I’m kinda picky when it comes to sunglasses. More times than not, sunglasses and hats are usually too tight and often give me a headache a mile into a run. Those pieces of gear usually go to the gear graveyard and are forgotten. Which means I was curious if a pricey pair of Vinco Sunglasses would be worth it? Here’s what happened!
When you’re heading out for a run, every piece of gear makes a difference. You want something that’s comfortable and actually does what it’s supposed to so that you’re not fidgeting with your gear the entire run.
This winter Colorado has brought plenty of snow and even more cloudy days than normal, so the Vinco Sunglasses have become my go-to.
Taking the Vinco Sunglasses out of the packaging, they were very different than what I would typically wear. I was super curious to see if they would live up to my high standards.
I’ll give you a little hint, it’s a thumbs up from me. But you’re going to have to read the full review to learn what makes these glasses that cost $249 so special.
Vinco Sunglasses Overview
We usually stick to reviewing gear specifically for runners, but every now and then, something comes along that can be used not just on the run. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or hiker this brand is worth checking out.
Vinco set out to design the world’s first renewable, performance oriented eyewear for athletes and they’ve done it in a pretty unique way. The frames are made from Liganatura, a unique carbon neutral material made from a blend Fir and Beechwood fiber, yes we’re talking about the trees, and Flax, Jute, and Sisal fibers.
✅Each pair is made in Italy with a big focus on sustainability.
The ways they’re doing this are things like using recycled water, hydroelectric energy, and even eco-friendly packaging. From start to finish, Vinco is committed to reducing its environmental impact.
Another cool thing is that once the sunglasses are showing wear and tear, you can send them back to Vinco for recycling.
They’ll swap them out for a new pair of your choice! It’s tough to say how long they’ll last but Vinco guarantees their sunglasses for at least 2 years. Plus with the recycling program, it’ll be even longer than that.
So, not only are you getting a pair of sunglasses but you’re also helping a company that’s trying to do good for the planet too. That’s a win win, right? I’d think so!
Vinco Sunglass Models
As someone who has worn glasses her entire life, I’ve had lots of practice trying on pair after pair. I’m usually pretty cheap with my sunglasses especially if they’re for running and cycling.
They’d usually fall apart pretty quickly since I’m wearing them all the time. But now I’m asking myself if they fell apart so quickly maybe it’s because they were just cheap?
Sure, my jaw did drop when I saw the $250 price tag for the Vinco Sunglasses, but as Amanda explained in her best sunglasses article, expensive running sunglasses are often worth it for better eye protection and less headaches.
There are two types of sunglass models on the Vinco website:
Vinco Terra Model
I was able to test out the Terra model for a handful of runs here in Colorado. Even threw them on when I had to shovel the snow one day! I was really impressed by how they performed especially when it was overcast or when the sun was blinding from everything covered in fresh white snow.
They’re super comfortable, lightweight and did not once dig into the side of my head. They also stayed in place even when I was moving around a lot.
I actually forgot I was still wearing them when walking around my house, that’s literally how lightweight they are!
Every pair of Vinco Sunglasses has an adjustable temple tip for a more tailored fit. I tried the Terra pair in a size small, and it honestly shocked me that I didn’t have to adjust the fit at all.
The only thing that was a little annoying was they did fog up. Now, this only happened when it was in the single digit temps which isn’t too often around here. I guess in the future I could always spray them with anti-fog if it’s an ongoing issue.
Looking at the lists below, there aren’t too many differences between the models. Honestly, the only difference comes down to the type of lenses. Both use polyamide, but the tint is what makes them unique.
Terra Specs
- Weight: 27g small, 29 large
- Fit: customizable with adjustable temple tips
- Coverage: total panoramic-view cylindrical lens
- Sizes: small, large
- 4 colors
- 2 year warranty
- Type of tint: ideal for forest canopy coverage and overcast conditions. Designed to enhance trails, gravel, and surfaces with a lot of details.
- Available on vincoperformance.com for $249
Sola Specs
- Weight: 27g small, 29g large
- Fit: customizable with adjustable temple tips
- Coverage: total panoramic-view cylindrical lens
- Sizes: small, large
- 2 colors
- 2 year warranty
- Type of tint: ideal for protecting your eyes and enhancing colors while reducing glare and eye-strain in full-light conditions. Vinco suggested that it feels like an Instagram filter for your sport!
- Available on vincoperformance.com for $249
Does the tint of sunglasses lens matter?
Guess what, the color of the lenses in your sunglasses is not just there a fashion statement. Sunglasses are not just there to help you avoid squinting the entire run. The color of your lenses aka the tint, can completely change how well you see especially when you’re running on trails, at sunrise or on those super overcast and foggy days.
I know I asked myself if this actually matters, and I’m sure you are too. But the answer is, yes.
Here’s a super quick guide on how to pick the right tint for choosing the right ones:
- Yellow/Gold: Brighten things up when it’s cloudy, foggy, or close to sunset. This is similar to the Terra Vinco Sunglasses.
- Red Tint: Think of this as when you hit the enhance filter on a photo, every detail pops and stands out.
- Gray Tint: This is most commonly seen on all sunglasses. For those bright sunny days, this tint will cut back on the brightness so that you don’t have to squint.
There are a few other types of tints, but these are the most common. Honestly, the tint of your sunglasses should be the last thing that you’re worried about.
Just like with a pair of running shoes the fit and comfort of sunglasses is what should take priority. Of course, the stylish factor is up there too!
I hope that this Vinco Sunglasses review helped to explain what makes these so unique…. and worth the $249 price tag.
Looking for more gear reviews?
- Best Sunscreen for Runners – the won’t burn your eyes kind
- Best Running Sunglasses – reduce perceived effort with the right pair
- 20 Best Running Hats – more protection for those peepers
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