Ask Levi: What Sunglasses Keep Wind Out of My Eyes? Are There Wind Blocking Sunglasses?

Today’s question is about finding sunglasses that keep wind out of your eyes when cycling.

Most sunglasses are made to increase ventilation, but yes, you can find windproof glasses for motorcycling, dusty conditions, or simply to keep your contacts from drying out when riding your bike. Here are some great options from as low as $18 on up to $153.

What Cycling Glasses Keep Wind Out of My Eyes?

A reader wrote in because they are having trouble with their contacts drying out when riding.

Q: I have problems with my eyes when wearing cycling glasses. The wind comes over the top and stings my eyes, i wear contact lenses and find that the wind drys them. Over long distance i struggle. I have tried loads of different types and found nothing. Can you help?

Thanks,
Winded Willy

Hi Willy,

Sorry to hear about your problems. I wear contacts too so I am almost always wearing sunglasses. I never ride without them.

Luckily, regular cycling sunglasses have been sufficient for me (as long as I choose the correct lens color). I always make sure to get lenses that offer significant coverage in case a rock or bug comes flying at my eye.

Some people choose the gigantic sunglasses like the Oakley Sutro, or even Pit Vipers, because the large coverage helps block wind. But those glasses cost over $100, they’re sort of ridiculous looking, and they don’t offer specific wind protection.

In your case, the best suggestion I can make is to look at the sunglasses that are like a combination of sunglasses and goggles. There are quite a few that look like sunglasses, but then they have a foam ring around the frame which seals out the wind.

Typically these are favored by motorcyclists dealing with lots of wind and an open face helmet, but they work for bicycling as well.

The Best Windproof Sunglasses for Cycling

These are the best glasses I’ve seen that will help to block the wind from drying out your eyes:

Maxx HD Motorcycle Sunglasses

Maxx HD makes a full line of motorcycling sunglasses. I really like Maxx sunglasses, too, so this is the first place I’d look.

Maxx sunglasses are also available on Amazon. You can get the Maxx SS1 with either a clear lens ($19.99 on Amazon) or an amber lens ($19.99 on Amazon). I recommend the Maxx Foam 2.0 ($17.99 on Amazon).

Guard Dogs Dust Busters

There are sunglasses made by Guard Dogs called the “Dust Buster”, meant for windy and dusty conditions. They have a Dust Buster 2 and a new and improved Dust Buster 4.

I would suggest the Dust Buster 4, available for $48 on Amazon. The kit comes with both clear and black lenses. And not only do these glasses block wind, they also come with an exclusive Fogstopper™ lens coating which reduces fogging of the lenses.

Also, I would encourage you to browse the entire Guard Dogs aggressive eyewear lineup on Amazon. They have some different styles you may like, including both glasses and goggles. Prices are typically in the $30-50 range.

The Bobster Raptor 2

The Bobster Raptor 2 is a nice choice if you are looking for smaller sunglasses. They look like they would keep wind out of your eyes without making you look obnoxious. (You know what I’m talking about – those big, bright sunglasses that scream, “hey guys, I’m a cyclist!”)

You can buy the sunglasses with three interchangeable lenses (smoke, amber, and clear) for about $35 on Amazon.

7eye Airshield Sunglasses

Check out the “Airshield” line of sunglasses from 7eye. This brand is very popular in the motorcycle community, and the Airshield line offers the most protection from wind, dust, and debris.

All models offer removable wind protection and anti-fog lenses. Some have the option of the NXT lens – a photochromic lens that transitions from pale yellow to dark gray as the sun brightens. My pick would be the Bali NXT, available for $143 on Amazon.

If the Bali is out of stock, also consider the Diablo model.

Oakley Wind Jacket

If you don’t mind spending $153 on sunglasses, you could go for the Oakley Wind Jacket 2.0 Snow Sunglasses. (Yeah, you have to go to Oakley’s snowsports line to find something windproof.)

These offer large lenses as well as special foam wind protection along the top. You can get them in a wide range of colors. Available for $153 or less on Amazon.com.

If those don’t help, though, the only other thing I can think of would be to go with the full-on goggles.

This article was originally published on June 30, 2010. It was revised and updated then republished on April 16, 2019.