It\u2019s a debate as old as time: Are expensive sunglasses really worth it?<\/strong> In one camp, there are those who believe sunglasses are bound to break or get lost, so why spend more than $20-30 on them? The counter to that reasoning posits that not only are expensive sunglasses a better product, but the very fact that they cost so much means you will take care not to break or lose them.<\/p>\nTo be sure, there are klutzes out there (no shame), and if misplacing or mishandling things is in your nature, then cheap is the way to go. But what about the rest of us? Do more expensive shades fit better? Do they look better? Or do pairs under $60 do everything a $200 pair can?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been testing three very similar styles of sunglasses that advertise everyday style and running performance. On the budget side is the $35 goodr Grand G; on the opposite end of the spectrum is the $205 Roka Barton 2.0. And smack in the middle is the $60 Tifosi Sylo. I took them on runs and wore them for full days outside to assess their comfort, clarity, style, and more.<\/p>\n
In short:<\/strong> Great news if you\u2019re on a budget \u2014 $35 gets you a very respectable, comfortable pair of sunnies. As you go up in price, however, you do start to feel and see differences \u2014\u00a0albeit some much more subtle than others. Higher prices also tend to come with more options. Most importantly, the placebo effect is real; spending good money on sunglasses can change how you feel when you\u2019re wearing them, and how you care for them when you\u2019re not.<\/p>\nShopping around? Check out our review of the best sunglasses.<\/em><\/p>\nLens options<\/p>\n
Polycarbonate<\/p>\n
Frame material<\/p>\n
Plastic with “No Slip” coating<\/p>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat value<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo Slip coating keeps frames in place<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1-year warranty includes accidental breaks<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSome back-glare inside lenses<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne size only<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHinge screw will need to be tightened with time<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tAdam Ruggiero<\/span>
\n<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\ngoodr Grand G: Amazing Value (While They Last)<\/h2>\n
If you haven\u2019t tried goodr, think of the brand as a mashup between Pit Viper\u2019s vibe and Ray-Ban\u2019s styles. And then slash the price to ribbons. Nothing costs more than $50 \u2014\u00a0goodr even has $45 snow goggles. <\/p>\n
I tested the $35 Grand G, which, despite the price, carries a lot of the same key features as sunglasses more than double the price: scratch-resistant laminate, polarized lenses, anti-reflective tint, and a grippy frame to prevent bouncing during activity.<\/p>\n
(Photo\/Adam Ruggiero)<\/p>\n
Trying them on, you probably wouldn\u2019t guess that these are a true budget option. They fit great, look sharp, and don\u2019t show off any glaring shortcuts. But there\u2019s only so much quality you can build into a $35 pair of sunglasses. <\/p>\n
The lens clarity, though good, is a step below high-end options. The tint is great, but you won\u2019t get the same contrast you can see in higher-priced options (including the Tifosi and ROKA alternatives in this review).<\/p>\n
The frames are plastic, but carry a rubberized coating, so they\u2019re plenty grippy if you\u2019re running and sweating. This coating could peel or flake over time, but I haven\u2019t seen this in the 8+ months I\u2019ve had them. Though they\u2019ve held up well so far, the hinge screw will eventually work itself out and need to be re-tightened. So far, the lenses show no signs of scratching, though I do my best to prevent damage by consistent cleaning and storage in the microfiber bag.<\/p>\n
As for warranty, goodr provides a 1-year guarantee against manufacturer defects, but does not cover damage from misuse or accidents. This makes it the most restrictive warranty of the three brands tested.<\/p>\n
Lens options<\/p>\n
Polycarbonate<\/p>\n
Frame material<\/p>\n
“Thrive” plant-based plastic<\/p>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSport-specific design<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTough scratch-resistant lenses<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVery comfortable fit<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLifetime warranty<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOnly one size<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHinge screw will need to be tightened with time<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tAdam Ruggiero<\/span>
\n<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\nTifosi Sylo: Style and Support<\/h2>\n
Though the Tifosi Sylo ($60) is about twice the price of a pair of goodr glasses, the overall lifespan and quality far outweigh that extra $30. Tifosi is probably better known for its sporty wraparound frames. But the brand has steadily broadened its frame options, and the Sylo marks a more everyday style with running-friendly features.<\/p>\n
(Photo\/Adam Ruggiero)<\/p>\n
Notably, the frames are a bio-based Thrive plastic alternative, derived from castor beans. The Thrive frames look sharp and incorporate flexibility into the arms to help prevent breakage. Rubber nose pads and textured grips on the arms help hold the frames in place during activity. The clarity is very good, as is the contrast.<\/p>\n
Overall, the construction feels a bit better than the goodr\u2019s, but it\u2019s still comparable. Tifosi also connects the arms with a hinge screw, so expect to tighten this down at some point (mine are holding fast so far). <\/p>\n
However, Tifosi offers a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer\u2019s defects. While this does not include normal wear and tear, the brand does sell replacement lenses, so if you should accidentally break one, you don\u2019t have to buy a whole new pair.<\/p>\n
Lens options<\/p>\n
Polycarbonate<\/p>\n
Frame material<\/p>\n
TR 90 nylon<\/p>\n