Oakley EVZero, Julbo Aero, and Goodr Sunglasses Review
Some of my favorite sunglasses available today
Sunglasses – an important part of every runner’s kit I would argue. Much like finding the perfect pair of trail running shoes I’ve found it just as difficult to find the perfect pair of running sunglasses. While I’ve not found the perfect pair just yet I think the Oakley EVZero, Julbo Aero, and Goodr OG or BFG are all really good sunglasses and worth considering.
What makes these particular sunglasses really good? What would I change to make them even better? Read on to find out!
Oakley EVZero
The Oakley EVZeros are the best performance sunglasses I’ve used thus far
Pros:
- Fit. I’ve long struggled with finding sunglasses that don’t bounce off of my head after a couple of miles on the trail. I don’t know if it’s the shape of my nose bridge, the sweat / oil on my nose, or simply the way I run but most sunglasses will slide down repeatedly on me, particularly on downhill sections. Eventually I would get so tired of adjusting them I would simply tuck them into my Buff on the top of my head and stop using them. Not so with the EVZeros. I think the main reason they fit so well is because the nose pads are the widest and grippiest rubber I have tried before along with the glasses being overall impressively light (just 22-23g depending on which lens size you opt for).
The Oakley EVZero nose pads really grip well and keep bouncing on downhills to an absolute minimum
- Clarity and contrast. Put these things on and you feel like the high-definition world all around us is even more high-def! The Prizm lenses are fantastic and do a great job of increasing contrast so that every little bump on the trail is easy to see.
- Coverage. The Range lenses I opted for are HUGE. I see this mostly as a positive. As someone with a head and face about 1.5x the size of what I believe to be is normal I really appreciate the coverage of the lenses in all types of conditions. Whether running, skinning, or cycling (even in the drops) the sun doesn’t sneak in around these lenses.
The Oakley EVZero Range is certainly full coverage
- Options galore. With multiple lenses available (HDO, Prizm Road, Prizm Trail, Photochromic, Polarized, etc.) plus multiple lens shapes available (Range, Path, Stride, Pitch) plus fits (Asian Fit) there is sure to be a pair available that fits you the best.
- Venting. These sit just far enough away from your face that I didn’t notice any fogging up issues. Unless in extreme conditions when any glasses will fog up.
Suggested Improvements:
- Not looking like an alien. To be fair I purchased the Range shape knowing it was the largest. And as mentioned the coverage is sweet. But they still look a little ridiculous if I am honest. I think the sweet spot is likely the Path or the Stride shape for most folks.
- Replaceable lenses. This is a big one – the lenses are not replaceable. Scratch them significantly or break them and you are SOL. I tend to baby my sunglasses and luckily haven’t dropped them in a way that scratched the lenses but this is important to note if you are tough on sunglasses.
- Cost. I know you can spend a lot more than $173 (Prizm lens options) or $193 (photochromic or custom options) on sunglasses but why do they have to be so expensive?
Julbo Aero
The Julbo Aero is available in both a photochromic lens (Zebra Light, left) and non-photochromic lens (Spectron, right)
Pros:
- Versatility. The Photochromic lens does work well in changing light conditions. Like all photochromic lenses there is a slight lag in how quickly these lenses darken and lighten but overall I have really appreciated the versatility. Julbo advertises these photochromic lenses, which they call Zebra Light, allow in anywhere from 13-17% up to 72-75% of the visible light. While I would challenge the low end claim of those numbers in real-world testing (note: I think the standard ‘Spectron’ lens is better in very bright conditions) I really like these lenses on overcast days, at dawn, dusk, etc.
- Adjustability. The nose pads are fully adjustable in all directions which should allow most folks to find a fit that works for them.
The nose pads on the Julbo Aero are like a firm silly putty – they bend and flex in all directions
- Venting. These sit just far enough away from your face that I didn’t notice any fogging up issues. Unless in extreme conditions when any glasses will fog up.
Suggested Improvements:
- Additional coverage for larger faces. The upper frame is somewhat visible and limits my field of vision in certain situations on my larger face. This is few and far between but I do notice it occasionally. Note: Julbo recently launched the Aerospeed which is a frameless lens with a larger coverage area which may be even better for larger faces.
- Replaceable lenses. Just like the Oakley’s I’d suggest babying them because if you scratch them you are SOL here too.
- Cost. I know you can spend a lot more than $129.95 (Spectron) or $189.95 (Zebra Light) on sunglasses but why do they have to be so expensive?
Goodr
Goodr makes a nice and affordable everyday pair of sunglasses
The Goodr BFGs have improved, gradient lenses and should fit larger faces better compared to the OGs
Pros:
- Stylish. Both the OG Goodr’s (for smaller faces) and the BFG Goodr’s (for medium to larger faces) can serve double-duty as a pair of running sunglasses or everyday glasses as well.
- Polarized at this price point. For $25 (OGs) or $35 (BFGs) it’s rare to find polarized lenses as these price points.
- Value. Yeah, back to the $25 or $35 point. These are solid running sunglasses and a great value.
- Solid fit. You wouldn’t think it by looking at them but the frames hold well and keep bounce to a minimum in most cases.
The Goodr OG fits well and stays put for the most part
Improved nose pads on the Goodr BFGs contribute to increased comfort as well
Suggested Improvements:
- More scratch resistant lenses on the OGs. These are not the most scratch resistant lenses I’ve ever seen but for $25 I suppose that is sort of to be expected.
- Some venting. The fit/style is a double-edged sword on these sunglasses when it comes to venting. Because you don’t have obtrusive nose pads the lenses sit really close to your face. As a result these can fog up a bit faster than more sport-specific frames. Perhaps some additional venting could be built in around the edge of the lens / frame?
Purchasing Information
If you’re interested in purchasing any of these sunglasses, please first check availability at your local, independently owned running specialty store. They need your business and are a great resource for the community.
If that’s not an option, please consider using these affiliate links from Amazon:
The return policy is great, and it’ll drop a few nickels into URP bucket if you decide to keep it. Thank You!
Meet Your Reviewer: Ben Zuehlsdorf
I am an avid running gear junkie. When I’m not smelling new shoes I’m usually running or racing around the local trails in Marin County, California or talking shop with the San Francisco Running Company community of friends. I was once a road marathoner but now have transitioned almost exclusively to the trails and racing ultras the last few years.
Disclaimer: Some of these sunglasses were provided to URP/me for review purposes. Compensation was neither offered nor requested and all words and thoughts are 100% my own.