The following review features sunglasses from Nathan and a quick nod to Tifosi. Written by trail runner Sarah Barber, product was provided at no cost for the test and review.
Summer is wrapping up in a few weeks, but sunglasses are seasonless. Despite being a year-round accessory, they’re not usually top of mind in September… which means now is a great time to score a bargain. No one is thinking about buying sunglasses as a back-to-school essential, so companies drop prices hoping to boost sales.
Sunglasses: Year round accessory
What consumers must realize is that sunglasses are just as important now as they are in June and July. For one thing, they protect our eyes from the ultraviolet rays that can cause long-term damage like macular degeneration and cataracts. And speaking of long-term damage, the sun itself is hard enough on the fine skin around my eyelids—squinting into bright sunlight only hastens the inevitable formation of wrinkles. I’m not ready for Botox, so this is another vote for sunglasses.
Finally, beyond health and comfort, there’s the aesthetic angle: who doesn’t love a little facial ornamentation? At the very least, sunglasses add an element of incognito to, say, a bad hair day or an unfortunately situated zit.
Even when skies are overcast, I always wear shades when I run. If I’m racing or simply training hard, my suffering hides behind the lens, giving away nothing about my emotional state. Meanwhile, I can check out the competition without them catching my gaze.
Nathan Sunrise Polarized Running Sunglasses
Outdoor gear company Nathan Sports started making sunglasses this year. Although they’re much better known for their portable hydration solutions, Nathan churned out two different styles of tinted specs, both of which are now on sale ($24) for less than half their original price. I had the opportunity to sample the Sunrise Polarized Sunglasses, and their many attributes were easy to, ahem, see.
The tortoise-shell TR-90 frames are built for strength and with just enough flexibility that they bend, rather than break, under strain. A rubberized patch at the temple prevents the slip-and-bounce you might otherwise expect while running down rugged trails. The polycarbonate lenses provide 100% UV protection, and they’re billed as “prescription ready,” meaning that the owner could theoretically have the sunglasses personalized to meet their magnification needs simply by taking them to an optometrist for a lens swap.
The best feature, though, is that the Sunrise Polarized Running Sunglasses don’t look like they’re meant for the track. Instead, they’re cool and casual enough to ramble downtown immediately post-ramble downhill on trails. Don’t get me wrong—when I’ve got my game face on for split-timed laps at the oval office, I prefer a sportier wrap-around sunglass like the Vogel SL by Tifosi. But since about 90% of my running is done on dirt, you’ll see me in Nathan’s Sunrise Polarized Running Sunglasses nine times out of ten—no matter where I am or what I’m doing!
Editor’s Note: To read more articles and review from Sarah Barber, click here.
