Oakley glasses: why choose them?

Many of the world’s top athletes have their favorite sunglasses design, closely tied to their personal style—and some even have signature models. It’s no surprise that for many amateurs, sunglasses are one of their first serious investments in sport. This accessory combines everything that matters most: style, comfort, protection from dust and sunlight (even sun glare). Today, we’ll look at Oakley – one of the world’s most popular sports eyewear brands – known for combining exceptional quality, technology, and a wide variety of design options.

Why are sports sunglasses important?

Let’s start with the basics – why are sports sunglasses a worthy investment? During sport, the eyes are exposed to many external factors: bright sun and UV rays, dust, wind, insects, sweat, water splashes, and more. The right sports sunglasses provide protection from these elements, enhance visibility, and help you stay focused to achieve your best performance. Additionally, good sun protection reduces eye fatigue and improves precision – especially important in sports where accuracy matters.

What makes Oakley sunglasses special?

Oakley is one of the most iconic sunglasses brands in the world, consistently surprising with new designs and innovations. Oakley sunglasses and their lenses are highly regarded for the following technologies:

• PRIZM™ lenses, which enhance color contrast and detail visibility.
• High Definition Optics® (HDO®) technology delivers sharp, precise, distortion-free vision.
• Lightweight yet durable frames make them comfortable for all-day wear.
• Enhanced impact resistance is great for athletes in high-intensity sports where there's a higher chance of falls or losing your glasses.

Popular Oakley models

Listing every Oakley model ever made would take more than a day. Different sports, countless designs, and ever-evolving technologies have expanded Oakley's range. However, some of the most popular models have stood the test of time, including:

• Oakley Sutro and Sutro Lite – bold yet minimalist design that offers great protection from sun, wind, rain, and the elements. A top choice for cyclists and other athletes.
• Oakley Radar – narrower than the Sutro, these lightweight and aerodynamic glasses are designed for high-intensity sport or street style. A classic, timeless sports eyewear choice.
• Oakley Jawbreaker – ultra-stylish and bold, designed for maximum field of vision across all sports disciplines.

How to choose sports sunglasses for your discipline?

The right sunglasses can boost your performance—or at the very least, make the journey more comfortable. Oakley's lineup includes options for every sport. Here are some of the most commonly asked-about disciplines:

• Cycling. Cyclists need protection from wind, intense sun glare, and compatibility with helmets for long rides. The most popular choices among cyclists include Oakley Sutro, Oakley Sutro Lite cycling sunglasses, Oakley Encoder, and Sphaera models. The range also includes limited edition designs, such as those released for the Tour de France or models created for modern cycling legend Mathieu Van Der Poel.

• Running. Runners need lightweight glasses that stay in place and help keep sweat out of the eyes. We’ve noticed that Oakley EVZero Blades and the Oakley Radar series are popular among runners.

• Water sports. For water-based activities, strong protection against glare and UV rays is essential. We always recommend darker-lens Oakley Sutro models for water sports—they shield both your eyes and face from the sun.

• Golf. Golfers need to track the ball with high visual precision, so accurate color perception and comfort are key. Oakley's PRIZM Golf lens technology was designed just for this and is available in our store.

Cycling sunglasses: how to choose the right ones?

If you're searching for the right cycling sunglasses, we recommend considering the following points first:

• Size: Most cycling sunglasses come in a regular or small (S) size, suitable for narrower faces. Lens size also varies by design – if both style and comfort allow, a larger lens is often more practical as it provides better protection from wind, dust, and sun exposure.

• Wind protection: A closed design (without ventilation holes) reduces airflow and eye dryness but may cause fogging or limit ventilation in certain conditions.

• Helmet compatibility: Glasses should pair well with your helmet. The top of the frame shouldn't press against the helmet, as this may cause discomfort while riding. The temple arms should sit comfortably under the helmet straps without squeezing your head and should even enhance helmet stability. Lastly, check whether the glasses fit securely in your helmet vents if you plan to store them there when not wearing them.

• Field of vision: While cycling, it’s crucial that the frame or lens design doesn’t obstruct your peripheral view. Always test whether the glasses give you a clear, unrestricted field of vision.

Not sure about ordering Oakley sunglasses without trying them on? Visit us at the Velonova store at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius.