Best sunglasses for CrossFit: Sweat and impact resistance (Review 2025)

If you have ever tried to make a WOD outdoors wearing regular sunglasses, you know how frustrating it is: they fog up at the first Burpee, slip with sweat while running, or, worse, break if they fall during a Clean.

In CrossFit, sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, they are a fashion statement. piece of equipment. They must withstand impact, stay close to your head in the most explosive movement and offer clear vision 😎.

As an athlete who has competed and trained in the sun, I have learned that only three factors matter: Grip, Ventilation and Lens Resistance. This is my buying guide, based on actual tests at WODs and long runs.

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Technical guide: The optics and frame you need

Lenses: Polycarbonate or Tritan?

Forget about glass for the CrossFit. The Polycarbonate (PC) or the Tritan are high-performance, lightweight, unbreakable plastic materials. They are the safety choice to avoid fragments in case of direct impact.

UV protection: Not an extra, it is mandatory.

Protection UV400 is the industry standard that ensures lenses block all wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (covering UVA and UVB). If a goggle does not specify UV400, do not use it for training.

Frames: The key to grip

The most recommended frame material is TR90 (Thermoplastic Nylon). It is extremely flexible, lightweight and returns to its original shape after bending. Combine it with temple ends and nose bridges of hydrophilic rubber (material that improves grip with moisture, i.e. sweat!).

The sunglasses you need for CrossFit (resistance comparison)

This table includes a comparison of six key models, highlighting the three models of the Spanish sports brand Velites.

Experience analysis

The glasses that Velites has introduced to the market are functional, and meet all the requirements described above. You have this discount coupon for Velites that will save you money.

• Velites Raptor: A highly versatile model that balances durability with performance. If you're looking for a sturdy pair of goggles that you can carry in your box bag without fear of breakage and that offer a secure fit for almost any workout, the Raptor is an excellent choice. Its design is somewhat more enveloping than the Urban, providing greater lateral protection.

• Velites Horizon: This is the model flagship of Velites for the athlete from CrossFit. If you are faced with WODs with burpees, double jumps and sprints in the sun, the Horizon offers the best grip and ventilation technology. They are designed not to move or fog up when your heart rate is at its maximum.
• Velites Urban: The most lifestyle brand, but maintains the essence of safety. They are perfect for everyday use or for those Metcons lighter or technical training. They offer UV400 protection and impact-resistant polycarbonate, at a more affordable price and with a look more discreet.

• Oakley Radar EV Path: They are the reference in elite sports. Unobtainium gum works like magic: the more you sweat in the WOD, The more they stick to your skin, the more they stick to your skin. They are lightweight and offer excellent peripheral vision, ideal for keeping an eye on the monitor or the judge.
• Nike Windshield Elite: It is Nike's high performance model, designed specifically for speed and ventilation. They have a secure fit and ventilated nose that minimizes fogging. They are an excellent choice if you are looking for an established sports brand and you make a lot of WODs with career.
• Tifosi Swank XL: The option budget high performance. They offer the essential protection and lightness of polycarbonate. Their grip is less aggressive than that of Oakley or Velites, so I recommend them to you for WODs with less Burpees and more running.

Why a special sunglass for crossfitters?

If you try to train with your "street" glasses, it is very likely that you will feel uncomfortable for several reasons.

• Slip
• If they are heavy, they can cause discomfort.
• You may worry that they will fall off and break easily.

A sports goggle must meet some basic requirements to make it ideal for these cases.

You don't have to worry about them moving around or losing them. 

They should fit snugly, with an arched design at the temples to improve the fit so they don't get in the way even if you jump or run. 

Slip-resistant

With anti-slip rubber bands incorporated in the nose and sideburns area.

Comfortable

It is essential that they are very light so that you can wear them for a long day and not be bothered by their weight. 

Other traditional models may leave you with a sore and sore nose or ear support area.

Resistant

The frame must have a certain flexibility so that they are not fragile.

They are prepared to withstand falls to the ground.

Secure

They must always pass European and UK safety checks so that the glass does not damage our eyesight.

Here is a video so you can see in more detail the first two models released by Velites, the Urban and the Raptor.

Both come with a hard case that protects the glasses during transport. It may seem obvious or not, but there are glasses that come with a cloth case when you buy them.

The Velites brand designs more accessories to help you in your WODs. You can take a look at other products such as their calleras, the jump ropes or the mobility package. You can use the coupon ANABELPUMP to accumulate discounts on your purchases.

💡 Health Note: Glasses, Sun and your Circadian Clock.

It is essential to understand that, while sunglasses are essential for protection and performance in the box or running, they must be used with intention.

The human eye needs exposure to bright light (especially blue and green morning sunlight) in order to correctly synchronize your circadian clock. This internal clock regulates your sleep/wake cycle, your hormone production and ultimately your performance and recovery.

When you wear sunglasses outside of training or driving, you are severely limiting the amount of light reaching your receptors, which can deregulate your natural cycle and affect the quality of your night's sleep.

My Advice as a Trainer: Use sunglasses in your sport for protection, but keep your eyes free for most of the day to receive that vital sunlight.

The real indoor optical threat

If you're looking for glasses to wear «more often,» it shouldn't be sunglasses. Constant exposure to artificial and blue light from screens and indoor LED lighting is what really demands protection in the modern world.

To protect your hormonal and visual health at home or in the office, the solution is the selective blue light blocking indoors. If you are interested in understanding how these glasses can improve your sleep and energy levels, you can read more on the blog:

👉 Blue Light Blocking Glasses: The Complete Guide to Your Performance and Sleep

FAQ: Goggles and CrossFit