The 13 Best Sunglasses for Tennis in 2023

It’s common for tennis players to wear sunglasses during practice to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays and to improve color contrast, making it easier to see the ball.

It’s also not uncommon to see professional players compete in Grand Slams wearing sunglasses, with Sam Stosur and Tommy Robredo being famous for this.

But which are the best?

Fortunately, I’ve put together a list of the 13 best tennis sunglasses for tennis, with detailed reviews of each pair, so you can find the ones that are right for you.

Quick Summary

Reviews of the 13 Best Sunglasses for Tennis

1. Oakley Radar EV Path

Price: $$$$

The Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses are an excellent choice for any tennis player as well as many other sports.

They have a lightweight design and fit comfortably and securely so you are not constantly having to readjust them during a match. The “EV” stands for Extended View, referring to the taller lens construction on these sunglasses that give you a wider field of view.

The Radar EV Path features Oakley’s signature Prizm lens technology, which enhances color and contrast, providing a more accurate view of the environment. When testing out these sunglasses, I found that I could easily distinguish the ball from the tennis court surface. The lenses also provide 100% UV protection and are impact and scratch-resistant.

There is a wide range of lens colors and styles available so you can find the ones that best suit you.

I believe that the Oakley Radar EV Path are the best polarized sunglasses for tennis players at the moment.

2. Bolle Bolt 2.0

Price: $$$

When it comes to sunglasses for athletes, it doesn’t get much better than Bolle.

While their brand mainly focuses on cycling and skiing, they have created a pair of sunglasses perfect for tennis players called the Bolle Bolt 2.0 sunglasses.

And they don’t disappoint.

The polarized lenses are high-impact resistant and feature an anti-fog coating stopping them from fogging over. They also provide 100% UV protection making them perfect for outdoor activities. The frames are made of a durable material called TR90 Nylon which is lightweight and flexible.

These bolle bolt sunglasses come with Thermogrip nose pads and temple tips which provide a secure and comfortable fit on my face. Plus, when mixed with water or sweat this Thermogrip rubber becomes activated giving you extra grip.

3. RIA Eyewear Reflex

Price: $$$

RIA Eyewear is a sunglass brand that specializes in racket sports such as tennis, pickleball, and more.

The RIA Eyewear Reflex, endorsed by the Bryan Brothers, features their Court HD+ polarized lenses that provide excellent glare reduction and contrast enhancement. The visual clarity of these sunglasses is like no other making it easier to see the ball.

The lightweight stainless steel frame of the Reflex is both durable and comfortable, making them ideal for long hours on the court. The Reflex also has adjustable nose pads and temple tips for a secure fit. The Eyewear Reflex is definitely one of the most comfortable pairs of sunglasses I have worn.

Each pair of RIA Eyewear sunglasses is handcrafted with premium materials, ensuring that you are receiving a high-quality product.

4. Under Armour Igniter 2.0

Price: $$

The Under Armour Igniter is a great pair of athletic sunglasses for both men and women.

It has a lightweight durable frame made of ArmourFusion material, which is a combination of titanium and grilamid. The frame also has rubber nose pads and temple tips that prevent any slipping.

The Igniter comes with polarized lenses that are coated with ArmourSight technology. This enhances color contrast and visual clarity making them a great choice for tennis. The lenses also provide 100% UV protection.

As someone who plays a lot on clay courts, having a pair of tennis sunglasses that is durable is very important to me. This is because it is very common for the clay to scratch the lenses of the sunglasses which can affect my vision. I found that the Under Armour Igniter was very durable and didn’t get scratched once.

The Under Armour Igniter sunglasses are a solid option for any tennis player as well as many other outdoor activities such as running, cycling, and golfing.

5. Tifosi Podium XC

Price: $$

The Tifosi Podium XC sunglasses are best known for being excellent cycling sunglasses, but they can also be a good choice for tennis players.

The Podium XC features a lightweight frame made out of grilamid TR90 which is best known for its great impact resistance. The sunglasses also have hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pads that stay secure during intense activity.

The sunglasses feature three interchangeable polycarbonate lenses. They are designed to be shatterproof and provide excellent clarity while also reducing eye strain due to the lens’s glare guard reflective coating.

The Tifosi Podium XC is available in a variety of styles, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

6. Bolle Lightshifter

Price: $$$$

The Bolle Lightshifter is a high-regarded pair of sunglasses that focuses on performance and comfort.

The Phantom photochromic lenses on the Lightshifter provide exceptional optical clarity and contrast, making it easier to see the tennis ball. Furthermore, they have 100% UV protection and include Bolle’s anti-fog coating.

The frame is designed to be comfortable with adjustable nose pads and temple tips allowing you to customize the fit to your preferences. The lenses are also interchangeable giving you even more options for customization.

Oh yeah, and I love the goggle-like design. Although they may be too large for some people.

While they may be pricey, you can be confident that you are receiving a high-quality product.

7. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

Price: $$$

Oakley sunglasses are excellent quality, so it’s no surprise that they appear on this list multiple times.

The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL has a sleek, modern design that is built for both style and function. The XL size is designed to fit larger faces comfortably and provide an unobstructed view.

The Flak 2.0 XL has Oakley’s Prizm lens technology, which improves color contrast and clarity. Additionally, the lenses are impact resistant and provide 100% UV protection.

The frame is made of a lightweight and durable O-Matter material designed to withstand the rigors of sports, so you can be sure that these sunglasses will last you a long time. The Flak 2.0 XL also comes with adjustable nose pads and temple arms that provide a comfortable and secure fit.

When testing out the Flak 2.0 XL, I found that the Prizm lens technology allowed me to see the color of the tennis ball more clearly. But if you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that you can wear for both tennis and social events, these may not be the ones for you.

8. Adidas Evil Eye Evo

Price: $$$$

Not only do Adidas make excellent tennis shoes and clothes, but they also make great sunglasses for athletes.

The Evil Eye Evo features Adidas’ Vario lens technology which adjusts to changing light conditions. This means that the lenses appear clear indoors but darken automatically when you move outside to a brighter area.

I found them very comfortable to wear and the adjustable nose pads and temple arms made sure they were fit securely. I’m also a huge fan of the removable sweat bar across the top of the glasses which is perfect for people that play in hot, humid climates. 

However, the Adidas Evil Eye Evo is definitely on the expensive side.

9. Oakley Mercenary

Price: $$

The Oakley Mercenary features a stylish, double-bridge design with a square lens shape, making them suitable for both everyday use and sports activities.

The Mercenary features Oakley’s award-winning Prizm lens technology, as well as adjustable nose pads and temple arms for the ultimate combination of functionality and comfort. The frame is made of durable O-Matter material, which is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.

The Oakley Mercenary is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile pair of sunglasses that can be worn for a variety of activities.

10. Julbo Aerolite

Price: $$$$

The Julbo Aerolite was originally made for runners and cyclists, but it also can be used for several other sports, including tennis.

The Aerolite has a modern, wrap-around design that not only looks good but also provides excellent protection and a clear field of vision.

The lenses include Julbo’s Reactiv photochromic technology that adjusts to different lighting conditions reducing eyestrain and glare in the sun. This was very interesting to test out and I would definitely recommend it. They also provide excellent contrast and clarity as well as 100% UV protection.

The lightweight frame paired with the adjustable temple arms and nose pads ensured a comfortable and secure fit for any high-intensity activities.

11. Nike Gale Force

Price: $$

Because of the exceptional quality of their products, Nike is one of my favorite tennis clothing brands. That’s why it’s no surprise that they’ve created some fantastic sunglasses.

Nike’s shatter-resistant Max Optics technology is used in the lenses, which also improves contrast and clarity, making it easier to see the tennis ball. Nike also designed a small gap between the lenses and the frame at the top to improve airflow and prevent fogging. This was an important feature for me as I tend to play in hot and humid conditions.

You can’t go wrong with the Nike Gale Force if you want a pair of sunglasses that are both stylish and functional at a reasonable price.

12. Nike Terminus

Price: $$

The Terminus is another pair of high-quality sunglasses made by Nike.

The Nike Terminus, like the Nike Gale Force, features Max Optics technology to improve clarity while remaining shatter-resistant and providing 100% UV protection.

The frame is made of a lightweight, durable nylon material that is designed to stay in place during fast movements, making them ideal for tennis players. Anti-fog holes have also been included in the frame to help circulate air.

13. Bose Frames Tempo

Price: $$$

Have you ever wanted to play while listening to music?

Well, now you can thanks to the Bose Frames Tempo!

Bose has hidden speakers in the temples of these sunglasses to provide music during your tennis matches. They connect via Bluetooth and can last for up to 8 hours! A mic is also included allowing you to take calls while you play.

Plus, they are still practical, with 100% UV protection and sweat resistance.

I found it very enjoyable to play tennis while listening to music, however, it was quite distracting. While I don’t recommend wearing them during matches, the Bose Frames Tempo are an excellent way to make training more interesting and immersive.

How to Find the Best Tennis Sunglasses

With so many sunglasses on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you. Here are all the important factors to consider when looking for the best tennis sunglasses:

Frame

When shopping for sunglasses, the type of frame you buy is an important factor to consider.

There are numerous types of frame designs, including rectangle, round, aviator, and many others. I’d recommend a wrap-around design for tennis because it protects your eyes from wind and debris. They also hug the contours of your face, which further protects your eyes by preventing sun rays from creeping in around the edges.

Finding sunglasses with a lightweight, durable frame is important because it means they will be more comfortable on your face for extended periods of time and will not be damaged if they fall off or are hit by a tennis ball.

You may also want to look for sunglasses with adjustable nose pads and temple arms to ensure a more comfortable and secure fit.

Lens

Lenses are a vital factor to consider when buying sunglasses as these are what will protect your eyes.

There are many different types of lenses available with sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are a personal favorite of mine because they help reduce glare, which reduces eye damage.

Some sunglasses may even have photochromic lenses that adjust to changing lighting conditions. This means that in low-light conditions, they appear clear, but when you move to a brighter environment, they automatically darken. These would be a good option for people who play tennis all day where the light changes.

Finding lenses that improve contrast and clarity is important for tennis because it makes it easier to see the ball.

It is also important that the sunglasses protect your eyes as you may be playing for long periods outside. However, you’ll find that most sunglasses designed for sporting activities will come with 100% UV protection.

Conditions

What conditions you play in will affect what the best sunglasses for you would be.

If you’re someone who typically plays indoors where there is overhead protection, then finding sunglasses that provide UV protection isn’t as important. However, if you play on a court that has direct sun exposure then it is vital you choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection as this can be harmful to your eyes.

What court surface you play on does also have an effect on what sunglasses you should buy. If you usually play on hard or clay, then finding sunglasses that have anti-glare technology, such as polarized lenses, is vital.

Price

It’s no surprise that price is an important factor to consider when buying a pair of sunglasses.

If you play tennis for long extended periods outside in direct sunlight, you may want to invest in some high-quality sunglasses that will not only protect you but also help you see the ball more clearly. Good quality sunglasses can last you a lifetime if you take good care of them.

However, if you don’t play tennis frequently or spend a lot of time playing indoors, making that investment may not be worth it, and you might be better off investing that money in other more important equipment such as tennis shoes or tennis strings.

Anatomy of Sunglasses

Lens

The lenses are the parts of the sunglasses that you see through. They are typically made of glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. These are what will protect your eyes from UV rays.

Bridge

The bridge of the sunglasses is the part that rests on your nose. Many sports sunglasses include adjustable nose pads that attach to the bridge to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Hinge

The hinge is what allows the arms of the sunglasses to fold in and out. They also affect how your sunglasses fit on your face.

Joint

The joint is the part of the sunglasses that attach the lens to the temples.

Temple

The temples, also known as the arms of the sunglasses, are the parts that extend over your ears and hold the frames in place.

What Tennis Pros Wear Sunglasses?

While it is not common for professional tennis players to wear sunglasses while competing, there are a few who do.

The most famous are Sam Stosur, Tommy Robredo, and Janko Tipsarevic. Hyeon Chung is another player who wears glasses, but he needs them to improve his vision due to a medical condition called astigmatism.

So why don’t tennis players wear sunglasses?

Many players claim that wearing sunglasses is a hindrance and distraction because they can fall off. They also claim to have difficulty seeing the ball.

However, as technology advances, it is becoming more common to see professionals play with sunglasses without any issues.

Final Words

When buying a pair of sunglasses there are many factors you have to consider such as frame, lens, protection, conditions, and price. It is important that you find a pair that not only protects your eyes but is also comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what to look for in the best sunglasses for tennis and have found a pair that would be ideal for you.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons