Smoke and clear
• Safety Rating: ANSI Z87.1+

Pros

• UV400 filter
• Thick, vented EVA foam padding
• Nose pads
• Dual injected rubber temple tips

Cons

• No anti-fog coating
• Can feel hot

As we get older, getting a little help can make life easier. These sunglasses give you that little boost. They have large brown tinted lenses to provide plenty of protection from the sun and a large field of vision. The bifocal feature is tucked neatly away towards the bottom of the polycarbonate lenses. This portion of the lens has a +3.00 strength to make seeing up close easier. What's nice about this unique feature is that it makes seeing your gauges easier without moving your whole head or taking your eyes off the road for too long. It is also not too big, so it won't obstruct your view while looking up and out at the road.

One thing I find disappointing about the lenses is the styling. The arms are large and flat. While you could argue that this creates protection on the sides, it also makes them bulkier to fit under your helmet or straps.

Specs

• Frame Style: Rectangle
• Lens Color: Brown
• Safety Rating: ANSI Certified

Pros

• Bifocal lenses
• Lens Strength: +3.00
• UV400 protection
• Includes a hard case

Cons

• Bulky arms
• No foam