Which sunglasses for which sport?

The priority: good protection against UV rays

In summer and winter alike, it is essential to protect your eyes properly from the sun. Good sunglasses must prevent glare, but also stop harmful UV rays from reaching the eye. Depending on where you practise your favourite sport, be sure to choose sunglasses with a sufficient level of protection. In the high mountains or at sea, the light is particularly strong.

Sunglass lenses are classified into five “categories”, which correspond to as many levels of protection, from the weakest (0) to the strongest (4):

• Category 0: with very little filtering, category 0 lenses do not protect against UV and are purely aesthetic;
• Categories 1 and 2: these two categories are suited to low and moderate sunlight. They are enough to protect against UV rays in low-light situations, on overcast days for example, or for activities in the forest such as mountain biking or hiking;
• Category 3: in environments exposed to strong light, such as the beach, the plains or mid-mountains, category 3 sunglasses will filter out a large part of UV rays;
• Category 4: lenses in this category have the most powerful filters. They offer more than 90% protection against the sun's rays and are the perfect allies for a day in the high mountains. The same goes for water sports such as sailing, rowing or kitesurfing, where they drastically reduce glare on the water.

Specific lens treatments to improve performance

There are different lens treatments, each meeting a specific need. Depending on your discipline, a well-chosen lens treatment can make a clear difference to your sporting performance.

+ For the high mountains: photochromic and polarised lenses

In the mountains, snow and ice strongly reflect light, making it all the more intense for the eyes. For lovers of snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, sledging) and high-altitude activities, the key is to minimise glare as much as possible and to be able to read the terrain. For this, photochromic lenses are particularly effective. Whether it's snowing or sunny, on an open slope or in the trees, their tint changes according to the light, allowing you to keep optimal clarity of vision.

Available on many models of Bollé mountain sunglasses and ski goggles, Phantom photochromic lenses provide spectacular optical clarity. They cover a wide range of light transmission, ensuring excellent visual acuity. In their Phantom+ version, they also offer high-performance polarisation.

> You may also be interested in: Should you wear ski goggles or sunglasses?

+ For water sports: polarised and hydrophobic lenses

At sea or by the water, sunlight becomes dazzling when it reflects off the surface. Whether you enjoy sailing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding or boating, sharp vision will help you keep a clear view of the horizon in all conditions.

By eliminating the glare of light reflecting off the water, polarised lenses are perfect for water sports. They rid the eyes of all kinds of stray reflections, reduce eye strain and enhance contrast. It then becomes easier to make out colours under the water and the shape of the waves.

Available with a hydrophobic treatment as well as Phantom+ polarised photochromic lenses, Bollé's water sports sunglasses are the perfect match for all your activities on the water.

+ For precision and endurance sports: photochromic lenses

Often practised on varied terrain, precision sports (tennis, golf, etc.) and endurance sports (mountain biking, running, etc.) can involve significant changes in light, for example when moving from woodland to open plains. We therefore recommend opting for photochromic lenses with a variable tint, so that you keep perfectly clear vision wherever you are.

> Also worth reading: Polarised lenses: what are the benefits?

The right choice of frame

As important as the lenses, the frame of your sports glasses must suit the way you use them. Your glasses need to be comfortable and must not cause any discomfort around the ears or nose. At the same time, they must fit the face securely, be durable and offer enough ventilation to prevent fogging.

For its sunglasses frames, Bollé has chosen nylon, a flexible, durable and lightweight material that feels pleasant against the skin.

+ For the high mountains: the wraparound frame

An environment that can quickly become extreme, the high mountains require good equipment to protect the eyes from cold temperatures, sun, wind and bad weather. For this reason, choose frames that wrap around the face as much as possible, with straight temples that are easier to slip under a hat or helmet. Don't hesitate to choose models with side shields for even more protection. Finally, make sure they are well ventilated to prevent the lenses from fogging up as much as possible.

> You may also like: Ski goggles: tips to avoid fogging

+ For water sports: the non-slip frame

With water splashing, it is important that your frame has temples and nose pads that do not slip on the skin. Designed for the needs of athletes, Bollé sunglasses frames feature Thermogrip® technology, a thermoplastic rubber applied to the inside of the temples and specially designed to provide optimal grip. It ensures the glasses stay perfectly in place.

To accompany you on the waves and avoid flashes of light at the sides, choose – as for the mountains – wraparound frames that sit close to the face, with side shields if possible. Finally, don't hesitate to add a cord to prevent them from falling, and prefer models that float.

+ For precision sports: the lightweight frame with a secure fit

For all racket sports, such as tennis or badminton, or on the golf course, the priority is light and comfortable frames that you forget in the blink of an eye. Choose thin temples that slip easily under a cap or helmet. For the best possible hold, opt for frames with non-slip technologies.

+ For endurance sports: the sleek frame

Runners, mountain bikers, cyclists and triathletes: the ideal frame has a sleek look to accompany you in your quest for speed. Curved temples improve aerodynamics and ensure comfort while allowing good airflow. They must also be flexible enough to absorb shocks and vibrations. For mountain bikers, don't hesitate to choose cycling glasses with large lenses to protect you from splashes.