Every outdoor athlete needs to protect their eyes. And if you’re a runner you know the challenges of finding sunglasses that provides enough coverage, clarity, and comfort. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly what makes the best Oakley running sunglasses, plus what to look for when you buy!
Table of Contents
What to Look for in Oakley Running Sunglasses?
When you’re buying Oakley running sunglasses you’ll want to make sure you have the best frame material and lenses built for running. Keep reading as we highlight our top picks for your Oakleys.
O Matter Frame Material
O Matter is Oakley’s proprietary plastic that is infused with nylon. The material is lightweight, strong, and durable. It’s also flexible and highly impact resistant.
O Matter is the ideal frame material for sports sunglasses. It’s comfortable, super lightweight, and resists sweat and oils.
You can learn more in our full Oakley O Matter Guide.
Prizm Lenses
Oakley changed the world of sunglasses when it introduced Prizm lens technology. Prizm lenses filter light to enhance color, contrast, and detail while reducing glare. And they’re specifically made for a variety of conditions, including sport-specific and everyday lenses.
The best Oakley lens for running is Prizm Road – which is specifically built for running and cycling on open road conditions.
Keep reading for everything to know about this lens.
Prizm Road – The Best Lens for Runners
Prizm Road lenses are definitely the best lens for running. These lenses offer 4 main benefits highlighted below:
Prizm Road Benefits
- Increased contrast and details help spot changes in road conditions
- Several lens color choices allow you to individualize your lens
- Brightened road markers and road signs
- Vivid colors for a great running experience
Currently, Prizm Road lenses come in three colors: black, jade, and original Prizm Road. All three lenses have a rose base and differ only in color and the amount of light transmission.
If you’re looking for the darkest lens, Prizm Road Black wins with an 11% light transmission. It’s followed by Prizm Road Jade with 15% light transmission. And finally Prizm Road original with 20% light transmission which works very well for medium light, including overcast days and variable light.
For more information plus a complete comparison of every Prizm Road lens, check out our full Prizm Road Review.
Are Prescription Running Lenses Available?
Yes, Oakley offers a variety of prescription running lenses including Prizm Road options.
To order prescription Oakleys you’ll first need a valid prescription. From there you can order through your local eye doctor or directly from Oakley’s website.
The widest variety of frames is typically from Oakley’s website but it’s always worth looking around to compare prices. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for sales since Oakley discounts prescription glasses and lenses from time to time.
Read more about the ordering process and everything to know in our complete Oakley Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses guide.
Top 6 Oakley Running Sunglasses
Now that we’ve covered exactly what to look for when buying running sunglasses, it’s time to focus on the best frames.
We’ve highlighted the top 6 Oakley running sunglasses, all of which are made of O Matter material and feature Prizm lenses.
6. Sutro Lite
The Sutro Lite (Direct Link) is the sportier cousin of the popular Sutro. Its super lightweight O Matter half-frame holds a big, deep oversized single shield lens. Like most Oakley single shield designs, the Sutro Lite is not available in prescription.
Read more in our full Oakley Sutro Lite guide.
Sutro Lite Highlights
- Unobtainium nose pads and at the temple increase grip when wet to reduce slipping.
- Half frame allows for improved downward field of vision and excellent ventilation
- Available with Prizm Road and Prizm Road Jade shield
5. EVZero Ascend
The EVZero Ascend (Direct Link) is a frameless, single shield member of the Oakley Women’s Collection. O Matter stems attach directly to the sides of the lens, giving the sunglasses a sleek, modern look.
Unlike Oakley’s other frameless designs, the EVZero Ascend is not oversized, but with a nice wrap still offers excellent coverage and protection.
See more top picks on our list of the Most Popular Oakley Women’s Sunglasses.
EVZero Ascend Highlights
- Super lightweight rimless design
- Unobtainium at the temples and on the nose pad for increased grip when sweaty or wet
- Available in Prizm Road original but not Jade or Black
4. Flak 2.0 XL
The Flak 2.0 XL (Direct Link) is a fairly standard-sized frame with XL-sized lenses. The lightweight O Matter half-frame holds a deep square lens with a nice big wrap. The Flak 2.0 XL is available with prescription lenses.
Read more in our complete Flak 2.0 Review.
Flak 2.0 XL Highlights
- Excellent coverage and protection, including 100% UV protection
- Available in Prizm Road, Prizm Road Black, and Prizm Road Jade
- Unobtainium nosepads and earsocks provide extra grip to reduce slipping
3. Radar EV Path
The Radar EV Path (Direct Link) has an O Matter half frame with a nice wrap and a single shield lens. Increased lens depth and peripheral coverage make it very athlete-friendly. A rarity among single shield styles, it is available with a prescription.
Read more in our full Radar EV Path review.
Radar EV Path Highlights
- Unobtainium socks and nose pads for increased comfort and grip when wet
- Available in Prizm Road, Prizm Road Black, and Prizm Road Jade
- Increased upper peripheral coverage
2. Plazma
Inspired by the classic Oakley Racing Jacket, the Plazma (Direct Link) has a bold, super lightweight O Matter frame. Its curves, angles, and planes give it a very Oakley look while providing optimized sport performance features. Plus the Plazma is available with prescription lenses.
See more in our full Oakley Plazma review.
Plazma Highlights
- Excellent coverage and protection with a wide field of view
- Unobtainium earsocks and nose pads for extra grip and increased comfort
- Available with Prizm Road original lenses (not Jade or Black)
1. Kato
The Oakley Kato (Direct Link) is filled to the brim with amazing Oakley technology. The single shield frameless lens fits close to the face with an extended wrap. And the lens is more rigid in some areas to give it the benefits of a frame without the frame itself.
The Kato is a relatively new style with a cool Oakley disruptive design. Because of the single shield lens design, it’s not yet available with prescription lenses but they are available with a Prizm Road lens.
Read more in our complete Oakley Kato Review.
Kato Highlights
- Excellent coverage, wide view range, and impact protection
- Unobtainium nose pads and earsocks for a customized fit and a no-slip grip
- Adjustable rake that allows you to adjust the lens tilt for a highly custom fit
Where to Buy Oakley Running Sunglasses?
You can buy direct from Oakley online or visit an authorized retailer. If you’re new to Oakleys or Prizm lenses, it’s a good idea to head to a brick-and-mortar store to try some on before buying.
But you may still want to shop around online. You can often find new Oakleys for up to 30% off retail through aftermarket sites like our Oakley Forum Exchange Areas. For more information check out our guide to Never Pay Retail for Oakleys Again.
Looking for more?
Want more information on Oakley running sunglasses? Or have a question about your Oakleys? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the thread below!
Plus check out our other useful guides below:
