When hitting the trails, clear vision is crucial for an enjoyable and safe ride. The best mountain bike sunglasses protect against dirt, debris, and harsh UV rays, while also enhancing your view of the trail ahead. To find the best of the best, our Sports Opticians put mountain biking sunglasses to the test. In addition to their ABO-certified optical expertise, our team also consists of fellow MTBers who have high expectations from their biking eyewear. Join SportRx as we reveal which five frames made the cut for the best mountain bike sunglasses of 2022!
Table of Contents
A. What to Look for in Mountain Bike Sunglasses
B. Best Mountain Bike Sunglasses of 2022
1. Oakley Plazma
2. 100% Blake
3. SportRx Huckson
4. Julbo Shield
5. Oakley Sutro
C. MTB Sunglasses FAQs
D. Shop Prescription MTB Glasses Online at SportRx
What To Look For in Mountain Bike Sunglasses
Before we get into our frame lineup, let's quickly review which features to consider in mountain biking sunglasses. If you'd like a more thorough explanation, our Mountain Bike Sunglasses Buyer's Guide has all the details.
Frame Technology
For the frame, a comfortable fit is key. Lightweight, impact-resistant materials will help provide a seamless fit with your helmet, while protecting you in case of a crash. Our Sports Opticians recommend nylon-based materials, like TR-90 or Oakley's O Matter™. You'll also want your MTB glasses to feature strategically placed rubber grip. Not only does this enhance your comfort, but rubber grip also keeps your frames securely in place during switchbacks, jumps, and drops.
Lens Technology
As for the lenses, contrast-enhancement is the #1 feature to look for in your MTB sunglasses. Think coppers, roses, and ambers. Any brown or rose-based lens will enhance contrast and make details pop, so you can choose your line with greater visibility and ease. To get specific lens recommendations, check out our Mountain Biking Lens Color Guide.
Best Mountain Bike Sunglasses of 2022
Let's drop into our lineup!
Oakley Plazma
The Oakley Plazma is a high-performance sunglass with the best of Oakley frame and lens tech. From the durable and lightweight O Matter™ frame to the contrast-enhancing PRIZM™ lenses, the Plazma has got it all for a gnarly ride. Its 8-base wrap around coverage keeps debris and blinding sun rays out of your peripherals, while the generous square lenses provide extra frontal protection. The Oakley Plazma also uses proprietary Unobtainium® rubber on the nose pads and temples to keep your frames exactly where you want them. As you break a sweat, Unobtainium® gets tackier, so you don't have to worry about slipping frames breaking your focus.
Oakley Plazma in Black Ink with PRIZM™ Trail Torch Lenses
Shop Oakley Plazma
Oakley Plazma Key Features:
- 8-base wrap provides maximum coverage
- O Matter™ frame & Plutonite lenses are both impact-resistant
- Unobtainium® rubber grip gets tackier the more you sweat
- Available with Rx-able PRIZM™ lens technology
- SportRx Frame Width: 132 (What is SFW?)
100% Blake
Our next frame was designed in California and is ready to shred. The 100% Blake gives off a lifestyle look but is packed with performance tech to keep up with your most intense rides. Featuring durable, impact-resistant materials, like the TR-90 frame and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, you can take on any trail with confidence. Ultra-grip TPE nose pads and temple tips keep the Blake securely in place and keep you comfortable when grabbing a beer after the ride. Finally, if you need prescription, the 100% Blake's 6-base wrap makes it extremely Rx-friendly. Throw in a single vision or progressive lens and see the trail like never before.
100% Blake in Soft Tact Fade Black / Havana with Black Mirror Lenses
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100% Blake Key Features:
- 6-base lens curvature holds a range of prescriptions with ease
- Shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses provide clear optics & a safe ride
- Ultra-grip TPE rubber keeps your MTB sunglasses in place
- Available with Rx-able SportRx Sport Optimized Lenses
- SFW: 135
SportRx Huckson
We're stoked about our next frame, which is one of our very own! Introducing the SportRx Huckson. A culmination of our years in the optical industry and inspiration from athletes like you. The SportRx Huckson is an eco-friendly athleisure frame that performs in the moments you need it most. Made from plant-based resin, these MTB sunglasses deliver ultra-lightweight wear with a slim temple design to fit perfectly under your favorite helmet. Rubber grip on the nose pads and temple tips keep the Huckson locked in place, and the 6-base lens curvature takes on your trickiest Rx needs with ease.
SportRx Huckson in Matte Grey with Grey Prescription Lenses
Shop SportRx Huckson
SportRx Huckson Key Features:
- 6-base lens curvature holds a range of prescriptions with ease
- Square lenses deliver a lifestyle look & 100% UV protection
- Rubber grip nose pads & temple tips for frame security
- Rx Only - Available with SportRx Sport Optimized Lenses
- SFW: 136
Julbo Shield
If you need a frame that doesn't mess around while you're performing at peak levels, look no further than the Julbo Shield. These 6-base sunglasses use removable side shields to deliver extra peripheral protection. Made from spandex, this lightweight fabric is heat, cold, and water-resistant. The frame design also incorporates a ventilation system to prevent fogging and support air flow. Your lenses will stay crystal-clear and you can choose from Julbo's solid Spectron lenses or REACTIV transition lens technology. Our Sports Opticians are big fans of REACTIV lenses because they have some of the fastest reaction times (only 20 seconds to go from light to their darkest state!). This unique photochromic technology is built into the lenses, so you can never scratch or wear it off.
As for staying power, the Julbo Shield uses a shock-absorbing nose grip and grip tech on the temples. The Shield also features temple tip slots and comes with a leash cord for maximum frame security.
Julbo Shield in Black / Orange with REACTIV High Mountain 2–4 Lenses
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Julbo Shield Key Features:
- 6-base lens curvature gives lifestyle look with Rx-friendly capabilities
- Ventilation system encourages air flow & prevents fogging
- Removable fabric side shields provide extra peripheral protection
- Rx-able with SportRx Sport Optimized Lenses
- Available in smaller size as Julbo Shield M
- SFW: 136
Oakley Sutro
While our previous frame was named Shield, the final frame in our lineup of the best mountain bike sunglasses is a shield. The Oakley Sutro gives an expansive field of vision with its 8-base wrap design. The Plutonite shield is impact-resistant to stand-up against low-hanging branches, occasional tumbles, and the dreaded OTB. It's also replaceable directly with Oakley, so you can keep wearing your favorite Sutro sunglasses even if your shield lens doesn't make it through a wipeout. Similar to the Plazma, the Sutro also uses an O Matter™ frame construction and Unobtainium® rubber grip to keep you comfortable during the ride. Plus, just look at it. Even if you're not setting new records, you'll feel like the King of the Mountain when wearing these ridiculously cool MTB sunglasses.
Oakley Sutro in Matte Black with PRIZM™ Road Lenses
Shop Oakley Sutro
Oakley Sutro Key Features:
- Full shield design with 8-base wrap
- Lens replacements can be purchased directly through Oakley
- PRIZM™ lens technology enhances contrast & has MTB-specific options
- Not Rx-able
- SFW: 139
MTB Sunglasses FAQs
You've seen our top picks for the best MTB sunglasses, but if you've still got questions, we've come prepared. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about our sunglasses for mountain biking — and opticians' answers!
Are polarized sunglasses good for mountain biking?
Sports Opticians do not recommend polarized sunglasses for mountain biking. Polarized lenses are notorious for affecting depth perception, of which accuracy is crucial for mountain biking. MTB trails are also typically less inclined to glare due to their natural state of the earth, dirt, rocks, etc. You won't be up against the same kind of blinding glare that human-made materials create like asphalt or concrete.
Which is better: MTB goggles or glasses?
There are several factors that come into play when answering the MTB glasses vs. goggles debate. To pick the best style for you, you'll want to consider helmet compatibility, the terrain, and climate. Personal preference is also a significant deciding factor. If you're undecided of which to get, our guide on MTB Sunglasses vs. MTB Goggles should point you in the right direction.
How can I stop my mountain bike glasses from fogging up?
The best way to guarantee a fog-free visual experience is to opt for MTB sunglasses with an anti-fog coating and/or ventilation system. If you're looking at sunglasses for mountain biking specifically, many styles will come with an anti-fog coating. If you're comparing to standard non-MTB styles, you'll want to check for this feature. Ventilation systems are also a great way of keeping fog to a minimum. Ventilated frame designs encourage air flow and wick away moisture from the lens, so your vision remains clear even when you break a sweat.
I wear prescription. Do you have a list of the best prescription mountain biking sunglasses?
We sure do! Check out our lineup of the Best Prescription MTB Sunglasses to discover five frames that are ideal for Rx-wearing MTBers. All the frames in our above list, excluding the Oakley Sutro, are also prescription-ready.
Shop Prescription MTB Glasses Online at SportRx
We hope today's lineup of the best mountain bike sunglasses gives you five reliable and performance-ready options for your next ride. If you need prescription mountain biking sunglasses, we've got you covered there too. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly Sports Opticians who can help you build your prescription mountain biking sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. If you're not totally stoked on your MTB sunglasses, let us know. We'll give you a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. Including prescription. And return shipping? It's on us. Get the best mountain bike sunglasses online at SportRx!
