“What’s wrong with your eye?” my mom quizzed me, closely inspecting my red, half-closed eyelid. I had just stepped off the plane after backpacking for a month in Thailand with only one contact in for the last week of my trip.
“It’s fine — the Thai pharmacist gave me some eyedrops,” I said casually.
Spoiler: it was not fine. She marched me straight to the eye doctor for antibiotics. I was 22 and didn’t know any better. Either way, lesson learned: your eyes are not invincible, and sun and sand take a toll on them. Since then, sunglasses have become my favorite accessory, along with a hat and sunscreen to protect my light brown eyes. This is especially important in the mountains, where the higher elevation and thinner atmosphere mean a greater UV assault on your eyes.
But functional doesn’t have to mean fashionless. Much like shoes, sunglasses should match the mission. I love an oversized shield lens when I’m bombing down a bike trail, but that doesn’t mean I’m pairing them with a sundress while sipping rosé on a patio. For those days when I need gear that works on the trail and in my daily life, I turn to a handful of sunglasses that balance performance with style.
Here’s my shortlist of sunnies that transition from trailhead to taco stand:
Zeal Optics: Crowley in Ivory/Tortoise
Some sunglasses are purely functional. Some are unapologetically fashion-forward. Zeal Optics Crowley sunglasses in Ivory/Tortoise are both — a rare breed that belong equally in the backcountry or at brunch. These sunnies strike the sweet spot between classic charm and modern sass. The ivory and tortoise frame is like your favorite après cocktail: classy with a little twist.
But the Crowley isn’t just a pretty frame — it’s plant-based. Made from eco-friendly materials that are lightweight and impact-resistant with polarized lenses, these sunglasses will change how you view the world: with clarity and confidence. These durable shades pull double duty — attractive, yet resistant enough to withstand outdoor abuse (and trust me, they do). Plus, non-slip rubber nose pads mean they won’t slide down your face on a sweaty adventure.
I can’t pick a favorite, but the neutral yet bold color duo elevates this one to a new level. Bottom line: the Crowleys are perfect for everyday wear with a little flair.
Sunski: Strada in Tortoise Flash Gold
If a vintage glacier goggle were to go on a modern mountain retreat, it would return looking like the Sunski Strada. These sunglasses are part of Sunski’s Alpine Collection, meaning they were designed for high-altitude adventures. Think: snowfields in July, ridgeline scrambles or long days in the summer sun.
The stainless-steel frames are ultra-light but surprisingly rugged, like your trail buddy who carries a first aid kit and bakes you cookies. The darker polarized lenses provide optimum clarity, blocking 100% of UVA/UVB/UV400 rays, which is the gold standard in protection.
Ok, sunshields — yay or nay? Well, it depends on the day. The removable side panels and magnetic centerpiece add just the right amount of drama and wrap-around protection for alpine adventures. Plus, each piece is perforated to allow airflow so you don’t get the fogged-up feel of full shades. Snap them off for patio beers or errands around town, and no one will suspect you were bagging peaks earlier that day.
These are the do-it-all, go-anywhere shades that look just as good with a hydration vest as they do with a dress.
Ombraz Viale, Narrow, in Tortoise
Imagine a world where sunglasses don’t fall off your face, get crushed in your backpack or vanish mysteriously. That’s the world Ombraz created. The Viale swaps sidearms for an adjustable cord that hangs around your neck like a little halo of security.
I was a skeptic — until I lost a pair of sunglasses at camp (not the Ombraz). For the record, I’m not the type of person to lose things. I put things away where they belong; unlike my husband, who can’t find his shoes because I put them in the shoe rack by the front door.
But little kids throw a wrench in things.
With two of them simultaneously demanding my attention, I inadvertently shoved a pair of sunnies in my pocket. In the morning, I realized I had lost them. I spent over two hours, totally stressed, scouring the campsite for them. It was during this time that I put on my Ombraz Viales and didn’t take them off for the rest of the weekend.
I did find my lost sunglasses. But I had a newfound appreciation for the pair that was loosely dangling from my neck. With German-engineered polarized lenses and aerospace-grade frame materials, these sunnies are both featherlight and freakishly durable.
Ombraz sunglasses are surprisingly easy to put on and take off. Before you scoff, yes, they actually stay put, even when they’re loose enough to pull over your nose. I’ll tighten the cord for a more secure fit during high-impact activities, but they fit well with no pressure points even when they aren’t cinched down. How? Each style is available in either narrow or XL sizes, in addition to regular sizes. Add the optional nose pad riser for even better ventilation to alleviate fogging.
The Viales are the kind of sunglasses you’ll forget you’re wearing but will never get left behind.
Vallon Howlin’, Tortoise
If Maverick from Top Gun flew his fighter jet to Colorado for a weekend in the woods, he’d wear the Vallon Howlin’. These are classic aviators, reimagined for the modern adventurer. With teardrop-shaped polarized lenses and retro-inspired design, they provide your peepers the protection they deserve.
These are incredibly lightweight sunglasses that are flattering on most faces. Additionally, the combination of premium acetate, an environmentally friendly frame, paired with performance lenses creates the perfect blend of alpine sport and style.
But the real game changer: adjustable temple tips. Thanks to the metal core, you can bend the arms inward for a snugger fit. And for someone with a small noggin, this was a lightbulb moment. And, get this: the Howlin’ comes with a detachable head strap that snaps into small holes at the end of the arms to guarantee they stay put during sporty pursuits. It’s smart, secure and more comfortable than sliding on Croakies to keep your sunnies safe.
If you want a pair of shades that are adventure-ready without sacrificing style, Howlin’ is your answer.
Tifosi Sizzle, Crystal Peach Blush
The Tifosi Sizzle walks the fine line between performance and panache. A wide mirrored lens provides ample sun protection, acting like a more wearable version of shield sunglasses with a smaller profile. A rubber grip on the nose ensures sunnies stay in place, allowing them to transition seamlessly between crushing PRs and picnics at the Amp.
Made with featherweight frames and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, these ergonomic sunglasses won’t budge or break — on your face or the bank. Tifosi sunglasses are surprisingly affordable, offering chic style on a ski bum’s budget.
And let’s chat about color. There’s a kaleidoscope of options to choose from, ranging from electric blue to radiant rose. The Sizzle is proof that sunglasses don’t have to conform to boring black or brown, although they have that too.
For a pair of fun frames that are strong, sleek and cheap, the Tifosi Sizzle is your ticket.
Final Word
In the mountains, the sun doesn’t take days off (ok, maybe occasionally), so neither should your sunglasses. Why settle for gear that only works or looks good when you can have both? So go ahead, pick your pick. These shades have your eyes covered.
