Investing in the best sunglasses is a must if you’re serious about softball. These sunglasses provide much more than protection from the sun’s glare and flying debris. They also enhance your vision, giving you a competitive edge.
With the right pair of softball sunglasses, you can track the ball better, judge its speed and trajectory more accurately, and make quicker and more precise decisions. It can make all the difference in a game, giving you the advantage of coming out on top.
The right pair of softball sunglasses can significantly impact your game, boosting your performance and confidence. But not all sunglasses are created equal. You must choose a pair specifically designed for softball, with lenses that enhance contrast, reduce glare, and provide clear vision in bright sunlight.
5 Top Softball Sunglasses in 2023
Softball sunglasses are an essential piece of equipment for any serious softball player. They protect the eyes and improve visibility and performance on the field.
Softball players can choose a pair of sunglasses to provide optimal eye protection and visual performance on the field. Here are my top picks for the best Softball sunglasses you can buy, based on my testing:
Oakley Men’s 009208 Radar Ev Path Rectangular Sunglasses
The Oakley Men’s 009208 Radar EV Path Rectangular Sunglasses are a great choice for anyone needing a high-quality pair of sunglasses.
One of the standout features of these sunglasses is the frame, made from Oakley’s durable and lightweight O Matter material.
The frame’s design is stylish and functional, with a comfortable, secure fit during physical activity.
The lenses are made from Oakley’s Plutonite material, which provides excellent clarity and 100% protection from harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
The lenses also feature Oakley’s patented Prizm technology, which enhances color contrast and clarity, making it easier to see details in bright sunlight.
Another great feature of these sunglasses is the adjustable temple arms, which I can swap out for different lengths to ensure a secure fit. The Unobtainium ear socks and nose pads also provide a secure grip, even when sweating or my face is wet.
Overall, I highly recommend the Oakley Men’s 009208 Radar EV Path Rectangular Sunglasses for anyone needing a stylish and functional pair of sunglasses. The quality of the materials and design is top-notch, and they provide excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays while enhancing visual clarity.
Dimensions: Lens Width: 38mm & lens height 50.5mm| Material: Plastic frame & Plastic lens | Made: US
What I Like:
- The temple arms are adjustable, allowing for a customized and secure fit
- The lightweight frame and comfortable fit ensure a comfortable wearing experience
- It is made from durable and lightweight O Matter material, ensuring long-lasting use
What I Don’t Like:
- These sunglasses are pricier, which may not be better for those on a budget
- The lenses are not polarized, which may be a drawback for some individuals looking for additional glare reduction
- The sunglasses can fog up in humid conditions, which can be a potential issue for some individuals
★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 | 2,939 ratings
Promising Review:
“I am a cyclist and spent a lot of time outdoors. I am always on the lookout for anything that helps make my life easier, and I can say a good pair of sunglasses is probably among the most important item of must-haves. I have tried many brands, but long ago settled on Oakley sunglasses.” – Spike D., December 14, 2022, on Amazon.
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Oakley Men’s 009463 Sutro Lite Rectangular Sunglasses
I have tried on the Oakley Men’s 009463 Sutro Lite Rectangular Sunglasses, and I am impressed with their design and functionality.
The rectangular frame is lightweight and fits comfortably on my face without any pressure points.
The nose pads and temple arms are also adjustable, allowing a customized fit.
The lenses are made from Oakley’s Plutonite material, which provides excellent clarity and 100% protection from harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
I also appreciate the high-coverage wraparound design, which provides excellent peripheral vision and protection from the sun, wind, and debris.
The lenses are also designed with Prizm technology, which enhances color contrast and clarity, making it easier to see details in bright sunlight.
Overall, I highly recommend the Oakley Men’s 009463 Sutro Lite Rectangular Sunglasses for anyone needing a stylish and functional pair of sunglasses. The quality of the materials and design is top-notch, and they provide excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays while enhancing visual clarity.
Dimensions: Lens Width: 39mm & lens height 58mm| Material: Plastic frame & Plastic lens | Made: US
What I Like:
- The frame is made from durable O Matter material, and the lenses are made from Oakley’s high-quality Plutonite material
- These sunglasses provide 100% protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays
- The Prizm lens technology enhances color contrast and visual clarity, making seeing details in bright sunlight easier
What I Don’t Like:
- These sunglasses do not fold up, which may make them more difficult to store or travel with
- The rubber nose pads may not provide enough grip for some people, causing the sunglasses to slide down their noses
- These sunglasses do not have polarized lenses, which some people may prefer for reducing glare
★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 | 233 ratings
Promising Review:
“Superb, these are so comfortable I forget I’m wearing them, they improve my vision and protect my eyes. Thinking about buying a second pair with more light transmission or photochromic lenses for evening rides.” – T. McDonell, August 23, 2022, on Amazon.
Read More: 5 Best Black Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes in Style
Under Armour Men’s UA Clutch Wrap Sunglasses
I have been using the Under Armour Men’s UA Clutch Wrap Sunglasses for a while and am impressed with their performance.
These sunglasses are designed for sports and outdoor activities, making them a great option for softball players.
The frame is made of high-quality materials that feel sturdy and durable.
The wraparound design provides excellent coverage and protection against the sun and wind, which is essential when playing outdoors.
The standout feature of these sunglasses is their lenses. They are polarized, which reduces glare and eye strain, providing better visibility in bright sunlight.
The lenses are also scratch-resistant, ensuring they remain clear and damage-free, even with heavy use.
The sunglasses have an adjustable nose pad that we can customize for a comfortable fit. The rubberized temples provide a secure grip and prevent the sunglasses from slipping during play.
The clarity and color of the lenses are exceptional, making it easy to track the ball and pick up its spin. The sunglasses are available in several lens and frame color options, allowing you to choose the perfect combination.
Dimensions: lens width: 71 mm & lens height: 42.7 mm| Material: Plastic frame & Plastic lens | Made: Imported
What I Like:
- The frame and lenses are made of durable and long-lasting, high-quality materials
- The polarized lenses greatly reduce glare and eye strain, which is ideal for outdoor activities like softball
- The lenses provide exceptional clarity and color, making tracking the ball and picking up its spin easier
What I Don’t Like:
- The sunglasses have a wraparound design that may not fit all face shapes comfortably
- The lens options are limited compared to other brands
- There are relatively few style options available
★★★★★ 4.3 out of 5 | 215 ratings
Promising Review:
“This pair of shades beat my expectation! I got bought these through prime try before you buy, I kept them I play softball and when the sun is on my face I can see everything perfectly with no issues. They come in a protective case with another bag in it for travel.” – Jeremy Miller, June 29, 2022, on Amazon.
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Maui Jim Men’s and Women’s Hookipa Polarized Rimless Sunglasses
I have been using the Maui Jim Men’s and Women’s Hookipa Polarized Rimless Sunglasses for a few months now, and I am delighted with my purchase.
These sunglasses are lightweight and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities like softball.
The rimless design provides an unobstructed view, essential for tracking the ball during play.
The lenses are the standout feature of these sunglasses. They are polarized, greatly reducing glare and eye strain, especially when playing in bright sunlight.
The lenses also have a special coating that repels water, oil, and dust, making them easy to clean and maintain.
The frame is made from materials that feel sturdy and durable. The rubber nose pads and temple tips provide a comfortable fit.
It prevents the sunglasses from slipping during play.
Overall, I highly recommend the Maui Jim Men’s and Women’s Hookipa Polarized Rimless Sunglasses to anyone looking for a comfortable, high-performance pair of sunglasses for outdoor sports, including softball.
The lenses’ exceptional clarity, color, and contrast, combined with the lightweight, comfortable design, make these sunglasses a great investment for serious athletes.
Dimensions: lens width: 64 mm & height: 39 mm | Material: Nylon frame & Composite lens | Made: US
What I Like:
- The sunglasses are lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during extended periods of use
- The frame is made from high-quality materials that feel sturdy and durable
- The lenses are polarized, significantly reducing glare and eye strain, especially in bright sunlight
What I Don’t Like:
- These sunglasses are on the expensive side compared to other brands and models
- The color options are limited compared to other brands
- The rimless design may taste good to some, and some customers may prefer a more traditional frame style
★★★★★ 4.6 out of 5 | 1,721 ratings
Promising Review:
“These Maui’s are perfect for a smaller framed face but still block the sun even from the sides of your face. They are super lightweight and perfect for chasing balls on the tennis court.” – Karen B, February 19, 2023, on Amazon.
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Oakley Men’s 009462 Sutro S Rectangular Sunglasses
I recently purchased the Oakley Men’s 009462 Sutro S Rectangular Sunglasses for playing softball, and I am thrilled with my purchase.
The first thing I noticed about these sunglasses was the Prizm lens technology. The colors are vibrant, and I can see details on the field that I couldn’t before.
It makes it much easier to track the softball during play.
The wraparound design is also a great feature. It provides maximum coverage for my eyes and helps to reduce peripheral glare.
I can now see everything happening on the field without having to squint or strain my eyes.
Additionally, the lenses are polarized, which helps to reduce glare even further, especially during bright, sunny days. Another great feature is their durability.
The frame is made from lightweight yet sturdy materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor sports. The adjustable nose pad also ensures that the sunglasses fit comfortably on my face without slipping.
Overall, I highly recommend the Oakley Men’s 009462 Sutro S Rectangular Sunglasses to any softball player looking for a high-quality pair of sunglasses that provide exceptional eye protection and visual performance on the field. These sunglasses are a significant investment and have greatly improved my game.
Dimensions: lens width: 28 mm & height: 54.5 mm| Material: Acetate frame & Plastic lens | Made: US
What I Like:
- The colors are vibrant, and this makes it much easier to track the softball during play
- The wraparound design is also a great feature. It helps to reduce peripheral glare
- The frame is made from lightweight yet durable materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor sports
What I Don’t Like:
- These sunglasses are a premium product, so they may only be affordable for some
- The Sutro S sunglasses have a distinctive, angular design that may differ from everyone’s taste
- The sunglasses do not fold, making them slightly less portable and more difficult to store in smaller spaces or travel bags
★★★★★ 4.5 out of 5 | 77 ratings
Promising Review:
“Overall these are really nice and well worth the money. They increased contrast well, though not as good as Smith’s. Vision seems unimpeded and these protect best against dust, debris, and bugs.” – Angelo, October 1, 2022, on Amazon.
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Factors to Consider when Choosing a Softball Sunglasses in 2023
- UV Protection: Softball sunglasses protect entirely against harmful UV rays, which can damage the eyes and cause long-term vision problems. Look for sunglasses with lenses that are labeled as “UV 400,” meaning they block all UV rays up to 400 nanometers.
- Polarization: Some softball sunglasses are also polarized, which means they have a special filter that blocks the glare from reflective surfaces, such as water or the softball itself. It can improve visual clarity and reduce eye strain.
- Lens Color: Different lens colors can enhance vision in different ways. For example, yellow or orange lenses can improve contrast and depth perception, while gray or green lenses provide more natural color reproduction. Clear lenses can be used for night games or indoor play.
- Impact Resistance: Softball sunglasses should have lenses made from impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate to protect the eyes from flying softballs or other objects.
- Frame Material: Softball sunglasses are typically made from lightweight, durable materials like nylon or TR-90. Look for frames with adjustable nose pads and temple tips for a comfortable, secure fit.
- Wraparound Design: Many softball sunglasses feature a wraparound design that provides maximum eye coverage and helps prevent peripheral glare.
- Prescription Lenses: Softball sunglasses are also available with prescription lenses customized to the player’s vision needs.
When choosing softball sunglasses in 2023, consider factors such as lens material, lens color, UV protection, frame material, fit, style, brand reputation, and prescription needs to ensure that you get the best performance and protection for your eyes on the field.
Conclusion
After spending a considerable amount of time testing and using various sunglasses while playing softball, I can confidently say that the Oakley Men’s 009208 Radar Ev Path Rectangular Sunglasses are a strong contender for the title of the best softball sunglasses on the market.
The design of these sunglasses is specifically tailored to meet the needs of athletes, with features like a lightweight frame, polarized lenses, and a comfortable fit that stays in place even during the most intense gameplay.
FAQs Related to
What color lens is best for softball?
Brown, amber, or rose copper lenses separate colors and provide high contrast. These lens colors improve depth perception, making it easier to locate the ball.
Are polarized sunglasses good for softball?
Is Polarized Sunglasses Required for Softball? The short answer is most likely not! Even though there may be glare and bright light from stadium lights at night, it is still best to use a non-polarized lens. Polarization aims to reduce glare caused by light reflecting off a flat surface, such as water.
Can softball players wear sunglasses?
Our eyes are highly vulnerable to UV rays, and not wearing sunglasses increases our risk of eye damage. Wearing sunglasses while on the field is a good idea, no matter your position. Nothing beats playing a game as the sun sets directly behind the backstop.
