Last updated on August 23rd, 2022 at 05:30 pm
Winter is a perfect time to pick up a new hobby. For a fun winter sport, or if you’re just looking for some exercise, snowshoeing can answer the call. However, you must protect your eyes from the sun and sun glare. Even though it seems less villainous, winter is a prime time for UV rays to wreak havoc on our bodies. And, not only will you look cool in shades, the best sunglasses for snowshoeing will keep your eyes safe and comfortable for the journey.
Our Favorite Sunglasses for Snowshoeing Are...
After pouring through the options out there, we’ve found the best of the best sunglasses that will specifically be great for snowshoeing. Here are our favorites:
Best overall: Tifosi Optics Unisex Devos
Second favorite: Baselay Sports Sunglasses
Third favorite: Tifosi Synapse Wrap
The above options provide ample coverage, ventilation, and comfort as we outline below. In this post, we’ll continue further about what we look for in sunglasses for winter sports and why you should wear them.
Comparison Snowshoeing Sunglasses
Below are our favorite options for snowshoeing. You can quickly view more information by following the links here as well.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Tifosi Optics Unisex Davos | $$ |
 
|
Baselay Sports Sunglasses | $ |
 
|
Tifosi Synapse Wrap | $$ |
 
|
Oakley Radar EV Path | $$$$ |
 
|
Torege Unisex Sports Sunglasses | $ |
As you can see, most of these options share a few key features that differ slightly from regular sunglasses. Any of the above would be a great choice, read below to see why and how we chose these favorites.
Why Wear Sunglasses for Snowshoeing
Eye protection is important when doing anything outside in winter. Especially when that activity has you out for hours on deep, reflective snow.
UV Rays
We all know that sunny days can spell trouble for our skin, but it’s equally as bad for the eyes.
And, it’s doubly important to wear protective eyewear in the winter, as snow reflects even more UV rays.
This may be difficult to hear, but our eyes are also susceptible to sunburn. Yes, it is crazy, better known as snow blindness or photokeratitis, this state is temporary, but painful and irritating.
Choose sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays as well as styles that wrap around your periphery.
Additionally, this is still important on hazy or cloudy days, as UV rays penetrate through cloud coverage.
Glare
In addition, glare from snow banks is not only bad for you as mentioned above, it is very annoying.
Sunglasses prevent squinting and help you trek in confidence.
Open eyes are much safer than half closed eyes.
Wind and Debris
Not only will sunglasses allow you to enjoy the views, they are also necessary for protecting your eyes from the elements.
You may encounter snow, hail, or the occasional pine needle.
However, wind can ruin your day as it rushes past the eye, quickly drying and irritating them.
In fact, wind can creep into daily casual sunglasses, which is why most snowshoers recommend glasses that wrap around the sides.
What Color Sunglasses are Best for Snow
In winter there are several colors that are best for eye health and visibility while on the trail.
Luckily, some glasses come with interchangeable lenses, which can help you find the correct color suited to the task.
Grey lenses reduce glare
Grey lenses reduce the intensity of winter’s glare without changing your perception of the trail.
Additionally, as opposed to black lenses, grey can be worn on hazy or over cast days. However, it’s ideal for moderately bright light.
Mirrored lenses reflect away glare and direct light
Mirrored lenses will reflect away most of the sun’s glare from the snow as well as bright direct light.
However, many are polarized, so you may not be able to see slippery ice or differences in snow textures.
Yellow and amber enhance contrast
Yellow or amber glass will help enhance contrast, making them great for hazy or cloudy days.
This color improves depth perception and filters out the sun’s brightness as well as blue light, creating a safely visible eyeline while you hike.
Roe and pink reduces eye strain
Finally, rose or pink glasses are also great for low light or hazy days.
This color blocks blue light, reduces eye strain, and enhances visible depth.
How to Choose Sunglasses for Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing will take you into a completely different landscape than summer hiking, so, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Thus, perfectly designed eyewear for winter sports will be a bit different.
Good eyewear choices will:
- highlight differences in snow texture
- protect from UV rays bouncing from all directions
- stay comfortable during the journey
Non-Polarized
Wile polarized lenses are great for boating and causal activities, they’re not ideal for winter sports.
Polarized lenses are designed to inhibit horizontal light from reflecting into your eyes. Thus, reducing glare.
And while this is great for protecting eyes from UV rays bouncing off of snow banks, it also makes ice and wet surfaces more difficult to see.
For this reason, it’s best to get non-polarized glasses for your winter activities.
Full Coverage
Lots of snowshoers opt to wear their everyday casual sunglasses during their snowshoe treks. However, ideally sunglasses that you’ll take with you on a snowshoe hike will have wider coverage.
Because the sun’s rays are relentless when bouncing off every surface, the side of the eye is a weak point in most models. Ideally, you’ll need wider and taller frames that wraps around the sides of the eye.
Additionally, full coverage sunglasses prevent or reduce wind from drying your eyes, and aid in keeping out dirt and debris.
Vented Properties
During a day on the winter trail, normal sunglasses can trap humidity and make it very difficult to see.
Not only is this unsafe, it’s super annoying. Every time glasses or goggles fog up, I take them off and don’t wear them. Which is why we went on a search for eyewear to help.
You could remedy this by covering your nose and mouth while snowshoeing, however that may become too bothersome or you may overheat.
For this reason, vented glasses or goggles are the absolute best option. Alternately, some brands offer an ‘anti-fog’ special coating to prevent fogging. However, we’ve found the vented options always perform better.
Get Out There Without Glare
With your finishing touches, you should be ready for a day on the trail. Remember to get sunglasses that fully protect your eyes from UVA and B rays at the very least.
Regardless of your eyewear choice, you’re about to have a fantastic adventure. Snowshoeing can take you to some pretty incredible views, cheers to you seeing them clearly.
Image Credit: kcxd|(source)|Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
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