Looking for the best cycling sunglasses to protect your eyes while riding? Check out our list of the top five women’s cycling sunglasses for 2022, ranked from best to worst. These glasses offer protection from UV rays, bugs, dust, and road spray while reducing eye strain and glare. So whether you’re a morning or evening cyclist, these sunglasses are perfect for your next ride!
Plus, keep reading for our complete women’s cycling sunglasses buyer’s guide, including what you should look for in frames, lenses, and lens colors before you buy! And see more top picks in our guide to the best cycling sunglasses of this year.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in Women’s Cycling Sunglasses?
Frame
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of sunglasses for your cycling needs, there are a few things you should keep in mind – especially if you’re looking specifically for women’s sunglasses.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the frames fit well and stay in place – no one wants to deal with constantly readjusting their sunglasses while out on a ride. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the type of lens you need. If you’re mostly road cycling, for example, you’ll want a lens that offers good coverage and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
And finally, don’t forget about style! Whether you’re looking for something sporty or chic, there are plenty of great options out there for women’s cycling sunglasses.
We recommend strong, durable plastics like T90 nylon, injected polymer, or proprietary materials like Oakley’s O Matter. They’re super lightweight and tough enough to last. Unisex styles may have a medium or large fit that won’t work well if you have a smaller face. Always check the frame size when shopping.
Lenses
When it comes to choosing the right lenses for your women’s cycling sunglasses, we recommend looking for something lightweight and impact-resistant, like polycarbonate. It’s also important to have good coverage with UVA and UVB protection without sacrificing clarity or visual distortion.
But that’s just the beginning! You can get so much more out of your cycling glasses by choosing the right lens color for different conditions. This enhances contrast and allows you to see more details on the road or trail. Performance lens technology takes advantage of color differences to make your ride more enjoyable, with vibrant colors and less eye strain.
The Best Lens Colors for Cycling
- Red or Amber – Best for the bright light of sunny days; increases blue and green contrast and blocks blue light to reduce eye strain
- Rose or Yellow – Best for low light conditions (overcast, dawn, dusk, fog) or indoor riding, allowing more light through while still enhancing contrast
- Clear – Ideal for night rides, protecting against wind and road debris
For more, check out our guide to the Best Lens Color for Cycling Sunglasses [Road, Trail & Indoor]!
The 9 Best Women’s Cycling Sunglasses of 2022
1. Oakley Encoder
Our top choice for women’s cycling sunglasses is the Oakley Encoder (Product Link). Like most of our choices, the Encoder is a single shield style. It is a frameless design with an extended wrap for extra debris and sun protection.
Oakley designed the Encoder for multi-sport use. Though frameless, it has carefully placed lens rigidity that mimics a frame and increases durability.
On the Oakley site, the Encoder is available in a few frame colors and eight different Prizm lenses. Choose Prizm Road or Trail Torch for cycling. This is a wide, unisex style, so we’d recommend trying Oakley’s virtual try-on option before ordering.
Encoder Highlights
- Low profile O Matter temple arms designed to be hat and helmet compatible
- Available in Low Bridge Fit with adjusted nose piece, lens shape, and frame angles
- Unobtainium temple tips and nose pads increase grip and decrease slipping when you sweat
2. Tifosi Rail White / Black Interchange
We head into our top two women’s biking sunglasses with the Tifosi Rail Black/White Interchange (Product Link). This oversized, frameless style is bold and angular with lightweight Grilamid TR-90 nylon temple arms and nose piece.
Tifosi combines excellent coverage and protection with venting. Even if you never have fogging issues, the increased airflow of adequate vents offers a more comfortable ride. The Tifosi Rail is one of the more affordable cycling sunglasses options, at less than $100. The shatterproof polycarbonate single shield lens is interchangeable. Each pair comes with three lenses in different colors. Cool bonus!
The Black/White Interchange comes with black, red, and clear lenses. Other colorways switch out the dark tint black lens for other dark colors while keeping the medium tint red and low light clear. The Tifosi Rail is an oversized style with a large to extra-large fit. Check out Tifosi’s virtual try-on option if you can’t find a pair at a brick-and-mortar outlet.
Tifosi Rail Highlights
- Adjustable temple tip and nose pads of hydrophilic rubber for increased grip when you sweat
- Available with Tifosi’s Clarion Red Fototec Photochromic lens
- Multiple colorways available for both frame components and lenses
3. Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses
The Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses (Product Link) are some of the best women’s cycling sunglasses thanks to the latest in sports innovation. Firstly, the lenses are taller than most, which allows for an extended range of view. Secondly, the frame is made from lightweight materials, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Additionally, the nosepads and ear socks are made from Oakley’s proprietary Unobtainium material, which makes them more comfortable and durable. Finally, the lenses are treated HDO and feature Prizm lens technology that enhances color and contrast. These enhancements make the Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses perfect for cycling in all conditions.
Oakley Radar EV Path Highlights
- Features a taller lens which allows for an extended range of view
- Made from lightweight O Matter material, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time
- Unobtainium nosepads and ear socks provide additional comfort and grip even for smaller faces
4. Rudy Project Rydon Slim
Coming in at number four are Rudy Project Rydon Slim sunglasses (Product Link). This is a super stylish half-frame, two-lens style that comes in a multitude of frame and lens colors. It’s a smaller design with an angular lens shape that still provides a nice big wrap for good protection and coverage.
The Rydon Slim is one of the most customizable lightweight frames around. You can mix and match frame colors and lens colors, add a prescription, or choose photochromic lenses.
This is not a style optimized for cycling, so choose a good lens color. Try Multilaser Gold or Red for sunny, bright conditions. Or choose ImpactX Photochromic 2 Laser Red or Brown lenses for low light variable conditions.
Rydon Slim Highlights
- Adjustable nose pad and temples for custom fit and increased comfort
- Interchangeable lenses in 16 colors
- Several types of prescription lenses available
5. Smith Optics PivLock Arena Max Sunglasses
The Smith Optics PivLock Arena Max sunglasses (Product Link) take the fifth spot on our list thanks to a rimless design that works great for cycling. These glasses offer a comfortable, lightweight design with a great fit. They’re also equipped with 100% protection from harmful UV rays and have an anti-fog coating to prevent fogging while riding.
Additionally, the lenses are treated with an anti-scratch coating to keep them looking new. Finally, the PivLock Arena Max Sunglasses have a generous field of view and offer excellent coverage from the sun, making them perfect for cycling.
Smith Optics PivLock Arena Max Highlights
- 100% protection from harmful UV rays
- Anti-fog coating to prevent fogging while riding
- Lenses are treated with an anti-scratch coating to keep them looking new
- Generous field of view and offer excellent coverage from the sun
6. Nike Windshield Pro Tint
Nike’s Windshield Elite with Pro Tint Lenses (Product Link) says it all in the name. This single style is a lot like a windshield for your eyes. It has a big, bold wraparound style and a semi-rimless frame with a straight upper edge.
This is a very modern style with excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The angular lens is deep, with Nike’s Max optics providing excellent clarity and precision even at the sides of that big wrap.
Nike offers the Windshield Elite with either Field Tint or Road Tint lenses. We prefer the road tint for toning down harsh light and highlighting outdoor colors.
If you have a smaller face, try before you buy. This is a deep lens that may overwhelm small features.
Windshield Pro Highlights
- Temple tips are cushioned with rubber for added comfort and reduced slipping
- Frame has vents at the upper edge to prevent fogging
- Floating nose bridge offers more airflow while absorbing impact for increased comfort
7. Rapha Pro Team Frameless
Rapha Pro Team Frameless sunglasses (Product Link) are designed for a complete field of vision even when riding in an aggressive position. The sunglasses are made with high-strength, injection-molded Grilamid and Megol arm grippers provide a secure yet comfortable grip in all conditions. Snap lock hinges make the glasses easier to put on and remove, and the curved frame creates a wrapped fit for maximized field of vision. The hydrophobic lens also features a military-grade anti-fogging treatment and an anti-scratch layer.
Rapha Pro Team Frameless Highlights
- Proprietary Contrast-enhancing lens technology helps you see clearer and plot the racing line
- Grilamid TR90 material for a secure fit
- Megol grippers on the arms and nose piece for stability
- Extended lens for wide field of vision and protection
8. Julbo Breeze Photochromic Sunglasses
Julbo Breeze Photochromic sunglasses (Product Link) are great for cycling because they have a 3D nose fit. This means that the nose pads are adjustable in every direction so that the glasses fit every type of nose shape and ensure an unbeatable hold in all conditions. The temples are also designed for precise adjustment to guarantee a perfect and long-lasting grip. In addition, the sunglasses have full venting to allow for full airflow and prevent fogging. Finally, the cord attachment feature allows you to attach a cord to the sunglasses, keeping them securely in place even during strenuous activity.
Julbo Breeze Highlights
- 3D nose fit for an adjustable and comfortable hold
- Precisely adjustable CustomFIT Temples temples for secure grip
- Full venting to prevent fogging
9. Oakley EVZero Blades
Oakley’s frameless EVZero Blades (Product Link) come in at number five on our list. These sleek sport sunglasses have a toric shield made of impact-resistant, UV protectant Plutonite.
The frame elements—temples and nose piece—are made of O Matter, making them durable and lightweight. This is a large-sized frame, best for larger heads and faces. Try these on before you buy unless you’re familiar with Oakley’s sizing.
The EVZero Blades are available with Oakley’s fantastic Prizm lens. We recommend the Prizm Trail or Prizm Road for optimal color and contrast enhancement, depending on your preferred riding conditions. You can get this style with a photochromic lens.
EVZero Blades Highlights
- Unobtainium on the nose pad and temple tips provides increased grip when you sweat and increased comfort
- Big wrap offers excellent sun and wind protection
- Customizable frame colors, icons, and ear socks
Looking for more great sunglasses for women? Check out our list of the best sunglasses for women, which includes both prescription and non-prescription options. And be sure to read our buyer’s guide for tips on how to choose the perfect pair of sunglasses for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Women’s Sunglasses for Cycling?
Oakley, Ralpha, Tifosi, Nike, and others dominate the cycling market, with sunglasses built for the road. These lenses include the latest in technology, including enhanced rubber grips and contrast-enhancing lenses.
Oakley leads the pack with their color and contrast-enhancing Prizm Lens technology. They also pioneered lightweight components with exceptional durability with their Plutonite lenses and O Matter frames.
They are also one of the few companies to offer some styles of single-shield cycling sunglasses with prescription lenses. You can learn more about Oakley’s cycling sunglasses over at our Complete Guide.
Roka offers a nice selection of full-frame, half-frame, and frameless sport performance sunglasses. Their designs are ultra-lightweight with advanced features, including exceptional clarity, comfort and for, sweat, and fingerprint resistance.
Both Oakley and Roka offer interchangeable lenses in some of their styles. That means you can ride from early morning into the night with enhanced vision with their simple lens changes.
Do Cyclists Need Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized lenses are great for cutting glare. They work well for road cycling, where road signs and markers, and car fenders provide reflective surfaces that create those blinding horizontal rays.
But not everyone likes polarization. It makes it difficult to read an LCD screen, and some people find it affects their depth perception. Most cycling sunglasses are not polarized, but if you have issues with glare, polarization can be added to many styles.
Newer lens technologies are also quite good at cutting glare. Oakley’s Prizm lenses, in particular, may be enough for you to opt out of extra polarization.
Check out our Guide to Polarized Lenses to learn more about the pros and cons of this technology.
Looking for More?
Want more information on women’s cycling sunglasses or other top sunglasses? Let us know in the comments below and check out our other useful guides:
