Many fitness enthusiasts don’t count sunglasses as a necessary running accessory, arguing that buying quality footwear or clothes is much more important. However, if you’re the type of runner who likes to jog outdoors, wearing a pair of quality shades can benefit your health and safety more than you think.

First of all, quality sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays when running outdoors. Proper shades will also make it easier to see your course clearly, even when the sun shines brightly. Moreover, a pair of sunglasses will guard your eyes against elements such as intense wind or rain.

Finally, well-chosen sunglasses are a fashion accessory that can make you look cool and stylish when taking your morning jog.

Read the article below and understand the reasons to wear sunglasses while running outdoors.

Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

While you’re jogging outdoors, your eyes are more exposed to harmful UV rays than when you’re running on a treadmill or exercising at your local gym. In fact, constant exposure to the Sun’s UV rays can cause eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration in the long run.

While special creams, lotions, and cosmetics can protect your skin from the dangers of UV rays, the only way to keep your eyes safe is to wear a pair of sunglasses. However, not all sunglasses will do the trick. In order to ensure your eyes’ safety, you need to purchase a pair of quality shades with at least 99% UV protection.

The best course of action is to look for specialized sunglasses for runners. Besides providing anti-UV protection, they are also designed with intense exercise in mind, meaning they are unlikely to come off your face while you’re running, even if you are sweating profusely.

Sunglasses Will Make It Easier to See Your Course Clearly

The sun is not your friend when you’re trying to see what’s ahead of you on a running course. If the sun is shining bright, it will be hard for you to see obstacles and bumps on your path. As such, you will be more likely to trip and fall while jogging outdoors.

Unfortunately, even a single misstep can lead to serious injuries and jeopardize your training schedule for weeks. Sunglasses with proper anti-glare protection will reduce the light intensity in your eyes and make it easier for you to be fully aware of your surroundings.

If you prefer running in crowded areas, wearing a pair of shades will also help you see any cars coming your way. Without sunglasses, you risk getting blinded by the sun rays reflected off the incoming vehicles or even by the headlights of a car in front of you.

To further protect yourself from cars, consider getting sunglasses with mirrored lenses. These will help you see any vehicles approaching from behind without having to turn your head.

Check out our article on how to run a faster marathon.

Sunglasses Guard Your Eyes Against Elements

If you’re the type of runner who likes to jog outdoors regardless of the weather conditions, you must put your safety above everything else. Apart from protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, sunglasses will also guard them against intense snow, wind, or rain.

While you can’t do anything about the weather conditions, a pair of proper shades will prevent such elements from entering your eyes and limiting your vision.

Good sunglasses will also protect your eyes from any foreign objects that might be kicked up by the intense wind. Even a short gust of wind can cause a grain of sand or a small pebble to hit your eyes and cause serious damage. If you don’t want to take any chances, always wear your shades when running during particularly nasty weather.

For maximum safety, you should opt for shades with protective shields. The main aim of these ‘shields’ is to block any unwanted debris from flying right into your eyes from the side. Unfortunately, such sunglasses might somewhat limit your vision, so it’s best to try them on before making a purchase.

Sunglasses Are a Fashion Accessory

If you’re not convinced about the safety benefits of sunglasses for runners, maybe you’ll be more persuaded by their stylish looks. If you choose your shades wisely, they will nicely compliment your clothes when taking your morning jog.

By putting on a pair of trendy shades, you can take your fitness outfit to a whole new level. For example, you might put together a killer look by matching your sunglasses with your sneakers or running leggings.

When buying new shades to complete your fitness outfit, choose the right model for your face shape. There are countless sunglasses models on the market, so you should have no issues finding a suitable pair. However, don’t neglect the quality of the shades in favor of trendy design – consider them equally as important.

Conclusion

If you’re a fitness enthusiast and enjoy running outdoors, wearing quality sunglasses is an absolute must. A proper pair of shades will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and possibly make you less prone to certain eye conditions in the future.

Moreover, quality sunglasses will make it easier for you to see your course clearly and guard your eyes against intense wind or rain. Finally, sunglasses are a fashion accessory that can add style to your fitness outfit and make you look greater than ever when running.

Don’t hesitate to add a new pair of shades to your fitness wardrobe. Just make sure to look for quality sunglasses designed specifically for runners. They will offer greater eye protection without sacrificing any comfort or style! Good luck with your exercise efforts!

Check out our run club West Springfield Running Club